trace elements

[normski]

i am intending to use RO water to do water changes but have lost my notes on what to add and how much
from memory
i think i would make a stock solution of 1 ltr water 1 teaspoon chalk 1 teaspoon bicarb soda 1 tablespoon marine salt is this correct

[Proteus]

I am not 100% sure on the mix...

I know there are ready made mineral mixes out there though

btw, Welcome to DF.com

[happydiscus]

what is RO water???

[Proteus]

Reverse Osmosis

Highly filtered, purified water...

0% nasties

[lesley]

This is a mix that I believe is commonly used.

3 Grams Calcium Sulfate (gypsum) per 80 litres
1 Gram Calcium Chloride
1 Gram Magnesium Sulfate ( epsom salts ) per 80 litres
This should raise 80 litres by 80 Ms or 44.4 Gh.

Pure calcium chloride can be obtained from a firm called Austratec (http://www.austratec.com.au/.

I am finding that gypsum bought in hardware/feed stores is not dissolving well.

Liquid calcium chloride and calcium sulfate can be obtained in liquid form but the suppliers are in qld and I have not been able to get in in Victoria. They are used on fruit/vegetables for calcium deficiencies.

hth,
Lesley

[kalebjarrod]

i am still confused on reverse osmosis

It removes all chemicals, including good ones

if pure water (JUSY H2O) is so great then why do we all hang out for rain for our gardens?

Rain darws minerals in a souluble form from the sky as it falls and plants grow infinatley better under it.

how do we replicate the needed trace elements let alone the macro elemnts if we remove all signs of any salts, chemicals or bacteria etc etc

i know others use it, i under stand the concept, but i still don't know why?

[Proteus]

I am wondering if Discus Trace by Seachem would work...

contents,

Guaranteed Analysis

Calcium (min) 2.40%
Calcium (max) 2.64%
Magnesium (min) 0.792%
Iodine (min) .1%
Potassium (min) 0.1%
Copper (min) 0.032 mg
Fluorine (max) 0.001 mg
Iron (min) 0.007 mg
Manganese (min) 0.002 mg
Selenium (min) 0.000006 mg
Zinc (min) 0.007 mg

Discus Trace™ supplies a broad range of trace elements demonstrated to be necessary for proper fish health and growth. Unlike terrestrial animals, fish obtain nutrients from both their food and environment. Trace elements are normally depleted by utilization, oxidation and precipitation, thus it is important to restore them on a regular basis. Discus Trace™ contains only those elements actually demonstrated to be required by fish. Aquarium Use Only!

http://www.seachem.com/products/prod...scusTrace.html

[fishpimp]

i've only ever heard of using one third ro water and two thirds tap water (or tank water) as pure ro water is too soft for fish as it strips out chemicals mentioned vital to their well being and functioning.
i don't use ro water on fish for sale, it toughens their immune system as the customer is likely to only have tap water.

[kalebjarrod]

now that makes some sense