RO or RO+DI

[dberrong]

I'm looking into purchasing an RO unit, but I'm a bit confused as I often am when trying something new with my tank. Should I simply get an RO unit or do I need the RO/DI unit? What exactly is the difference?

Thanks.

[Grue]

Ditto, But I have a ro unit do I really need a DI?
And as I have come to learn Ask MELEV!!!:D I did find this on his site http://www.melevsreef.com/ro_di.html
Grue

[dberrong]

I had read that article from Melev. It still doesn't explain the difference between straight RO and the RO/DI. I'm sure that we should get the +DI, but I'm a cheapo and try to save money on everything I do. :)

[Reptoreef]

Well... look at it like this: lets say your water source has a TDS of 100-150 or so. You add an RO only and that drops the TDS to around 2 to 7.5(95 to 98% pure water)... that's a great range IMO. Now, lets say your water source has a TDS of 300 and you add the RO only and that drop your TDS down to around 6 to 15(still safe IMO, but border line). Above any levels 300, I strongly suggest the use of a DI resin following the RO process. I have a municipal water source of 250-300 and use RO and DI to filter my water.

[greg97527]

www.airwaterice.com (http://www.airwaterice.com)

good but inexpesive ro/di units

[dberrong]

Well... look at it like this: lets say your water source has a TDS of 100-150 or so. You add an RO only and that drops the TDS to around 2 to 7.5(95 to 98% pure water)... that's a great range IMO. Now, lets say your water source has a TDS of 300 and you add the RO only and that drop your TDS down to around 6 to 15(still safe IMO, but border line). Above any levels 300, I strongly suggest the use of a DI resin following the RO process. I have a municipal water source of 250-300 and use RO and DI to filter my water.

What do I use to test my waters TDS?

[greg97527]

a tds meter, i happen to have one left for 20 shipped. you can get them on ebay or airwaterice etc as well.

[dberrong]

Does the one you have test anything other than tds? What is the brand?

[melev]

RO/DI water is the purest water you can put in your tank. RO water is good, and many people purchase that water from the LFS and lug it home in jugs, but RO/DI is even more pure. The best water we can put in our tanks reduces the nuisance algaes some people suffer / endure.

The system I offer is cheaper than the same one sold by Air Water & Ice. I just had to point that out. :)

A TDS meter only tests TDS (Total Dissolved Solids). A handheld meter is much more useful compared to one that is "in-line." I've used Hanna in the past, as well as HM Digital.

http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/rodi/ro_tds_reading.jpg

http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/rodi/tds_meter.jpg

[spookey]

good info ty melev

[Sweetpea]

I bought my RO/DI unit from Air Water & Ice around a year or so ago and have been very happy with it. I forget the exact amount I paid, but I felt it was a really great price. It came with EVERYTHING I needed, including a TDS meter. I called them to ask questions about my particular situation (using it from the faucet and only hooking it up as needed), and the customer service people were very nice and patient with me. :)

[dberrong]

OK. This is what I decided to purchase. Check it out and tell me if I've made a mistake.


http://cgi.ebay.com/WaterGeneral-RO-DI-2OUTPUT-REVERSE-OSMOSIS-WATER-SYSTEM_W0QQitemZ120216139706QQihZ002QQcategoryZ207 56QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

[Sparky]

Looks good to me!!! and at a good price too!!!

[dberrong]

Ebay...Shop Victoriously.

[cubereefer]

I just purchased a brand new RO-DI unit. I am NOT going to use the unit for drinking, so instead of the final drinking-filter, they threw in an extra DI. Water can never be too pure for a tank. For about $20 buck more, I added a water-pressure-regulator, auto-shut-off float for a fill container, and a hose-nossle adaptor. $160 total including overnight shipping. Call 714-953-9009 to order. Also, call your municipalities water office to make sure you have the water pressure (80lbs is the best, and gives the water ample time to filter).

Good luck.

cubereefer (new member...I look forward to this site once my set-up is running)

[Grue]

Good Deal
I have had succeed also and a great price by patronizing one of our members MELEV Smart guy and funny as ****.....Did you see the one with 99 balloons...........hehe
Grue

[dberrong]

I should be getting my unit this week. I'll post pix once I get it and maybe some new pix of my tank.

[dberrong]

It finally got here. It took about an hour to install after trying a couple different methods and ending up with major leaks. I finally have no leaks and I'm waiting for my first couple of gallons to top off my tank tonight. I'm trying to attach pix of my tank. You can see on the one rock that the coraline is finally starting to cover the LR I got from ebay. There are tiny purple spots popping up everywhere. You can also see the back glass of my tank. That is what I'm hoping this RO unit will help control.

[Reptoreef]

I've used the same system since 2003... never a problem.