R.O H20

[jackson]

:santagrin
I was wondering if anyone could help me out. I have a FOWLR and I am now ready to start getting ready for a reef. I have a 45gal tank with crushed coral substrate, 2 55w PC lights, 50 lbs of LR, one 402 powerhead, and a Skilter 250 (skimmer/filter.) I made a mistake with my tank when I set it up by using tap water, the last two water changes I have done I have used RO water and I am hoping that this helps the algae in check. I would like to know what additives and what amounts I should be using to get the water conditioned for a reef setup. I was also wondering if there is anyway of reducing the amount of bubbles released into my tank from my Skilter. I would appreciate any assistance I can get. Thanks

[reefburnaby]

Hi,

IMHO, you don't need to add any specific additives to bring your water to reef safe levels...other than regular water changes (for now :) ) Once you add live rock and corals, you may need to add additives to balance the consumption -- usually it is just calcium and buffers. IMHO, iodine is optional -- water change is the best way to supplement iodine or any other trace element.

You could bring a water sample to a good LFS and have them perform some tests on it (like nitrate, phosphate, silicate, calcium alk and etc). This should give you an indication of how your water parameters are doing. If you are not sure, just post those measured parameters and we can provide you with further guidance.

- Victor.