filling a tank with tap water?

[nemofish2217]

I am going to fill my tank (36"x36"), and I was planning on using tap water for the initial fill. This tank is going to be FOWLR, and I tested the tds on my tap out of the hose and it was 28ppm. I was thinking this is a low enough number to feel pretty good about using it for the initial fill. Any thoughts?

[SethTheWineGuy]

I think it initially exaggerate the algae bloom during cycling. Not sure if it will have a lasting impact though.

[barjam]

With 28 Tds I would do it. Don't forget to treat for chloramines though.

[nemofish2217]

Yeah, I was thinking 28 ppm was pretty reasonable... I figure eventually any residual stuff will get skimmed out/changed out with water changes. Good point about the chloramines...

[macktab]

I suspect other elements and compounds will be in there as well, from the water provider's treatment (flouride and pH buffers) and potentially other from distribution system (copper, lead pipes) and naturally/introduced compounds in the sources bedrock aquifer compounds that form when raw water is treated. So it's a crap shoot. Not sure if the skimer will effectively take out all the elements - probably accomplished over time / water changes.

[salty joe]

How can water changes using tap water help if you are looking to reduce what might in the tap water? You're using tap water for WC, right? If anything, if there's stuff that does not skim, I'd expect the concentration to accumulate as tap water gets added to make up for evaporation.

+1 on the crap shot-my guess is that it will work out just fine. Carbon might not be a bad idea. If you have persistant algae problems an algae filter might help.

[Sk8r]

You'll likely spend more on algae remediation than you will on a pure ro/di fill; I'm with salty joe.

[nemofish2217]

no, water changes will be done with RODI, I was just trying to find a way for initial fill up since its a big tank and RODI is so slow... I do own a RODI, but it only gets about 15-20 gal./day, which is weird, because i think it's a 75gpd unit from bulk reef supply.

[Lynnmw1208]

no, water changes will be done with RODI, I was just trying to find a way for initial fill up since its a big tank and RODI is so slow... I do own a RODI, but it only gets about 15-20 gal./day, which is weird, because i think it's a 75gpd unit from bulk reef supply.

the 75gpd unit should make 3 gallons per hour. It does go slow though. I filled my 125 gallon with RO/DI because I didn't want to start the tank with any TDS. I feel a lot better putting clean water in to begin with. It's up to you want you fill with, but I'd start practicing patience now :o

[ludnix]

If you already own a RO/DI unit I would use it, sure it's slow but everything in this hobby is.

[Mad_Reefer]

I do this all the time with no problems. It depends on what is in your tap water.

[Aaarrrggg]

I'm no expert but if a 75gpd unit is only making 15-20gpd then it sounds like the pressure or temp is too low. There's something you can add to your valve to up the pressure... not sure what, some plumbing thingy (like I said... I'm no expert!) :D

[ticklem]

I would at least dump some Prime in it to get the chlorine out.

[gods child]

at least use a carbon filter nice an slow its like using cold sterile

[nemofish2217]

definitely going to use a chlorine remover additive... I think I will be okay...