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sharing a different view
Posted: Thu Jan 09, 2025 2:31 am
by VynoraL
I've got a solid tank going, my fish are thriving, and I'm not second-guessing my methods. I know everyone's got their own ways of doing things, but I'm curious to hear your thoughts. I've been lurking on this forum for a while now, and I always seem to pick up something new. For the past couple of months, I've been doing 10% water changes with straight RO water and salt, and everything's been fine. However, I recently came across a post that said using only RO water can be detrimental to fish health, and that it's better to mix in some tap water if possible.
My water parameters are all within normal ranges, and I stick to a consistent routine, but this new info has me a bit concerned. I've never tested my tap water, as I have a filter on it, and to be honest, I haven't drank straight tap water since I was a kid. I could test it, but I'd love to hear your opinions first.
Re: sharing a different view
Posted: Thu Jan 09, 2025 3:44 am
by FableRex
For my saltwater setup, I'm pretty sure the salt mix I add to the RO water provides all the necessary minerals my marine fish need to thrive.
Re: sharing a different view
Posted: Thu Jan 09, 2025 4:36 am
by fleeton
I'm with FableRex on this one. What's your method for measuring salinity levels?
Re: sharing a different view
Posted: Thu Jan 09, 2025 6:15 am
by VynoraL
I use two hydrometers to measure salinity, just to be extra sure. I've heard refractometers are the way to go, but my hydrometers have been reliable so far - no issues with my fish, knock on wood. I'm open to advice, though, always looking to improve.
Re: sharing a different view
Posted: Thu Jan 09, 2025 7:46 am
by kodarix8
I'd definitely recommend considering a refractometer for measuring salinity, they tend to be way more accurate than hydrometers which can sometimes give you slightly off readings.
Re: sharing a different view
Posted: Thu Jan 09, 2025 8:21 am
by fleeton
The thing with hydrometers is their calibration tends to go off track over time, whereas refractometers keep it together. Unless, of course, you drop it on the floor. To be on the safe side, I'd suggest whipping up your own DIY calibration check to make sure your measuring device is on point. There's a sticky thread up top in the marine chit chat section - Realm of Knowledge, page 2 - that's got the lowdown.
Re: sharing a different view
Posted: Thu Jan 09, 2025 9:50 am
by VynoraL
Thanks for all the input, I really appreciate it, I'll definitely look into getting a refractometer and also check out that DIY calibration solution, that sounds like a great idea.
Re: sharing a different view
Posted: Thu Jan 09, 2025 11:27 am
by ravelo
VynoraL wrote: ↑Thu Jan 09, 2025 2:31 am
I've got a solid tank going, my fish are thriving, and I'm not second-guessing my methods. I know everyone's got their own ways of doing things, but I'm curious to hear your thoughts. I've been lurking on this forum for a while now, and I always seem to pick up something new. For the past couple of months, I've been doing 10% water changes with straight RO water and salt, and everything's been fine. However, I recently came across a post that said using only RO water can be detrimental to fish health, and that it's better to mix in some tap water if possible.
My water parameters are all within normal ranges, and I stick to a consistent routine, but this new info has me a bit concerned. I've never tested my tap water, as I have a filter on it, and to be honest, I haven't drank straight tap water since I was a kid. I could test it, but I'd love to hear your opinions first.
No point waiting for a disaster if you can prevent it, right. You can snag a decent refractometer on ebay without breaking the bank, definitely worth considering for peace of mind.
Re: sharing a different view
Posted: Thu Jan 09, 2025 12:27 pm
by VynoraL
VynoraL wrote: ↑Thu Jan 09, 2025 2:31 am
I've got a solid tank going, my fish are thriving, and I'm not second-guessing my methods. I know everyone's got their own ways of doing things, but I'm curious to hear your thoughts. I've been lurking on this forum for a while now, and I always seem to pick up something new. For the past couple of months, I've been doing 10% water changes with straight RO water and salt, and everything's been fine. However, I recently came across a post that said using only RO water can be detrimental to fish health, and that it's better to mix in some tap water if possible.
My water parameters are all within normal ranges, and I stick to a consistent routine, but this new info has me a bit concerned. I've never tested my tap water, as I have a filter on it, and to be honest, I haven't drank straight tap water since I was a kid. I could test it, but I'd love to hear your opinions first.
I know that, I know that, I've been stressing about it since day one. I feel like I've been thrown into the deep end, and there's so much more to learn than I initially thought. It's been a rollercoaster, but I've fallen in love with my fish, and now I'm always searching for answers. I have to ask, and ask, and ask because I need to feel confident in my decisions. The thing is, everyone has a different opinion - every site, every LFS, every fish keeper. And you know what? That's okay, because everyone's experiences are unique, even if we're all following the same basic guidelines. Sorry to vent, but today's not a great day - I'm dealing with ich and I don't have a QT tank, it's frustrating.