my first saltwater tank in progress.

[ivegotcrabs]

brianjfinn;540082 wrote: If you are setting up a fish only, you might be able to get away with using dechlorinated tap water, but I highly recommend against it.

If you're setting up a reef, you really must use RO water. For a long time I was buying water from publix in the gallon jugs (I have a 20 gallon system) but that got old and I got a great RO/DI unit from Bulk Reef Supply for $110. There are a few (a very small few) that will tell you they have had success using tap water, but it is strongly discouraged, because tap water is full of additives and nutrients (that will feed algae) that you don't want in your system.

it depend on the county water supply
they all put different stuff in it

 

[brianjfinn]

IVEgotCRABS;540087 wrote: it depend on the county water supply
they all put different stuff in it

Yeah, but it's really best to avoid the nutrients and additives all together, if you can. That way you will have less maintenance and your system can really thrive.

 

[littlej2455]

If you dont have the cash to afford the RODI unit, all of the LFS I have been to sell RO water. The place I go to I think it is $0.99 a gallon, but it is a very smart thing to do, by just going ahead and buying a unit. It will save you money in the long run.

I hope your setup is going well!!