Getting back into saltwater

[Strider199]

It been 25 years or more but I'm getting back into a salt water tank. After reading here and else where I have decided on a reef tank. My son bought himself a 38 gallon tank and stand a couple of days ago and we have it running with my two filters, plants, substrate, slate, driftwood, and fish. I now have an empty 55 gallon tank. Boy does it look sad.

Today I bought a large pail of Instant ocean reef crystals (it was on sale), one 750 gallon Koralia circulation and wave pump, a salinity refractometer, and some black background. I know thats not near enough but I'm in no hurry to have this set-up going. The equipment is so varied and expensive I'm taking it one step at a time.

Now the dilemma; do I install an R/O system or do I buy R/O water from the local lfs?
Is it really necessary to start a saltwater set-up with R/O water if your planning on using live rock as a filtration system to cycle the tank which means water changes as necessary? I have read that you want the purest water you can get for a reef tank but I'm unsure if thats what you need to start with being the tank will be getting water changes to keep the parameters in check at the beginning.
I like to Thank Cliff and ILuvMyGoldBarb for the stickies and their Blogs.
It's alot of info which I'm still trying to digest but then again, thats why I'm here.

[Cliff]

Consider this, all of the water parameters your salt mix will give you are based on the assumption you will mix it with ro water (near 0 TDS). When you mix salt with water that has a higher TDS, you will not get the same parameters as listed on the salt. The second key thing to remember about using tap water is that when water evaporates from your tank, only pure water evaporates leaving the minerals in the water. Over a period of years, these minerals will build up in your tank and can seriouly mess with your parameters.

If you use RO or tap water can be a personal preferance. I would suggest readin up on the pros and cons and decide for yourself. I will never allow any tap water in any of my marine tanks for any reason, FOWLR or reef. Your live rock can become a sponge for water impurities over time. Below is what I base my personal preferance on:

http://saltwater.aquaticcommunity.co...-the-big-deal/

Also, even if you use ro water with 0 tds, you should still do weekly waterchanges (5 to 10%) to replace trace eliments and help control the water quality.

[Strider199]

OK Cliff, no shortcuts.

"Nuisance algae grow due to nitrates and/or phosphates in your water. These are the two key nutrients all nuisance algaes need to thrive." Quote by Cliff.

Tomorrow I will look into R/O units at Home Deput. If they have a Di filtration addition I'll see how much extra that will cost.

I thought the answer I would receive here would be the one you posted which would be to spend the extra up front so your tank will be stable, but I had to ask.
Thanks for the link, it opened my eyes.

[Cliff]

You can also add the DI cartridge later as I know you are at least somewhat handy at DIY projects. Adding a last stage of a DI cartridge is very very easy. Most times you can same money on a RO unit that way. At least I was able to save some cash that way and still get a system that gives me 0 tds water for close to a year before I need to change cartridges

[Strider199]

Thanks for the heads up. As I said, I'm taking it slow so I'll post before each step because those who have already done it have the advice for those of us who are just getting there. I've read more on s/w reef set-ups then I should have, head is spinning. lol.

I appreciate the advice and I'll post my R/O results tomorrow. I just cant see me buying r/o water when I can install my own system. Thanks on the filter replacement info, that comes in handy.

[Cliff]

Just go at your own pace and enjoy the ride