initial tank filling

[gkw]

I was just wondering about first filling the tank for the first time. I have a 125g tank and want to save my RO for longer use. Would I run into problems if use tap water to fill it up then do water changes with RO water? or 50/50 on initial fill???

Thanks!
GKW

[RAVEN]

Are you making a reef tank or FOWLR? For a FOWLR tank you would probalby be ok if your municiple water is of good quality- low nitrates, phosphates, total dissolved solids etc.. If you do use standard water then run a good quality activated charcoal and maybe seachems purinogen or cuprisorb for a few weeks to absorb heavy metals and other contaminates.

[gkw]

well, i will start off with a FOWLR for at least a year...then maybe convert to reef or just do a 30g reef. About the seachems purinogen or cuprisorb, how much do they cost? and I have the activated carbon, is that the same as charcoal?

thanks!

[Diver_1298]

Yes, its the same. Unless your tap water is of unusual quality, meaning very low in dissolved solids You are going to be in for an algae outbreak. Of course I think anyone who starts up a new tank is in for an algae outbreak But, I believe it would be minimized by using ro/di water. I wish I had started out that way. I am using it now but it seems like I am always trying to catch up on my algae and phosphates. ;( Buy the time you buy all the other stuff (they are just materials to remove contaminates) You probably could save time and money just using the ro/di water.
But if you do not have easy access to the ro/di water I would probably do as the Doc suggested. Quote the Raven ""

Jim

[Jason McKenzie]

When I first started my tank I used RO/DI from a water company. We get water delivered to the house for drinking. I just uped the amount one time and had enough water to fill. I wont do that again as it was very $$$$ much more so than a few RO/DI filters. I would just fill it with your RO/DI unit. It takes time but its the cheapest way

J

[Blade_Runner]

If you are planning on buying a RODI just use it. The filters are replaceable. It is one less thing for you to worry about.

[gkw]

Thanks for all the input! I guess it would be wise to use RO/DI water from the start then....since I plan to do reef later anyway.
Thanks again!

[My2heartboys]

Originally Posted by Blade_Runner

If you are planning on buying a RODI just use it. The filters are replaceable. It is one less thing for you to worry about.

I tend to agree. That way if you have a coral or two hitch hike on your live rock-and it survives the cycling process-it will stand a better chance of living and thriving. It will also make it easier on the fish and critters that are kept in the tank as they will have an easier time acclimating to your water--less stress--less shock= heathier fish (and hopefully no ich).

Be sure to have a separate tank set up to quaranteen each new fish for at least 2-3 weeks. That way you can hopefully catch any problem before it is turned loose into your main tank. QT tank only needs to have a good filter that will move the water around and adequate room for your fish to swim as daily water changes will most likely need to happen. For my tank--I have a ten gallon tank with a penguin rated for 30 gallons.

HTH

Anne

[RAVEN]

RO/DI water is definitely the way to go. You might check with your LFS and see if they sell RO water if you dont want to buy an RO unit now. If you do buy a unit get a good one and dont skimp. Mine will make 50g/day and its a 4stage. We use it for drinking water and the fish tanks.
Good Luck with your tank!

[GraviT]

I agree, especially with the comment made by Diver_1298. It can take months and months to reduce the phosphate levels that are likely in your tap water. This would lead to some serious algae headaches. If you're going to spend the money to step into the hobby, you might as well do it right the first time, a lesson that is often learned the hard way.