Using RO/DI water - need conditioner?

[CincyGida]

Hi all - new to freshwater...

I am using all RO/DI water from the start and I'm setting up my first freshwater tank today - 29 gallon starter and will hopefully do a 125 later this year.

If I use only pure water, do I even need the water conditioner that came with my kit? It seems to be redundant but the bottle does also say:

* Promotes natural healing with vitamin E

* Replenishes the natural protective slime coat, reducing stress

Should I bother adding it?

[Rue]

No, you don't need to add anything...but R/O water isn't recommended for FW tanks...you're better off to use tap water that has the various minerals and whatnot in it.

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

...but R/O water isn't recommended for FW tanks...

On the contrary, it is very beneficial for freshwater tanks providing the proper reconstituting agent is used. I have an amazing results in my 10gal planted tank using RO/DI water reconstituted with Seachem Equilibrium.

[CincyGida]

Thanks for the advice - I was not aware of this! Good thing that I asked before filling the tank.

Thanks again.

[Rue]

On the contrary, it is very beneficial for freshwater tanks providing the proper reconstituting agent is used. I have an amazing results in my 10gal planted tank using RO/DI water reconstituted with Seachem Equilibrium.

...yes, but most beginners don't know this...so best not to start with a more complicated system...

Let's keep it simple at the start.

[rich311k]

You do not need the dechlor you do need to add a water treatment like Equilibrium. You can make the water as hard or soft as you want, be sure to use the same amount at each water change.

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

...yes, but most beginners don't know this...so best not to start with a more complicated system...

Let's keep it simple at the start.

True, however the user already has the RO/DI and wants to use it. Normally I'd agree, but the case being what it is, the proper info for using RO/DI in a FW setup is needed.

[Deleted User]

This isn't exactly the same thing, but on our property, we have a very deep, drilled well that supplies our house and water for our horses. It's tested potable and good of course. It tastes like spring water. It's obviously what I use in our aquariums. I probably don't need to use water conditioner (I actually don't in the betta only tanks), but so far... I'm scared to not use it for our fish. I'm not sure how I'd find out for sure if they need the conditioner, or not. It's good water for people is all I really know. On the other hand, the bettas have done fine w/o conditioner. I've not known what to do other than to keep putting it in the tanks when I do the PWC.

Regarding r/o, though, I'd also heard that is not advisable. I guess part would depend on where you live and the possibly pollutants in the enviroment... could be from farming, factories, etc. It would concern me, but I'm not the best source of advice in this department.

[CincyGida]

All great info - thanks, all!