Using Ro Water In Tropical?

[jemram]

As I'm switching my tank from marine to freshwater tropical, I have a RO unit. Is the use of RO water recommended? I would expect it's too pure to use on it's own, so can it be safely used in say a 80% RO/20% tap water mix etc?

 

[OohFeeshy]

Really it depends what sort of fish you're using it for. For instance, hard water fish probably won't like it, even when mixed with tap water, but for softwater species it's great.

 

[jemram]

Really it depends what sort of fish you're using it for. For instance, hard water fish probably won't like it, even when mixed with tap water, but for softwater species it's great.

Most likely looking at cardinal tetras, a male Betta and a couple of female Bettas.

 

[OohFeeshy]

Bad combo of fish- generally it's not a good idea to house male bettas with anything, especially females. But for that sort of setup, medium soft water would be fine- either remineralized RO or diluted maybe 50/50? You'd probably have to do the maths based on your own tap water.

 

[jemram]

Bad combo of fish- generally it's not a good idea to house male bettas with anything, especially females. But for that sort of setup, medium soft water would be fine- either remineralized RO or diluted maybe 50/50? You'd probably have to do the maths based on your own tap water.

I'll scrub the female bettas then. I've kept a male betta with cardinal tetras before with no problems.

 

[n3ont3tra]

It depends on the personality of the betta. Some are aggressive, some not.

 

[jemram]

So is RO too pure to use on it's own? Is it best to mix it with tap water and if so in what proportions. Or can you buy an additive to add to pure RO water to make it perfect for fish such as cardinal tetras?

 

[thegnu]

i use kent ro right with mine