Problem with RO/di

Discussion in 'ASAP' started by Sincere, May 18, 2006.

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  1. Sincere

    Sincere Plankton

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    I tested the water in my RO system and its coming out high in ammonia so I replaced the carbon and the all white one (don't know what its called) I was told to try to replace the di and even had the option to replace it with another carbon because the di on takes care of .02% that the membrane doesnt catch? I have a Kent marine Maxxima Hi-s which I purchase of someone used for $80 with 15 gallon trash can and float switch.
     
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  3. asilefx

    asilefx Skunk Shrimp

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    If your TDS reading is still low you can use a few drops of Ammonia Detox. I usually add 2 drops to 5 gallons, but it really depends on how high your ammonia levels are.
     
  4. Sincere

    Sincere Plankton

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    Well I don't have a tds meter so I don't know. However shouldn't the water coming out of a RO not have ammonia in it. As soon as I finish shaking the test its already turning green so its high.
     
  5. Jason McKenzie

    Jason McKenzie Super Moderator

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    Try to measure the water going into the RO/DI unit see if it is high going in.
    also I would replace all the filters with the correct ones. Many times it is cheaper to replace the entire RO/DI than it is to replace just the RO membrane. So what I was thinking is the person who sold you the unit needed a new membrane. odds are you need a new RO membrane.

    the only part of the filter that could remove Ammonia would be the RO membrane

    J
     
  6. Sincere

    Sincere Plankton

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    Thats what I figured might as well by a new one on ebay I guess seen them cheap. Will one be better with a uv sterilizer? I know I need one because I have brown algae growing (have the regular 1 bulb floro saving up cash for a light) I started my 55 back in november and just recently added my second fish (tomato clown and picasso). A 0 N 0 Nitrate bellow 10 (lost the card its a real light yellow) PH is 8 and can't remember if my kh is good about 9 drops makes it yellow I think.

    I have a 10 gallon sump using a 25 micron bag and coral life skimmer. Although I have to add water every couple of days to it. I am thinking of redoing it using 2 homemade (hopefully) acrylice cubes one with skimmer and return pump the other cube will be connected using bulk heads and make it a refugium.

    Thanks for the help
     
  7. BuckeyeFieldSupply

    BuckeyeFieldSupply Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    The all white one you refer to is the first filter in your system, right? That should be a sediment filter.

    Ammonia is removed by the DI resin in a properly functioning system. So don't replace the DI with a carbon stage. Carbon will remove chlorine and other VOC's, but not ammonia.

    I suspect you have chloramine in your water.

    Russ @ BFS
     
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  9. BuckeyeFieldSupply

    BuckeyeFieldSupply Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    If you find it cheaper to buy a new system than to buy replacement filters you might want to shop around for your filters. Filter replacement is a normal part of operation and maintenance of any RO/DI system.

    Russ @ BFS
     
  10. BuckeyeFieldSupply

    BuckeyeFieldSupply Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    If you'll tell me what town you live in I'll check to see if you have chloramine in your water.

    Russ @ BFS