Hermit Crab deaths?

[gvv]

I use my tap water for water changes, it's high ph and alkaline - perfect for the reef.

Besides that you have a lot of stuff that is not good to reef tank
All what is needed for your SW tank should be in the salt you are adding to the water...

[Julie]

gvv - it's not showing high phosphate  - what other constituents are you referring too?

[gvv]

Don't like to use the same thread for actually new topic, but...

- City water is treated with chlorine and/or add chloramine compounds to prevent potential bacteria outbreaks.
  - You should be sure to remove not only chlorine but also break the chloramine bond.
- If levels of chlorine/chloramines are not enough toto kill bacteria in the water, a bacterial outbreak may occur.
- Phosphates, nitrates, silicates, etc (you may name them) are elements that naturally occur in water -> tap water.
- Copper and iron are particularly detrimental to reef animals, and these or other metals can often be present in tap water as well.

You may find some articles on i-net (just google), e.g. http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/saltwater/metelsky_water%20qualityhtml.htm

Regards

[Julie]

It's well water which we drank straight from the ground until we discovered coliform, and now it's uv'd.

[fender316]

sounds like a good idea to get some clean water from an external source but i cant really transport water on the motorcycle.  how much more money is all this other uv machine RO/DI units gonna cost me, i dunno if it would be worth it at this point....

[gvv]

I got mine at AC for $120 with in-line TDS meter more than a year ago. Now it is $165 alone (http://aquariacanada.com/osCommerce/product_info.php?cPath=1_82_123&products_id=377)
You also should remember that it needs filter replacements once per year or so (depending on usage).
I can suggest to look in eBay, sometimes they have them for cheaper prices.

And once again I should say that it is preferable not necessary to use RO water.

Regards

[Julie]

Here's a link :http://ovas.ca/index.php?topic=10230.0

Also pm aidensmomma, she picked up one not too long ago I think for a good price.