dino Posted September 19, 2012 Report Share Posted September 19, 2012 Acquired one from a friend. I do not have a marine tank just freshwater. But my tap water is chlorine free but has a high PH 7+. This does not suit keeping Discus, Rams or Apistos. I would like to use this RO system, as I want to eliminate chemical usage, the problem is I know that there are some good minerals and bad and both suffer with RO water. (marine tanks supplement this with salts) Can I mix some tap water and RO water and get the desired PH value and correct chemical composition? With my current tank with no RO water shall I slowly add RO water? The goal is to use as less chemicals as possible. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artem Posted September 20, 2012 Report Share Posted September 20, 2012 RO water is perfectly pH 7.0, if you mix it with your normal water it will only go up, which as you said isn't the best for discus etc. Im not sure what 'good' minerals you're talking about, unless you want to keep plants RO water should be fine I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F15hguy Posted September 20, 2012 Report Share Posted September 20, 2012 there are many minerals in water that are required for really healthy fish. each fish has its own demands. plus many discus and others are bred and raised in moderately hard water above neutral. There are professional Discus breeders working with water as high as 7.8 (probably higher) also RO water has no buffers in it so you may have issues with your pH bouncing around. there are heaps of products that you can use to add the trace elements back to your water and keep it where you want it. mineral deficiency is one of the causes commonly cited for hole in the head disease Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spoon Posted September 20, 2012 Report Share Posted September 20, 2012 do you mind the tannin stained look? peat in a filter bag will soften your water and reduce ph Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F15hguy Posted September 20, 2012 Report Share Posted September 20, 2012 just add a bit of activated carbon as well and bye bye tannins Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dino Posted September 20, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 20, 2012 I really like the tannin look, its almost like tinted glass and it looks natural. Plus flashes of color through the the tannin is a real show. Thanks for peat, suggestion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F15hguy Posted September 20, 2012 Report Share Posted September 20, 2012 Plus NZ peat is among the best in the world for this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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