Yes they are. Obviously they have the perfect set up. It's funny how we get hung up on techy filters and they are just running sponge filters. Since you're recommending just sticking with my tap water, I suppose picking up my ro system was a little premature. I guess I can use it for drinking water. Would there be any benefit to running the RO water while their younger and then slowly acclimating them to just straight tap? I understand you've got to have everything nearly perfect when they are young to avoid stunting or other problems which is why most people say start with 3+ inch ones instead of smaller.