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View Full Version : Filling a large tank?

Derek03
11/30/2007, 12:05 PM
Has anyone started their tank with tap water?

I am sitting here watching my tank fill with RO/DI and it is taking forever.

I filled my first tank with tap water but had several problems with hair algae over the time it was running. Im not sure if the tap water was the blame or inexperienced care because it was my first tank.

I have been looking at this tank for a year now and I am ready to get it going.
mike660r
11/30/2007, 12:12 PM
Have some patience "Grasshopper" :) Go buy a larger RO/DI unit with a pressure pump if you want to speed up the fill the proper way.
steve the plumb
11/30/2007, 12:17 PM
don't use tap water it will give you problems.My tank took 3 days to fill
David MC Lee
11/30/2007, 12:21 PM
Mine took 10 days to fill.
FishTruck
11/30/2007, 12:29 PM
I might test it with tap water to check for leaks etc... De clorinate that. Try your plumbing and pumps.

Once that looks good, drain it out. Wipe it dry. And refill with RO/DI.

R
Derek03
11/30/2007, 03:01 PM
My RO/DI is a 100gpd but man this is taking forever. Oh well I guess I will just have to wait.

My system is only about 375 gal. I dont see how you larger tank guys did it.
46bfinGA
11/30/2007, 04:16 PM
Patience, but honestly what is the Tds of your incoming water? You may be able to get by with DI only. No waste
h20poloman2
11/30/2007, 05:22 PM
not sure what sort of water access you have in FL but here in San Diego we actually have a free saltwater hook up near Scripps Aquarium in La Jolla. I would check with your LFS's that have big set ups and see if they have a connection on water delivery. I didn't pay that much to have over 300g delivered and pumped into my tank under 2 hours. Saved me a lot of water and time not using my RO/DI unit.
Derek03
11/30/2007, 05:23 PM
Incoming TDS is 111/115
46bfinGA
11/30/2007, 06:25 PM
Yeah thats kinda high. Its only 23 here in Ga. where I live,so i plan on using DI only when I fill my 500(800 gallon system)
poppin_fresh
11/30/2007, 08:48 PM
I filled my 180 over the course of several days, running the RO a few hours a night. Even with a boosted, 2 x 100 gpd unit, it was slow. I figured the potential problems avoided was worth the waiting.
steve the plumb
11/30/2007, 09:17 PM
It took me 3 days at least(100 gpd unit) running the unit 24/7 probably more like 4 to 5 But I can't remember exactly. I just let it run.My tank is 300 gal and my sump is 125.My tds is high but coming out of the unit is 0.I do get a lot of waste water.
Jar*Head
11/30/2007, 09:40 PM
Do you rather take a week to fill the tank or 6 months to clean the algae :)
Derek03
12/02/2007, 09:37 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11290150#post11290150 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jar*Head
Do you rather take a week to fill the tank or 6 months to clean the algae :)

Well your right about that.

Just a little update the tank is now full and the sump is starting to fill. I would have been done today but my wife shut the RO/DI off last night while I was at the firestation. I should be able to add the salt tomorrow.