topping up evapotated water

[charlie]

Currently, I'm placing the Rowaphos in the external filter. would it be better to put it outside ( fresh water container overnight ) before water topping?

[sunnymau]

how to get the temperature of the top up water same as the main tank? so wont give shock to the LS.

[Infinitereef]

Just add water to your tank. Make your life easier. Your topoff water should be very small percentage compare to your tank, so if you topoff everyday, don't worry about your salinity. The Ice way will impact the Temperature which cause more stress.

However, I would use RO/Di water for top off. Is a good investment for long term.

[sunnymau]

since it is best to use RO/DI for topping up the water, is this mean tat it is best to use RO/DI water in the beginging of the setup? If yes, then we have to use a lot of RO/DI uints lioa..

[aStRoBo|]

since it is best to use RO/DI for topping up the water, is this mean tat it is best to use RO/DI water in the beginging of the setup? If yes, then we have to use a lot of RO/DI uints lioa..

hMm.. of cos can use RO/DI water for setting up.. but for my info, takes a long time for the RO machine to replenish the water..

[Acanthurus pyroferus]

for initial set-up it's alright to use tap water and let it cycle for at least 2 to 3 months which I usually do in the begining.... Use RO/DI for topping up only otherwise burn hole in your savings liao....

[AlfaRomeo]

Agreed, somemore after cycling is over, need to do major water change so dunt waste the RO/DI catridges

[Acanthurus pyroferus]

yeah , said that the cartridge's last for 6 months depending on how much you use. When resins change color time to change liao....don't want to leach phosphates and silicates back into main tank.... Maxxima RO/DI has very high silicate removal.

[chipson1]

I used to ordered float-switch from the State, not only expensive but it came in different voltage, needed transformer to step down to 110V. Two years age, a friend who is in electrical bussiness told me the similar switch is available in Sim lim Twr, I have switched to that float switch since then, I have installed for more than 5 tanks as top up switch both in marine and fresh water.

[sunnymau]

Agreed, somemore after cycling is over, need to do major water change so dunt waste the RO/DI catridges

for the major water change also use tap water right? or else it will burn my pocket too

[Acanthurus pyroferus]

for the major water change also use tap water right? or else it will burn my pocket too

use tap water without RO/DI..... better burn pocket then see tank with alot of cyno....

[silverfish]

Won't phosphate and silicate removal take care of the cyno? Hmmm.. been topping up with tap water since 6 months ago.. for me so far so good..

[Acanthurus pyroferus]

wha you very lucky bro silverfish....use tap water and still no problem

[sunnymau]

any other solution beside RO/DI? and between RO and DI which is reconmended? it seems my pocket is going to be on fire soon

[Infinitereef]

I hear your pain This is an expensive hobby but rewarding. My wallet always got a hole too. Thay why, I always go for the cheaper and effective route. But IMO, some things is worth to pay the money, from my experience, this is my list:

1. RO/DI system. Why? You don't know when the quality of the tap water changes. My sister had 2 tanks in Sing. One day, after water change, her fish start to die. Same day, my the other friend tank crashes. Upon investigation, they found that the water that day is high in chlorine. So long term, it is cheaper to buy the RO filter cartridge then saw your tank crash.

2. A refractometer. It is about US$40. But it make your life so much easier. Don't ever trust the plastic hydrometer. I had one and I throw it away. The plastic reads 1.023, but in reality it is 1.029. Furthermore, you need careful calibration for the plastic kind and have to take few readings to confirm your salinity. This is just taking too much time. If you have kids, time is not on your side. Refractometer take about 2 secs.

3. pH meter. We know pH is very important. If you use the test kit to test the pH, sometimes it is hard to know for sure what is your pH and the color is hard to read. But using a pH meter, take another 2sec and it is about US$40.

4. TDS meter, Cost US$25. Enough said about this one.

5. A glove dedicated to just your tank. The glove should be long and cover your whole hand. Don't trust what is on your hand. I saw tank crashes because someone put their hand in the tank. furthermore, it keep my hand dry even doing water changes. It about <$10. Beside the glove for my water changes, I actually brought 1000 disposable gloves for US$5. Those cheap kind that cover only your palm so that I can use it for feeding my fish everyday. That should last me a year.

[woonming]

urh then how come you type this?

Haha my mistake in explaining terry

Was trying to let him know dont worry abt salt lost...

Ming