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Unread 08/12/2013, 03:46 PM   #1
bradley1975
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Join Date: Aug 2013
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couple newbie questions

Hi
this forum is full of info. I have been a lurker for a while now. Everyone seems pretty helpful and informed.
I am now really interested in a reef aquarium. Even have the okay from my wife. Its going to be 55 gallons maybe even 72. I plan on a sump as well. So...

is there an alternative to an ro/di unit? Or is this a must have?

I am a little bit handy and am going to build my own stand, is there any cool ideas for the stand that mat make things neater or function better?

Thank You in advance,
Brad


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Unread 08/12/2013, 03:55 PM   #2
Lynxone
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bradley1975 View Post
Hi
this forum is full of info. I have been a lurker for a while now. Everyone seems pretty helpful and informed.
I am now really interested in a reef aquarium. Even have the okay from my wife. Its going to be 55 gallons maybe even 72. I plan on a sump as well. So...

is there an alternative to an ro/di unit? Or is this a must have?

I am a little bit handy and am going to build my own stand, is there any cool ideas for the stand that mat make things neater or function better?

Thank You in advance,
Brad
I think an ro/di is a must. Your alternatives are to buy water from a lfs or even buy distilled water but with your own ro/di it's cheaper, easier and you know what your getting if you have a tds meter included (many do). Your other alternative is just use tap water and some do it successfully but you risk a whole world of headaches and problems that could have been easily avoided. Only other alternative is if you have access to natural sea water.


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Unread 08/12/2013, 05:50 PM   #3
RussFL
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Ro/DI will make your life much easier than trying to lug gallons of water from the supermarket or lfs like I did for the first 6 months. Now its always ready in the garage in a 20 gallon trash can.


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Unread 08/12/2013, 06:34 PM   #4
James77
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I would say RO/DI is a must have, very good systems can be had for $125 or so from any of the major sponsors here. Buying from the LFS is OK if you have a rather small tank, but the convenience of your own will quickly pay for itself.

Check out the DIY section, there are frequently bumped threads on building a stand, it is very easy to do if you follow some basic rules. I have been building my own stands since I started with aquariums in 1999.

Welcome to RC


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Current Tank Info: 120g Mixed Reef and 75g Freshwater
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Unread 08/12/2013, 07:55 PM   #5
dinwiddie90
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I have just a di unit since I'm on well water. No problems


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Unread 08/12/2013, 11:57 PM   #6
Sn8kbyt
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Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Manitowoc, WI
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Buy a RO/DI unit and save yourself a whole bunch of unplanned head aches...seriously. If there is one piece of equipment in this hobby that saves the most time, money, and reduces stress and panic it is a RO/DI unit that wins hands down.

ATO, skimmer, sump, pumps, controllers, ect don't even come close to what an investment in one of them will do for you!!


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Current Tank Info: 220 Gallon, 29 Gallon, 2-20L QT, and a 20 gallon tall octogon tank waiting to be setup for a seahorse tank.
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Unread 08/13/2013, 08:19 AM   #7
Frankfish
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I agree about getting the RO/DI unit. Also, if you are considering between a 55 and a 72, then go with the 90!!! JK, but think about what types of livestock you plan on keeping, and if they will be happy the tank you are getting.

As far as the stand goes, I will leave the style to you, but think about functionality. Try to get as much room as possible for all the equipment you need, and for the ease of accessibility. Think about where all the electrical cords will go, and if there will be adequate airflow. Also, make sure it is strong enough to support the weight as a 55 gallon tank will be north of 500 lbs.

Good luck


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Unread 08/13/2013, 09:47 AM   #8
Griznock
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my first adventure in this hobby i chose to use tap water and chemicals to detoxify it.

dont even think about,the phosphates will destroy you lol! i still buy water from my LFS,its a real pain but i keep 25,30 gallons sitting around cluttering up my hobby room and i hear about it every day from the wife.

so if you have the room by all means get a RO/DI unit be sure to check on the cith water if it has cloramine in it


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Unread 08/13/2013, 10:42 AM   #9
BIGD0G
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I would vote yes that an RO/Di unit is essentail equipement. As for stands there are some good threads in the Di It Yourself section of the forumn to look at to get a lot of ideas from.


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Unread 08/13/2013, 11:27 AM   #10
Griznock
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if you doing a reef tank with lots of rock a 55 is NOT a good choice,there not wide enough to keep the rock off the glass and still get any height,cant get a wide base and it will fall over.


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