RO/DI questions

[gon4x4n]

Well even my wife is fed up with the way the tank looks using well water. There's always too much hair algae and my cleanup crew can't keep up with the glass so I end up scrubbing alot.
Anyway, From what I understand an RO/DI unit should majorly help if not cure my problem so I have a few questions about them.

My aquarium is a 90 gallon FOWLRLS and I also have a 30 gallon that isn't being used now but it might be some day.

-I don't want to spend more than $200 if at all possible

-What are the best brands?

-What features do I, or don't I want?

-For the set up I have (with maybe a little tank expansion in mind) how many gallon per day should I be looking at?

-Can I use a new Rubbermaid container for the storage unit of the water before use in the tank?

Thanks alot I don't want to buy the wrong thing and then need to justify something else.

 

[AnotherGoldenTeapot]

If your input water is quite soft then a Tap Water Purifier could be a very cost effective solution i.e. just having the DI part of the equation.

It's fair to say that the TWP is not exactly a marvel of engineering, but the water that comes out of them is as good as you're going to get.

Not only are TWPs modestly priced, but contrary to the instructions, you can recharge the resin using cheap chemicals too(but do be VERY carefull with these chemicals - read about their safe handling before starting). Instructions to do the recharge are easily found on the Net.

If you water is not soft then you'll end up needing to recharge the TWP too often and a RO pre-filter will become a essential effort saver.

 

[bashcraft]

I have well water also, and believe me, a TWP by itself would never do the job.

I don't think brands are that much of a concern. Most all of the cartridges and membranes are interchangable, and most RO manufacturers just buy the components, assemble the units and put their name on it.

I have a Honeywell 5 stage RO (got it off of ebay) that originally had an 18 gpd membrane. When it was time to replace it, I bought a 24 gpd membrane and am very happy with it.

My system came with a 3 gallon pressurized storage tank, so the filter is always on but shuts itelf off when the storage tank is full. This is very convenient.

Bob

 

[Anonymous]

I can't think of my brand, but I have a 12gpd unit that I use, and it handles water changes/topoff on my 75 gallon reef, as well as being used to fill my 110 gallon soon-to-be discus & zebra pleco tank. It only cost me $70 from the lfs. I use an 18gal rubbermaid container for storage, and everything has worked perfectly in the 6 months I've had it.

Hope this helps. If you do need the brand name, let me know and I'll look at it when I go home for lunch.

Peace,

Chip

 

[botp2k1]

Here is a list of features, specs, etc. to look for.

clear housings - nice to have
1 micron pre filters - preferred size
pressure gauge - needed to signal filter change
flush valve - nice to have
John Guest quick connects or similar - nice to have
TDS tester - must have, to signal membrane, DI change
DI unit - may or may not be necessary depending on your water quality

Production rate of the unit will depend on the pressure you have and the temperature of water going through the membrane. The lower the two, the less you will get daily. If you plan on storing water in a large container, you do not need a large producing unit, if you have limited space or want water as you make it, a larger unit is needed unless you do not mind waiting.

I do not know about the safety of rubbermaid container as far as if it leaches anything out over time. Maybe someone else can answer that.

Here are some links, compare prices and features. These are the popular ones for the aquarium hobbyists, there are hundreds of other RO, RO/DI units out there for drinking but either does not have DI or does not filter as fine.

Well known brands
Kent www.kentmarine.com
Spectrapure www.spectrapure.com

Less known brands
Aquafx www.aquariumwaterfilters.com
Aquatic Reef Systems www.aquaticreefsystems.com
Captive Reef - website???
Reef Pure www.aquariumwaterfilter.com

Marine Depot, Premium Aquatics carry the Kents, Captive Purities and Spectrapures. I think That Fish Place and Pet Warehouse carries the Kent models.

[ October 04, 2001: Message edited by: botp2k1 ]