Can I use the RO water from my local grocery market?

[NateDawg]

Hey guys, Im starting my first reef this summer and was wondering if I could use the RO dispensers that have at grocery stores? I don't want to use a unit at home because it takes way to long to fill up. What are your experinces? I can get water 25¢ a gallon here.

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[WestChesterReef]

Quality on the store bought RO water varries to much, I have gotten TDS readings even higher than what comes out of my tap, if You have a hand held TDS test it, if not use the utmost in caution

[ColaAddict]

I was using RO water from my local grocery store for awhile, I just recently got a RODI unit so I use that now.
With the grocery store water I was getting TDS readings of 1-2, don't know what's in that 1 or 2 TDS, but my reef tank looked fine, it's just the hassel of lugging jugs of water around.

[Michael]

1-2 is fine, most manufactures suggest replacing water filters when the reading gets to 2 for a coral reef, if it's a fish only a little higher wouldn't be a problem, I always go for 0, but a reading of 1-2 is fine.

[NateDawg]

Thank you guys, I will order a hand held TDS meter tomorrow.

[WestChesterReef]

tested RO water at a local store last, night.....67ppm so use caution

[lordofthereef]

The local stores (Hy-Vee) policy here is TDS <5. Some say that even this can be bad enough, especially if the local water supply contains chloramines. FWIW I used the store bought RO for about 6 months before I opted for the RO unit. It was worth not having to deal with lugging jugs around.

[snorvich]

I don't trust any water that I don't make. TDS of zero here. Any greater, I change filters.