kold ster-il or R/O
- Thread starter ebaybrad
- Start date
Yep, been using it for 18 months and I really like it. It doesn't (according to others on this board) do a real good job on phosphates, so if that's a problem with your source water, then you might want to go RO. Otherwise, I like the fast flow rate, lack of waste water, and the fact that it doesn't strip the calcium from the water.
Kevin
Kevin
Hi Reeferbrad
I own a Kold Ster-il unit and I dont think its so great, as a matter of fact I should be getting my new R/O DI unit any day. I dont know what I'm going to do with my Kold Ster-il unit. I might use it for drinking water only or sell it on e-bay for $160.00
Ralph
I own a Kold Ster-il unit and I dont think its so great, as a matter of fact I should be getting my new R/O DI unit any day. I dont know what I'm going to do with my Kold Ster-il unit. I might use it for drinking water only or sell it on e-bay for $160.00
Ralph
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Ralph:
<strong>Hi Reeferbrad
I own a Kold Ster-il unit and I dont think its so great, as a matter of fact I should be getting my new R/O DI unit any day. I dont know what I'm going to do with my Kold Ster-il unit. I might use it for drinking water only or sell it on e-bay for $160.00
Ralph</strong><hr></blockquote>
Hey Ralph,
Since you have it already why not use it as a pre-filter for your pre-filter
Cheers,
Veng68
<strong>Hi Reeferbrad
I own a Kold Ster-il unit and I dont think its so great, as a matter of fact I should be getting my new R/O DI unit any day. I dont know what I'm going to do with my Kold Ster-il unit. I might use it for drinking water only or sell it on e-bay for $160.00
Ralph</strong><hr></blockquote>
Hey Ralph,
Since you have it already why not use it as a pre-filter for your pre-filter
Cheers,
Veng68
i've had mine Kold Ster-ile for almost 2 years, and have replaced the media once already. My phosphate reading comes out zero. There is a Alumina media that you need to get to filter out the phosphate. But then it could be our drinking water is very good already.
Just a side note, I haven't been able to get to the Poly-bio-marine site, so I don't know what's going on with the company.
As far as a RO unit goes, water is already expensive enough to wait away IMHO.
Just a side note, I haven't been able to get to the Poly-bio-marine site, so I don't know what's going on with the company.
As far as a RO unit goes, water is already expensive enough to wait away IMHO.
Kevin
I would rather start with pure water and add back the calcium. This way I know I'm not adding any bad water to my tank. I just don't understand what this filter removes if the TDS readings are the same as before and after. Sure it's not striping away the calcium. Maybe that's because it's not really removing that much of anything. Have you ever tested the filtered water coming out of your K/S? I agree that leaving the calcium in the water is a good thing.I doubt that this was the manufactures goal; probably just the results of a poor filter. I dont want to sound disrespectful in my reply, it's just that for reef keeping, this product has no place in the hobby.
jmo
Ralph
I would rather start with pure water and add back the calcium. This way I know I'm not adding any bad water to my tank. I just don't understand what this filter removes if the TDS readings are the same as before and after. Sure it's not striping away the calcium. Maybe that's because it's not really removing that much of anything. Have you ever tested the filtered water coming out of your K/S? I agree that leaving the calcium in the water is a good thing.I doubt that this was the manufactures goal; probably just the results of a poor filter. I dont want to sound disrespectful in my reply, it's just that for reef keeping, this product has no place in the hobby.
jmo
Ralph
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Ralph:
<strong>I dont want to sound disrespectful in my reply, it's just that for reef keeping, this product has no place in the hobby.</strong><hr></blockquote>
No disrespect taken - I just don't agree with you. I used to spend $0.50/gal to buy 10+ gallons per week of RO/DI water from my grocery store. Been using the KS for over two years and just got around to changing the filters (I was originally planning on doing it at 18 months, rather than the 5000 gallons the company recommends, but I get a little behind, and am lazy to boot
).
I still got a .05 ppm pulldown for phosphates (from .08 to .03 ppm) before changing out the filters. As far as I know, it filters out copper and other heavy metals (I'll take the company's word for this - their test result page is pretty extensive, and polyfilters are known to remove heavy metals, and one of the stages of this filter is just disks of polyfilters), ammonia, chlorine, and chloramine. I don't know about nitrates - I don't have the ad material at work with me, but I don't really have any algae problems (actually, one tank does have a slight cyano haze on a portion of the DSB during the day, but feeding with BSD golden pearls are responsible for this, and it doesn't bother me).
In any case, I've been using this KS water for 2+ years, in tanks that are fairly successful. It works for me - I don't want to go back to hauling jugs of water from the store, nor am I willing to wait around all day for a 10 GPD RO/DI system to produce water (along with all the "oops" stories of people who turn on their RO/DI to fill a large container, then forget they have it on, creating a flood - and I would be one of the ones this would happen to), plus the system paid for itself long ago. Hey, I'm a lazy reefer
looking for anything to make my life easier, and the KS has fit the bill. Might not work as well for everyone, but works for me.
Kevin
PS - Did you use the KS and notice negative results (before use to after use change), or did you just test with the TDS and decide it was bad?
[ February 08, 2002: Message edited by: Anemone ]</p>
<strong>I dont want to sound disrespectful in my reply, it's just that for reef keeping, this product has no place in the hobby.</strong><hr></blockquote>
No disrespect taken - I just don't agree with you. I used to spend $0.50/gal to buy 10+ gallons per week of RO/DI water from my grocery store. Been using the KS for over two years and just got around to changing the filters (I was originally planning on doing it at 18 months, rather than the 5000 gallons the company recommends, but I get a little behind, and am lazy to boot
I still got a .05 ppm pulldown for phosphates (from .08 to .03 ppm) before changing out the filters. As far as I know, it filters out copper and other heavy metals (I'll take the company's word for this - their test result page is pretty extensive, and polyfilters are known to remove heavy metals, and one of the stages of this filter is just disks of polyfilters), ammonia, chlorine, and chloramine. I don't know about nitrates - I don't have the ad material at work with me, but I don't really have any algae problems (actually, one tank does have a slight cyano haze on a portion of the DSB during the day, but feeding with BSD golden pearls are responsible for this, and it doesn't bother me).
In any case, I've been using this KS water for 2+ years, in tanks that are fairly successful. It works for me - I don't want to go back to hauling jugs of water from the store, nor am I willing to wait around all day for a 10 GPD RO/DI system to produce water (along with all the "oops" stories of people who turn on their RO/DI to fill a large container, then forget they have it on, creating a flood - and I would be one of the ones this would happen to), plus the system paid for itself long ago. Hey, I'm a lazy reefer
Kevin
PS - Did you use the KS and notice negative results (before use to after use change), or did you just test with the TDS and decide it was bad?
[ February 08, 2002: Message edited by: Anemone ]</p>
Hi Kevin
PS - Did you use the KS and notice negative results (before use to after use change), or did you just test with the TDS and decide it was bad?
I was running my water through a TWP after the K/S unit. I was only getting 30 gals. from each TWP, this is the same amount I got without the K/S. Then I tried using only the K/S unit since it was getting very expensive buying a new TWP every two weeks. Plus I was getting tired of recharging the old TWP cartriges.Thats when the hair algae, brown diatom algae, and cyano started to show up. The algae wasn't
that bad, it was how my corals looked after I toped off my tank with two Gallons of this water. My three frogspawn,green bubble and my candy cane all shriveled up for days. This happened within minutes after I topped of my tank. It was like I added poison to the tank. I checked all my water parameters and everything was within acceptable ranges. After a few days my corals started to look normal. Then the same thing happened again when I topped of my tank. Now I was freaking out because they finally came back and I poisoned them again. I checked the water with my TDS meter and it was the same as my tap water. I went out and bought a new TWP and every thing is doing great again. I'm sick and tired of charging my spent TWP and also buying new ones. I ordered a four stage R/O DI unit last week. You probably know that a frogspawn is a good indicator of water quality and to see my pink,green and pink with green frogspawn retract as fast as they did (twice after topping off tank) it had to be my water source. Sorry for the long post, but I had to let you know how I knew the filter is not right for me.
Thanks
Ralph
PS - Did you use the KS and notice negative results (before use to after use change), or did you just test with the TDS and decide it was bad?
I was running my water through a TWP after the K/S unit. I was only getting 30 gals. from each TWP, this is the same amount I got without the K/S. Then I tried using only the K/S unit since it was getting very expensive buying a new TWP every two weeks. Plus I was getting tired of recharging the old TWP cartriges.Thats when the hair algae, brown diatom algae, and cyano started to show up. The algae wasn't
that bad, it was how my corals looked after I toped off my tank with two Gallons of this water. My three frogspawn,green bubble and my candy cane all shriveled up for days. This happened within minutes after I topped of my tank. It was like I added poison to the tank. I checked all my water parameters and everything was within acceptable ranges. After a few days my corals started to look normal. Then the same thing happened again when I topped of my tank. Now I was freaking out because they finally came back and I poisoned them again. I checked the water with my TDS meter and it was the same as my tap water. I went out and bought a new TWP and every thing is doing great again. I'm sick and tired of charging my spent TWP and also buying new ones. I ordered a four stage R/O DI unit last week. You probably know that a frogspawn is a good indicator of water quality and to see my pink,green and pink with green frogspawn retract as fast as they did (twice after topping off tank) it had to be my water source. Sorry for the long post, but I had to let you know how I knew the filter is not right for me.
Thanks
Ralph
Hmmm, my frogspawn don't seem to mind it at all (either in my 80 gallon that has automatic dosing, or my 6 gallon that I just dump more water in (sometimes 1/3-1/2 gallon, if I've been away from work for a long weekend). We must have very different tap water (no duh!
)
So, how often are you going to have to change your 4-stage RO/DI filters?
Kevin
So, how often are you going to have to change your 4-stage RO/DI filters?
Kevin
Hi Veng68
Since you have it already why not use it as a pre-filter for your pre-filter
I thought about this too, but when I test my tap water with a TDS meter I get 265ppm. When I test the water coming out of the unit I get the same readings. Since the readings are the same I doubt that it is removing very much. At least if I use it for drinking water It will take out the chlorine, I hope!
Hi Reefcam
I hate wasting water too, but I also hate wasting money on a unit that for me has been a major disappointment. As far as the K/S giving a high flow and waste no water, so what. I could get the same results running it through a dirty sock. I wish the people who owned these units would test them with a TDS meter, and then tell me what they think of them.
Ps
Kold Ster-il for sale. $160.00
Waste no water, and has a high gph output.
Thats a Guarantee I will stand behind!!!
Ralph
Since you have it already why not use it as a pre-filter for your pre-filter
I thought about this too, but when I test my tap water with a TDS meter I get 265ppm. When I test the water coming out of the unit I get the same readings. Since the readings are the same I doubt that it is removing very much. At least if I use it for drinking water It will take out the chlorine, I hope!
Hi Reefcam
I hate wasting water too, but I also hate wasting money on a unit that for me has been a major disappointment. As far as the K/S giving a high flow and waste no water, so what. I could get the same results running it through a dirty sock. I wish the people who owned these units would test them with a TDS meter, and then tell me what they think of them.
Ps
Kold Ster-il for sale. $160.00
Waste no water, and has a high gph output.
Thats a Guarantee I will stand behind!!!
Ralph
Ralph,
Not sure what kind of water quality you have over in PA. But I have not had any problems with my K/S unit. I do test for CA, dKH, Phosphate, Nitrate, Ammonia, Nitrite, and Copper with the Salifert test and all test comes out normal (zero on the bad stuff and right on with CA and dKH, unless my CA reactor screws up). I did have cynobacteria one time, but that was when I changed salt from IO to MarineMix (or something like that). My K/S is plumped directly to my sump and fills it when it needs to.
I don't do any water changes, just when I feel like it or I have to change water on the fish only tank (hate small tanks). Any ways, I have talked to numerous folks on the unit and have mix results. And now the only algae I get is on my glass and that's normal, since I have 1800+ watts on my tank. Check out my tank if you like:
http://www.romperroo.com/FishCorner/BigReef.htm
Let me know if you think the K/S is still a problem.
I'm just saying that everyone has different results. Keep to what works for you. Don't change it because there's a better unit out there. I may not be for you. If your tank is thriving. Leave it. Only change it if the equipment you are using is causing you head-aches.
Jim
Not sure what kind of water quality you have over in PA. But I have not had any problems with my K/S unit. I do test for CA, dKH, Phosphate, Nitrate, Ammonia, Nitrite, and Copper with the Salifert test and all test comes out normal (zero on the bad stuff and right on with CA and dKH, unless my CA reactor screws up). I did have cynobacteria one time, but that was when I changed salt from IO to MarineMix (or something like that). My K/S is plumped directly to my sump and fills it when it needs to.
I don't do any water changes, just when I feel like it or I have to change water on the fish only tank (hate small tanks). Any ways, I have talked to numerous folks on the unit and have mix results. And now the only algae I get is on my glass and that's normal, since I have 1800+ watts on my tank. Check out my tank if you like:
http://www.romperroo.com/FishCorner/BigReef.htm
Let me know if you think the K/S is still a problem.
I'm just saying that everyone has different results. Keep to what works for you. Don't change it because there's a better unit out there. I may not be for you. If your tank is thriving. Leave it. Only change it if the equipment you are using is causing you head-aches.
Jim
reeferbrad,
Oh one other thing. I noticed that the K/S unit folks' website is not working. Don't know what's up. Too much complaining calls?? I would see if you can reach the company before buying the unit. Although I like my K/S unit, don't buy it if the company is gone. This will just pissed the living day light out of me!!!!
Oh one other thing. I noticed that the K/S unit folks' website is not working. Don't know what's up. Too much complaining calls?? I would see if you can reach the company before buying the unit. Although I like my K/S unit, don't buy it if the company is gone. This will just pissed the living day light out of me!!!!
Hi Kevin
So, how often are you going to have to change your 4-stage RO/DI filters?
I'm not sure but my neighbor,which I used as my guinne pig (sp?) , started using his R/O unit over three months ago. He makes a litle more water than I do each month. I cant believe his water is 3ppm after 3 months of use. We tested his water using a TDS meter.During this same time span I will use up to six TWP at $16.00 each for a total of $96.00 .After I only make 10 gallons I start to get readings like 3ppm.
Thats the good news,the bads is he waste a ton of water.I will use my waste water to wash colored clothes. It makes me sick to waste water like that. It's not just the money that bothers me, I just hate being wastefull with anything not just water.Why he hasn't used his waste water for laundry is hard to understand.
Hi Reefcam Very nice tank.
Let me know if you think the K/S is still a problem.
All I can say to this is, YES I still think K/S is the problem! I think the credit should go to your water supply and not your K/S unit.Could you and Kevin humor me by testing your tap water with a tds meter, and then test your K/S water.Please let me know the results?
I would like to thank both of you. I think I can now type 15 words per minute,after all this practice. I just have to say, I'm the type who needs proof before making any kind of sound judgement on either a product or tecnique.But if you guys could have seen my tank minutes after I topped it off( twice this happened) you both would become believers.
Thanks
Ralph
So, how often are you going to have to change your 4-stage RO/DI filters?
I'm not sure but my neighbor,which I used as my guinne pig (sp?) , started using his R/O unit over three months ago. He makes a litle more water than I do each month. I cant believe his water is 3ppm after 3 months of use. We tested his water using a TDS meter.During this same time span I will use up to six TWP at $16.00 each for a total of $96.00 .After I only make 10 gallons I start to get readings like 3ppm.
Thats the good news,the bads is he waste a ton of water.I will use my waste water to wash colored clothes. It makes me sick to waste water like that. It's not just the money that bothers me, I just hate being wastefull with anything not just water.Why he hasn't used his waste water for laundry is hard to understand.
Hi Reefcam Very nice tank.
Let me know if you think the K/S is still a problem.
All I can say to this is, YES I still think K/S is the problem! I think the credit should go to your water supply and not your K/S unit.Could you and Kevin humor me by testing your tap water with a tds meter, and then test your K/S water.Please let me know the results?
I would like to thank both of you. I think I can now type 15 words per minute,after all this practice. I just have to say, I'm the type who needs proof before making any kind of sound judgement on either a product or tecnique.But if you guys could have seen my tank minutes after I topped it off( twice this happened) you both would become believers.
Thanks
Ralph
Thanks Ralph. Again, if your city water does not filter that much out, then the K/S may not be your best choice. I know for a fact that CA water totally sucks (at least in the bay area). My brother uses a RO unit for his drinking water to save money from buying water. I know my city water is very clean as far as elements goes (0 Nitrate, 0 ammonia, and 0 phosphate). But this is also because the water source is from a lake which is from the mountain run-offs. The only downside to our water is flouride, which I don't know what it does and some organic stuff. After a year of using the unit, my organic filter is almost black. And it start white. I would have gone with a RO unit, but I go through 50 gals. of water each weak for the 3 tanks. This has just increase by 5 gal. on my clown tank as I just added a MH on the tank.
And with a 2 year old who likes to fill the tub 2 for 1 bath or a 30 min. shower, my water bill gets up there. Oh and the summer sprinkler. So wasting water is not my best interest. But as long as the unit removes the cholrine, I'm happy.
Gee reeferbrad, did you get your answer?
And Ralph, hopefully your typing is improving. Why take a typing class when you have forums like this.
And with a 2 year old who likes to fill the tub 2 for 1 bath or a 30 min. shower, my water bill gets up there. Oh and the summer sprinkler. So wasting water is not my best interest. But as long as the unit removes the cholrine, I'm happy.
Gee reeferbrad, did you get your answer?
And Ralph, hopefully your typing is improving. Why take a typing class when you have forums like this.
Hi all,
I have no first hand experience with the kold sterile, but I have heard that the efficiency of the unit is effected by pH.
There are several other threads about it, and I would recommend checking them out if you are considering this product. It seems to work fine for some, but not so well for others.
Some (myself included) find the claims made by the manufacturer to be somewhat dubious. It is hard to imagine that they developed a media that really removes all the bad stuff and leaves all the good stuff. Copper and Calcium are both cationic (positively charged) metals. How can the filter media take out the copper, but leave the Calcium (and magnesium, etc)?
I am not trying to trash the device, I am actually considering it, but I will need to see more evidence that it will do what is says with the particular water source I am using.
Adam
I have no first hand experience with the kold sterile, but I have heard that the efficiency of the unit is effected by pH.
There are several other threads about it, and I would recommend checking them out if you are considering this product. It seems to work fine for some, but not so well for others.
Some (myself included) find the claims made by the manufacturer to be somewhat dubious. It is hard to imagine that they developed a media that really removes all the bad stuff and leaves all the good stuff. Copper and Calcium are both cationic (positively charged) metals. How can the filter media take out the copper, but leave the Calcium (and magnesium, etc)?
I am not trying to trash the device, I am actually considering it, but I will need to see more evidence that it will do what is says with the particular water source I am using.
Adam
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