Heres the deal. Ive got a Tenecor 96 x 36 x 30 on the way for my cichla. I wanted to run a sump but I cant due to the positioning in my house and the stand it will be on. If I ever had a problem with it I would never be able to get it out from under the tank. So, I will be using two Fx5's most likely. I plan to use some of the bio from a 405 running on my 65 growout to seed the filters, as well as a good portion of the gravel from the growout, which has been established for almost 2 years. Even then im going to let the tank run for a solid 30 days with cycle fish before I add my cichla. Maybe longer depending on water tests. I may even use a third smaller canister like a 305 or 405 just for extra mechanical and flow, and in the trays use something like peat granules to keep the Ph low and stable. From what Ive seen lower ph like 6-6.8 the fish dont look as washed out and the colors are more vivid.
On to the actual question, water. This will be the first really large tank I have ever owned. On all my other tanks I have always used bottled spring water for fills and water changes. Obviously this is not an economical solution when were talking 75 gallon water changes 2-3 times per month. Not to mention the initial fill. Ive been kicking around getting an RO / DI unit but ive heard horror stories on those as well. Like 350 gallons would create nearly 1000g of waste water, 75 gallon changes would create 400+ gallons of waste? Also if I did use an RO unit, what would you guys recommend for returning trace elements? Im leary of the tap water here as well. Initial tests show it to be a little high in chlorine, hardness, and ph. Which means alot of conditioning to be cichla worthy without using a superior pre filter such as an RO unit. Any feedback on experiences with RO/DI units, or even how you guys that use them re-introduce trace elements and such would be much appreciated. Sorry for the novel just easier to try and cover any questions that may arrise in one post. Thanks in advance!
On to the actual question, water. This will be the first really large tank I have ever owned. On all my other tanks I have always used bottled spring water for fills and water changes. Obviously this is not an economical solution when were talking 75 gallon water changes 2-3 times per month. Not to mention the initial fill. Ive been kicking around getting an RO / DI unit but ive heard horror stories on those as well. Like 350 gallons would create nearly 1000g of waste water, 75 gallon changes would create 400+ gallons of waste? Also if I did use an RO unit, what would you guys recommend for returning trace elements? Im leary of the tap water here as well. Initial tests show it to be a little high in chlorine, hardness, and ph. Which means alot of conditioning to be cichla worthy without using a superior pre filter such as an RO unit. Any feedback on experiences with RO/DI units, or even how you guys that use them re-introduce trace elements and such would be much appreciated. Sorry for the novel just easier to try and cover any questions that may arrise in one post. Thanks in advance!
