Is RO enough

oscarslr · 06/16/2007, 11:34 AM

can i use the RO filter or do i need the DI as well

AZDesertRat · 06/16/2007, 11:38 AM

It depends on your tap water quality and how efficient your RO is. In most cases for SPS and LPS corals probably not. An add on vertical refillable DI system is less than $40 at www.thefilterguys.biz .
You really need both a copy of your local water providers water quality report and a TDS meter to tell.

SaltyDr · 06/16/2007, 11:39 AM

What are your TDS reading on the RO. I have an RO/DI and my TDS is 3-4 before the DI. RO is much better than tap. What kind of tank do you have or plan to have?

oscarslr · 06/16/2007, 11:59 AM

125 gal reef tank with 60 gal sump about 130 lbs of rock

oscarslr · 06/16/2007, 12:00 PM

whats a good tds to end up with

AZDesertRat · 06/16/2007, 12:15 PM

As close to 0 as possible. A good RO membrane should reduce yur TDS 95 to 98% from what tap water was but its the DI that polishes it off. Some membranes are only 90% efficient though so you have to watch out. There are contaminants the RO by itself is not good at removing and the same goes for DI so you really need both for best treatment.

mnash · 06/16/2007, 06:16 PM

I would highly reccomend the filterguys if you are looking to buy a filter. I just made an order with them and they were very helpful. They make their filters specially for saltwater tank keepers because they are too. All in all they are very nice people who were a lot of help for me.

dead beat reef · 06/16/2007, 06:49 PM

The D Rat knows whats up when its H20. Sound advice you
can take to the bank. dbr

stanlalee · 06/16/2007, 06:55 PM

RO is almost always enough as long as its YOUR RO unit where you can clean and replace the membrane and carbon filters as needed. I've seen RO water from stores like walmart test terribly.

06/16/2007, 11:34 AM	#1
oscarslr Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 782	Is RO enough can i use the RO filter or do i need the DI as well

06/16/2007, 11:59 AM	#4
oscarslr Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 782	125 gal reef tank with 60 gal sump about 130 lbs of rock __________________ Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet. Aristotle Current Tank Info: 225g All Starphire tank/ SPS dominated 4 mp40s ATB 1050A 8 60w T5

06/16/2007, 12:00 PM	#5
oscarslr Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 782	whats a good tds to end up with __________________ Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet. Aristotle Current Tank Info: 225g All Starphire tank/ SPS dominated 4 mp40s ATB 1050A 8 60w T5

06/16/2007, 11:38 AM	#2
AZDesertRat Moved On Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: NW Phoenix Posts: 16,621	It depends on your tap water quality and how efficient your RO is. In most cases for SPS and LPS corals probably not. An add on vertical refillable DI system is less than $40 at www.thefilterguys.biz . You really need both a copy of your local water providers water quality report and a TDS meter to tell.

06/16/2007, 11:39 AM	#3
SaltyDr Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Southwest Florida Posts: 1,191	What are your TDS reading on the RO. I have an RO/DI and my TDS is 3-4 before the DI. RO is much better than tap. What kind of tank do you have or plan to have?

06/16/2007, 12:15 PM	#6
AZDesertRat Moved On Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: NW Phoenix Posts: 16,621	As close to 0 as possible. A good RO membrane should reduce yur TDS 95 to 98% from what tap water was but its the DI that polishes it off. Some membranes are only 90% efficient though so you have to watch out. There are contaminants the RO by itself is not good at removing and the same goes for DI so you really need both for best treatment.

06/16/2007, 06:16 PM	#7
mnash Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 280	I would highly reccomend the filterguys if you are looking to buy a filter. I just made an order with them and they were very helpful. They make their filters specially for saltwater tank keepers because they are too. All in all they are very nice people who were a lot of help for me.

06/16/2007, 06:49 PM	#8
dead beat reef Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New Mexico Posts: 279	The D Rat knows whats up when its H20. Sound advice you can take to the bank. dbr

06/16/2007, 06:55 PM	#9
stanlalee Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: hampton roads, va Posts: 1,799	RO is almost always enough as long as its YOUR RO unit where you can clean and replace the membrane and carbon filters as needed. I've seen RO water from stores like walmart test terribly.