new skimmer or an rodi unit

b-o-b-s · Apr 14, 2013

hi, im curently in need of a new skimmer and an rodi unit. what do you all think is more important and why. also what brands do you guys and gals recomend. i was leaning twords a vertex omega 150 skimmer and a coralife 4 stage rodi unit.

Downbeach · Apr 14, 2013

You would be better served if you bought both. The Vertex is a great skimmer, but there are less expensive units that will do a good job, and leave enough money to get a good RO/DI too. You can get this skimmer, and save over $100, and apply it to this RO/DI unit. I've had the RO/DI for a few years, it does a great job. I've had the skimmer for about 5 month's now, and love it.

Reefing Madness · Apr 14, 2013

Excellent choice on the skimmer. RO Unit would be of your choosing, there are way to many out there, and for the most part the meida that comes with them is fine, you just have to watch what you buy for replacements. Spectrapure would get my vote.
But, I belive you need both, I ran a FOWLR for many years with just the skimmer and you grow more crap and ugly garbage thats not needed using Tap water, its just not worth it. Most look at pic on the Internet and want there tanks to look like that, super clear and blue, welp, with tap water your not going to get that.

b-o-b-s · Apr 14, 2013

"Excellent choice on the skimmer"... bubble or the vertex?

Reefing Madness · Apr 14, 2013

Vertex. When looking for a Skimmer, look into the Air intake, when the skimmers are closely matched this will let you know whose pulling the better deal out.
Sorry to confuse you. Your Vertex draws a hefty 850lph versus the Bubble-Magus 500lph, your choice is much better.

b-o-b-s · Apr 30, 2013

Vertex omega 150 should be here next week!

Reefing Madness · May 1, 2013

NanaReefer · May 1, 2013

If I had to choose between the two I definitely get the RO/DI unit first. Especially if your using tap. If your getting/buying RO/DI without a prob then I'd get the skimmer

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_Alex_ · May 1, 2013

Rodi will save you in the end over a skimmer. Can't do a good water change with a skimmer.... I just purchased spectrapure maxcap 90 GPD rodi, and the booster pump. Lot up front, but I'm tired of dragging buckets around. And I figure in the cost of water, gas, and all the other stuff I end up buying. It will pay for itself pretty quick.

-Alex-

MelissaKathryn · May 1, 2013

You need both, anddd I know you already got the skimmer buuuttttt you really want to get that RODI unit ASAP or start getting your water in jugs from a LFS. You don't want to risk bad water messing up your tank for the long run any longer than you have to.

AZDesertRat · May 1, 2013

Definitely RO/DI. Water is the single largest ingredient in a reef system and everything depends on its quality and stability. Start it out right and the skimmer can come later. It also pays to be able to control that quality youself and not have to depend on someone else.
The $130 system from Spectrapure is an excellent value on sale right now. Just about the oldest name in the business and they don't come any better at twice the price.

oceanparadise1 · May 1, 2013

I agree with everyone that both are just as important. I cant even picture my self starting a tank with out either of these units. It would be like buying car with no tires or motor. Both are equally important to the quality of a reef tank IMO.

b-o-b-s · May 1, 2013

b-o-b-s · May 1, 2013

Here's my setup with neither after 10 months running. Not a bad start

Reefing Madness · May 1, 2013

Can't argue with that. But how much are you spending on Salt for all those WC your doing?

b-o-b-s · May 1, 2013

Up untill march I didn't do a single water change just top offs. Towards the end of march I had a diamond goby die that I couldn't get out and then the cyano started and ph droped off so then I bought two 20lb bags and started syphoning cyano daily and doing 10 gallon water changes every four days or so. Now its under control and I haven't done a water change in about two weeks. I haven't had very good luck keeping sps acans and blastos that I've tried... oh and I don't have an ato either so my prams were not very stable... I think I'm going to get a spectrapure ato when I pick up the vertex.