Ro/di Basics

JerryI · 09-24-2001, 07:42 PM

OK, I've been reading and am about ready to get an RO/DI setup for my 55G tank. I've read the specs but have never seen an actual setup and I have a few questions - like how does it work? Not talking about the reverse osmosis and science I understand that, mostly - but where does the water go in, how to capture the good output and what do you do with the waste water - down the drain? Also , when the collection tank gets full - does it have a shut off valve or do you run it on a timer? I believe I read that the collection vessel should also be heated and and have an air source included - is this true? Besides topping off the tank for evaporation, what is the recommendation for water changes in frequency and size? Currently I'm changing it about once a month, about 10Gal each time - tank has 3 fish, about 29# LR. no sand - but it will have some soon.

I can put a RO/DI in my basement bathroom (small but no walls so plumbing access is easy), or I can connect it to the sink down there - or the kitchen sink - closer to my living room tank. Any suggestions? Guess that's enough to start. Oh, one final question - any recommendations on brand/model? Thanks

Jerry

Spanky · 09-24-2001, 08:18 PM

Hi Jerry,

I called Kent, told them what I needed to do. Gave them analysis of our water and they told me what I needed.
Called the plumber, he installed it in the kitchen island with a hose so I could fill up a 5gal bucket. Oh also a drinking water faucet.
That's all I know.

Jerel

Minnreefer · 09-24-2001, 09:48 PM

I would highly recomend going to one of our sponsors which is http://www.aquaticreefsystems.com and talk to them about R/O units and such.
HTH
Jon

rochelleryan · 09-25-2001, 03:04 AM

There is a new company that just got into the business of selling ro/di units geared towards saltwater tanks. They are selling their units for the time being on ebay at cost (which is a big savings). I guess they're trying to promote their new product. The company is called ReefPure, Inc. I just got a 100 GPD ro/di unit this way.

fishinchick · 09-25-2001, 04:10 AM

Ro/DI water..... while we are kind of on that subject anyway, is using those water purifiers that claim to have RO and remove all the junk out of the water any good?? You know, the ones out in front of the grocery store??
(sorry was just curious)

tmncali · 09-25-2001, 05:02 AM

Hello,
i was gonna stay off this one, long story

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where does the water go in

you will have a feed line(most have option for hose attachment, faucet adapter, inline fittings, self piercing, etc.) that connects the filter to water source.

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how to capture the good output

you will have a drain line coming out that you can either empty into a bucket(i fill a trash can), or large water vessel, or they have pressure storage tanks.

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what do you do with the waste water

i have my waste line running out to my lawn. Some people collect it and water plants with it, i ve read people fill washing machine and do laundry with it. it is up to you.

Quote:

Also , when the collection tank gets full - does it have a shut off valve or do you run it on a timer

usually the systems with tanks will have shut offs.

Quote:

I believe I read that the collection vessel should also be heated and and have an air source included - is this true?

Ive read this also. with a tank setup may be hard to do but if in a bucket or trash can, can put pump and heater inside with ease.

Quote:

Besides topping off the tank for evaporation, what is the recommendation for water changes in frequency and size

ive been told between 10-25% monthly,however i think it would also depend on water test readings, how system is running to determine if more would be needed

Quote:

any recommendations on brand/model?

IMO i bought the biggest i could afford. i didnt want to wait around for water. but i think a lower GPD model with a DI would be more benneficial than a high GPD without so it depends on how much you have to spend as far as the model.

HTH and if i have been misleading or wrong on any of this someone please straighten me out.

Tony

FC congrats on sig image

The water filters at grocerey stores ive heard have had mixed reviews. Some say that if the company doesnt change filters, or clean them, that the levels in them are worse than tap. Others have said they have used and they test fine so it might be a 50/50 deal. not sure

Tony

tmncali · 09-25-2001, 05:11 AM

hey just an additional thought. i didnt see what kind of tank setup this is, but you may also want to get some additional LR

Quote:

about 29# LR

as i have been reading around, this seems to be on the low side for a reef tank. if i am guessing correctly, you are setting it up in stages and are adding as you can, so you might already be planning on doing this. If you are, i apologize for bringing it up.

Good Luck on your tank.

HTH

tony

botp2k1 · 09-25-2001, 09:39 AM

Jerry, I purchased a Reef Pure system, Dave over there has been relatively quick answering emails. I had a problem with my purchase but he has made offers that exceeded my expectations to correct the mistakes and delays. I am waiting for a few issues to be resolved but I would recommend him, he is also on ebay.

His site is www.aquariumwaterfilter.com

You can also get his systems here with a steeper discount.

www.oceanencounter.com or www.marineecosystems.com

If you do decide with Dave's products, I would go direct to Dave and ask if he will match those discounts. Great prices for the systems.

I got a 100gpd version because I also plan to drink the water. I looked for the following in a system, JG speedfit connectors, pressure gauge, TDS digital tester, 1 to 5 micron prefilters, clear filter housings. RO or RO/DI depends on your budget and desire on type of water. RO does the majority of the work, DI finishes what little is left. You will find that most systems are very similar from brand to brand.

I am not affiliated with Reef Pure other than as a customer.

Good luck.

JerryI · 09-25-2001, 11:05 PM

Thanks for all the replies. Got some more researching to do. I did get an analysis of my tap water from the water comapny today so I know what's in it ( or at least what they say was in it) as of June last year.

I am converting from a sort of fish only w/LR to a reef setup. The sort of is due to the things I can't ID that are growing on the LR in the tank. I'll have to post some photos to see if anyone knows what they are.

I've also started adding sand - which my fish like to move around.

This is much more fun than working

Jerry

Doug1 · 09-25-2001, 11:40 PM

Just a thought, you might want to see what our sponsors have to offer, they are the ones that make this new fangled, bigger, better board possible

JerryI · 09-27-2001, 05:13 PM

Just bought the RO/DI setup from Aquatic Reef Systems. Talked to Bryan and he was very helpful. Should have it by this weekend, and water too pure to drink.

Jerry

dbmet · 09-27-2001, 07:08 PM

I bought a few fittings and a few other things from bryan...he answered all my questions in a very fast a professional manner..

opihi · 09-27-2001, 07:33 PM

i'm thinking of purchasing the tornado 4 stage 100gpd unit before the sale at oceanencounter.com and marineecosystems end tomorrow night.

does anyone else own a Reef Pure unit who could comment on their satisfaction? i've read somewhere on the board that most units are very similar between brands. any truth to this or are there some brands that clearly stand out.

mahalo,
jeff

rochelleryan · 09-27-2001, 08:19 PM

Aloha Jeff,

I have a Tornado 100 gpd. No problems so far. Even if there are problems in the future, Dave at Reef Pure is just a phone call away. He is very knowledgable and helpful. Plus you can't beat the price (which won't last very long).

opihi · 09-27-2001, 08:33 PM

the price is pretty dang enticing. i ain't rich, so every big purchase is a deliberate one.

thanks,
jeff