Almost Ready to start, one last question.

SigPiPup

SigPiPup

AC Members
May 1, 2007
307
3
16
Michigan
So I've researched everything that I need to buy this time around. I will be pretty much everything online, either at Marine Depot or Foster and Smith. The one thing that I'm having the hardest time deciding on is the RO unit or RO/DI unit.

Also, I've been reading reviews on the Tap Water Purifier from Aquarium Pharmaceuticals. If I understand correctly, it is basically a stand alone DI Unit. The other plus that I noticed was that it pumps out a decent gpd rate. I was wondering if, in your opinions, it would be wise to use this unit to do the initial fill of the tank? The water would be better than tap water, but not as good as RO water. Or should I just get the RO or RO/DI unit and call it a day?
 
It'll certainly save you a lot of time/ hassle, money and energy if you have your own unit. Either is good but personally I prefer an RO/DI unit as they strip absolutely everything whereas an RO unit can leave traces behind!
 
Do you have a LFS that sells RO water?

From what I've heard, correct me if I'm wrong, but an RO/DI or RO unit uses about 30 gallons of water to produce 10 gallons of good water. If you pay for water at your home, check to see if it's worth it. You can buy water from your LFS for around .50cents a gallon. I do a 5 gallon water change every week and it costs 2.50 a week. A good RO/DI or RO is between $150-$350. Also I'm sure an LFS will cut you a deal on water if you tell them it's your initial fill.
Check what would be best for you. I know alot of people on here don't have them. It's not something you have to have. It can be a cool upgrade down the line when you run across some extra cash. And if your not strapped like alot of us are then you can definatly go for the unit of your choice.
 
Your tank size, number of tanks, frequency of water changes, tap water quality, tap water pressure, and your tap water temperature are all factors to consider before buying a RO or RO/DI unit.

There are many quality RO units for < $150 and many quality RO/DI units for < $200. I know several people that have RO/DI units from thefilterguys.biz and are very happy with them. I didn't get my RO/DI unit from them, but buy all my replacement cartridges from them.

Actually making the water is relatively inexpensive. Yes, there is a lot of water wasted by RO filtration (waste to product water ratios are typically in the 4:1 range), but we collect the waste water and use it to water our plants and lawn. Including all operating and maintenance costs, we make RO/DI water for < $0.25 / gallon. The LFSs in our area sell RO water for $0.50 / gallon (fw) or pre-mixed sw for $1.00 / gallon. Considering that salt mix can be bought for what breaks down to $0.25 - $0.30 / gallon, making RO/DI water and mixing your own sw can be done for 1/2 the price of what the LFSs sell water around here. Besides that, in making and mixing your own water, you're in control of the water parameters instead of trusting that someone else is maintaining their set-up properly.
 
I've decided to go with the Coralife Pure-Flo RO/DI Unit. Wasn't very expensive. I placed the order for it, as well as the rest of the needed supplies for the restarting, today and it has already shipped (Dr. F & S will be amazing in my book if I actually get the shipment in a couple of days like it is estimated).

Well, the Wings just scored....again. I was going to get off the computer to watch the game but it looks like it's pretty much locked up. My condolences to any Anaheim fans out there.
 
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