Tank is here!!! Run it with tap water is a good idea?

allendehl · 09/21/2017, 07:30 AM

So...finally, after almost month since ordering, two hurricanes getting on its way, slow catching up from RoadRunner my Reefer 350 is home! I'll be opening a build thread soon to show how it is going and get some advice.

In the meantime, would it be a good idea to fully run it with tap water to test for leaks, pin down levels and flow to avoid flooding or any other issues before putting salt water on it? (I mean run it with skimmer, pump, powerheads and all) My concern is that tap water residues may remain in some of the equipment. Not sure that small amount is an issue but I'd like to be sure first.

Turbomark · 09/21/2017, 07:39 AM

It's not a problem. You're going to get a lot more nitrates and phosphates just from your cycle than from the tap water residue. I wash and rinse my filter socks and clean all of my equipment in tap water and I have no issues with nutrients other than them being too low most of the time.

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RobZilla04 · 09/21/2017, 07:40 AM

If you intend to leak test the plumbing, yes you can use tap. Typically leak testing is done outside for obvious reasons.

I would drain all the tap, replace with RODI and mix in the salt. If you're going to leak test in the final tank position inside, then just use RODI and once you're done, add the salt.

allendehl · 09/21/2017, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobZilla04

If you intend to leak test the plumbing, yes you can use tap. Typically leak testing is done outside for obvious reasons.

I would drain all the tap, replace with RODI and mix in the salt. If you're going to leak test in the final tank position inside, then just use RODI and once you're done, add the salt.

Thank you both!! That's what I though but it is always good to get some reassurance from the masters

The tank is quite large and I am afraid of moving it around too much so I'll be testing inside, on it final place where I have tile flooring, so a potential mess is manageable. My plan is to do my initial fill up with ocean salt water (I'll have a guy deliver it). I don't have my mixing and RODI water station setup yet.

How do you drain the tank? I was planing in just sucking all the water using a vinyl hose and wipe dry whatever the hose can't get. Is there an easier way?

mako61 · 09/21/2017, 08:27 AM

I leak tested my system with tap water, that way if you have an issue its fresh water on the floor. Plus it kinda washes everything out.

I used a python to drain everything and a few hand towels i have for reefing to finish the job. I still use the python for water changes, unless I need to save the water.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/pytho...ge-system.html

Rogger Castells · 09/21/2017, 08:53 AM

Yes to all of the above, assuming all the bugs are fixed drain it with a hose as much as you can and then you could use a wet vacuum to finish picking up the last part of water that a hose won’t get, then give it a clean wipe and refill with your ro or nsw

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allendehl · 09/21/2017, 09:05 AM

Great stuff. Thanks again all!!

SycoCell · 09/21/2017, 09:06 AM

Just use a pump or whatnot to empty the tank. If you leave a gallon or two of regular water in there, it won't hurt a thing. A tank that size is very minimal in the grand scheme.

Rogger Castells · 09/21/2017, 09:23 AM

Personally I would remove all the tap water. I understand the thinking that it’s minimal impact and it’s, but when you are talking nutrients you measure them in PPM’s and even traces of some stuff could mean an algae blooms or a nice clean tank, why take any chances.

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MurphyLong · 09/21/2017, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SycoCell

Just use a pump or whatnot to empty the tank. If you leave a gallon or two of regular water in there, it won't hurt a thing. A tank that size is very minimal in the grand scheme.

Agreed!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogger Castells

Personally I would remove all the tap water. I understand the thinking that it’s minimal impact and it’s, but when you are talking nutrients you measure them in PPM’s and even traces of some stuff could mean an algae blooms or a nice clean tank, why take any chances.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah, I had almost 10 gallons of tap leftover in my sump when my wet/dry vac quit, and 10 gallons in a 150g system isn't a big deal. I also have great tap water, with a super low TDS, and no chloramine.

09/21/2017, 07:30 AM	#1
allendehl Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 692	Tank is here!!! Run it with tap water is a good idea? So...finally, after almost month since ordering, two hurricanes getting on its way, slow catching up from RoadRunner my Reefer 350 is home! I'll be opening a build thread soon to show how it is going and get some advice. In the meantime, would it be a good idea to fully run it with tap water to test for leaks, pin down levels and flow to avoid flooding or any other issues before putting salt water on it? (I mean run it with skimmer, pump, powerheads and all) My concern is that tap water residues may remain in some of the equipment. Not sure that small amount is an issue but I'd like to be sure first.

09/21/2017, 07:40 AM	#3
RobZilla04 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: St. Augustine, FL Posts: 1,857	If you intend to leak test the plumbing, yes you can use tap. Typically leak testing is done outside for obvious reasons. I would drain all the tap, replace with RODI and mix in the salt. If you're going to leak test in the final tank position inside, then just use RODI and once you're done, add the salt. __________________ 90g Mixed Reef

09/21/2017, 08:27 AM	#5
mako61 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Dallas Posts: 359	I leak tested my system with tap water, that way if you have an issue its fresh water on the floor. Plus it kinda washes everything out. I used a python to drain everything and a few hand towels i have for reefing to finish the job. I still use the python for water changes, unless I need to save the water. https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/pytho...ge-system.html __________________ Thanks, Mako Current Tank Info: Returning Reefer - Red Sea 525XL, Mitras LX7s, Apex, check homepage for vids of tank

09/21/2017, 09:06 AM	#8
SycoCell Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 187	Just use a pump or whatnot to empty the tank. If you leave a gallon or two of regular water in there, it won't hurt a thing. A tank that size is very minimal in the grand scheme. __________________ 125g long DT, RS-200 Sump, Reef Octo 150 Skimmer, Full apex automation PS, I'm a newb so take my suggestions with a grain of reef salt

09/21/2017, 07:39 AM	#2
Turbomark Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 81	It's not a problem. You're going to get a lot more nitrates and phosphates just from your cycle than from the tap water residue. I wash and rinse my filter socks and clean all of my equipment in tap water and I have no issues with nutrients other than them being too low most of the time. Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

09/21/2017, 08:53 AM	#6
Rogger Castells Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Weston, FL Posts: 7,495	Yes to all of the above, assuming all the bugs are fixed drain it with a hose as much as you can and then you could use a wet vacuum to finish picking up the last part of water that a hose won’t get, then give it a clean wipe and refill with your ro or nsw Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

09/21/2017, 09:05 AM	#7
allendehl Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 692	Great stuff. Thanks again all!!

09/21/2017, 09:23 AM	#9
Rogger Castells Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Weston, FL Posts: 7,495	Personally I would remove all the tap water. I understand the thinking that it’s minimal impact and it’s, but when you are talking nutrients you measure them in PPM’s and even traces of some stuff could mean an algae blooms or a nice clean tank, why take any chances. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk