An initially cheaper option, if it's available to you, is to get a small Deionizer like Aquarium Pharmaceutical's Tap Water Purifier. It uses a resin which, as Mike said, removes minerals without exchanging them for others. However, these units will need more frequent replacement, so in the long run it might be cheaper to get an RO or RO/DI depending on what you want. Zack ------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is the apistogramma mailing list, apisto@listbox.com. For instructions on how to subscribe or unsubscribe or get help, email apisto-request@listbox.com.