RO/DI system recommendation

[hopperjl16]

I'm brand new to saltwater tanks, I have a Biocube 29 (so 23g I think) that I'm just getting started. Right now it has saltwater that I purchased directly from the LFS. Originally I was thinking we would just continue to purchase water as needed from the LFS since my weekly water changes are just 4-5 gallons (he charges $1.50/gallon). But he's about 45 min from me and the reality is I probably won't make it over there every week. So my options are:

1 - could I stockpile fresh water from my LFS once a month or so and mix it into saltwater as needed for water changes?

2 - buy a less expensive ro/di unit (not quite ready to purchase a $300 one, esp for such a small tank) for now with intent to get the better one later

3 - use the LFS water as above until I can buy my own $300 or so ro/di unit?

Thanks for any advice!
Jaime

 

[redfishbluefish]

I'd suggest one of these two units:

SpectraPure Refurbished

SpectraPure with extra goodies

 

[hopperjl16]

I'd suggest one of these two units:

SpectraPure Refurbished

SpectraPure with extra goodies

Will this get chloramine too? I see it covers chlorine but I've been warned to watch out for chloramine.

Thanks!
Jaime

 

[redfishbluefish]

I know they sell a chloramine carbon block, but I'd prefer if @AZDesertRat jumps in here and gives you the expert advice.


When you say you've been warned, do you know that your water purveyer is using chloramine?

 

[Viperdoug]

Call the Filter Guys. Www.filterguys.biz. they are sponsors on here and he can answer all your questions ando set you up with the correct system.

 

[Blue Lip]

Not all water supply has chloramine added. You should test your tap water. Some tap water has higher silicates. There are RODI units that remove more than others. I like spectrapure.

 

[PedroYoung]

You could certainly mix your own salt with LFS RO water till you are ready for your own system. You need some RO without salt for evaporation top off or your salinity will get too high. You should be able to call your water company and ask if they treat with monochloromine. It is REALLY nice to have your own system though. Once you do you will be asking yourself why you waited.

 

[AZDesertRat]

Chloramines are not an issue for Spectrapure systems and special carbons or dual carbons are not needed. Carbon DOES NOT remove chloramines. Carbon breaks the bond between the chlorine and ammonia and removes the chlorine portion only. The RO membrane removes most of the ammonia and the most important step is DI. Spectrapure develops and blends their SilicaBuster DI for this purpose. They don't come any better.

 

[hopperjl16]

I know they sell a chloramine carbon block, but I'd prefer if @AZDesertRat jumps in here and gives you the expert advice.


When you say you've been warned, do you know that your water purveyer is using chloramine?

I was just assuming/preparing for the worst I suppose, I will def call our water company and ask. According to their website I just checked they only list chlorine.

 

[120reefkeeper]

Just get an air water and ice unit and your done.[emoji12]

 

[AZDesertRat]

I had an AWI Typhoon III and it wasn't what I thought it would be. Sold it and bought a SpectraPure MaxCap and it was worlds different. Membrane life went from 18-124 months to 5+ years and DI life went from 150 measured gallons to over 830 measured gallons on the very first cartridge with no other changes. I even took the Typhoon Membrane out and had it bench tested at Watts and it still wasn't up to my expectations. There really is a difference.