water question deoinized water vs distilled water

whats the difference between deoinized water and distilled water.. which one is better

I am not overly experienced with this, but I believe the 2 terms simply refer to the process by which contaminants are removed. At the end of the day, you are looking at what percentage of contaminants the system claims to remove, and this will be based on quality and design of the unit.

Someone please correct me on this if necessary.

what is better distilled water or deoinized water?

The end result is almost the same between the two. I assume that by distillation, you are referring to steam distillation. I don't know of another method.

Here is what the idea is: Steam distillation is the process by which water is heated to the point of making steam. The steam rises to a point that is cooler, where it turns back into water. Since its steam, only the water and none of the contaminants rise and travel down to the collection area.

Simple_chem_distillation.JPG

In Reverse Osmosis/DeIonization the water is passed through a series of filters, than a type of membrane, than another filter to remove remaiming ions. In a nutshell, the membrane allows water to pass through while other particulates (too large to pass through the mambrane) stay behind. It's the same theory we studied in Earth Science in high school.

reverse-osmosis-3.jpg

The general rule is that it is less expensive and more time efficient to do RO/Di. Imagine having to steam water every time you needed water. You would be steaming hundreds of gallons a month!

Are you using Wal-Mart water? I used this for a few years and had no problems with it. I used both the Reverse Osmosis water (drinking water) and the Steam Distillation water (distilled water). Never had a problem with either.

I would recommend against using distilled water in your tank as it has no buffering capacity and may be susceptible to high pH fluctuations.

I do not know about de-ionized water. But if it is meant to remove minerals, I would not use that either.

Filtered water is usually okay, though.

I'm assuming your asking so that you can use it for you aquarium?

I am not sure if you are aware that this is in the saltwater section. Most tap waters contain contaminants harmful to marine aquaria. The buffering capacity of saltwater comes from the bicarbonate and carbonate ions in the salt mix itself, and from the dosing of Alkalinity and Calcium. There is actually no need for the minerals that are in tap water, as tap water can also have residue copper from the pipes (especially harmful in reef aquaria).

oh DUH pardon me! I've done that before you'd think i'd learn! [blush]

I'll stay on the side where I belong next time : )

I always use ro filtered water.

It's alright, we'll forgive you this time...lol