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Will an RO filter fix my tap water?

2K views 3 replies 3 participants last post by  Byron 
#1 ·
I'm debating on getting a simple RO unit to save me trips to buy water at the store. My tap water as is is NOT fish safe, the PH is over 8.0 the KH is so low it barely reads on a test, and it has very high mineral content. This is with a whole house water filter already being used. The water itself has an oily feel to it when you shower...

If i get an RO unit, it would only be used for my tanks, so i do not need a huge one, i think i can set it up under my bathroom sink or in the utility room where the actual water filter and heater is... any suggestions?
 
#2 ·
Yes a RO system will help bring your tap under control, just be aware you will need to put it in a place that it can empty into a bucket to build up water since its a slow system. I'll let one of our people who deal with that say if you would need RO or a RO/DI system. But something I've been researching lately if you are in a sunny warm area you might look into a water still, it works on the principal of water evaporation, it produces more pure water and waste less water to make that pure water.

Either way you do it you will have to use something to add trace elements back into the water.
 
#4 ·
RO will obviously create pure water. Given that your KH is low, boiling the water might be a cheaper alternative. Boiling water dissipates the mineral salts like calcium and magnesium, resulting in soft water. It has no effect on bicarbonates (the KH or buffering) but as that is low, it is not an issue for you. Of course, i don't know what else is in your water; if it is well, i would have it tested by a laboratory to determine all substances. Depending upon your aquarium size(s), boiling some water and letting it cool might work. There is also rainwater (and snowmelt) if you are in a reasonably safe environment (no industrial pollution nearby).
 
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