Week 7: How to Produce the Best Water Possible. | 52 Weeks of Reefing

One of the first steps towards a successful reef is a high quality water source! Follow along in Week 7 of 52 Weeks of Reefing as we uncover why RODI water is preferable, water treatment, what chloramines are and how to remove them, and which salt may be best for you.
Oh, and did I mention we are filling the #BRS160?
One of the wisest things I have ever heard in this hobby was reef keeping has very little to do with maintaining corals and fish but everything to do with maintaining water. Maintaining pristine water with the right parameters simply results in a healthy thriving reef tank. The first step of that is identifying a high quality source of freshwater.
For most of you it will be your homes tap water which is likely either well water or water provided by your city which contains some type of disinfectant. If the water is clean and free of impurities that would harm the aquarium you can use either source of fresh water for the reef tank.
The problem is, the majority of us are simply unaware to what might actually be in our home's water supply. Using your city's water report, or private testing, you may want to verify that your water is free (or has extremely low levels) of heavy metals, phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, disinfection by-products, and uniquely high organic and inorganic chemicals.
Almost none of us want to sort through that mess or deal with the uncertainty so we just produce water at home we know is safe for our reef tanks. The easiest way to do that is with a reverse osmosis deionization system commonly referred to a RO/DI.
Now that we have our freshwater source covered its time to talk salt. The one question everyone wants to know is which salt is the best, there just ins’t an answer, if there was we would all know what it is by now. End of the day reefers have had various degrees of success with all of them. What we share with you is the distinct differences between a few so you can select one that aligns with your style of reefing.
Legal Stuff
The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications as presented in the video. Aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents disclaim all express or implied warranties, in any way, related to the products and their application as presented in this video, make no representation or warranty regarding the products and the application as presented in this video and shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages of any type, including but not limited to punitive damages, or from personal injury or death resulting from or in any manner related to the video, and the products in and contents of the video. The viewer expressly agrees that aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products in and content of the video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.

[@shawnriv9]

These videos are great and very educational. As sad as it sounds, I look forward to these Friday videos all week! Keep up the great work!

[@leahhendrix6977]

Getting started in reefing and this 52 week series has been the most informative and friendly videos I've found! You've got yourself a customer

[@bernardchristensen4268]

Well done Ryan, safety first pays off.

[@johnmanrow2667]

BRS is a great company with great videos. I am glad after 6 years Ryan has toned it down, as far as yelling everything he says. 😂

[@bestplans9051]

So glad BRS took on doing these videos. I've been in the hobby for 30 yrs with a 10 yr break and previously all we had was tried and true methods which were sometimes questionable. It's nice to see some real world testing to prove and disprove many of the myths and to test the hardware and chemicals. A big thank you to BRS and Ryan for many real world answers!!! Much appreciated!

[@GeekyMitch]

These vids are fantastic - as someone who failed horribly an attempt at putting together a reef tank in the past, but has (For lord knows what reason) been starting to plan trying again, these videos are really breaking it out beautifully. Far less intimidating when you're able to see it step by painstaking step (and man do I wish I could put my sump in a separate room like that...such a clean look!)

[@andrewhales9771]

I love you!!!! You're honest, you're smart, and give the best advice. *****

[@beej1254]

I wish you guys would do 2 videos a week! I'm loving this series especially being newer to the hobby.

[@rtardbox]

this is where I got my 6-stage system for my tank here in Vegas!

[@rtardbox]

***** well, i've got another system under my kitchen sink i spent a mint on ... a much lower capacity RO system that does not do DI ... it's slower, more expensive (by far), without the ability to tell when components need to be replaces and inferior in ability beyond only a few gallons. Also, getting replacement parts is stupid as they have only one place to get parts here in Vegas that I must drive to --- but they recommend a scheduled delivery program where they come out to my house and install them for me. Ya know, 'cause I'm too stupid to screw in a light bulb. So, they say every year replace the carbon blocks and every two years replace the RO block. Don't use it much? So what! Replace it! Use it a lot for your 200 gallon fish tank? So what! Don't replace it! It's moronic, expensive and inferior. Yup! You guessed it! It's the EcoPure sold at Costco! When you replace the cartridge you replace the ENTIRE BLOCK and have no idea when it's used up. 1/4 the quality at 3x the price! Thanks Costco! #costcoFail

[@rtardbox]

***** *you're ;) n/p

[@hafnium911]

Thank you! This is what I have wondered the most about producing salt water, only done freshwater before.

[@redskinrap8629]

I just bought the 6 stage 150gpd model. I never thought I could be so excited for an ro/di unit. CANT WAIT!

[@AA-Ashley]

I learn so much every single time! Best channel for the reef hobby!

[@jameswagner1490]

Again a awsome, insanely informative video. You guys are by far the best in the industry.

[@quartergodwin3336]

I think I look forward to your weekly videos as much as the college football season and AMC The Walking Dead. Keep up the good work BRS team!

[@TheLukeC]

Got to week 7 and just now realized that BRS is in my hometown of Minneapolis!! Whatttttt

[@BRStv]

Come by and visit us sometime (when safe to do so)! ;)

[@TheLukeC]

@@BRStv are you open to the public or only pickup?

[@strat1960s]

Ryan, I love the video series! I've had my 80 gal tank for over 20 years. I've been riding the fence on converting it to salt. After watching a few of these video, I was set on building a mini reef with a 20 gal that's been sitting around for years. I was going to begin putting together a list of supplies when my wife informed me that one of her friends was going to take the tank. ARGH! I love my African Cichlids soooooo much! Frontosas rock! keep up the great work! I'll keep watching and learning.

[@marklowe7431]

Cheap insurance and another excellent video. Very helpful to me a newbie.

[@alecthenice8115]

The support is why I buy from brs even though I like freshwater. Y'all should make a second Dept. I'll work part time lmao

[@revereglass]

I love your videos. Thank you for sharing these!

[@GENISIS1TWENTYONE]

Love my BRS 4 stage RO/DI unit. I use Reef Crystals salt which has worked great. Only downside is like you mentioned the brown clay stuff left in the container after mixing it.

[@sawkyi5507]

GENISIS1TWENTYONE I

[@joseCalderon1976]

Excellent video as always! I have tried Instant Ocean and Red Sea Coral Pro and my personal experience has been that my colors on my SPS were better with Coral Pro, so that's what I'm going back to.

[@acestorman4334]

A very good video, very informative and just what I was looking for. Thank you.

[@ItsStunzy]

Anyone else only watch this for Ryan? Here to help members of the reeeffeeeeen commmunnieee

[@dannybski9620]

Personally I use a vertex aquaristik RO/DI system. It's a bit pricier but I love it - it has a 1:1 waste ratio (unheard of in most systems) and has a built in self purging RO membrane system. The sort of perks you come to expect from vertex :) That said, I do buy my Resin and filters from BRS. I've also been thinking of expanding my current system to add another container or two.

[@Caramellofellow]

I'm enjoying your videos and look forward to them every week. This week though, you missed a major part of the water topic - Natural salt water! I understand most residents of the US are residing in landlocked states, but for those that have access to it, perhaps a NSW collection tutorial would have been beneficial. Here in Australia (where I really wished you shipped to) ~75% of MASA forum users polled used NSW, either collected themselves or purchased for around $3/30L ($2.22USD/7.9Gal). Enjoy your vacation, Ryan.

[@RoboNarples-et6ky]

Great video as always!

[@matthewmeek4289]

9:00 Dow, GE, and Bulk Reef Supply; the only companies I trust in the world

[@MrJacobCastro]

Awesome video!

[@timmlombardo9267]

Lol didn't expect to see you here +JacobsAquarium

[@W4RD1N8ER]

I have one of your RODI systems from BRS on it's way I can't wait to get it going!

[@isaabdrahman]

I love your educational videos!

[@8052MikeyD]

Vacation?? Who said you can go on vacation? lol have a great time. Love the videos!! Keep up the good work!

[@BillyBobJoeisawesome]

I am one of the lucky few with rodi tap water

[@BillyBobJoeisawesome]

I live on an army base so they have higher standards, so I get free rodi!!

[@tsurro8086]

I used both Red Sea definitely mixed better and clearer but alk and cal was all over the place, hw was always steady, but hw was always cloudy !! So I switched to EVS, a little pricier but mixes clear and levels are exact!!

[@tsurro8086]

rodi,heater if necessary, then pour in mix, sometimes it was clear but 90% always cloudy, even overnight!

[@ForTheForsaken]

sweeeeeeet thanks for the information duuude!

[@mikemarcil4093]

I am just finally adapting a ro/di to my 30 year hobby, I've watched countless videos about the subject , I look foward to a better quality of mixture, I thurully enjoy ALL the intel BRS puts out for the public to be better informed about the salt reef water hobby. Is there a piping diagram of the proper way to achieve the best results out of a 4 stage double membrane with a permeate pump? I've got tube frustration , to many. Much Thanks.

[@coreytillery3671]

starting my first ever tank. wish i could get through all 52 weeks a little sooner!

[@NYCityCichlids]

Great episode

[@ConspiracySundays]

i feel that my aquaFX barracuda RO/DI system is a better value because I won it in a MACNA raffle :P

[@NavyGuy2OO7]

Great video, I use Distilled bottled water for mine. With my Nano tank its not that bad. I may get a RO/DI eventually but with my nasty well water I would need the 6 stage and cant really justify that expense.

[@miston1013]

Great videos - thank you!

[@samcarrs]

Nice mullet dude!

[@fishbreedinguide923]

Minasota all the way

[@ThomasColeman]

excellent video - keep up the good work.

[@kelseymiller4677]

Not sure if I'll get a response to an old video, but I'm checking out your systems and wondering if I need the TDS meter? If I'm using a 5 stage BRS system is the Tds meter just for peace of mind or is it a necessity? I want my tank to be healthy but budget is also important. Could I add a TDS meter to a system later if I wanted to? Tank has been set up and running beautifully for a year but I've been buying water from the store. It's only a 20 high reef

[@SNTCEFVC]

would it be safe to use rain water collected in water buts from the gutters if you could manage to filter it with an rodi?

[@UltraReefReseller]

How you do you get the water in the freshwater storage tank into the sump?

[@alewelch]

Ryan, we have recently bought a 20 gallon reef tank and we are in the process of cycling it. We have one clown fish, rocks, and a hermit crab. We are on well water. I have done a test and it is very pure. I just dont see us getting into the RODI system. Will our aquarium not thrive if we dont? And, I have read that we are not supposed to do water changes while it is cycling but, is that the case even if we have a fish? We have done minor changes like 5%. Thanks, love your videos!!!

[@funkehouse]

how long is it safe to store already mixed salt water? is it ok to keep some on hand in the container with a lid on it and opaque walls in the holding tank?

[@frankreynolds445]

I learn something new every time I come to this channel. I used to be in salt water at first in 1976 using salt water conditioned Black mollies and hermit crabs and much more so in 1982-1988 with clown fish, Angel fish, Damsels,Trigger fish, Tangs and sometimes crustaceans. While no a days I only have room for a 20 or a 30 so some small clown fish and/or Damsels with the easiest to care for crustaceans would have to do.

[@jamielissau8541]

Great info! I realize It probably benefit to add to the RO/DI system my bf James has. I believe he has the 3 part system. Also curious on your thoughts about the nitrate reducing machines like the skimz nitrate reducer i believe it is called. We have had 3 fish deaths in a week due to spike in nitrates. We believed a sea cucumber died(bad idea to get one of those!) and this cause a huge nitrate spike. All other levels (PH< Nitrite, Ammonia, Phosphate) remain in the normal range, just nitrate. Right now James is doing 2 25 percent water changes per week in hopes to reduce nitrate. Also added carbon to help get rid of possible toxins from the cucumber. The other 4 fish and crabs seem to be fine. but have the fish 3 out of 7 in the 75 gallon died all the same time:( One was a healthy established 4 yr old clown, one bicolor angel, and i mandarin goby RIP! I feel so bad!

[@scubapro5000]

I have a similar sized tank 72"x27"x20". What size water changes and how often do you recommend a water change? It is just a fish only system right now but I will add corals later.

[@ThePsantos2397]

can you use the water filter that you use for drinking water

[@mustardketchup]

But does it dice and chop? Where is the rotisserie? I didn't see it.

[@bryanhellett6431]

Their Ro/DI looks exactly like Spectra Pure Max Cap RO/DI system. Wouldn’t be surprised if it a Spectra Pure system with a BRS stickers.

[@BRStv]

Because most water filtration equipment (both in and out of the reefing hobby) utilize universal parts, it's easy to think that they are mirror images of each other. There's absolutely differences between many of the water filter units on the market, specifically as it relates to filter quality, fittings quality, filter canister designs, warranty/support, and included accessories.

[@bryanhellett6431]

Bulk Reef Supply Are you saying your system is better?

[@Timberwerks]

Will your 4 stage unit work for hard Wisconsin well water that is not treated with a water softener?

[@cody22cannon]

hey guys so I am new to saltwater and I'm going to be buying the 20 gallon nuvo kit you guys have and I'm just wondering if I really need an RO/DI system? also what equipment would you recommend or do you think is a must.

[@grumpbert]

Hi guys. I've been following you for a while and I have a question that hopefully you could answer. I've just bought a four stage RO/DI unit and I'm starting to produce my own salt water using Red Sea Coral Pro. I followed the instructions on the tub and have achieved 1.024 / 35ppt. However, my PH seems to be settling around 8.6-8.7. Should I be worried? What am I doing wrong? Keep up the good work. My weeks would be lost without the BRS160 series! Thanks Guys

[@chrisjako3404]

Its unfair that you produce such fantastic product reviews telling us to buy your products but yet do not ship internationally - please please please consider shipping to the United Kingdom!!

[@reeree7425]

do i have to have storage tanks for saltwater and freshwater or can i just turn on the RO system when i do my water change

[@deanfielding4411]

Should I rinse out my tank with RO before filling it? Are there any contaminates that I need to be aware of when filling a new tank that come from any of the silicone and pipe work? Thanks

[@BRStv]

I like to do a quick leak test with freshwater before I get everything fully up and running. That said, as long as the silicone and PVC glue is all fully cured, there is no concern with anything leaching into the water column.

[@cbl0325]

Do you keep saltwater mixed in one of those storage tanks for water changes? How long will the saltwater keep for?

[@adyp81]

When are you shipping your merchandise to the uk? Love the channel by the way, your like the customgrow420 of the tank world. Cheers yo

[@Jakel84]

Could I add 2X concentration salt mix to store in 5g bucket, then when I need 2g I pour 1g of 2x concentrate mix into 1g fresh rodi? So I can keep 10g of new saltwater in 5g bucket?

[@owk688]

hi, Can we mix extra salt water and store for water change when require? Thank you Jeffrey

[@Jonathan0692]

I just bought the icecap smart rodi unit. Can I use BRS filters on it?

[@joshuakozel7770]

5:48 You mentioned high levels of phosphate and nitrate as hard to remove. What would you consider to be a high value in ppm?

[@creab485]

I just got way too excited when i saw the email......

[@SoulJimyDark]

***** what if i dont have acces to RO/DI systems and neither that water, is distilled water good enough? or is it better the one that comes on water bottles in every store? (sorry if bad english tho)

[@mrbigshot29]

+SoulJimyDark as long as its not "spring" water than it should be ok. look on the label on the bottle and see if it says processed by distillation or reverse osmosis if it says either of those you are ok, it will just cost much more than being able to process the water yourself.

[@h45e]

LOVE to buy your stuff in Australia

[@SoCo_Surfcasting]

Made in USA. I'm sold.

[@bmorrison3665]

No holidays for you! We didn't approve your leave form haha.

[@zachhunter4544]

I'm starting a FOWLR tank, I can't afford a RODI system right away, am I ok with starting my cycle with tap water dechlorinated then using RODI water for tank changes?

[@evaneversole8546]

I have soft water should I hook up the soft water to rodi I know it has lower tds but more salt total or just use hard water???

[@zeta044]

I live in northern CA and they use chloramine in the water. I am not running a reef tank yet, but have multiple freshwater tanks and a low brackish tank for a puffer fish. Do the chloramines effect freshwater tanks as badly as they do reef/saltwater tanks?

[@tteezzrreell]

i already have one of these in my sink, but its not made specifically for aquariums, its for drinking. Will this still work? i know it also has an additional stage that reintroduces the good minerals back into the water so that the water doesn't taste too nasty being cleaned of everything. will this still work?

[@BRStv]

If using the unit for an aquarium it would not be recommended to use the RO water, but instead RO/DI water. If you cannot get RO/DI yet then RO would be much better to use then tap water. RO water will have remaining TDS in it, that you would want to remove before adding salt. All you would need is an additional resin canister to add to the product line of your unit. :)

[@00Mass00]

Can you run the Ro-Di product through the filters a second time?

[@NorCalDubber]

Is that rodi overkill for a 20 gallon tank? What would you recommend, I live in northern california.

[@jamesdockery7806]

Question: Why does my saltwater precipitate when I mix salt with my rodi water, and how can I fix it?

[@fenrisulv]

I wish you were shipping to Europe (Norway), so many great items from your store I want, that I struggle with finding over here. Even Amazon don't ship many items to Norway :(

[@Ambrosius13]

Is it ok to use rodi that has gone through an in home water softener first?

[@cre863Designs]

What if I use CITY water, but my entire home has a water softener on it? Will a 4 stage RODI be ok, or should I still go with the 6 stage?

[@manbearpig8130]

I am liking the series so far, but this was a really long commercial for the BRS Ro/Di systems....

[@Aqua_Exotics]

my all fishes died after a 50% water change but the corals and animon lived , before the water change the salinity was 1.022 and after the water change the salinity became 1.024 , i did the water change at 8.00 pm and the next day morning i saw all my fishes died . Did my fishes died because of the sudden change in salinity ? and can i add new fish ? plz do reply

[@vvictorco]

how do you feel about employing Algae Turf Scrubbers as a way to maintain water parameters?

[@SadieMy]

can you use tank water only rain water is in it

[@combatwombat71]

1.026? I am currently running at 1.023 with Red Sea Coral Pro (measured with a Milwaukee digital refractometer). I have some small LPS, a mushroom and some Zoanthids. Is there any benefit in ramping up the SG so high?

[@SureshKumar-ws8wy]

Hey Brs, I already have an RO unit at home used for domestic drinking purposes. Can it be used for a reef tank or should I go with a new RO/DI unit? If it's possible to use a separate DI unit I'm up for grabs

[@javlam2226]

I live in Houston, Tx 77005 which one should I use, 4 or 6 stage for a 65 gallon aquarium. Thanks.

[@devontrigg642]

This video does make a couple of incorrect assertions. Actually chloramines are removed by a quality catalytic carbon filter, not the DI chamber. Reference: www.purewaterproducts.com/articles/removing-chloramines Ditto Nitrates, these are removed by a good RO membrane Reference: extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/water/drinking-water/water-testing/pollutants/nitrates-in-drinking-water

[@golpins]

Would it be safe to switch from Red Sea salt to HW for an established tank?

[@epicnas12342]

Could you guys please put the new kessil ap700s on the tank pleaseeeeeeeeeeee

[@cnwtrains]

What I still need to get an r o d i unit if I have a whole house filtration system

[@FernandoReyes-wv2cu]

Can you buy drinking water from the store and use it to make saltwater?

[@mrbigshot29]

please start matching salt mixes from other places. i have to order it elsewhere because its 15 bucks cheaper and free shipping to boot.

[@Sunnyk07]

Can this be installed under the sink without drilling ?

[@MichaelHolmgaard]

I really like your videos, and I watch them every day -Thanx for that :) Now, im starting up a tank at the moment, so these videos are very educational for me. I am very experienced in keeping freshwater tanks, but im new to saltwater, so I still have some insecurities with it. What I wanna know is, if I need an RODI system if there isn't any Chlorine or Chloramines in the water in my area? I live in Denmark, where the water is very clean, because there isn't any chlorine in it -therefore it's completely save to drink. Should I invest in an RODI system just to be sure??

[@MichaelHolmgaard]

***** Okay, thank you very much. I had never hear about RODI before, so thanks for this video and your reply, And I also really like your video about soft corals -After watching that video, they've become some of my favorites, because they are both beautiful, AND easy to care for :)

[@_anthonyisafish_2100]

Just curious, could you use DI resin in a reactor to remove phosphate and nitrate?

[@yourdu]

hey there thanks for the video need to know how to remove brown algae

[@pinay56]

Can you use a DI system only? I have a Car wash DI that has the three cannisters, and was wondering if I need to buy an RO system and hook both systems up together?

[@BRStv]

Technically, you could run a DI only, but for most tap water supplies, it would get used up VERY quickly. In almost every case, it'll be more cost effective to run an RO system before the DI.

[@redsev4484]

Will super hard well water clog them up fast?