Why use reverse osmosis water in freshwater and saltwater aquariums?

In fishkeeping, water quality is a determining factor for the success of an aquarium, whether freshwater or saltwater. Tap water may be suitable in some cases, but it often has limitations that make it difficult to maintain a stable balance over the long term.

This is why the use of reverse osmosis water is now widely adopted when setting up an aquarium.

What is reverse osmosis water?

Reverse osmosis water is water that has been purified using the reverse osmosis process. This treatment removes most of the undesirable substances present in the water, including:

• Nitrates

• Phosphates

• Chlorine and chloramines

• Heavy metals

• Numerous dissolved residues

This results in water with very low parameters, making it an ideal base for use in aquariums.

Why is tap water not always suitable?

Tap water is drinkable, but it is not designed to meet the requirements of aquariums:

• Parameters that vary depending on the region

• Often high hardness

  
  

• Presence of nitrates and phosphates

  
  

• Chemical treatment (chlorine, chloramines)

These factors make it more difficult to maintain a balanced aquarium.

They can promote algae growth and disrupt the health of your fish and invertebrates.

The advantages of reverse osmosis water in aquariums

Reverse osmosis water is very pure water that provides a reliable and controlled base for aquariums, both freshwater and saltwater. It allows better control of parameters and limits the introduction of unwanted elements.

Thanks to its purity, it contributes to more stable and healthier water over the long term, promoting the well-being of fish, plants, and invertebrates.

In saltwater aquariums

Reverse osmosis water is essential in marine aquariums. It is used to prepare saltwater when setting up the tank and also to compensate for evaporation, by adding only reverse osmosis water so as not to alter salinity. It also helps prevent the introduction of pollutants that are harmful to corals and invertebrates.

In freshwater aquariums

In freshwater aquariums, reverse osmosis water makes it possible to adjust water hardness (GH and KH) and meet the needs of demanding species such as Discus. It also contributes to better conditions for plant growth.

 

How to obtain reverse osmosis water?

There are several ways to obtain reverse osmosis water for your aquarium, depending on your habits and needs.

1. In-store (water produced on site)

Many pet stores produce their own reverse osmosis water using professional systems. This water is generally available directly in-store and ready to use.

2. In-store via an Osmopur station

Some retail outlets are equipped with Osmopur stations, which dispense purified and controlled reverse osmosis water. This is a convenient solution for obtaining high-quality water without having equipment at home.

3. At home with an RO UNIT

It is also possible to produce your own reverse osmosis water at home using an RO UNIT. Aquavie notably offers the KBO range, RO UNITs designed for aquariophilia, allowing tap water to be purified through a multi-stage filtration process.

4.Osmopur Natural: ready-to-use reverse osmosis water

Finally, Aquavie offers a range of ready-to-use Osmopur water, purified, vacuum-packaged, and immediately usable. This solution provides maximum convenience, with no installation or constraints, both for starting up the aquarium and for compensating evaporation.