Is RO Really Necessary?

[mhmh]

I'm going to need a RO unit for a 10-gallon nano-reef?

Do all these things have to be attached to your water line or is there one that can attach to a faucet when necessary? It seems that mounting this permanently is a LOT of work when I'll only need a few gallons a week for topping off and for changes.

Big Al's has this for $151.29; is it worth it?:
KENT HI-S REVERSE OSMOSIS UNIT 35 GPD

 

[BrianH]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2086852965&category=20756
Try the above link. It's an ebay auction for a 100gpd 5 stage RO/DI unit. I think the faucet adapter is an extra 6 bucks.
In my experience the GPD reading is not indicative of actual performance. To reach these levels the water entering the filter must be at a certain temp. (arounf 70 F. I think) and pressure. My RO/DI unit produces about 1/2 the rated amount due to the cold water (about 50 F.) entering the system.
Brian

 

[mhmh]

Do I need a 5-stage, and do I need DI? Could I just get a 2-stage RO for under $100 and occasionally fill up a bunch of 1-gallon bottles and keep them around the house for use when necessary?

Sorry to keep pressing on this subject. I just didn't have any idea I'd have to do this.

 

[SpongeBob]

I'm running the Kent 60 GPD RO/DI and getting about 30 GPD from it. I'd say the waste is about three or four to one. The only test I've done is alkalinity and it drops from 8+ from my tap to 0 out of the unit.