What does "RO" (in RO Water) stand for?

[FarT_Rhin0]

The title says it all folks
I know it's a newbie question, but I've always wanted to know what "RO" stands for.
Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[bigspizz]

Reverse Osmosis...

 

[FarT_Rhin0]

oh thanks

 

[bigspizz]

No problem Someone else who is too scared to ask will read this and be glad you did

 

[Ianab]

Reverse Osmosis - it's a method of getting very pure water from any old crud. Basically the filter is so fine that only water will pass though, and high pressure is used on the dirty side to force pure water out the clean side.

Only problem for aquariums is that the water is so pure that it has no hardness and pH buffering. So it's normally mixed back with tap water or a measure of mineral salts is added to make it more like natural water.

A RO filter is usefull if your tap water is a hard, high nitrate or otherwise a bit suspect.

Cheers

Ian

 

[FarT_Rhin0]

can distilled water be used instead to produce "Soft" water?
like a 50-50 mix with the tap water? (for example for Discus breeding)

 

[itzacraze]

even tho u hav esentialy started your water at ground zero anything you do to it will effect the water in various ways such as treatments any other water othr than ro and u cant run fish in pure ro water without trace elements and nutrients

 

[tunerX]

You can use distilled. You would buffer it the same as RO water.

It is just a little more cost effect to use an RO unit, when doing 52 changes, or more, a year on a couple tanks. Especially if you like to do more than 5 gallons of water per change.