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Water Changes

8.6K views 40 replies 15 participants last post by  beaslbob  
#1 ·
I am wanting to make my water changes easier instead of using a bucket all the time.
I'm considering getting a water changer such as the python water changer or the aqueon water
changer that I can hook up to my faucet to fill up my tank. When doing water changes I always
put prime in as im filling up the bucket and stir it around a bit before filling back up the tank. My
question is, since plain tap water is toxic to fish, how would I go about filling up my tank with the
water changer since I would not be able to add prime before the water goes in the tank? Should I
just add the prime after filling up the tank? I really dont want my fish being exposed to untreated
tap water if its going to harm them. Anybody have any advice for me? Thanks
 
#38 · (Edited)
I was speaking strictly for FW use. I believe that serious SW (especially reef) enthusiasts use Ro or RO/DI water* with marine salt....that already has the minerals.

* or they just might leave the condo, go down to the beach and come back with a couple of buckets of water. ;-)
 
#39 ·
Using Untreated regular tap water will lead to major algae issues in a saltwater / reef tank. You would be much better spending money and getting a good system something with 5 stages of purification.
Adding a water conditioner is not 100% necessary but would be seen as beneficial by many, there are some who dont use but while we cant force you to use it, you would potentially have less issues.

There are very sophisticated tests for all sorts of things in saltwater, although unless you have a full blown reef system which will take over a year to achieve these are not always necessary.

RO/DI water coming from a good quality system with an attached TDS (Total Disolved Solids counter), will produce very pure water. TDS is what you want to want to have very little of in saltwater.
 
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