First saltwater tank, got a few questions

Mattx22 · Mar 5, 2020

Hey guys I'm new here and to the saltwater side of the hobby. I'm getting a used 80 gallon tank with a 30g sump, skimmer ect. I however do not have an ro/di system where I live.

I was looking at some cheaper options on amazon ect but then saw a post on a local buy and sell for a 4 stage Coralife 5692 ro/di system. However it's been sitting unused for a year, with water in it. Will the media be any good? He is asking $50 for it.

Also I'm sure this has been answered before. But what are some good clean up crews for a tank that size

Thanks guys,

glb · Mar 5, 2020

Mattx22 said:
Hey guys I'm new here and to the saltwater side of the hobby. I'm getting a used 80 gallon tank with a 30g sump, skimmer ect. I however do not have an ro/di system where I live.

I was looking at some cheaper options on amazon ect but then saw a post on a local buy and sell for a 4 stage Coralife 5692 ro/di system. However it's been sitting unused for a year, with water in it. Will the media be any good? He is asking $50 for it.

Also I'm sure this has been answered before. But what are some good clean up crews for a tank that size

Thanks guys,

I wouldn’t trust the filters on that system. Since good rodi water is the key to preventing so many problems, I’d buy a new rodi setup if you can swing it. You could change out all the filter media and tubing on the used one, but I wouldn’t risk it. Hopefully someone with the exact system you’re looking at will chime in with more info. Good luck!

Mattx22 · Mar 5, 2020

Thank you your reply. Yea it worried me from sitting, never had any rodi systems before. Or does anyone have any recommendations for a cheapish rodi system?

PatW · Mar 5, 2020

I have a Bulk Reef Supply 6 stage. And it has done fine. You want a system that allows you to flush the RO membrane and has TDS metering after the RO membrane and after the DI cartridge. My system has a sediment filter, 2 carbon filters, the Reverse Osmosis (RO) membrane and two DI (deionization) resin cartridges. I check the tds after the RO and after the first DI. I went with BRS because they have a pot load of videos on their RO systems but the systems are all very similar in fittings. Spectrapure is reputed to have the best RO membranes.

SeaSickness · Mar 5, 2020

I don’ t think it’s worth it.
Since it’s been sitting for so long, you will need to replace all of the filter elements, including the membrane.
You are better off buying a new 4 stage RO/DI from BRS for approx. $150. It will be cheaper and better in the long run.

Edp251 · Mar 5, 2020

Welcome to Reef2Reef. Something I wish i had done is buy a TDS (total dissolved solids) meter before i selected my RODI. Or you could get a test somewhere local. I purchased a new 5-stage unit and was having problems with sensitive corals that baffled me so I bought a meter and found out my town water was bad enough that a larger 7-stage system was needed. That said, I was trying to keep sps corals. Your needs will depend on how you plan to stock your tank. Best of luck and shout if we can help further!