We are on hard well water. When we first started fish keeping we used this water and it make calcium deposit drips down the side of the tank and the plants got a white coating on them.
We switched to melting snow to good success for the plants and fish. Now that snow season is running out, and we really don't get alot of rain here in the ottawa valley....we are wondering what is best to do.
We priced a R/O unit at home depot (very expensive), and the sales-guy said it wouldn't do anything for hard water. Yet on the box it says it takes out minerals such as calcium....so I am confused. If it takes out minerals doesn't that make the water softer ?
Can anyone explain in simple terms? Also wouldn't R/O water be better for the plants than off-the-scale KH and GH well water ?(we could mix in small amt of well water for some mineral content).
Thanks!
65g planted tank
various algae eating fish
Tons of brush and hair algae
No nitrites/ammonia
we're reducing light levels in hopes of reducing algae
and using the last of the snow for water changes
I don't really know anything about RO but if it's any consolation I would love your water. are you far away from central ottawa? Off the scale KH/GH is music to African cichlid keeper's ears.
Actually, the "calcium" deposits may just be mineral deposits. Live plants actually do better in moderately hard water than water with relatively low KH and GH.
Also, the R/O unit will soften the water, because it will remove 99% or more of the dissolved minerals in the well water. If you use straight R/O water you will have to reconstitute it with buffers, so a mix of R/O and tapwater is usually better than straight R/O.
The Home Depot unit is a little expensive. It is also only rated at 10G.P.D. However, it does come with a holding tank.
A less expnsive unit rated at 75 G.P.D. be found here (I don't think it comes with a holding tank though): http://AquariaCanada.com/osCommerce/product_info.php?products_id=377
They are located in Hull I believe.