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

[FastandCurious]

API tests are often read as 0.25 when they are 0 but how did you cycle your tank? More specifically what was your ammonia source? What you should have seen was a rise in ammonia to around 4ppm and over time a rise in nitrites and then a depletion of nitrites to nitrates. You said you had 0 nitrates though right? Do you have a refugium?

I would stop using chemical solutions like ammo lock and pH buffers and use some bacterial culture. You should see your nitrates go up. With 5 fish in 70gals 1 being larger I’d be surprised by having 0 nitrates with no noticeable algae in your tank. At least from the photos you posted.

Using ammo lock could be stalling your cycle.

I agree I only started to see a rise in my numbers when I started dosing. I may stop and just try and let my tank naturally balance out which is why I wanted to do a big water change of maybe 20-25%. But we'll see how it goes.

 

[Weasel1960]

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.

Hi, only been a member a few days but posted a similar question. Not sure how to link my post in this message but if you search for me it’s the only one. Anyway several good responses from members including a detailed list of some RODI units that create less waste. I am now looking into the ones at BRS for that reason.

 

[Nanorock1970]

Get your own RODI setup. I asked this same question a little while ago and got very similar responses. The RODI process creates some sort of “waste” water. Save how much waste you produce by getting a water saver unit. I went with the BRS 150 water saver myself in the end. I currently have a 56 gal tank that I was getting 10 gal salt mix from my LFS. Planning on a larger tank in the near future. Nice to go to the garage to get water when ever I need it, be it a top off or a water change. Before I was at the mercy of a 5 gal jug. 5 gal out and 5 gal in. It would be more difficult to say add a gal from the jug for a top off and then do my weekly 5 gal water change... Get an RODI unit, invest what you can vs how fast you want to make water. You control your water quality because your LFS is going to squeeze all they can out of their system to keep their profits high. Save on product by getting a water saver. 1:1 is ideal because why would you want to throw away 4 gal for every 1 gal of good water?

 

[JCTReefer]

Wow! 8 pages. I’m impressed. Honestly the best investment I’ve made. Back in the day I used to have a 250 gallon car wash reservoir. I would go buy bulk RO. Was like 6 or 7 cents a gallon. And no this wasn’t zero TDS water. Never had issues. Thank goodness. Was definitely a task though. Hooking onto the trailer. Making the trip. Pumping the water from the trailer to my other reservoirs in the garage. Wish I would have bought an RO/DI unit 20 years ago!
I would highly highly highly recommend that float valve/shut off if you do decide to purchase one.
Like a few others have mentioned, it’s Just a matter of time before you’ll eventually forget it’s running. I never took the chance and installed one from the start. I’m like a squirrel and get easily sidetracked.
I would also suggest a BBC unit with duel DI canisters. So much easier just swapping places and refilling the other. Some of the units like BRS sells have inline tds meters. Gives you an idea of what your tds is after the membrane and before the first stage of DI. Then another between the first a second stage DI. This will tell you when your resin is getting exhausted in the first Canister. Then the last sensor is at the very end after the second resin canister. This tells you your final product. Of course you can put these TDS sensors wherever you want. That’s just they way some come stock.
It’s always nice knowing your RO/DI is pure, without relying and trusting other sources.

 

[srad750c]

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.

Yes, and you will love yourself for it. Change your cartridges as recommended. I get about 2 years out of mine. Get a RO/DI system for best results. I've been making my own water for 14 years, comes in handy if you have an emergency. I store 15 gallons as a backup, just be sure to rotate if you store.

Mine is custom:

1 x 5 micron carbon block
1 x 1 micron chloramine block
75 GPD TFC membrane
2 x mixed bed resin DI canisters

Going to add a 5 micron sediment filter to see if it improves anything.

 

[Tmtdvm]

I bought a 7 stage filter system from Bulk Reef Supply and it’s been the best purchase I’ve made. They have replacement filters as well. I have 2-60 gallon holding tanks. One for RODI and the other to mix fresh salt water in. Cuts my time and costs down exponentially. I would highly recommend this.

 

[Erick Armanii]

I added the drinking water feature which creates RO water and stores that separately for just drinking water and when you want to make reef safe RODI turn a valve.

it’s great and the family loves it too

 

[BillFish Coral Lover]

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.

Yep, if you have room, and there are good, relatively small units depending on your tap water. I just did a water change and I know I had the amount exact. Then my water level rose above expected and I took some out to account for it. Only then did I realize I had disconnected a pump that, when I turned it back on, naturally sucked the water level down below where my ATO could help and I'm mixing a half-gallon on quick mixing salt at 3 a.m. It's ready now; gotta go! Oh, I use Red Sea Salt and the also have their Coral Pro Salt. Always check your desired parameters and pick a good salt mix that's close to your target numbers.

 

[mkwarner77]

depends on the size of the tank. mines a 46 gl and i go to the lfs about every 2 weeks for water. I can only imagine the truckload of buckets you'd need to get with a 125 gl and higher. that would get very old very quickly.

 

[Fish man]

If you purchase used plan on replacing the filters before using.

Yeah be careful about buying used. The filters could be old and if you have to replace all of them that's the bulk of the cost of a new one.

 

[charged]

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.

What are your levels now w/your filtration systems?

 

[Bfragale]

Best thing I ever did in the hobby was get my own 7 stage RODI unit and build a mixing station.
Got rodi used from another reefer for $150 with new filters. Ordered the auto shut off valve from BRS

got 2- 30gal containers (originally used for pharmacy grade vitamins) for $40, a stand from offer up for $40, a used pump $50, and plumbing from Home Depot.

spent half a day building and installing everything.
Now life is easier lol.

totally worth the cost, you will not regret it.
Good luck and happy reefing!

 

[ApoIsland]

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.

I would test your tap water before getting an rodi unit. Depending on age of tank/rock the issues might just be related to a new tank settling in. I have maintained nice mixed reef tanks Denver, San Diego, and a few places in Hawaii and never needed an RODI unit.

 

[Doctorgori]

RO’s? depends: I’ve used 120ppm great lakes water in the winter: no/zero issues ...summer during algae blooms; not so much

abridged quote:

Wow! 8 pages. I’m impressed

Impressed yes, surprised no.... I’m gonna run off and change my avatar before the flames hit me

 

[FastandCurious]

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.

 

[Lp1977]

Me personally I couldn't imagine reef life without one. Keeping proper water parimeters is hard enough why make it harder.

 

[bevo5]

I've had an RODI unit for years now and EVERY time i go out and grab a bucket of fresh for my ATO, or mix up 55g of salt - I'm thankful for having it.

 

[sergifed91]

I used to go out and buy distilled water. Carrying it inside was a great workout but got to expensive and tiring. I got the rodi and love it. No more hauling water from the store and down to my basement.

 

[charged]

You got the small unit?

 

[c.poindexter]

For sure. I bought one day one as I did not have access to a LFS. BRS is the best.