Tap water for FO tank?

[perpetual98]

I'm going to set up my 26G bowfront in my office at work, and I'm 98% sure that it's just going to be a freshwater tank due to maintenance reasons because I don't want the hassle of hauling water and stuff from home.

So now everyone here who knows me tells me that it'll only be a matter of a couple months before I switch that bad boy over to saltwater.

My question is.... If I went with a Fish Only tank and just decorated it with base rock, could I get away with tap water? What causes problems with saltwater made with tap water? I can see if you have live rock and stuff that there's all sorts of things on the rock that can cause algae outbreaks with tap water.

Or should I just take that 2% of me that wants SW at work and tell him to go fly a kite?

[jerryc]

Or should I just take that 2% of me that wants FRESHWATER at work and tell him to go fly a kite?[/QUOTE]


YES YES YES YES YES AND YES

[Dirt4dinner]

Do a saltwater swim or you are going to regret it for as long as that freshwater is sitting there.

Install an RO/DI unit under the sink in the break room...I'm sure no one will mind.

[perpetual98]

My wallet will mind. This tank is going to be from scrounged parts and I want it to be as cheap as possible. I suppose I could just buy a 5-gallon plastic gas can or water jug with a lid and haul some water from home.

OR, I could set up a freshwater tank.... lol

[dsfdbutterfly]

Eric,

For a fish only saltwater tank tap water can be used. You have to find stuff that makes tap safe. You can find that at any store including walmart. I still do this for my fish only due to the size. I had my tap tested and the water is good. The ro/di unit just makes it better for the corals which are more sensitive. If you are just doing fish then they don't seem to mind as long as you treat the water with an additive to take out the impurities. I've had fish for over 5 years now with no bad effects of using tap water. If you want more info on it just let me know.

Angie

[Dirt4dinner]

Saltwater Eric. Puffer, some triggers, a lion, maybe an eel. COME ON DUDE!

[perpetual98]

Nothing like a 26G predator tank for at-work enjoyment. I suppose a small 10G tank under the desk with feeder goldfish too, hey Tyler?

[Dirt4dinner]

SWEET!