I have had a 20 Gallon Nano aquarium up and running with a small amount of livestock (3 fish, 1 Kenya Tree Coral, and 2 Hermit crabs), for about nine months now. During this time I have been using Prime to treat my city tap water for the tank. This has worked fairly well right now, but I think that the diatom outbreaks I have been having are due to the silicates that I remain in my water. Plus, I know that in general it is best to use RO/DI, particularly if you have long term plans with the tank, which I obviously do. As a result, I will be purchasing a Bulk Reef Supply RO/DI system very soon so I can start getting some clean water and slowly getting the junk I have now out of there. In comparison with tap water across the US, my local tap water is not horrible but not among the purest US tap water either. My big concern is the chloramines. I have not tested the water myself but according to my towns water report, the highest level of chloramines detected in the system was slightly higher than 1 ppm. I know from research with BRS that chloramines take a bit more work to filter through RO/DI, so my question is, do I need a 5 or 6 stage system? BRS says that 5 stagers work with small amounts or chloramine, while 6 is a bit more aggressive and should take care of higher concentrations. Can I get away with a 5 stage or do I need a 6 stage?
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