Hello all, I have made the jump from salt to fresh water aquascape. I am using a sump with socks and a sponge. I am in week one of a three week dark start. I had an ATO setup for the salt tank but removed it thinking that I would just deal with the evaporation on my own. I now know the benefit I had with the ATO and am thinking on re-adding it back. Here are my questions and I hope you can help.....
Currently I am using R/O, to replenish the evaporated water during the dark start. Therefore I am not adding any additional dechlorinater(Fritz). I really want to dose as little as possible so I am thinking I should veer away from R/O and use treated tap water either manually or reinstate my ATO system. Thoughts?
If I reinstate the ATO, which I am leaning strongly towards and decide to stay with the R/O water, what is the best way to dose properly the correct "additives" to maintain a healthy planted tank. Otherwise I can just use the ATO w/treated water and stay focused on the major things like ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Perhaps since I am just getting started, its best to stay with the treated water for now?
I appreciate in advance any wisdom you can share. Thanks
John