RO/DI systems

[g. mcclean]

We have finally hit the wall with trying to solve various problems with our new hobby. Our last ditch effort is to get a RO/DI system if possible. We are mechanically challenged and desperately need help. I understand that the system needs source water and a collection vessel. Now ---where can I hook up this system ? Do I need to have it plumbed into my house system? Doing a 10% water change on both aquariums weekly would only require about 12-15 gallons. Occasionally larger water changes will have to be made. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. :confused:

[gcvt]

No need to have it permanently plumbed into your house plumbing - you can hook it up to a household faucet. I keep mine in the closet until I need it; then I just hook it up to the bathroom sink, make water, and put it away.

My Kent RO/DI unit came with an adapter (female) to fit a garden hose. I went to Home Depot and bought the corresponding male part and screwed it on to my bathroom faucet - works like a charm!

[BrianH]

Remember that when buying a RO/DI unit the real output you can expect is about 50% of what the unit is rated for. So in other words, a 100GPD unit will most likely produce 50gal per day. If you buy the unit, you should also use RO/DI water for top offs, so you will need more than the 12-15 gal per week. I bought mine from airwaterice (http://www.airwaterice.com) . I bought the faucet adapters(garden hose & regular faucet) for another $6.00 also from the website.

Brian

[dreeves]

Hard plumbing your RO/DI unit is a rather simple process...

If you get your unit from airwaterice...you will get two saddle valves...one for supply and one for the waste line. The saddle vavles are easy to install. A wrench, maybe a screw driver (depending on whcich type fasteners) is all that is needed for the supply line, it is self tapping. And the drain/waste line can be dealt with in a variety of ways...preferrably attached to a drain line (mine, kitchen sink drain). Others have it attached to a large water storage container and use it for watering needs around the house. With the drain/waste, one will have to drill a hole, then attach the saddle valve. Again, simple.

I do not know the problems you are having with your tank(s) as I am new to this forum...a solid RO/DI, particularly the deionization portion, will solve a ton of problems with any micro algae you may have.

Something else to consider...a dual home/reef RO/DI system. The water quality for your family is simply amazing over regular tap water.

As mentioned above, a higher gpd is better. Many factors determine the output of the RO membrane. Temperature and pressure are two of the main factors. The rated gpd is established under highly regulated environment...i.e..everything is "perfect". A dual home/reef setup from airwater and ice will run you about 189.00 for a 50 gpd membrane. You can upgrade to 100gpd for 10.00.

This is the system I purchased earlier this year and am very happy with it. We use the RO water for basically all cooking and especially for coffee. As for the reef portion, it runs from the RO to the DI cartridge, then to whever you need it to go. I have mine in a dual 32 gallon storage setup linked together.

Good luck with your tank.

[Guy W]

We have a great 100GPD 4 Stage RO/DI filter on our website, for 189.00 dollars. It's on the home page specials all the way at the bottom.

I personally own 2 of these exact units and I love them.

Plumming them is as easy as screwing the faceut adaptor to your sink or you can request a garden hose adaptor as well.

www.emarinefish.com

Guy

[dreeves]

Oh and the airwater and ice unit is 5 stage .