RO water for planted tank

Discussion in 'Beginner Discussions' started by fly*, May 28, 2010.

  1. fly*

    fly*

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    Hey Guys,

    I have an RO unit I use for my marine tank, now I know that RO water for Freshwater tanks is no good. What do I need to put into it to make it usable for Tropical?
     
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  3. Stormer

    Stormer

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    RO water is not acceptable for freshwater as it lacks essential minerals and salts. You must learn how to adjust the water chemistry if you use RO water for freshwater tanks.
     
  4. Henk Hugo

    Henk Hugo

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    fly*****

    If you search the forum you will find loads of posts on RO water
     
  5. Stormer

    Stormer

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    Or he could just use google and never come back to this forum for information again.

    You get irritated too easily Henk Hugo.
     
    Last edited: May 28, 2010
  6. neilh

    neilh

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    Mix it with dechlorinated tap water. Will require testing to get the desired ph, Gh and Kh levels
     
  7. Fonkie

    Fonkie Nelis

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    fly

    I'm not a guru but 1 third Ro water and 2 Thirds Tap water will do the trick and yes put in anti chloor
     
  8. OP
    fly*

    fly*

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    Lol...thanks for telling me what I already know :p
     
    Last edited: May 28, 2010
  9. OP
    fly*

    fly*

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    Thanks Fonkie !!! That works for me :)

    Henk I searched and I got this >>> http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/search.php?searchid=120571

    Just quicker to ask again and I have googled, but the reason I join local forums is so that if there is something I can get locally some kind soul may tell me . Thats what boards are for, to share the info.
     
  10. Zoom

    Zoom Retired Moderator

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    you ONLY use RO water in your tropical tank if your tap water is too hard! Don't just mix it with tap water because you have it and think it will work. RO water is USELESS in a tropical tank. By adding RO water to tap water all you are doing is softening the water... and if you already have soft water, (like 99.9% of SA) you are just making it worse. When fertilizing properly you actually need to HARDEN the water... so don't waste your time with RO water
     
  11. OP
    fly*

    fly*

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    Hey Zoom, dechlorinating tap water, its just easier. Ill leave the RO water for my marine then.

    Thanks for the help guys :)
     
  12. Gert Combrink

    Gert Combrink

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    Fly, RO water can work for fish tanks, but not for planted tanks.
    Rather drink (human consumption) RO water with your vitamins and minerals! Lol!
     
  13. Slojo

    Slojo

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    And now i'm going to stop everyone here.

    You get an add on for the RO System.
    Essentially a RO system removes all anorganic minerals(that is good),but with a seven stage system you add organic minerals again.


    Stages of filtration
    Stage 1: 5 Micron Polypropylene Sediment filter - Removes everything you can see with the naked eye. (Sand, worms, leaves)
    Stage 2: Granule Activated Carbon Filter - Chlorine and Lime
    Stage 3: 1 Micron Activated Carbon Block Filter - Chemicals and impurities
    Stage 4: Fullcome Membrane 50 GPD - 0,0001 Micron. Removes everything bigger than 0,0001 of a micron, including viruses and bacteria.
    Stage 5: Post Inline Carbon Filter - Gives water a great taste and neutralizes any odours
    Stage 6: Mineral ball - Silica Sand, it is a combination of oxygen and silicon. Silica promotes healthy bones and connective tissue. It also prevents premature aging and cardiovascular and Alzheimer’s diseases.
    Stage 7: Mineral Stone - It is used in many health products. It puts healthy minerals such as Potassium, Sodium, Calcium and Magnesium back in the water.
     
  14. Gareth

    Gareth Angel Freak

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    that seems to be a great system Slojo were can I get one and what will it Cost me.
     
  15. Slojo

    Slojo

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    I bought mine from Watewize in Benoni.Not sure if they even exist anymore.
    There should be more companies selling this.
    LFSes only sell the three stage systems.
     
  16. OP
    fly*

    fly*

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    @Gertjc, I bought my RO unit for my marine tank not for me :)

    @Gareth, I bought my unit from Idol Marine but they units are locally produced by Puritech >>> http://puritech.co.za/

    My unit is specifically designed for marine but i'm sure you will find something that may be useful on the site.

    You can also try the waterboy >>> http://www.thewaterboy.co.za/
     
    Last edited: May 29, 2010

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