Distilled water OK?

[AUEagleinDC]

For a FOWLR 10 gallon clownfish broodstock tank, I will be looking at water changes of about 1 gallon each week. I do not have access to RO/DI water. I could use tap water (but given chlorine, phosphate and everything else in it, I am not sure it's a good idea). I could also use distilled water, but somewhere along the way I heard that distilled water was a bad idea. Anyone got an idea or input?

Thanks, Chris

 

[Len]

For the most part, distilled water is safe for use. Certain methods of distillation may, in fact, be purer then RO/DI. However, it's also not uncommon for distillers to be made of metals. Some won't cause severe problems, but some - such as those made of copper/brass - is not suitable for reef use. Ultimately, the cheapest and safest long term way is getting your own RO/DI.

 

[AUEagleinDC]

Good tips. Do you know if there is a way to find out how the water is distilled (besides calling the companies)? Thanks...Chris

 

[Len]

Nope. The only way to find out is to contact the company. Sometimes they will provide elemental data about their treated water too.

 

[wade1]

If its labelled as "distilled" that means its heated in a glass/metal tube system and the vapor recondensed. Its almost always done with glass though. Like Len said, its fairly safe, although any volatile compounds in the water supply will stay in the water. Hopefully, they use carbon or resins prior to distillation.

Wade

 

[AUEagleinDC]

So when I call a water distillation company, I should ask if they used a glass system (as opposed to a metal system) and whether they have copper/brass or any other metals in their water? Anything else I should specifically ask about? Thank you.

Chris

 

[Robin Goodfellow]

hi.
For distill, they can use copper heater all they want, and it won't affect the condensed water. However, if there is any VOC (volatile compounds), it usually will be more concentrated in the distilled water than the source water. However, it is usually not the problem.

Most still use either aluminum condenser, not glass (not efficient) or copper (expensive). Some high end still facility use titanium, I heard, but I never see one in person in a commerical setup. Some may use glass, I guess, but the only way to confirm is to call them (or better, visit the facility with a hard hat).

 

[brandon4291]

Robyn (or -op- for us old timey reefers) you impress the hell out of me from time to time. I see what you mean about the copper boiler being harmless, as evaporate will not carry metallic ions but compounds exchanged/formed during stress (heating) may wind up in the condensate. Good call bro that never dawned on me.

Not that you will be buying store bought distilled because you have a large tank, but I can guarantee that sparkletts and arrow creek brand distilled are just fine because that is all I have used in my pico tanks for two years without fail. If it were me, Id also request a data spec sheet from the company which will show you the ppm and ppb breakdown of everything they have in solution or suspension. The EPA requires them to disclose this and if you are lucky they'll point you to an internet site for quick reference. Let us know what you find

B