First time fill 220gal, are you makeing up all RO-DI?

[Motohead]

Getting ready to start my 220. i know tap shouldn't be used but should i make up 220 + gallons of RO-DI water? of just go ahead and fill it with tap the first time? it will still have to cycle.

your thoughts?


Thanks

Joe

[hatfielj]

Definitely fill it with RO the first time. Do you have a RO/DI unit? If so, its no problem to fill it with RO the first time. It will just take a few days.
If you fill it with tap water the first time, the impurities in the tap water will not just 'go away' with the cycling process. These heavy metals and chlorine molecules and other such harmful chemicals stay in the water unti they are removed with water changes or absorbed by your tanks inhabitants. So, if you fill with tap the first time you will have 220 gallons of tainted water that will have to be completely removed via water changes before your water will be as pure as it would be using RO water. Save yourself a headache and just fill with RO/DI the first time around. You'll be glad you did. Good luck!

[Motohead]

Thanks, i did have a RO-DI but sold it when i started going through my divorce awile back, and sold all my tanks, so this is my new setup. built the stand and canopy myself.

i will buy a new unit. i am still waiting for my skimmer to get here. so no biggy i am in a townhome now and have yet to find a place for the RO unit to go.

here is the setup. its about 80" tall perfect for viewing..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v295/plecojoe/220043.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v295/plecojoe/220041.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v295/plecojoe/220040.jpg

[dc_909]

Nice woodwork

[Motohead]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10316018#post10316018 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dc_909
Nice woodwork


Thank you!


Joe

[Sk8r]

Oh, yes, or you'll be having a 220 g algae scrape for months. With ro/di it will be a brief bloom but controllable.

And that's a gorgeous rig.