can I use tap water to cook my LR????

[welsher7]

I just tore down my 40g and I want to cook the rock. Can I use tap water to make the sw or do I have to use ro/di water?

[SaltyDr]

I would say it might depend on the tap you are using. One reason to cook the LR is to lower the nutrient load in the rock. If the water you are using for cooking is high in nutrients, then this defeats the purpose. If you are going to go through all of the trouble of cooking the rock, then why not use water you know is pure.

[schoch79]

You could do it but I wouldn't do it. It would only end up absorbing the nutrients into the rock and then when you set up again the problem would still be there. You're better off just doing it in ro/di.

[RickySan]

why do u want to...im new and have never heard of cooking LR before. however to me, it doesnt seem like a very good idea.

[rustybucket145]

If you put it in freshwater, it would no longer be live. You would be in essence killing it. NOT a good idea.

[SaltyDr]

He said use tap water to make the saltwater, not use tap directly which ofcourse would kill everything. I guess you could use tap water initially and then change over to RO/DI, but then again, why risk it.

[welsher7]

I was just trying to save time. It would be a lot quicker to fill a trash can from with tap water than ro/di water. Oh well it was just an idea that popped in my head.

[schoch79]

I understand you on saving time welsher. Just keep in mind that only bad things happen fast in this hobby.