How to best utilize RO/DI system.....

I have an RO/DI system on order and wanted to find out the best way to set the system up for water accumulation. How much to store? How to store water? Hook directly up to sump? I don't have alot of storage space.

 

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gonna be ordering a system myself soon too; very interested to hear any opinions. So far i think i may be setting it up to directly top off my tank in the sump area.

 

I have mine teed off so one end goes to sump for top offs and the other i can use to fill buckets for water changes, etc.

 

Its not recommended you hook directly to your sump, if the float valve fails you could flood your system with fresh water.
I use a Rubbermaid 23 gallon recycling can with float switches set about 11 gallons apart so my RO/DI gets a nice long run each time eliminating the effects of TDS creep from starting and stopping constantly with float valve. The ATO is fed from this reservoir using a Spectrapure UPLC-II which utilizes a persitaltic pump like the LiterMeter uses. No chance of siphoning and it also has a high level back up switch in case the sensor fails.

The recycling can is nice and compact at about 9" wide and 20" front to back, it fits about anywhere. the only problem is the rectangular shape wants to bow out at the top so I made a frame out of square tubing which slips under the rim so it holds its shape.

 

Copy that Desertrat. I am also planning on buying the S[pectrapure system. I will probably have to use more primitive methods to store water. I have a small bathroom/laundry room where I will tap the water and store in a rubbermaid bat of some sort. Where is the best place to find a decent float valve? Are these full proof for shut off? :thumb_up:

 

Float valves are much like a toilet of swamp cooler float, they will eventually fail and/or seep-drip. They are a simple and fairly inexpensive device though and can be easily replaced. I know some float valves don't work well without a bladder or pressure tank in the line for a positive shutoff, I often hear about chattering and valves leaking without them.

I prefer a solenoid valve and float switches since the solenoid is a more robust device. Many of the ATO vendors like autotopoff.com and others sell them and I believe Spectrapure offers a couple of competitive ATO systems too, starting at like $49 if I remember right. They have them on their website I think. The Tunze Osmolator, Bulk Reef and JBJ seem to be popular too.

 

Good stuff AZ, thanks again!8)