What To Look For in a RO/DI Unit? What Changes Have You Experienced?

[bigbris1]

After reading stories about tap water and my recurring algae issues & lack of corraline growth, I have decided to invest in an RO/DI unit. My main question is what should I look for in a unit? I've seen them on ebay from $35 & up. Foster & Smith has one for about $150.

How often do filters need replacing? How long do the membranes last? What do I have to look for under my kitchen sink to know which connector I need?

MOST IMPORTANTLY, please describe in detail the difference you have experienced after switching to RO/DI.

Your help is greatly appreciated!

Bristol

 

[yessongs]

"difference you have experienced after switching to RO/DI." Tap around 40 TDS RO/DI 0 TDS
Filter after 10-12 months

http://cgi.ebay.com/AQUA-SAFE-AQUAR...9455536QQihZ001QQcategoryZ20684QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/AQUA-SAFE-100GP...itemZ4469238754QQcategoryZ20684QQcmdZViewItem

 

[bigbris1]

WOW. My throat literally went sore right after seeing that pic. Thanks for the links, too.

 

[bigbris1]

I noticed one of the units include a pressurize tank. What is it for?

 

[yessongs]

I noticed one of the units include a pressurize tank. What is it for?

RO/DI water is very slow it fills up the pressurize tank in a hour +- with the faucet you can get water through the tank much faster.
I use the tank and faucet to make RO water for drinking, cooking, ice.
Then i shut off the valve on the tank and turn on a ball valve i bought at HD with a hose, i fill up buckets of RO/DI water for the reef tank.

 

[bigbris1]

Still confused but thanks for the info

 

[yessongs]

Still confused but thanks for the info

It takes a long time to make RO/DI water. it drips out, so it fills up the pressurize tank that connects to a faucet (you drill into your sink) supplied with the RO/DI unit for drinking water.
If your still confused, you can buy key food distilled water for 99? a gallon :splitspin

 

[bigbris1]

It takes a long time to make RO/DI water. it drips out, so it fills up the pressurize tank that connects to a faucet (you drill into your sink) supplied with the RO/DI unit for drinking water.
If your still confused, you can buy key food distilled water for 99? a gallon :splitspin

Got it. So I don't neccessarily need the pressure tank.

 

[Tonyscoots84]

no u dont.... even if you wanted one u could have mine.. i dont use it never found a reason 2... i always have the rodi'd water go into a 5 gallon bucket...

 

[bigbris1]

Cool. I'm going to get the aqusafe unit on ebay. I'll be back to post my findings in another thread.

 

[jejton]

It takes a long time to make RO/DI water. it drips out, so it fills up the pressurize tank that connects to a faucet (you drill into your sink) supplied with the RO/DI unit for drinking water.
If your still confused, you can buy key food distilled water for 99? a gallon :splitspin

I am also confused...Its your grammer ( no offense ) that is giving me a hard time understanding your replies.

 

[charile1]

the tank is used to store water.

I am also confused...Its your grammer ( no offense ) that is giving me a hard time understanding your replies.

 

[scarf_ace1981]

i forgot to show you my ro unit it's the same one pictured(aqua safe). if you need any help in the future let me know. the tank isn't needed i think it holds 4g max or something like that and that is not useful for those of use who have multiple tanks and/or large tanks.

 

[bigbris1]

Thanks Charlie, I'll see you tomorrow.

Jon, maybwe I can take a look at it when I come by for those mushrooms

One of the things I found out about the pressure tank is that it can be used & connected to a seperate faucet for on-tap drinking water, if that helps clarify things.

One of my original questions went unanswered: Is there anything in particular I should look for in a unit? I have seen less enxpensive ones on ebay. Stages? Filter life? Replacement part cost?

 

[Tonyscoots84]

as long as it aquasafe and 6 stage.. thats all we look for......

 

[bigbris1]

as long as it aquasafe and 6 stage.. thats all we look for......

Please explain.

 

[scarf_ace1981]

aqua safe is probably the most used. you can find them on ebay. they come in stages, 6 being the best. it filters out more junk.

 

[yessongs]

I am also confused...Its your grammer ( no offense ) that is giving me a hard time understanding your replies.

Sorry, ill explain it latter, i was in a rush, also born & raised in Bklyn
BTW, you misspelt grammar (no offense) :scratchch

 

[dutchess reefer]

Try www.airwaterice.com and talk to Bryan or Walter
Best RO/DI on the market with unsurpassed customer service!!

 

[yessongs]

RO/DI units have 5-6 filters, this slows down the tap water as it travels through the filters.
The majority of RO RO/DI units are sold for drinking water, thats what the tank is for.

Pic of RO/DI water without the use of the pressurized tank.

Pic of RO water using the pressurized tank, its a lot more flow.

I don't like the taste of RO/DI water, so i hooked the unit up so only RO and carbon fill the tank, then i can shut the valve on the tank and open another valve that i added and fill buckets of RO/DI water (no carbon i run carbon in my tank) for my reef tank.

There is a 4-1 +- waste using these units, some people collect the wast and water there plants, wash there car, some have it connected to there washing machine.
I while back i read about a unit with 0 waste, it was expensive!

One of the RO/DI links i posted is good for reefs, you can use a auto top off
switch in your sump, and it will automatically fill water lost to evaporation
then shut off.

Also once a year aqua-safe has a midnight special sale, you can buy the aquarium unit for $60