RO/DI questions

Jstdv8 · 12/21/2009, 03:52 AM

Didn't want to hijack the other thread, but it got me thinking.

What temperture water do you guys run through your RO/DI? Im currently just putting it on cold and heating the new water in the container with a heater. Is this the way to go?
Do you replace your filters every 6 months or do you actually wait for the production to slow down (clogging) or wait for a bad TDS reading?

I don't have a meter, but I do have well water that goes through 2 filters, 1 carbon 1 sediment before I gets to my faucets.

Thanks

lordofthereef · 12/21/2009, 03:59 AM

Cold water is best. Heating the water can damage the membrane if it gets too hat. Not sure on exact temps there, maybe someone else will chime in. I personally swap membranes when the TDS reads such that I would need to. Meters are 25 bucks or so in the pen style. I would grab one of those to make your life much easier.

jcolletteiii · 12/21/2009, 04:04 AM

I always run it through cold. It sits in 7 gallon containers until I use it, so it's generally around 70 degrees or so when I use it. If I need to warm it further, I put some in a big plastic microwave safe container and zap it for a few minutes then add it back to the mix bucket.

terri_ann · 12/21/2009, 04:12 AM

The RO/DI will work better if the tap is 68/70 degrees...I can't remember for sure. Too cold of water will result in decreased production. I have about 25ft of hose curled up in a small bucket of water with a heater. The tubing is submerged in the water and the length of hose allows enough time for the water inside to warm before entering my filters. Just never use hot/warm from the tap as it will ruin the membrane....

I also use 2 dual TDS meters on RO/DI. This tells me when I need to change the filters, membrane and DI media.

lordofthereef · 12/21/2009, 04:33 AM

Never checked how warm my water is coming in, but I am sure it gets below 70 degrees in the winter and I don't see a production drop, at least not one large enough for me to notice anyway.

Jstdv8 · 12/21/2009, 05:18 AM

I live in Alaska and my water is very very cold coming out so it takes quite a while to heat up 15 gallons for a water change.
I'll have to do more research on the 70 degree thing. that would make life easier, but I don't want to ruin it.
Why would anyone run hotter water than thier tanks through it. that doesnt make any sense

BWIPlumbing · 12/21/2009, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terri_ann

The RO/DI will work better if the tap is 68/70 degrees...I can't remember for sure. Too cold of water will result in decreased production. I have about 25ft of hose curled up in a small bucket of water with a heater. The tubing is submerged in the water and the length of hose allows enough time for the water inside to warm before entering my filters. Just never use hot/warm from the tap as it will ruin the membrane....

I also use 2 dual TDS meters on RO/DI. This tells me when I need to change the filters, membrane and DI media.

I have never heard that before nor have i read it before. I would disagree with that statement about the water temperature. Every company i have delt with always says cold water supply.

I think 98% of the people on this forum stores the water in something and then heats it with heaters. Simplest way and most common. JMHO

sedor · 12/21/2009, 02:22 PM

I also run mine from the cold water line. I have mine set up so its portable and before I hooked it up inside, I used to run the unit outdoors from the hose spicket. I did used to notice in the summer when it was warmer out I would get faster results. It was never enough of a difference to make me want to set up a whole system to warm the water before going into the unit though. Also, when you are able, get a dual TDS meter it will save you a lot of guesswork and you won't have to change filters before its needed.

BWIPlumbing · 12/21/2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sedor

I also run mine from the cold water line. I have mine set up so its portable and before I hooked it up inside, I used to run the unit outdoors from the hose spicket. I did used to notice in the summer when it was warmer out I would get faster results. It was never enough of a difference to make me want to set up a whole system to warm the water before going into the unit though. Also, when you are able, get a dual TDS meter it will save you a lot of guesswork and you won't have to change filters before its needed.

100% agree

dwd5813 · 12/21/2009, 02:29 PM

running hot water through the ro membrane will destroy it and void any warranty. very cold water will reduce production and slow the system down. the ideal temp is around 70 degrees, but a little colder than that will still be fine.

blueridge · 12/22/2009, 09:21 PM

The instructions with my unit said to run it on straight cold water.

12/21/2009, 03:52 AM	#1
Jstdv8 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Wasilla, Alaska Posts: 1,420	RO/DI questions Didn't want to hijack the other thread, but it got me thinking. What temperture water do you guys run through your RO/DI? Im currently just putting it on cold and heating the new water in the container with a heater. Is this the way to go? Do you replace your filters every 6 months or do you actually wait for the production to slow down (clogging) or wait for a bad TDS reading? I don't have a meter, but I do have well water that goes through 2 filters, 1 carbon 1 sediment before I gets to my faucets. Thanks

12/21/2009, 03:59 AM	#2
lordofthereef One reef to rule them all Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Leominster, MA Posts: 5,299	Cold water is best. Heating the water can damage the membrane if it gets too hat. Not sure on exact temps there, maybe someone else will chime in. I personally swap membranes when the TDS reads such that I would need to. Meters are 25 bucks or so in the pen style. I would grab one of those to make your life much easier. __________________ "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself" ~ Josh Billings Visit My Home page for current build thread (click my user name and select "Visit LordoftheReef's Homepage" in the drop down menu!

12/21/2009, 04:12 AM	#4
terri_ann Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Marshalltown, IA Posts: 841	The RO/DI will work better if the tap is 68/70 degrees...I can't remember for sure. Too cold of water will result in decreased production. I have about 25ft of hose curled up in a small bucket of water with a heater. The tubing is submerged in the water and the length of hose allows enough time for the water inside to warm before entering my filters. Just never use hot/warm from the tap as it will ruin the membrane.... I also use 2 dual TDS meters on RO/DI. This tells me when I need to change the filters, membrane and DI media. __________________ Happy Reefing!! :) Current Tank Info: 180g mixed 40B Anemone 5' raceway frag tank Last edited by terri_ann; 12/21/2009 at 04:21 AM.

12/21/2009, 04:33 AM	#5
lordofthereef One reef to rule them all Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Leominster, MA Posts: 5,299	Never checked how warm my water is coming in, but I am sure it gets below 70 degrees in the winter and I don't see a production drop, at least not one large enough for me to notice anyway. __________________ "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself" ~ Josh Billings Visit My Home page for current build thread (click my user name and select "Visit LordoftheReef's Homepage" in the drop down menu!

12/21/2009, 02:22 PM	#8
sedor Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 4,689	I also run mine from the cold water line. I have mine set up so its portable and before I hooked it up inside, I used to run the unit outdoors from the hose spicket. I did used to notice in the summer when it was warmer out I would get faster results. It was never enough of a difference to make me want to set up a whole system to warm the water before going into the unit though. Also, when you are able, get a dual TDS meter it will save you a lot of guesswork and you won't have to change filters before its needed. __________________ Ryan

12/21/2009, 04:04 AM	#3
jcolletteiii Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: 58703 Posts: 1,265	I always run it through cold. It sits in 7 gallon containers until I use it, so it's generally around 70 degrees or so when I use it. If I need to warm it further, I put some in a big plastic microwave safe container and zap it for a few minutes then add it back to the mix bucket.

12/21/2009, 05:18 AM	#6
Jstdv8 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Wasilla, Alaska Posts: 1,420	I live in Alaska and my water is very very cold coming out so it takes quite a while to heat up 15 gallons for a water change. I'll have to do more research on the 70 degree thing. that would make life easier, but I don't want to ruin it. Why would anyone run hotter water than thier tanks through it. that doesnt make any sense

12/21/2009, 02:29 PM	#10
dwd5813 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: 813 Posts: 2,827	running hot water through the ro membrane will destroy it and void any warranty. very cold water will reduce production and slow the system down. the ideal temp is around 70 degrees, but a little colder than that will still be fine. __________________ order some golf shoes, otherwise we'll never get out of this place alive. what can i say? in dog beers, i have only had one. - dublo8 Current Tank Info: 40B aiptasia farm

12/22/2009, 09:21 PM	#11
blueridge Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 63	The instructions with my unit said to run it on straight cold water.