Re-using salt water

[ripped tide]

Now that I am settled into my new house, I have both of my tanks in the same room. I only have 30g of saltwater made up and both tank could use an h2o change. My RO unit is only a 24gpd unit and it takes a while to make water.

So, first priority: reef tank

The NO3 are less than 2.5ppm according to Elos tests. PO4 is undetectable according to API and Elos. The water change will basically be done in order to establish a normal nutrient replenishment schedule. Every two weeks.

The reef tank water is very clean, and I see no reason to trash it.

The fowler 210 is not so clean. Being that it is fish only, I feed the heck out of it. Levels are unimportant, never lost a fish in that tank, and everyone is fat and happy.

So I have decided to use the waste water from the reef tank to replenish water that will be removed from 210.

*just mixed up some reef crystals to 1.026: ca 500 alk 4.5mg/l .... Nice levels!!! *

 

[mvm]

Never thought of that, but it's not a bad idea!
With a 210 and a reef tank, I'd buy a quicker producing RO unit, though.

 

[smallblock]

you do need to keep an eye on nitrate levels in the Fish only tank. High nitrates can cause fish to get sick. It burns their gills or something. Just a thought for the future of the tank.

Personally I wouldn't do it but thats jmo

 

[ripped tide]

I think I might try blending reef crystals and instant ocean at a 50:50 ratio next change. Those levels are a little on the high side for my preference.

 

[dakota9]

Many members have posted that they re-use reef water for FO tanks.....


That's probably a huge money and time saver!

I vacuum my tank, and the water is usually brown...... I suppose that could be re-used if you let it sit for a few hours, but I just toss it out anyway.... It's been years since I've had a FO tank.

Smart thinking!

 

[ripped tide]

MvM;712954 wrote: Never thought of that, but it's not a bad idea!
With a 210 and a reef tank, I'd buy a quicker producing RO unit, though.

I am in the market, but need to make sure bills are taken care of first. I might try to sell or trade corals for a new unit.

Edit:

Smallblock;712955 wrote: you do need to keep an eye on nitrate levels in the Fish only tank. High nitrates can cause fish to get sick. It burns their gills or something. Just a thought for the future of the tank.

Personally I wouldn't do it but thats jmo

They aren't bad, ~20ppm

Edit:

Dakota9;712958 wrote: Many members have posted that they re-use reef water for FO tanks.....


That's probably a huge money and time saver!

I vacuum my tank, and the water is usually brown...... I suppose that could be re-used if you let it sit for a few hours, but I just toss it out anyway.... It's been years since I've had a FO tank.

Smart thinking!

I actually never gravel vac my reef tank. There is very little sand in the first place, and I would prefer to let all the creatures that live down there keep their homes.

Edit: Dakota, your avitar rocks!!!!

 

[rdnelson]

If you are looking for a cheap RO/DI unit that will get you through, check out the portable units on

 

[ripped tide]

Thanks Rich, when/if the time is right, I will buy it. Since I have a unit that gets me through(slowly), I'll probably continue putting the energy out there for a trade. Great deals pop up all the time, and like the rest of this hobby, patience is key.

 

[rdnelson]

Yes, I am watching all those units for sale also. Figure I will let this one get me through for about a year but about the time it needs new media I will have some of the other things I am now lacking and will spend the money on a good one. The biggest problem is talking my wife into letting me take a section of the laundry room to do a perm install. LOL Well that and having to carry all the water downstairs to the tank. I don't think she would like a garden hose on the stairs.