Well water and ro/di

[Cherie cook]

Setting up a new 80 gallon tank and I'm wondering about well water and the need for ro/di. I know our water is heavy in iron, calcium I don't think so much. Not sure what other impurities to be looking for...any suggestions? I'd like to be able to keep some LPS and maybe a clam, as well as fish.

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

Setting up a new 80 gallon tank and I'm wondering about well water and the need for ro/di. I know our water is heavy in iron, calcium I don't think so much. Not sure what other impurities to be looking for...any suggestions? I'd like to be able to keep some LPS and maybe a clam, as well as fish.

It sort of depends what your soil and groundwater aquifer is made up of. Our water here in NW Florida has a higher than average amount of Arsenic and Sulfur in some places, as well as Iron, so it probably would not be good long term for a reef tank.

 

[Cherie cook]

It sort of depends what your soil and groundwater aquifer is made up of. Our water here in NW Florida has a higher than average amount of Arsenic and Sulfur in some places, as well as Iron, so it probably would not be good long term for a reef tank.

Now that I think of it, we do smell sulfer in our water occasionally! Thanks for your reply! Did you get your water tested?

 

[PedroYoung]

Setting up a new 80 gallon tank and I'm wondering about well water and the need for ro/di. I know our water is heavy in iron, calcium I don't think so much. Not sure what other impurities to be looking for...any suggestions? I'd like to be able to keep some LPS and maybe a clam, as well as fish.

I'm on a well in Alabama and have always used RO/DI. It's a pretty minor investment when you consider it's the environment your creatures will be living in for the rest of their lives. I have to use a booster pump because our well pressure is only 40-45 psi.

 

[Cherie cook]

I'm on a well in Alabama and have always used RO/DI. It's a pretty minor investment when you consider it's the environment your creatures will be living in for the rest of their lives. I have to use a booster pump because our well pressure is only 40-45 psi.

Just ordered a systm from Bulk Reef Supply! No idea what our well pressure is, lol!

 

[PedroYoung]

Just ordered a systm from Bulk Reef Supply! No idea what our well pressure is, lol!

I think most of their systems include a pressure gauge or you can get one at home depot that goes on a hose faucet for like $5. I use their 150 GPD system with this
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/1-4-aquatec-8800-booster-pump-kit.html

 

[Cherie cook]

I think most of their systems include a pressure gauge or you can get one at home depot that goes on a hose faucet for like $5. I use their 150 GPD system with this
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/1-4-aquatec-8800-booster-pump-kit.html

Thanks so much for your help! This forum keeps me going!

 

[Adele]

Well water here too. Glad you got the Rodi unit. It’s pretty much a must have but some people risk it. I’ve seen the results from the alternative and, no thanks. I’ll stick with 0 tds.
There is a pretty good chance you will want the booster pump. Our well puts a little under 40psi into my rodi. The booster gets me to 80 which helps membrane productivity.
Have fun with your new toy.

 

[andrewkw]

Well water is just as much of a crap shoot as city water.

 

[Cherie cook]

Well water here too. Glad you got the Rodi unit. It’s pretty much a must have but some people risk it. I’ve seen the results from the alternative and, no thanks. I’ll stick with 0 tds.
There is a pretty good chance you will want the booster pump. Our well puts a little under 40psi into my rodi. The booster gets me to 80 which helps membrane productivity.
Have fun with your new toy.

Thanks for the reply! Could you elaborate a bit on the booster pump, what brand...etc?

 

[Adele]

Thanks for the reply! Could you elaborate a bit on the booster pump, what brand...etc?

I got my RODI from Air Water Ice about 10 years ago, but added the booster pump kit here about 5 years ago. Its a dream when you have low pressure
https://airwaterice.com/booster-pump-power-station.html

But BRS carries one too

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/1-4-...ump&utm_content=bulk reef supply booster pump

Unless you have an incredible pump on your well, i highly recommend getting one they are easy to install and once it's hooked up you pretty much forget about it.
Are you tapping in from a hose connection? I have to set up my unit every time I need water.

 

[Cherie cook]

I got my RODI from Air Water Ice about 10 years ago, but added the booster pump kit here about 5 years ago. Its a dream when you have low pressure
https://airwaterice.com/booster-pump-power-station.html

But BRS carries one too

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/1-4-aquatec-8800-booster-pump-kit.html?msclkid=3de58113908d13ce96b2dbfe71391659&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Search>Trademark>Pumps>Exact&utm_term=bulk reef supply booster pump&utm_content=bulk reef supply booster pump

Unless you have an incredible pump on your well, i highly recommend getting one they are easy to install and once it's hooked up you pretty much forget about it.
Are you tapping in from a hose connection? I have to set up my unit every time I need water.

Lol...I have no idea what I'm doing, I've never used RO/DI before! But I guess I will attempt to set it up in my basement where I do have a hose setup for my washer.

 

[Adele]

Lol...I have no idea what I'm doing, I've never used RO/DI before! But I guess I will attempt to set it up in my basement where I do have a hose setup for my washer.

You will be fine. It all looks complicated with tubes, pumps, membranes and filters but you will get comfortable with its operation. This is a good place to ask any question no matter how trivial it seems and youtube is very helpful with visuals.