Is just ro okay for reef tanks?

[Dinodanger]

I have a rodi unit 100gpd but when on the rodi mode it can take 12 hours to get 25litres of 0tds water which is too long so I use the ro filter only which comes out at 2tds in around a hour will this have any negative effects on my tank using this method?

 

[W1ngz]

That 2TDS could be anything from copper to ammonia to chlorine. You'd have to get it ICP tested to know if it's safe or not.

But, if you truly removed only the DI stage and are still running the pre-filters and RO membrane, something is wrong with your setup. The DI resin alone wouldn't account for the difference in how fast you're making water.

Maybe something is blocking the line or the DI cartridge.

 

[Mical]

At 2TDS you can have a phosphate issue possibly cyano (red algae). What pressure is your current RODI system running at? The higher the pressure the more efficient your RODI production & rates get.

I was running my RODI at 45 psi and it made a 3 to 1 ratio (waste / Tank water) I added a booster pump and run at 85 PSI and I get darn near a 1 to 1 ration and I make 20 gallons in 2 hours. My TDS: in 450, after membranes 4, after dual DI units 0

 

[Dinodanger]

That 2TDS could be anything from copper to ammonia to chlorine. You'd have to get it ICP tested to know if it's safe or not.

But, if you truly removed only the DI stage and are still running the pre-filters and RO membrane, something is wrong with your setup. The DI resin alone wouldn't account for the difference in how fast you're making water.

Maybe something is blocking the line or the DI cartridge.

The rodi unit is new and the same happened with my old unit so it's not a blockage etc

 

[W1ngz]

The rodi unit is new and the same happened with my old unit so it's not a blockage etc

It still remains that only removing the DI resin final stage wouldn't account for the change in rate you're making water. The limiter is usually the RO membrane.

Post photos, it will be clearer to see what's going on.

 

[Dinodanger]

At 2TDS you can have a phosphate issue possibly cyano (red algae). What pressure is your current RODI system running at? The higher the pressure the more efficient your RODI production & rates get.

I was running my RODI at 45 psi and it made a 3 to 1 ratio (waste / Tank water) I added a booster pump and run at 85 PSI and I get darn near a 1 to 1 ration and I make 20 gallons in 2 hours. My TDS: in 450, after membranes 4, after dual DI units 0

I don't know the pressure as the unit doesn't have a gauge onit but it does have a booster pump and the ratio for mine is crazy high probly 50gallons for litre is I was to guess

 

[Dinodanger]

It still remains that only removing the DI resin final stage wouldn't account for the change in rate you're making water. The limiter is usually the RO membrane.

What temperature isit where you live because when I put the unit next to a heater it processed water at over double the speed

 

[Mical]

I don't know the pressure as the unit doesn't have a gauge onit but it does have a booster pump and the ratio for mine is crazy high probly 50gallons for litre is I was to guess

Something is definitely wrong there. Worse case scenario it should be 4 to 1 (waste to RO). What kind of RODI unit is it?

 

[Dinodanger]

Something is definitely wrong there. Worse case scenario it should be 4 to 1 (waste to RO). What kind of RODI unit is it?

Vyair 100gpd pumped unit from the uk

 

[scottedontknow]

pictures of the set up? something is 100% wrong.

 

[W1ngz]

Is your flush valve open or closed? It should be perpendicular to the line (closed) for normal operation.

 

[Mical]

What temperature isit where you live because when I put the unit next to a heater it processed water at over double the speed

You're not running hot water into it are you? It looks very similar to units sold here in US, but we use carbon blocks not a coconut carbon filter (as per their data sheet). That unit looks like it's just for drinking water, IMO.

Is there any local reefers or LFS near you to contact and ask about? Sorry I can't help from afar..

 

[Dinodanger]

It still remains that only removing the DI resin final stage wouldn't account for the change in rate you're making water. The limiter is usually the RO membrane.

Post photos, it will be clearer to see what's going on.

Is your flush valve open or closed? It should be perpendicular to the line (closed) for normal operation.

Closed, the only thing I can think of is that's its not in the house its got an adaptor to the outside tap and and there's a small leak which could cause the drop in pressure? It's a pumped unit so not sure

 

[Dinodanger]

You're not running hot water into it are you? It looks very similar to units sold here in US, but we use carbon blocks not a coconut carbon filter (as per their data sheet). That unit looks like it's just for drinking water, IMO.

Is there any local reefers or LFS near you to contact and ask about? Sorry I can't help from afar..

Nah its cold water and for aquariums I checked before purchase thanks though

 

[W1ngz]

If it's cold outside then it could have an effect. Mine is in my laundry room where the temperature is typically at lowest about 16°-17°C.

 

[Mhart032]

Something is wrong with the unit for sure, id guess its the membrane or pressure like everyone else states. that being said.. the answer is absolutely yes, you can run a reef on RO water only. Ive seen very nice elegant reefs built with tap water in fact #timfish has such a reef.

 

[Dinodanger]

If it's cold outside then it could have an effect. Mine is in my laundry room where the temperature is typically at lowest about 16°-17°C.

might be why then in the UK at this time it's like 5c

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Something is wrong with the unit for sure, id guess its the membrane or pressure like everyone else states. that being said.. the answer is absolutely yes, you can run a reef on RO water only. Ive seen very nice elegant reefs built with tap water in fact #timfish has such a reef.

You're saying that as a matter of fact. The 2 tds in your area will be different than what's in my area. As stated above unless you have it tested you're rolling the dice.

 

[Dinodanger]

You're saying that as a matter of fact. The 2 tds in your area will be different than what's in my area. As stated above unless you have it tested you're rolling the dice.

Yh I'll get a icp test thanks

 

[drblakjak55]

What’s your hurry? Keep a 32g brute filled up. Will take eight hours to fill. Two brutes of wastewater.
ATI can check your RODI water at same time as the display tank