Just getting started RO/DI

[Paramecium]

So I am new to the reef scene and obviously have some questions. I have been reading everything I can from both books and online sources including working my way through the forums here on TRT which seems to be the largest stockpile of information around and the most helpful. I have had FW tanks in the past and have always loved reef tanks but never had the space or money to have one of my own and want to make sure I do it right. I have just about settled on a 75 gallon reef ready Oceanic bow front tank as it seems to be a nice medium small to medium sized tank that will fit nicely in the spot I have chosen. So the challenge now is to start gathering pieces and I thought tank aside one of the first things you need is water. I don't generally care for the idea of carting heavy water jugs home from the LFS so a RO/DI unit sounds like a nice option and you get clean drinking water as well!

I have looked through the forums and from what I have read it seems to be a toss up between the Filter guys and the Typhoon systems. Also it seems that most everyone is in agreement that a 75 gpd system is more than enough. My preferance would be to install it in the wash closet and feed it off the water lines to the washing machine as I read that they operate better with warmer water, something like 70 to 77 degrees and coming off those lines would allow for that control as well as having the system out of the way. The down side is that this is not near the tank so the auto top off doesn't seem to be an option. Is it ok to just have the outlet go into a jug that is used strictly for this purpose? Any strong opinions on either system? either the
http://www.thefilterguys.biz/ro_di_systems.htm reef system or the http://www.airwaterice.com/product/1...er_75_GPD.html?

I know that was long winded but I have seen that people on this sight enjoy lots of info and specifics so I was just trying to cover all the bases and yes when I start getting pieces there will be lots of pics!!!

~Danny

[Loverotties]

Welcome to TRT! Check out ebay too! I like the ones with the holding tanks!

[Dancing4raiin]

welcome. i just purchased

http://www.airwaterice.com/product/1...r_Sink_RO.html

Im still in the install process, but i like what i see so far.

[crvz]

Does that come with DI? If not, I'd highly recommend getting a chamber to add on. I bought an add on from www.buckeyefieldsupply.com. The RO unit will pull 90-96% of the total dissolved solids from the water, and the DI resin will eliminate all the remaining. While that may not seem like a big deal (from 96% to 100%), over time that little amount may add up to problems.

Also, room temperature water (in the 70-80 range) is good, but hot water is definitely a bad choice. It will ruin the RO membrane, which should last in the 2-4 year range. The other filters should be swapped out once a year or so, and the DI resin probably 1-2 times a year.w

[Paramecium]

I saw that under the sink unit as well but saw some people preaching the benefits of a vertical filter setup as opposed to horizontal, also like I said I'd like to put it in the wash closet for multiple reasons. The hot and cold water lines as well as the drain right in the closet that the washer goes into.

As for the warmer water I read also that hot was not recommended but just warming it up from the cold tap water that is generally much cooler seemed to improve the units performance and from what I have read it seems that every little bit helps. It also seems that the under the sink is a RO unit only unless I am mistaken.

Also any bad experiences with the oceanic reef ready setups?

Danny

[Paramecium]

Anyone have any experience with the abundant flow systems?

http://www.abundantflowwater.com/htm...m_filters.html

I really don't see much difference in most of these systems and this seems to be comparable in quality but comes with the storage tank and auto shutoff in the combo setup for $199.99

[OneDummHikk]

http://cgi.ebay.com/REEF-DRINKING-RO...742.m153.l1262

148 dollars to my door. Will be here in about a week. The only thing I intend to change is the storage container (I have a 15G drum I am going to use instead of the one that comes with it for RO water) and an inline TDS meter.

[Paramecium]

So the unit is up and running but I have a few quick questions. I currently am running the unit into a 5 gallon bucket that I then dump into a 32 gallon rubbermaid style trashcan with a lid on it. The water in the bucket tends to have a hell of a static charge when it comes out and I read that a little of the sea salt mix will help stop that issue, is this true? Also should I use airstones, powerheads, etc in the storage can? Any advice on how to perform water changes, or what buffer to use? I'm pretty new to all this.

~Danny

[Hop]

The water in the bucket tends to have a hell of a static charge when it comes out and I read that a little of the sea salt mix will help stop that issue, is this true?

I've never noticed any static charge issue in all these years. I'll have to do some reading on that issue.

Also should I use airstones, powerheads, etc in the storage can?

For mixing salt water for water changes, yes a powerhead is a must for mixing. For just storing ro/di water for top offs? No it's fine as is. Just let it sit covered and it will be fine.

Any advice on how to perform water changes, or what buffer to use?

No buffers. The salt should do a fine job on its own. As far as how to do waterchanges it is kind of specific on each tank IMO. Many people take it from the display, and put the new water in after making sure pH and temp are the same. Personally, I use a siphon hose to suck out detritus in the display and then a powerhead attached to a hose to remove the rest from the sump, but I do 40-80 gallon waterchanges at a time

[Paramecium]

Should I use a buffer for the top offs? And I read that you should run a powerhead and heater in the top off water for about 24 hours before putting it in the tank as well, is this correct?

~Danny

[Hop]

Originally Posted by Paramecium

Should I use a buffer for the top offs? And I read that you should run a powerhead and heater in the top off water for about 24 hours before putting it in the tank as well, is this correct?

~Danny

No buffers.

And for top off I've never worried about it. I have a auto top off system so that makes it easier. But years ago I would just slowly top the tank off every day or two. If you are adding a large amount of top off water in a small tank, that may make a sudden change in SG and temp, so it's better to do it daily until you reach a point where you want an auto top off for stability and ease