Water Source Question!

[MizTanks]

As you all know I've been battling algae~haven't been able to quit figure out the source of this plague~as it's growing only on my LR that seems to be the main source~However my water source has come into question~since I can't test it for TDS~have tested it for phosphates/nitrates/nitrites/ammonia all readings are 0.

I know using Tap water is a big no no but I'm desperate here~If I use Amqual+ as a detoxifier~make my replacement water 1-2 days in advance using a power head all the while~what are the chances that this process will make things worse? I have no other water sources available to me. So it's either chemically treated tap or walmart culligan.

[Rabidgoose]

I would stick with the wal mart water. I have always been an advocate of aging my salt water especially with RC.

[jojo22]

DO NOT USE WALMART WATER!!!!!!!

Let me find my old post but Wally world water KILLED my ENTIRE tank.

[MizTanks]

OK!!!!!! But what the heck can I use? In no way can I afford an RO/DI unit. I need to do a WC today~tomorrow at the latest.

[jimsflies]

What are you using now?

[Rabidgoose]

It's city water coming in to wal-mart maintained by culligan. At least that's how it is where I am. That said I've never used it, we had a similar setup at our grocery store with culligan.

DO NOT USE WALMART WATER!!!!!!!

Let me find my old post but Wally world water KILLED my ENTIRE tank.

[jojo22]

WARNING: EVERYONE READ THIS THREAD!!!!!!!!!

Here she is, why you should NEVER use walmart water

[jojo22]

Jamie, a cheap RO unit can be gotten on e-bay for under $100. It would be your best bet.

If not possibly you could get a LFS to sell you some RO water.

[Rabidgoose]

Wow JoJo that's bad, Sounds like you got some restitution though. As you've said I think an RO/DI is a very good investment. If that is not in the budget I would definitely contact Culligan and find out there maintaince schedule for the water outlet you use.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

I have a couple of thoughts...

1) There should be other stores in your area that sell RO water. Check grocery stores. Specifically, I'm thinking of the Marquette Food Co-op.

2) As for the Wal-Mart water (and most other store with similar RO machines) they are maintained by a contracted company and are required by law to maintain and test the water machines monthly. The test results should be posted in plain sight on the machine with the test date. I'm pretty sure TDS is the main test performed.

3) Your tap water may also be fine. When I lived in the UP (almost 10 years ago) I used well water and City of Houghton water (at different times) and had little to no trouble with algae (other than coralline which has never thrived the same with RO water). The water from UP aquifers is usually low in PO4 and high alkalinity (+ other trace elements). However, there are risks of heavy metals and other nasties in tap water. Your municipality is required to test tap water and that information should be publicly available.

HTH,
Tom