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

[Devaji]

i have no idea what sort of filtration system you're currently using but perhaps it already has several of the necessary stages and you could just add di resin stages onto it or use higher quality cartridges in your existing containers...

I was gonna suggest the same.
OP show is you set up you might be able to get away with less.

lots of customizable options out there as every ones needs are different its importent to get what you need not what "in"

contact your water depo for a water report ( they may have it online) that will tell you what in is your source water then go from there.

 

[sfin52]

Ok guys,
So I thought I could make it work for aquarium water with my filtration system I have now that I use for my drinking water but I don't think its going to be good enough to do my own water changes with it. I have tried but my parameters still aren't coming out exactly perfect. My LFS told me it would be fine but I still can seem to get my pH and others at zero. Does everyone just get their own RODI system eventually if they have a larger tank?? Bc trips every week or so to fish store with my big buckets seems like it's gonna get old pretty fast lol and is buying used an option?? Trying to find one that would be a good fit for my 70 gal.

Hit up fb market place i see used ones going up for sale quite a bit.

 

[mike550]

@FastandCurious you're getting some great advice here. To answer your question, yes -- you're better off getting your own RODI unit since you'll be able to control the quality of the saltwater you'll be making / putting into your tank.

One thing to consider. I know a lot of folks use a float valve to "turn off" their RO production, but I use the XP Aqua Flood Guardian. What I like about it is that it turns on / off the water based on an optical sensor. So I can control the amount of RO water I make based upon where I place the sensor (it's got a magnetic mount) in my container. It also gives me the versatility to simply put my RO water directly into a 5G jug since I can just move the sensor and RO line. I just like the flexibility of this and I don't bother storing a lot of water.

RO/DI Flood Guardian

Stop Floods and Wasting Water with the Only Electronic Auto Shut Off Valve Kit for RO/DI Systems XP Aqua RO/DI Flood Guardian is the perfect solution for any reefer that wants a float valve that they do not need to drill or permanently mount to a reservoir. The Flood Guardian uses a dual optical...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[magicwhistle]

Wait what exactly is the problem? Which parameters are you trying to get to 0? Where are you trying to get them to 0? In the tank or freshly mixed saltwater or from the freshwater source?

You said your pH isn’t getting down to 0 but it shouldn’t be.

Your tap water has ammonia and nitrites in it? Even after filtering it as your drinking water?

I’m assuming at that point you’re talking about in the actual tank.

Has this tank been cycled?

Edit: I’m not against getting a rodi system but just want to clear up any confusion you might be having. If you already have a filtration setup that your LFS says will work it might not be necessary to get a RODI system and from what you’ve posted so far I don’t see anything about why your freshwater isn’t good enough. What’s the TDS of your filtered water?

 

[a4edwin]

I would second the shut off, you can buys these floats also on BRS, super easy to use and cheap. Everyone has a busy life and forgets to check their water eventually.

Reverse Osmosis Float Valve

Why does BRS recommend this? Float valves are simple to install and can save a lot of water from ending up on the floor. They can be installed in containers as small 1 gallon pails, sumps, and 200 plus gallon commercial storage containers to shut off the flow of water. Even if you do not have a...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

I left mine on the other night. Luckily it’s set up in the yard.

 

[lefkonj]

I started with a 4 stage RODI and loved it. Upgraded to a 5 stage with booster pump, made a tremendous difference in the time to generate the water I required. Can't imagine not having one. There is a difference in the drinking water and RODI for fish tanks. It is my understanding you should not be drinking the water our of the RODI unit.

 

[rwreef]

Yup, eventually it makes sense from a logistical and financial standpoint.

 

[magicwhistle]

I started with a 4 stage RODI and loved it. Upgraded to a 5 stage with booster pump, made a tremendous difference in the time to generate the water I required. Can't imagine not having one. There is a difference in the drinking water and RODI for fish tanks. It is my understanding you should not be drinking the water our of the RODI unit.

You can definitely drink water out of a RODI system. Why couldn’t you? It’s just water.

 

[danp01]

Yep

 

[Bnutz]

Don't get that aquatic life system the filter replacements are expensive. I recently purchased a dual set up from airwaterice.com (has rodi out and drinking water out) comes with a auto shutoff and flush valve already. The 50 or 75 gpd membrane should be enough for a 70 gallon. If you call air water ice you talk to the owner and he can help set up a system for you. They also have a lifetime warranty.

 

[nereefpat]

but ammonia is creeping up and I can never get me nitrites to get below 0.50-1.0.

Ammonia in your make up water? That makes me nervous about possible chloramine in your tap water.

I would get your own RODI unit, and use a carbon block specific for chloramine. BRS does sell units. I would probably get a hold of @Buckeye Hydro or Air Water Ice and have them talk you through what you specifically need.

 

[Buckeye Hydro Verified Sponsor]

Ammonia in your make up water? That makes me nervous about possible chloramine in your tap water.

I would get your own RODI unit, and use a carbon block specific for chloramine. BRS does sell units. I would probably get a hold of @Buckeye Hydro or Air Water Ice and have them talk you through what you specifically need.

And of course get your supplies from Buckeye as well!

 

[Sleeping Giant]

I use tap water with prime, no issues.

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

Ok guys,
So I thought I could make it work for aquarium water with my filtration system I have now that I use for my drinking water but I don't think its going to be good enough to do my own water changes with it. I have tried but my parameters still aren't coming out exactly perfect. My LFS told me it would be fine but I still can seem to get my pH and others at zero. Does everyone just get their own RODI system eventually if they have a larger tank?? Bc trips every week or so to fish store with my big buckets seems like it's gonna get old pretty fast lol and is buying used an option?? Trying to find one that would be a good fit for my 70 gal.

Looks like we all do eventually, but do your homework , I spent a few hundred dollars before I discovered a reverse osmosis that does zero waste water, called premiere , and you do have to DI resin, but well worth it no more wastewater also

 

[nereefpat]

I discovered a reverse osmosis that does zero waste water, called premiere

That is interesting, and impossible. Is it the ZeroWaste one? I see that it has you return the waste water to the hot water line in your house, instead of down the drain. That might work in certain situations. It also says that it comes with a 24 gallon per day membrane, and is incompatible with a 75gpd.

 

[Buckeye Hydro Verified Sponsor]

That is interesting, and impossible. Is it the ZeroWaste one? I see that it has you return the waste water to the hot water line in your house, instead of down the drain. That might work in certain situations. It also says that it comes with a 24 gallon per day membrane, and is incompatible with a 75gpd.

Be aware that in nearly all instances, sending the concentrate (a.k.a. "waste water") back into the hot water pipes does not meet plumbing code for health reasons. THAT is why the configuration is not widely used/popular.

 

[Sm51498]

I use tap water with prime, no issues.

I did too until I couldn't. my city started doing phosphate flushes and ammonia levels were creeping up causing nutrient related issues.

 

[nereefpat]

Be aware that in nearly all instances, sending the concentrate (a.k.a. "waste water") back into the hot water pipes does not meet plumbing code for health reasons. THAT is why the configuration is not widely used/popular.

I wouldn't want the concentrate sitting in my hot water lines either. But, different parts of the country have different water chemistry.

If a person doesn't want to waste the concentrate, it would be better to water the lawn with it or something.

 

[Kris 2020]

Yes you have to have one for reefing. Running to LFS with 5 gallon buckets is costly and physically exhausting. They are not that expensive. You dont have to have auto shut off, just dont do multiple things at once when you are making water.

+1....I use a garden hose timer on mine, and I just know how long it takes to fill my ato and water change bins. The only thing you have to be careful with is your water production will slow down in the winter, if you live somewhere where it gets cold.

 

[Buckeye Hydro Verified Sponsor]

In this case, it is not differing water chemistry that drives the code compliance. It is the potential for bacterial growth in the RO system - and the injecting of bacteria-laden, de-chlorinated water into your potable water pipes.