DI Only System?

[MGR201]

In the continuing discussion of the merits/demerits of continued use of tap water in my BioCube 29, I went to my LFS to review options for smaller (and cheaper) RO/DI systems that can be easily stored in a small Manhattan apartment.

One system that my LFS suggested was solely a dionization system priced around $70.00. This was a simple system that did not use a waste water valve and had only one disposal tube. According to the LFS, it would produce about 400-500 gallons before needing replacement (replacement filters run about $30.00) whereas a full RO/DI unit would produce approximately 2000 gallons before requiring replacement (and cost substantially more). Given the small size of the tank and the statement that the product water would be the same from either system, I think it makes sense for my needs. Was wondering whether any MR members have used a similar product?

 

[Widdy]

Not sure what your LFS recommended. But if physical space/budget is tight, look into the Mighty Mite from Air, Water, Ice for a smaller RODI solution.

http://www.airwaterice.com/product/1MMDI/Mighty-Mite-50GPD-with-DI-Added.html

 

[Wes]

I have both. Sometimes I use DI only because u can make water alot faster than with RO/DI. I can tell you that 500 gallons is Much more than I get before I need to change the resin. That is not accurate in my opinion.

If you make alot of water it won't take long before the cost of resin makes DI only more expensive than a nice RO/DI unit.

Also, if u decide to go DI only you should get an in-line TDS meter and change the resin when you start seeing TDS > 0.

I like the double DI unit with inline TDS meter from airwaterice.

My RO/DI unit is the typhoon 3.


Sent from my iPhone using Reefs

 

[prattreef]

I have both. Sometimes I use DI only because u can make water alot faster than with RO/DI. I can tell you that 500 gallons is Much more than I get before I need to change the resin. That is not accurate in my opinion.

If you make alot of water it won't take long before the cost of resin makes DI only more expensive than a nice RO/DI unit.

Also, if u decide to go DI only you should get an in-line TDS meter and change the resin when you start seeing TDS > 0.

I like the double DI unit with inline TDS meter from airwaterice.

My RO/DI unit is the typhoon 3.


Sent from my iPhone using Reefs

Wes is correct. You certainly can use DI only ( it needs to pass through micron and carbon cartridges first) and I suspect your LFS recommended the Aquarium Pharmeceuticals Tap Water Purifier which works fine, but will give you nowhere near 500 gallons of product water even in NYC which has a very low TDS. More like 150g. is realistic. If your water needs are not great then this is a viable option especially if you buy bulk DI resin and rechage the unit yourself--super easy to do-- and you'll save significantly over buying the replacement cartridges. Still not nearly as cheap as RO/DI water but doable depending on your needs and budget.

 

[MGR201]

Thanks for the responses and suggestions. The most pressing issue for me is space rather than cost. Given that my water needs are not too great for a 29 gallon BioCube, I could get away with nearly two years of usage out of the unit my LFS recommended before having to recharge/replace the filtering unit.

 

[Boomer]

MGR

If you really want to go just DI, I would call Jim at thefilterguys, a new sponsor here. He sells the Kati-Ani System which is straight DI. Tell him I sent you and he will fix you up with no BS.

http://www.thefilterguys.biz/kati_ani_di-onizer.htm