Reverse osmosis and protein skimmer

[Ldoughty]

Hey there, I'm sort of new to this hobby, only had my tank a few weeks. Wondering if it's worth it to get either a reverse osmosis system or protein skimmer in the future. Thoughts?

 

[Chefwheredyougo]

BOTH. Most importantly a RODI unit. The skimmer can wait, its not necessarily "needed" , but it will make your life easier when it comes to nutrient export. Especially if you have no means of export at the moment

Tank details?

 

[Keithb22]

Every major aquarium book will praise the benefits of a solid skimmer. I got away without one for a while but ended up getting one and have loved it. Low nutrients and good beneficial bacteria will be key in attempting no skimmer. Rodi is absolutely a must, whether you get a unit or buy from lfa

 

[Ldoughty]

BOTH. Most importantly a RODI unit. The skimmer can wait, its not necessarily "needed" , but it will make your life easier when it comes to nutrient export. Especially if you have no means of export at the moment

Tank details?

Tank is a 32 gallon biocube, currently using imagitarium pacific water. Have 2 clowns and a small cuc

 

[ROB2005]

RO/DI is a must. Definitely will help you in the long run with auto top and especially if you make your own seawater.

 

[andrewey]

It depends on the tank for both. If you had a 10 gallon aquarium and didn't mind buying RODI water, you might not need to spend the money on either. However, if you have a larger tank or don't want to head to the LFS for water, a RODI is a must. You can buy some inexpensive models to start.

A skimmer is a great tool, but I would put it as less of a necessity. A lot of reefers run them, however you can get away without one if you're diligent about your water changes, have a refugium or algae turf scruber, etc. I would start with the RODI then determine whether you want/need a skimmer based on your tanks needs. For example, if you like softies and keep a smaller bioload, then a skimmer certaintly isn't going to be necessary (but may still help).

 

[andrewey]

On a 32 biocube, a skimmer is completely an optional tool. I've run skimmers on tanks that size, but I've also run two biocubes without skimmers for years and never had any issues. I would warn you that most skimmers that are budget friendly that would work with the biocube are absolute garbage and not worth spending any $$$ on. There are some great skimmers, but they tend to be a bit pricier at that size that fit the properties of a biocube (e.g. fit in the baffles, HOB, but not taller than the tank, etc.)

 

[Peace River]

To join in with the others RODI water is necessary in virtually all cases and most people find that it is easier to make their own instead of always having to buy it from the LFS. A skimmer is very helpful and recommended in many cases.

 

[Chefwheredyougo]

Tank is a 32 gallon biocube, currently using imagitarium pacific water. Have 2 clowns and a small cuc

With such a small bioload at the moment, I would still recommend the RODI, but not a skimmer... yet. The rodi is nice because you can always have water on hand to do an emergency water change. Some instances, like covid-19, will make getting water from your LFS or even petco (late night emergencies) hard. As mentioned above, you can certainly maintain nutrient export with water changes alone on that small of a system. A skimmer would make it even easier though

 

[Ldoughty]

So which specific RODI would you all recommend?

 

[Romeo Kilo]

RO/DI will pay for its self.

 

[Chefwheredyougo]

So which specific RODI would you all recommend?

BRS 4 stage works well for me

 

[Sebastiancrab]

I am new and have been studying all this too. Check also Buckeye Hydro, AirWaterIce and Liquagen. I am going with the standard size cartridge unit because you are not limited to one supplier. A Buddie RO DI unit is the cheapest and slowest but if you want to grow, you will want a higher gal per day. Also, consider whether spending the bit extra for the add on drinking water part with a small tank or plumbing to run to your fridge etc. More bang for your buck! I have not picked a company yet. I think BRS is currently out of stock on the popular units.

This will pay for itself over time.

 

[Chefwheredyougo]

You definitely want more GPD. I'm at 150gpd. Thats enough for 1.5 100% water changes for me. Whatever you get, get something with a pressure guage and a TDS meter to monitor it

 

[Ldoughty]

You definitely want more GPD. I'm at 150gpd. Thats enough for 1.5 100% water changes for me. Whatever you get, get something with a pressure guage and a TDS meter to monitor it

What about aquatic life 75 gpd, 4 stage?

 

[Chefwheredyougo]

I'm sure that would be fine for you. I have no experience with that one unfortunately

 

[Sebastiancrab]

What company made yours?

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

Hey there, I'm sort of new to this hobby, only had my tank a few weeks. Wondering if it's worth it to get either a reverse osmosis system or protein skimmer in the future. Thoughts?

for about a year I was buying RO water From the water dispenser outside the supermarket. And I had a device to test total dissolved Organics. The water was pretty close to Pure. Today I just got my RO filter and in the planning stages to install. Only cost me $65. Free shipping

 

[Ldoughty]

I'm sure that would be fine for you. I have no experience with that one unfortunately

So I mix in the salt after the tap water is run through the system? Also dechlorinate after as well? Like in a bucket

 

[davescj]

I very much recommend skimmer (keeps your water much cleaner).

RODI - it is a must, will pay for itself. I recommend one that you can attach easily (think to a sink). The easier it is to use, the more you will use it. It removes lots of nasty from your tap water.

I would add one more thing - Auto top off (ATO). This will keep your salinity and other levels more consistent, and you don't get 'peaks' during the day (and you don't have to remember to add water 3x a day).