Does everyone just end up buying an RODI system eventually??

[OrionN]

No DI for me.
I have an RO system and I put line in all around the house. I ran two lines everywhere. When I build the house the builder put a nail in one of the line and I have to use the other. This was easy becasue we have the house build and this was put in before the sheet rock go on.
I kinda see that this may happen (nail in the line) becasue I did not use metal plates to protect the RO line when I put it in the frame of the house so I ran two line instead of get off my lazy butt and go buy a bunch of metal plates to protect the water line.
I put additional pressure tanks at each place where we have the need for RO water. 1/2 gal tank on top of the Frig and 4 gal tanks under the sink. Use 1/2 inch line from the tank to the faucet. This way, there is plenty of water flow when my wife want a glass of water to drink
It works like a charm, and I only have one RO system to maintain, all open chest height in the corner of the garage.
I also have check valve at each of the line to the tank so that when I empty the RO to make salt water, each of the faucet continue to have water. Keep my sons and wife happy becasue they always have RO water to drink even if the RO system is use to make my RO water for the reef.

IMO, DI is not need for reeftank. I make sure I buy the good RO membrane (Tested by StrectraPure) that have high reject rate (99+). I pay a little more but, IMO, it is well worth it.
SpectraPure SpectraSelect membrane.

BTW, I am in no way connect to SpectraPure. Just a happy customer of a great company.

 

[Buckeye Hydro Verified Sponsor]

Fun fact to know and tell: All Filmtec 75 gpd membranes are rated at 99% rejection as of the last few years.

 

[OrionN]

Fun fact to know and tell: All Filmtec 75 gpd membranes are rated at 99% rejection as of the last few years.

Good to know. I have been doing this for 30 years or so. In the past most RO membrane does not have a rating (Dow Chemical). When I check after installation I get about mid 90% rejection rate. I have water softener and pressure booster pump. The Tested membrane from SpectraPure were 99+ rejection every time, so it was well worth it for me.
I will look for Filmtec membrane next time. If there is a rated rejection rate and if I confirm it with my testing, then I can buy it instead. I only change membrane every 5 years or so.

 

[Buckeye Hydro Verified Sponsor]

Good to know. I have been doing this for 30 years or so. In the past most RO membrane does not have a rating (Dow Chemical). When I check after installation I get about mid 90% rejection rate. I have water softener and pressure booster pump. The Tested membrane from SpectraPure were 99+ rejection every time, so it was well worth it for me.
I will look for Filmtec membrane next time. If there is a rated rejection rate and if I confirm it with my testing, then I can buy it instead. I only change membrane every 5 years or so.

BTW... those "magic" 90 gpd membranes you've been buying ARE relabeled Filmtec 75 gpd membranes.

 

[DSEKULA]

For the most part ya most people end up investing in rodi. There are very few instances where it's not really worth the up front cost. My mum just started a 2gal pico it's her only tank and she will be buying distilled water for it. It's one of the few instances I can think of where I'd consider that manageable long term and would take the rodi unit a long time to pay off.

 

[stanleo]

Of all the money I have spent on this hobby, my RODI unit is among the least expensive things I had to buy. I can't imagine doing this any other way.

 

[Gino]

As everyone else says, yes it worth the investment, especially if you are carrying two 5gal buckets upstairs for your WC. Also you will have the ability to make water when you need it and also for top up evaporation.
I don't know what type of system you use for drinking water, but you can maybe add the DI component to your RO unit and just use it for your tank water with few valve to bypass the water through the additional DI units as needed for your tank. That could be a win,win for your purpose. And about your parameters I agree with others that you may have another problem not related to your water source. PH at 7.8 isn't bad at all if it's steady, maybe you have a high concentration of CO2 at home that its been suck by the skimmer into your tank water column, that makes a lower PH reading. I don't recommend to keep using the ph buffer since it's more like a band-aid than a solution.

 

[eradicator178]

Yep, my LFS charged $1.33 a gallon for saltwater. So I got one to save money.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Yep, my LFS charged $1.33 a gallon for saltwater. So I got one to save money.

Yep. I know (like most equipment) an RODI system is a bit of an expense upfront, but it certainly ends up saving time and is one of the best and first defenses of your tank stability too.

 

[afrokobe]

I ended up with a RODI system before I had reef tank lol. I was running freshwater and was getting frustrated with chloramines coming out of the tap. So I bought a rodi unit to have better control on the water. I would remineralize it once made for my freshwater tanks.

 

[sergifed91]

I used to buy water from Target and Walmart. I got sick of hauling it. So I bought the rodi unit.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Yes... Refuse at your own peril. Lol!

 

[a4edwin]

Yes got tired of just going out and buying distilled water in the winter

 

[Devaji]

might as well get one ASAP.