RO/DI and how many stages do I need?

[Ryeguy1284]

I found a really good deal on a 5 stage system with a pump and an expansion tank. Is 5 stages of filtration enough or should I add the 2 others? I do have well water and it was tested and passed with flying colors before I moved in.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Ryan, this is a drinking water RO system....but that's still OK. You can use it for both drinking and making water for your aquarium by diverting a line to a DI canister.

You will need to purchase a DI canister and DI resin....something like THIS. I'd also suggest picking up a dual inline TDS meter. And if your pressure is low, a booster pump.

Now for your aquarium water you'll need to use a Tee valve and tee off the unit right after the membrane. For your tank, you don't want to use the polishing filter on the top, or the storage tank. That tee valve will go to your DI canister. HERE's an example of the tee valve. If you have no interest in drinking water you can skip this tee valve and just direct the line after the membrane to the DI canister.



The water line coming from the storage tank can be used for drinking water or making ice...but again, not for your tank.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I just went back and read the description and it looks like it comes with a booster pump of sorts.

The other thing that has me scratching my head is that RO manufacturers are not allowed to make claim of producing sterile water....and they do indirectly by stating that it removes bacteria and virus...not sure how they are getting away with that???

 

[Ryeguy1284]

I’m not using it for drinking.. So if I eliminate the tank polishing add the DI I can use the pump it comes with for my ATO?

 

[redfishbluefish]

I'm back.....one more thing to look for, seeing you're on well water....high CO2 in well water (fairly typical with the aquafers in NJ) will eat through DI resin real fast....I'm saying possibly within ten gallons or so. If you have high CO2, you'll need to degas before sending the water through the DI resin.

 

[Ryeguy1284]

Did I just get hosed? Lol

 

[Ryeguy1284]

I’ll look into the report I got and see what they found thanks for all the info I really appreciate it!!!!

 

[cracker]

No Man No hosing, just not exactly what Ya want for your aquarium. We can help You with how to change it to what need. Hey you will have real good drinking water !

 

[redfishbluefish]

You didn't get hosed...but after purchasing the DI and TDS meters, it's about what you'd pay for a complete aquarium system. And actually if it's a decent booster pump, you've made out....I think I paid about $100 just for a pump.

Now if it was me, I'd take advantage of the fresh water faucet and hook this up so that I could use the drinking water part as well....or as a minimum, running a line to my ice maker to make "clean" ice.

 

[Ryeguy1284]

So I remove polisher add DI. Should I go 2 or 1 canister DI ? I’d keep the polisher but don’t want the kids burnin up RO filters.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Not sure what you mean by kids burning up the RO membrane.....I'm still on my first membrane from 2006....they really don't "burn up".


The two DI canister is nice if you can spend the extra $$ and you're going through DI rather fast. My DI lasts about a year, and although I have a dual canister, I switched back to a single.

 

[Ryeguy1284]

I actually have a blank cover on my sink where a soap dispenser went I might just do that. Cutting a tee in is really no big deal I really appreciate the help @redfishbluefish , @cracker

 

[Ryeguy1284]

So this is what I picked up.