Distilled water?

[Twin_II]

A friend of mine today asked if distilled water could be used to up and maintain a tank. I have always used RO/DI water for my water changes and top off.

Is there a down fall to distilled, such as minerals and phosphates. I'm under the impression that distilled water has no hamrm full qualities but want to make sure this is correct before misinforming my friend.

Any insight would be great.

Thanks much!
Sarah

 

[SCIronMike]

I used to only use distilled water in my tanks, and it was great. I still use it to top off. I stopped using it primlarily though because it just got too expensive. The minerals and stuff that are needed are pretty much introduced into the water with salt like Instant Ocean.

 

[Chucker]

As always, question the source. If you're considering distilled from a supermarket tap or something similar, get the water tested. Most places that do not earn a living on distilled water aren't too concerned about the quality of it. You'll likely save a lot of money in the long run by purchasing your own RO/DI unit.

 

[Anonymous]

As always, question the source. If you're considering distilled from a supermarket tap or something similar, get the water tested. Most places that do not earn a living on distilled water aren't too concerned about the quality of it. You'll likely save a lot of money in the long run by purchasing your own RO/DI unit.

I strongly disagree with the R0/DI bulcrap! Yes.....I know!..just take a few deep breaths through your nose and slowly out yur mouth....there now feel better.LOL Ok! here are the facts in a little more than a peanut shell. The quality of water ya get is dependent on the ethical practices(comercial providers) and filters used to provide filtered water. If the filter is inadequate,damaged,clogged or dirty..the water quality will suffer. Your provider could also just get the water from his tap and say......here ya are (you dummy).... and take your money. I have seen this with my own eyes..and have done it myself just for laughs. HA HA! The purist water you can get is Distilled........... I do not use anything but my well water and distilled water in my tank. I only use the well water because the Distilled is to darn expensive to use every day. I replace at least 1 quart a day in my 29 gallon and sometimes 2. Check out this site.......Health-N-Energy.com........click on Info Center......then click Drinking Water,Health & Purity.then order the counter top distiller. Glad I could help. I am ready for the Flames now. LOL

 

[Twin_II]

Thanks all for the info. I was pretty sure that distilled would be ok, but I always feel better when I play it safe and ask the question.

Thanks!!!

 

[GSchiemer]

Thanks all for the info. I was pretty sure that distilled would be ok, but I always feel better when I play it safe and ask the question.

Thanks!!!

Not so fast. If distilled water comes from a still with copper coils, it can contain toxic levels of copper.

Greg

 

[baseman]

I'm curious. There should not be anything in the steam to chemically react with the copper, so how would toxic levels of copper get into distilled water?

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks all for the info. I was pretty sure that distilled would be ok, but I always feel better when I play it safe and ask the question.

Thanks!!!

Not so fast. If distilled water comes from a still with copper coils, it can contain toxic levels of copper.

Greg

Ok............and just how is that?

 

[GSchiemer]

Thanks all for the info. I was pretty sure that distilled would be ok, but I always feel better when I play it safe and ask the question.

Thanks!!!

Not so fast. If distilled water comes from a still with copper coils, it can contain toxic levels of copper.

Greg

Ok............and just how is that?

Copper ions can leach from the coils into the water.
I thought the warning on distilled water from copper stills was common knowledge in reef circles? It was a frequent topic of discussion years ago when RO units weren't commonly available and home distillers were available from places like Sears. In fact, my first water purifier was a distiller purchased at Sears and I remember making sure that it had stainless steel coils rather than copper.

I know that copper can also leach from water pipes in the home. I have copper in my tap water as a result of the plumbing in my home. It's at a toxic level (for invertebrates) in water that passes through my hot water heater.

 

[baseman]

I know that copper can also leach from water pipes in the home. I have copper in my tap water as a result of the plumbing in my home. It's at a toxic level (for invertebrates) in water that passes through my hot water heater.

I have the same problem in my house, but it's caused by acidic well water. I have an acid neutrilizer in my house to prevent the water from disolving the pipes. There has to be a chemical reaction to cause copper to leach into the water. I just don't see how copper can leach from pipes into pure water.

 

[tinyreef]

disclaimer: the following is definitely not from a chemist or even a cook

i think the chemical reaction is from the hydrogen ions (acid) that are always going to be present in the water that would form the CuH (?). the pure water just doesn't have anything in it to push it toward acidity or basic properties (yet). i.e. 7pH is still 10x more acidic than 8pH and so on.

edit: actually it's more than 10x but i'm too tired and dumb to figure out the logarithmic scale, sorry.

 

[LA-Lawman]

I dont think they use copper anymore in distillers. i could be wrong..... due to the water being so hard now adays... i think it is only used in water heaters and home plumbing....

 

[Anonymous]

I dont think they use copper anymore in distillers. i could be wrong..... due to the water being so hard now adays... i think it is only used in water heaters and home plumbing....

These have been terrific points to keep in mind.....when using water from your tap. Keep these things in mind.........however I have copper plumbing in my home and my water always tests negative for Copper. I test often for Copper and have been so paranoid that my son says "are you still lookin for Cops in your tank dad"........hey what can I say...? He is my son.....know what I mean? A real smartass! LOL I am not aware of any commercial distillers using copper today.....but I do know of some "backwoods boys" that produce some wicked spirits with lead in it! Hey......can't tellem nothin. They say.....a bit of dirt won't hurt ya! Christ!! alot of those "Bible Belt People" were weaned on that stuff!........and most can't read or even care! Kind of like the Natives in non-developed countries that do those real cool things with there ears and lips. Hey they drink blood too! I bet they don't have copper plumbin to be concerned about. Must be nice ...........ehhh? Heck! I live in Copper Country......and the fish are doin great.so are many Inverts....like Zebra Mussels..wait....is that an Invert? My memory seems to get bad when drinkin my buds....Home Brewed Spirits. Oh christ! I think those coils are copper! :roll: