Water from LFS(s)

[Mikemont1991]

Hello!

I wanted to gauge some people's experiences with getting salt water from their LFS. I do realize I can mix my own, but with such a small tank (20gal) it's tempting to just buy water every couple of weeks. My problem is, the water I've been buying has tested much lower on the scale (1.020) than what I believe is appropriate. I asked them straight up last time what SG I was buying last time and they said it's between 1.025-1.026, which is what I want, but I get home to find it reading 1.020 again. I've double checked my refractometer against DI water and a calibrator, and have been adding salt myself to their water to bring it up. Is there a chance my refractometer is so off? I've trusted myself and everything has looked fine so far, but kind of annoying to be told I can just pour in the water I bought, when I definitely can't.

Anyone else have this problem, or have a LFS in mind that REALLY sells 1.025?

 

[mapleredta]

I'd ask them about it then. Request that they show you since your results aren't what they are advertising it as.

 

[hzheng33]

Recalibrate using a calibration solution. You don’t calibrate the using DI water( (if I read your post right)

regardless of the situation, i still think making your own water is better for you in the long run. say that you need to do a water change in the middle of the night due to a tank crash/fish death or whatever other reason, your own unit will save you and your tank probably equal in value of that rodi unit.

 

[Mikemont1991]

Recalibrate using a calibration solution. You don’t calibrate the using DI water( (if I read your post right)

I did both to calibrate to 0 and then to 35ppt

 

[hzheng33]

I did both to calibrate to 0 and then to 35ppt

just need to calibrate to 35ppt. but all signs indicate you are doing it right.

 

[bluesy1213]

I’ve purchased water from an LFS (before I decided I need my own RODI) and it was loaded with phosphate. Not just a little but a lot. You can’t trust that stores change out their filters when needed. It’s just something that I believe can get over-looked in the day to day operation of a retail store. They seem to concentrate more on coral and fish.

 

[ZapataInc]

I would second that you have them test it in front of you. So you know what you are buying. Ask them to test all the parameters that you are interested in. If they won't then don't buy from them.

 

[ActiveAngel]

As an ex-LFS manager, I agree with all of the above. This is especially true with LFS changing filters. Haha, Prior to my arrival, my LFS didn’t even have their RODI system set up correctly. And filters definitely were not being changed, until I implemented schedule with labeled dates for each individual filter. Generally, our salinity was always on-point though.

But it also makes sense that filter changing could see a lack of attention. We would go through hundreds or thousands of gallons of water every day. It’s a crap ton of water.

If you want to bring any water sample over o my place, I am happy to double check your findings. Or to calibrate your refractometer against mine. Just shoot me a PM if you do

 

[Shawn]

I do know of two LFS's who run a little lower than 1.026, for a few reasons - One, it's cheaper. B) It's cheaper. 3. A lot of folks don't run their salinity that high.

I used different number/letter combos to trigger y'alls OCD

 

[wake125122]

I do know of two LFS's who run a little lower than 1.026, for a few reasons - One, it's cheaper. B) It's cheaper. 3. A lot of folks don't run their salinity that high.

I used different number/letter combos to trigger y'alls OCD

How could you!