Do you need an RO/DI system for a reef tank?

[BetteMidler]

You can start out with something like the Aquatic Life RO Buddie. You will want to monitor the tap water coming in vs the purified water going out of the RO unit. So, pair it with a Dual TDS Monitor & you are set. I would also pick up a float kit and install it in 32g brute container. Don't know how many time I flooded the garage before I learned my lesson.

I have my RO mounted to a small piece of plywood hanging in the garage for easy maintenance. Grab another 32g Brute container for mixing the salt and a small pump to transfer the water.

It was a bit overwhelming at 1st, but sure beats the days of going to a LFS for water.

 

[OrionN]

I just use RO. I don’t use DI. I have a water softener for the whole house and alway pay more money to a good RO membrane so the TDS always less than 10

 

[Glowurm]

Do you need one? Well no, as in life there are very few things you actually "need", but having said that i would aim to get one if you have small / mid sized tank (if you have a nano then the argument to not have one is valid).

Trips to your LFS on a weekly / Bi Weekly basis can be tiresome after a period of time. I know i much prefer being able to make my own water, but also having it available in emergencies.

Edit - Re-read OP. You will need a constant supply of water, both fresh and salt, so it may start to become prohibitive (cost) to use supplements on tap water. I also suspect you will run into issues with this approach down the line.

 

[CrashTestBennie]

Here is an article that tells what a lot of the common abbreviations in the hobby are. It may not be a perfect list, but it should give most of the commonly used acronyms.

Acronyms, Abbreviations, Vocabulary, and Slang for the Reef Aquarist, Revised December 2018

The Pacific Ocean Photo is a royalty-free image from Pixabay. Okay, one more time. If at first you don’t succeed, try try again. Some years ago, Uninja, with the help of forum members Raggamuffin, Wy Renegade, Swannyson, Skinz78, Tabasco 1...

www.reef2reef.com

Thanks!

 

[CrashTestBennie]

I believe they make parts so you can tap it into your water line coming in underneath the sink. Might be a easy solution, instead of having to haul buckets up and down stairs.

I'm pretty sure my landlord would evict me if I installed an RO/DI system in my apartment. I feel better making trips to my LFS...