RO/DI questions.

SirKevinD · 06/24/2013, 06:12 PM

Hello everyone! I'm very excited, I just ordered my 75GPD BRS RO/DI unit and it should be here before to long. How should I introduce the water into my tank? During water changes and refilling from evaporation? Also, are there any changes in fish/coral growth I will see? What kind of changes should I expect when changing from tap water with dechlorinator to pure RO/DI water?

Sonyardo · 06/24/2013, 07:08 PM

It seems like those questions would have come to mind before you ordered the filter.

The filter is an excellent investment. It's hard to say if you will notice any immediate measurable differences in your tank or livestock. RO/DI water is to be used for mixing salt for water changes and for water to replace evaporation. How you actually deliver the water to the tank is up to you. You have many options for that.

Keep in mind the filter is several filters in one unit and they work with each other to filter the water. They reduce contaminants in the water to very fine levels. Many of the contaminants are not completely removed but reduced considerably. My suggestion to you is to do some research and learn about the different parts of the filter and the function that they serve. Otherwise the filter may not serve you very well in the long run.

BearCatFish · 06/24/2013, 07:12 PM

The biggest difference you're likely to notice will be less algal growth if the water you were using has a high TDS and/or phosphates. Did you happen to buy a TDS meter with the RO/DI unit? That's a great tool to monitor when you need to change your filters or when your DI resin has gone bad.

You're not likely to notice a difference in your fish or coral growth as you're not adding anything to the water to enhance growth.

zoafarm · 06/24/2013, 07:31 PM

So...tap water is loaded with phosphates and nitrates. The two together are great for growing algae. Along with food for your fish, tap water is a recipe for disaster. Phosphates will also inhibit growth of some corals and coraline algae (good algae).

The RO/DI unit is one of the best investments you could have made for a reef tank. +1 on the TDS meters (I need it). You didn't mention how old your tank is. So...If it is a new tank, you won't see to much of a change in your tank. Your fish, if healthy, will remain healthy. You should see faster coraline algae and coral growth (if all your other parameters are correct). If your tank is older...less hair algae, faster coraline and coral growth. If this is an older tank...lots of change over time. However, my guess is this is a newer tank. So you will be extremely happy in the long haul with less intensive maintenance.

Happy Reefing

06/24/2013, 06:12 PM	#1
SirKevinD Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Laughlin, Nevada Posts: 124	RO/DI questions. Hello everyone! I'm very excited, I just ordered my 75GPD BRS RO/DI unit and it should be here before to long. How should I introduce the water into my tank? During water changes and refilling from evaporation? Also, are there any changes in fish/coral growth I will see? What kind of changes should I expect when changing from tap water with dechlorinator to pure RO/DI water?

06/24/2013, 07:08 PM	#2
Sonyardo Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: OC California Posts: 522	It seems like those questions would have come to mind before you ordered the filter. The filter is an excellent investment. It's hard to say if you will notice any immediate measurable differences in your tank or livestock. RO/DI water is to be used for mixing salt for water changes and for water to replace evaporation. How you actually deliver the water to the tank is up to you. You have many options for that. Keep in mind the filter is several filters in one unit and they work with each other to filter the water. They reduce contaminants in the water to very fine levels. Many of the contaminants are not completely removed but reduced considerably. My suggestion to you is to do some research and learn about the different parts of the filter and the function that they serve. Otherwise the filter may not serve you very well in the long run.

06/24/2013, 07:12 PM	#3
BearCatFish Moved On Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 57	The biggest difference you're likely to notice will be less algal growth if the water you were using has a high TDS and/or phosphates. Did you happen to buy a TDS meter with the RO/DI unit? That's a great tool to monitor when you need to change your filters or when your DI resin has gone bad. You're not likely to notice a difference in your fish or coral growth as you're not adding anything to the water to enhance growth.

06/24/2013, 07:31 PM	#4
zoafarm Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 306	So...tap water is loaded with phosphates and nitrates. The two together are great for growing algae. Along with food for your fish, tap water is a recipe for disaster. Phosphates will also inhibit growth of some corals and coraline algae (good algae). The RO/DI unit is one of the best investments you could have made for a reef tank. +1 on the TDS meters (I need it). You didn't mention how old your tank is. So...If it is a new tank, you won't see to much of a change in your tank. Your fish, if healthy, will remain healthy. You should see faster coraline algae and coral growth (if all your other parameters are correct). If your tank is older...less hair algae, faster coraline and coral growth. If this is an older tank...lots of change over time. However, my guess is this is a newer tank. So you will be extremely happy in the long haul with less intensive maintenance. Happy Reefing