Reverse Osmosis Question

Hello.
I'm starting a small reef system in my 29G. I'm not going to go crazy,
a couple of zooenids and mushrooms. My question is about this reverse
osmosis water I've been hearing so much about. I know I should use
R.O. water for a successful reef system since the process gets rid of
all the 'bad stuff' in tap water, but here's my question.
Since I have a small tank can I just use store bought distilled water
instead of driving 15 miles to Absolutely Fish with a couple of 3
gallon jugs? The price is almost the same and I'm sure I can get a
good deal at the local Costco.
Just wondering. I hope I don't sound like a foolish newb.

Thanks

Fernando

"El Scorcho" wrote in message
ps.com...
Hello.
I'm starting a small reef system in my 29G. I'm not going to go crazy,
a couple of zooenids and mushrooms. My question is about this reverse
osmosis water I've been hearing so much about. I know I should use
R.O. water for a successful reef system since the process gets rid of
all the 'bad stuff' in tap water, but here's my question.
Since I have a small tank can I just use store bought distilled water
instead of driving 15 miles to Absolutely Fish with a couple of 3
gallon jugs? The price is almost the same and I'm sure I can get a
good deal at the local Costco.
Just wondering. I hope I don't sound like a foolish newb.

Not at all. I have a 29G reef myself, and I buy my topoff water from
walmart. It comes in
the green labeled gallon jugs. There are also the purple labeled jugs that
are the distilled water.
I'm sure either way you go it will work fine. As an aside, I've been
reading Anthony Calfo's book
on coral propagation, and it explains the usage of RO water. I've been just
dumping my water into
the tank right after I get it. Although I've had no problems, Anthony
states that the RO process
creates acid in the water. (Not sure what type, don't have the book with me
right now) This acid,
however, can be driven off by vigorous aeration. He also states that it is
a good idea to buffer the
water and get it to the proper tempature before putting it in the tank. This
can all be done in a
5 gallon bucket with a heater, and a small air pump. I think I'm going to
start doing this, because
the acid could deplete the systems buffer, and could cause water problems
later on. -Chris

Thanks

Fernando

Chris, thanks for the tip.

"El Scorcho" wrote in message
oups.com...
Chris, thanks for the tip.

No problem.