ro/di?

[jimi]

so how important is ro/di water. is it possible to get around it or should i suck it up? also brands & sizes would be nice. i am running a 29 biocube

[Big Dog]

What type of water do you have? I love my RO/DI system very much. I would not go back to tap water ever again. :troll:

[jimi]

i have tape... ypsi tap... its not so great its the kind that comes out white with oxygen. so but it clears up and i declorenate it and all that jazz

[davocean]

Some people get lucky w/ low TDS from tap depending on where you live, and some are off well water that works, but those are few IMO.
My TDS is 530, I would never even consider it.
Clean water is essential or you may be inviting algae issues that can easily get out of control.

[jimi]

so any suggestable brands?

[FishFanatic13]

I was in the same situation with u but if u find a LFS that has ro water for sale it's very very cheap bring ur own container a got a 5 gal container that I use for top offs only cost me 2 bucks in my case I didn't need to buy an ro unit ask ur lfs if they will sell it to you they should have it if they sell saltwater fish n corals

[jimi]

ok so it would be foolish to buy a system for this small of a tank

[fsn77]

If your only tank is a 29g, it is probably more cost effective to do as suggested above and just buy water from the LFS if there is one nearby that sells RO (or preferably RO/DI water).

I bought this RO/DI unit (http://www.melevsreef.com/ro_di.html) several years ago (it was also a little cheaper then). I buy my replacement cartridges and DI resin from The Filter Guys (http://www.thefilterguys.biz) (they also sell entire units). Other companies to consider:
Air, Water & Ice (http://www.airwaterice.com)
Buckeye Field Supply (http://www.buckeyefieldsupply.com/)
Bulk Reef Supply (http://www.bulkreefsupply.com)
SpectraPure (http://www.spectrapure.com/)
As far as size / specs go, if you're going to buy one, it makes sense to get a 75 gpd unit with a verticle DI stage and 2 - 3 prefilter cartridges before the RO membrane (I prefer 3 prefilter cartridges). You could buy a 30 gpd or a 50 gpd unit, but the cost is not going to all that different and it is nice to have the extra water making ability in case of an emergency. Besides, the gpd ratings are production rates under ideal conditions of water temperature, water pressure, and some target TDS level. Any deviation in the wrong direction from those ideal conditions can result in significantly slower production rates.

[Ace25]

If your only tank is a 29g, it is probably more cost effective to do as suggested above and just buy water from the LFS if there is one nearby that sells RO (or preferably RO/DI water).

Have to disagree with you there having run a 29G for many years and buying my RO from dispensers. It is cheaper for about 12-18 months, but after that, it becomes cheaper to buy an RO/DI unit. Also, you never know the quality of water from a LFS or Dispenser, with an RO/DI at home you know it is always going to be better than any water you get at a LFS or dispenser if you replace filters as needed. I went 7 years buying water, what made me finally bite the bullet was the dispenser went to crap (due to lack of proper filter replacements) and crashed my tank. So you always risk that scenerio getting unknown quality water, plus you have to leave your house to get it. After I finally sat down and did the math on what it cost me over the years to buy the RO water (this is RO, not RO/DI so it was already not very good water for a SW tank) I figured out it was right around 12-13 months I would have broke even between buying water or buying an RO/DI setup.

[fsn77]

That's good to know, Ace. I didn't know the break even point was that soon for a tank of around that size. I was going mostly by what several people in our local club do that have smaller tanks, as they have at least claimed that it's been more cost effective for them to just buy their water. Of course, I don't know the details of their maintenance routine, so they might be using much less water than someone who sticks to a more regular maintenance schedule. In the end, maybe they just think it's easier for them, then easier turns into cheaper somewhere in their mind -- not sure, but that sounds possible based on your calculations. Thank you for the correction / clarification.

[greech]

Keep in mind you will need to replace filters and they aren't cheap. I belive the Bulk Reef Supply unit replacement cartidges are pretty reasonable though. You probably won't have to replace them that oftem with the small water changes you will be doing. Still recommend your own RO/DI unit because you still need to factor in gas $ and your time to and from the LFS. Plus, how many times are you going to make it out of the LFS spending just $2 when they have that nice $30 frag in the bargain bin :). Also, YOU have control over your water source which is priceless.

[jimi]

thats true. but i go up there about once a week anyway. i dont know how expensive are these units usualy?

[Amphiprion]

Very nice and fully functional units can be had for ~$125 at Bulkreefsupply.

[jimi]

thats not to bad.

[Amphiprion]

Considering the water you'll be using and needing over time, it will likely pay for itself in a year or so. Granted, I use more water, but mine paid for itself in under 6 months.

[jimi]

yeah i may end up getting one it but i think im going to just buy it for now.