RO?

[TJFitz1980]

so I'm just getting started with my 40 gal FOWLR tank. I used tap water to start the tank...now I'm seeing people talking about RO or RO/DI?

Can you tell me a bit about this?

Is there an affordable kit to install under my sink to only use for when I do water changes and top off?

Is it a system that has to constantly run into a container or is it a filter that can be used upon demand?

Thank you

 

[Oscar47f]

Depending on your water supply it can be ok to use tap water, however you will get unwanted silicates and phosphates and other stuff that can cause algae and diatom issues. What an RO/DI does is remove pretty much everything from the water so that you are putting the cleanest water into your aquarium and won't have an issue with water quality or contaminants. There are cheap models around 100$ i believe but the filters for those tend to cost more than the units themselves in the long run and personally i like the 5 stage one from spectra pure that i use. But the cheaper one will get the job done regardless... And you do not need to have it running constantly just when you need to use it..

 

[cloak]

Some of the units that www.bulkreefsupply sell seem to be pretty popular. For a 40 gallon DT though the one in the link below should suffice IMO.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-4-stage-value-ro-di-system-75gpd-2.html

Like mentioned above though you might be able to get away with using tap water alone. (especially being that this is a FOWLR tank) While the water might be full of nutrients it's really the intense lighting that causes things bloom so to say. Bright lights are not needed for these types of tanks.

 

[Oscar47f]

Some of the units that www.bulkreefsupply sell seem to be pretty popular. For a 40 gallon DT though the one in the link below should suffice IMO.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-4-stage-value-ro-di-system-75gpd-2.html

I agree this unit would be a good one to have.

 

[dbl]

There is nothing wrong with the Bulk Reef Supply units and many people use them. I will offer an alternative to look at as well. Click the link below. This system actually comes with a set of replacements filters and a hand held TDS meter as well. They also sell the same system without the replacement filters for about $40 less than the one in the link. Just providing options...

http://spectrapure.com/Aquarium-RO-...ement-Filter Kit-TDS Meters-Chlorine-Test-Kit

 

[Oscar47f]

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...d=PLA_G_6194&gclid=CPjnw5TRnNACFUwHhgodPC8Jvw

The models I've heard mixed reviews on at my lfs are similar to this one...

 

[TJFitz1980]

Thank you everyone. Looks like I have some researching to do. I wonder if there is a way to have my tap water tested as I don't want an algae outbreak by any means!

 

[Oscar47f]

I think if you ask the water company supplying your water for a report they will give a copy to you.

 

[TJFitz1980]

When they say gallons per day...

I plan on doing biweekly 3 gallon water changes.

So say I go dump out 3 gallons how long will it take to get 3 gallons out of one of these units to refill it?

 

[TJFitz1980]

I need to check into that but what measurement am I looking for when I ask and what is a guide to what is good or bad with their numbers

 

[Oscar47f]

This video does a great job at explaining and will hopefully answer your questions better than i can

 

[TJFitz1980]

Thank you

 

[Oscar47f]

No problem! Happy ReefKeeping!

 

[TJFitz1980]

This tell you guys anything

 

[dbl]

It tells me that I highly recommend investing in a RODI unit, and I can't even read the chart. In my opinion, the use of tap is just too risky. Quality water for both mixing salt and using for top off water is critical.

I'm not saying it's impossible to be successful using tap, but to me, there is enough to worry about in this hobby, quality water doesn't need to be one of them. This is simply my opinion and yes, it's easy for me to spend your money, but I just think it's that important. I will shut up now!

 

[Oscar47f]

Your city uses chlorine to disinfect the water and your water has some nitrates in it but no phosphates.

 

[TJFitz1980]

Lol yes I think it would be much wiser to invest in one. Also that chart is from 2015. They haven't release 2016 yet.

From that video I think I can get by with a 4 stage...

 

[Water Dog]

Want to check you water quality? Get yourself a temperature compensated handheld TDS (total dissolved solids) meter and check your tap water yourself! That will help you determine the quality of your tap water.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000...&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX280_SY350_QL65&keywords=tds-3

 

[TJFitz1980]

I was about to say ok look someone else sending my money but it's only $11 lol

 

[Water Dog]

I rely on my handheld TDS meter to verify and confirm that the inline meters on my RO unit and my DI cartridges are accurate. Definitely worth the 11 bucks!