Are R/O systems worth it???

tomncassie

I just recently found out that my tap water is around .25.I add prime during 1/3 water changes twice a week,but i still get some ammonia readings during test.Will a R/O system eleminate ammonia???

GwenInNM

R/O systems should eliminate ammonia. R/O systems do need to be maintained, to keep them doing what they are supposed to do. I looked into this idea, but they are expensive (the good ones) and I chose to buy bottled water to do water changes. If your tank is really big, this could be a drag and be expensive. Where I live, the Glacier Water machines (near grocery stores) is only $1.25 for 5 gallons, and it has very low ph, which is what I'm needing for my 30 gallon tank. Some things to consider. With the plants I have, I just began getting readings of 0 nitrates after close to a week, so I'm doing small (5 gallon) water changes every 7 days, and that is only $1.25 a week.

Byron

If the ammonia in the tap water is only .25 you don't have a problem. Save your money (or buy some fish instead ).

Using a conditioner that detoxifies ammonia at each water change will change the ammonia to ammonium and conditioners are generally effective for 24-48 hours. By that time, either the bacteria will have multiplied relevant to the additional ammonium, or if planted the plants will assimilate it.

Most test kits read ammonia/ammonium as "ammonia." Ammonium is basically harmless, and bacteria will use it just as ammonia. Plants prefer ammonium anyway.

Byron.

tomncassie

Thanks!!!I can relax a little now.I plan on getting some live plants after I find a home for my SD's.