RO causing high phosphates?

[robert.talarico]

I'm pretty sure my phosphates are high because of the RO I've been buying for a few LFS in the area. I am not 100% but 99% certain. Does anyone use distilled water for their tanks? What are the results?

 

[WatercolorsGuy]

When we first started our reef tanks we used a lot of grocery store bought distilled water. We never seemed to have any issues using it. For a while we were buying RO from a LFS and discovered it wasn't much better than our tap water and we went back to buying distilled, again with no issues besides cost. We used it for top off water as well as initial filling and water changes.

 

[jda123]

It is not likely your cause. RO is a red herring for issues like this, but I might suggest that you look past it and find another cause. A bad batch of salt is sometimes blamed too, but it is really never the cause either.

 

[fishguy69]

I would agree with jda123 about the RO water not causing the phosphates. Honestly I several displays around town in FOCO and use tap water to top off and there is no signs of phosphates. Look to what you add to the aquarium like fish foods and coral foods that may be the issue.

 

[WatercolorsGuy]

I disagree and I agree. Robert said he believes he MAY have a phosphate issue. Leading me to assume he has not tested or verified it. Depending on why he is making this statement is why I disagree. If he is having huge algae blooms or cyano after using his LFS water than I do believe there is an issue with the water. Is it phosphates? Don't know. I do know that there CAN be issues with using tap water/unfiltered water. His question was about using distilled water, and I believe it is perfectly fine to use especially if you are questioning the filtered water currently in use.

 

[fishguy69]

That's what I get when I don't read the entire post. I personally have never used distilled water for a system. Thanks for the correction Michael.

V

 

[WatercolorsGuy]

That's what I get when I don't read the entire post. I personally have never used distilled water for a system. Thanks for the correction Michael.

V

Lol. Not correcting Vince! I appreciate your insight...I have used tap water on some accounts in the past too but had algae blooms. High tds, whether phosphates specifically or not is likely the issue imho.

 

[fishguy69]

Definitely a good reason to check your water source!!! LOL

 

[robert.talarico]

I disagree and I agree. Robert said he believes he MAY have a phosphate issue. Leading me to assume he has not tested or verified it. Depending on why he is making this statement is why I disagree. If he is having huge algae blooms or cyano after using his LFS water than I do believe there is an issue with the water. Is it phosphates? Don't know. I do know that there CAN be issues with using tap water/unfiltered water. His question was about using distilled water, and I believe it is perfectly fine to use especially if you are questioning the filtered water currently in use.

I have tested the phosphates in my tank. 0.1. The RO is testing 0.25. Definitely not buying water at that LFS again

 

[jda123]

You would be better off using tap. Our tap water here has no phosphates or nitrates in it.