GFO and RO/DI recommendations

[evoIX_Reefer]

It's a combination of questions and I didn't want to clutter another recent thread with my own personal story.

Anyone running either a BRS value ro/di system or the spectra pure ro/di for $130?

I have a 30 gallon system and I don't produce as much others need. probably 15 gallons every 2 weeks. 5 gallon w/c and 10gallon top off through those 2 weeks so it's a lot less than a 100+ gallon system.

My current RO/DI is older. I recently, within the past 3-4 months, replaced the DI and first two stages but I suspect this is the reason for my algae issues. My phosphates are running upto 0.10ppm in a shorter time frame than expected. GFO only lasting about a week at 0.00 and then goes up.

When I get my phosphates down when I replace the GFO you can see the algae fade then come back up as phosphates begin to climb. I don't want to keep replacing GFO every week as most of you know that sh*t can get expensive.

I suspect my RO/DI because I ran a phos test and showed up as 0.02ppm. My tdi meter either got wet or something cause it is no longer working. Maybe it's just the battery. Either way, I need a cheaper solution right now so I'd like any experience notes on those two particular ro/di units.

 

[b-ridge]

As far as your RODI system why don't you invest in a booster pump. It will force your unit to make water in a shorter period of time. Therefore saving your cartridges for longer use. Depending on where your RODI is placed the temperature has a lot to do with water production. Mine is in my basement to where mine slows down in the winter and is a beast when it's warm.
As far as your gfo you should look into rowaphos. The grains are bigger. It seems to last longer than regular or the expensive high capacity gfo. Just be careful this stuff is strong and really works.
Hope I helped you out some
How are your corals doing?

 

[duke62]

I just tried rowaphos 3 weeks ago. Changed 3 times already. I wont use it again. My po4 went from .17 to .04 in a week. Chnged it out and it stayed just around .o4. Then a week later it was on the rise again to .o8

 

[mbg75]

I just tried rowaphos 3 weeks ago. Changed 3 times already. I wont use it again. My po4 went from .17 to .04 in a week. Chnged it out and it stayed just around .o4. Then a week later it was on the rise again to .o8

If your testing with a hanna. The accuracy is +/- .04. So once your at the low levels you got, is just a guesstimate.

 

[evoIX_Reefer]

I'm using Hannah as well. I had the same experience as duke. I'm using rowaphos.

 

[mbg75]

The .04 reading could be 0 to .08

 

[hijinks]

Air water ice makes a rodi unit for under $100 that puts out 50 gallons per day that is made for nano tanks. I use one and love it

 

[duke62]

Charlie had the same expierence as well. His went from .o4 to 0. A week later it was at .07

 

[lnevo]

0 to .08 could still all be the same reading. I'm really not enjoying the hanna phosphate meter. Dealing with powder reagents is a pain and impossible to be consistent.

I have to look up since i heard someone mention using some alternate reagents for the meter. The calcium one too is a pain in the ***

 

[evoIX_Reefer]

hijinks,

referring to the mighty mite? I've used it in the past but it doesn't seem to last long so that's why I rather go with another unit. It does do the job for awhile though.

 

[Widdy]

I just tried rowaphos 3 weeks ago. Changed 3 times already. I wont use it again. My po4 went from .17 to .04 in a week. Chnged it out and it stayed just around .o4. Then a week later it was on the rise again to .o8

Which meter? Hanna green egg? Hated that thing...

 

[duke62]

Yeah Hanna green egg. They REALLY need to make the powder a little easier to pour in. The square packaging make powder almost impossible to get all in and it gets stuck in the corners and edges. Now after I cut it open I turn it around and dump it onto a piece of paper then fold the paer in half and pour it in.

 

[lnevo]

Heres how to use salifert reagent with the hanna. I'm gonna do this instead of getting more hanna reagent when I run out.

http://www.thesaltybox.com/forum/ch...-quicker-cheaper-way-measuring-phosphate.html

Theres a video where they cut two sides and make a cone and it looks like it would work good, but still a pita

 

[Widdy]

Yeah Hanna green egg. They REALLY need to make the powder a little easier to pour in. The square packaging make powder almost impossible to get all in and it gets stuck in the corners and edges. Now after I cut it open I turn it around and dump it onto a piece of paper then fold the paer in half and pour it in.

Yea, the green egg gave me the least consistency.

Try either:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjbCNbLSRqU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qw0QH8M_nZM

 

[richiero]

i use avast marine gfo and pure water club for my rodi

 

[evoIX_Reefer]

richiero, damn purewaterclub rodi is pretty cheap. http://www.purewaterclub.com/catalo...d=577&osCsid=9818caa5e3209e7212a873b23ccb08b4

How long does it last and any further info on it? TDI pushing out 0?

 

[hijinks]

hijinks,

referring to the mighty mite? I've used it in the past but it doesn't seem to last long so that's why I rather go with another unit. It does do the job for awhile though.

True I'm out of the NYC area now and my tds out of the tap is 20. In jersey city I think it was around 400

 

[evoIX_Reefer]

Really NYC is 20 out of tap? All their waste goes to jersey instead?

I guess armpit stays true.

 

[hijinks]

Really NYC is 20 out of tap? All their waste goes to jersey instead?

I guess armpit stays true.

No I'm now in the SF Bay Area. That is 20 out of the tap

 

[TommyP]

Theres a video where they cut two sides and make a cone and it looks like it would work good, but still a pita

That's what I do. It takes a minute longer to test but it allows you to get all of the powder out.