Seachem Equilibrium Or Tap Water With RO?

I just picked up an RO unit. I'd like to shoot for water with a GH of 5 and a KH of 3.

My question is, what is better for adding minerals back to RO: Equilibrium from Seachem, or my tap water?

My tap water is 22 dGH, 18 dKH. Rougly 3:2 ratio Ca to Mg.

Any other info that would help in making this choice?

Also, if one uses Equilibrium is it still necessary to dose Plantex CSM+B?

Finally, and I suppose this isn't exactly the best place to ask this, but is Barr's Poor Man's GH booster comparable to Equilibrium, or if money is no object would one be better off with Equilibrium?

 

Re: Seachem Equilibrium Or Tap Water With RO?

Thanks Tom. So the 5:1 ratio of RO to Tap would give me GH of 3.6 and KH of 3.

What GH am I aiming for then? Did you agree with the 5/3 GH/KH numbers then?

Also, will Plantex CSM+B and standard EI dosing be sufficient to make up the K and traces?

Thanks

 

Re: Seachem Equilibrium Or Tap Water With RO?

On a related topic, what is your opinion on dosing sodium bicarbonate directly to the tank after doing a water change with plain RO?

It seems to me like maybe it's just easier to keep my water reservoir full of plain RO and dose to the tank after water change, but I am worried that the KH dropping by half (or doubling if I dumped the necessary sodium bicarb into the tank before putting in the RO) and then returning to normal would stress the plants and/or fish.