Water Change Vs Reverse Osmosis, Water Change vs Reverse Osmosis Options

[ameister]

Let me post a theoretical question...

I understand the need to do regular water changes to remove some nitrates and growth inhibitors. What if we hook up a reverse osmosis system to the aquarium and cycling 20-30% of water through the reverse osmosis system on a weekly or twice a week. Any topping up could also go through the RO system.

If I am not mistaken, RO forces molecules via membrane as it purify the water. It can remove most bacteria, heavy metals and even sodium in some setups. A nitrate molecule is bigger than a sodium molecule, so nitrates will be removed. We can use plants to remove nitrates anyways. As for the growth inhibitor, it should be a large organic molecule and so easily removed by the RO system.

I have recently moved to a flat/apartment and if I were to setup an aquarium big enough for my liking, I dread the water change process that I will be getting myself into.

To all you Goldfish Gurus out there, I your advice, comments and suggestions.

[The Matrix]

to add on to what doc mentioned, RO water is close to pure water. which means that the water is low ionic, lack the buffering capacity and will cause your pH to plunge within a short period once expose to normal atmospheric air.

usually for use of a RO unit, you will hv to throw in some additives like buffering agent, calcifier and the important trace elements. anyway, you might like to experience using it and see what are the result you will be getting before investing more money.