Completely clueless on RO/DI

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by NYGiants, Apr 17, 2013.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

Page 1 of 3
  1. NYGiants

    NYGiants Coral Banded Shrimp

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2010
    Messages:
    354
    Ok so I just set up my 72G FOWLR but I used Tap water... I know I know.. Probably a bonehead move...

    Can someone elighten me or show me links to learning more about RO/DI and whats a good unit? Nothing too expensive please, just something which will give me enough water for my biweekly water changes or top offs for evaporation.

    Any help would be appreciated.
     
    NYGiants, Apr 17, 2013
    NYGiants, Apr 17, 2013
    #1

    2. Click Here!

  2. AZDesertRat

    AZDesertRat Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2009
    Messages:
    3,904
    Location:
    Phoenix AZ
    Read the articles in the FAQ section here:
    FAQ

    A good reef quality system costs about $130 and gives you everthing you need except a handheld TDS meter which is about $20-$25.
     
    AZDesertRat, Apr 17, 2013
    AZDesertRat, Apr 17, 2013
    #2
  3. DrewSk

    DrewSk Feather Duster

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2013
    Messages:
    228
    Location:
    Anchorage, AK
    Most LFS will also sell you the water by the gallon, which is what I would reccomend until you get your own unit. Its usually about 50 cents/gallon
     
    DrewSk, Apr 17, 2013
    DrewSk, Apr 17, 2013
    #3
  4. NYGiants

    NYGiants Coral Banded Shrimp

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2010
    Messages:
    354
    Spoke to my LFS and they are indeed selling it at .75 / Gallon...

    In the mean time, any specific reccomendation for a unit for my needs?
     
    NYGiants, Apr 17, 2013
    NYGiants, Apr 17, 2013
    #4
  5. DrewSk

    DrewSk Feather Duster

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2013
    Messages:
    228
    Location:
    Anchorage, AK
    Check out Bulk Reef Supply, they have a number of units that are pretty affordable
     
    DrewSk, Apr 17, 2013
    DrewSk, Apr 17, 2013
    #5
  6. NYGiants

    NYGiants Coral Banded Shrimp

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2010
    Messages:
    354
    Thats part of the problem, that there are soo many to choose from...

    I just need something for my FOWLR that I dont want running most of the time, only want to turn it on the day before I plan on replacing evaporation / doing a small water change..

    Any reccomendation ?
     
    NYGiants, Apr 17, 2013
    NYGiants, Apr 17, 2013
    #6

    7. Click Here!

  7. pgoodsell

    pgoodsell Horrid Stonefish

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2009
    Messages:
    2,059
    Location:
    Sparks, Nv
    Check out SpectraPure. They have refurbished 90gpd units for $129 all the time. And they are one of the best ro/di makers.
     
    pgoodsell, Apr 17, 2013
    pgoodsell, Apr 17, 2013
    #7
  8. Astrick117

    Astrick117 Stylophora

    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2011
    Messages:
    973
    Location:
    Clifton, NJ
    This is what I have and Spectrapure is highly recommended! Comes with a standard garden hose hook-up, so it's easy to attach. I have had zero problems for the past 2 years with the unit despite the fact that it is refurbished.

    FACTORY REFURBISHED
     
    Astrick117, Apr 17, 2013
    Astrick117, Apr 17, 2013
    #8
  9. Astrick117

    Astrick117 Stylophora

    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2011
    Messages:
    973
    Location:
    Clifton, NJ
    Ha! you beat me to it, though I think I should get bonus points for the link ;D
     
    Astrick117, Apr 17, 2013
    Astrick117, Apr 17, 2013
    #9
    1 person likes this.
  10. weems23

    weems23 Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Sep 16, 2011
    Messages:
    61
    Essentially any unit with RO, particle filter, and carbon filter will work at the minimum. You don't have to have DI or the other extra stuff like extra carbon filters and UV sterilizers built in, but it does make the water better. Mostly it comes down to how much you want to spend. Keep in mind for every gallon filtered, 50% to 70% is dumped as waste by most RO units and filters have to be changed every now and then. A big stand alone DI filter would also work and creates no waste water, but the filter cartridges may have to be changed more often depending on how dirty the water going in is.
     
    weems23, Apr 17, 2013
    weems23, Apr 17, 2013
    #10
Page 1 of 3