RO water

[pro2k]

Is a RO unit essential for reef keeping? I'm trying to decide if I should the $$$ on one since I'm on a tight budget. If I need to have one which model has the best bang per buck ratio?? And where is the cheapest place to get one? Thanks!

[dakar]

Essential is pretty subjective... depends greatly on your water source. Some people are able to successfully keep a reef using their tap water, but i think the general concensus is definately better safe than sorry.

I found a NIB 6 stage unit on ebay for <$100. Still running great and I've pulled a couple thousand gallons through it already.

[pro2k]

Thanks! How does this one look? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=20684&item=4351906485&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

[bjpembo]

i agree that its better safe than sorry with the ro, unless you take your water somewhere and have it extensively tested you have no idea whats in it, and even if you did that, you never know when the local water company will decide to change something. just because its ok for us doesnt mean its at all safe for inverts or even the fish. ebay is good place to look also www.airwaterice.com has very good units and prices and their customer service is outstanding. no one can ever say reefkeeping is cheap and if you skimp on certain things you'll regret it eventually, ro/skimming/lighting being on the top of that list of things not to skimp on.

[Reptoreef]

Agreed...

[JustDavidP]

My tap water is over 350 parts per million in total dissolved solids. Who knows what those "solids" are. My RO/DI unit brings the water down to 0 PPM. My unit is having problems (cracked cartridge and poor flushing last time) and my product (water) registers at 107 PPM. I know this only because I noticed a small patch of nusiance alga that was starting to grow on my rock. Personally, I say RO -vs- tap DOES make a difference.

Also keep in mind what the guys say... on any given day, your tap water or well water may be good. All it takes is a bad rain to screw with a well or for the water authority to screw up and your nice water could be poison.

Some communities are moving from Chlorine to Chloramine to condition water. That is a whole other story *sigh*