Confused...RO/DI?

iceh · 01/03/2010, 10:47 AM

Like alot of newbies I'm itching to start my tank asap, but I know the value of playing the waiting game...Right now I have the 90gal+stand sitting in my bedroom with dual 250w metal halide lights and dual 54w T5 actinics, and I'm wondering what's next?

I'm ordering powerheads in the next couple days and thinking about using an eheim 2217 for mechanical filtration and flow supplementation http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...03&pcatid=3603

Is the filter required before I start the tank?

Secondly, I'm a bit confused as to where to get the best deal on an RO/DI unit...I know that tap water is a bad idea, even though I've had friends tell me that they've used it blah blah blah. I don't want to run into problems because of not using it. Can someone please point me in the right direction?

Thanks,
Terence

Jeff · 01/03/2010, 10:55 AM

Check out the RO/DI filters on bulkreefsupply.com
I use one of their's and have found it to be the best value around and very well made.
As far as the filter goes, you can probably wait a little while but that filter isnt the best for reef tanks. Live rock and sand are your best filtration system.

jimzin15754 · 01/03/2010, 10:58 AM

I dont use 1, I have an api tap water filter. but I did notice that reefgeeks.com has a few on their clearance list. nice prices
Edit: Scratch that, I just double checked and they must have sold out on them...not listed now

FranktheTankTx · 01/03/2010, 11:06 AM

Check out The Filter Guys, Buckey Field Supply, &/or Bulk Reef Supply for your RO/DI unit. All 3 are reputable suppliers & will be glad to assist you over the phone in getting exactly what you need.

As for the canister filter - save the $170 & pick you up a sump for under the stand. A 40breeder makes a really good DIY sump. Pick up some glass baffles & make a skimmer/return/refugium style sump. Go to Melev's site & learn up on sumps. Do a Google search for Melev. Trust me, the $170 would be wasted on the canister in this hobby. Run a bag of carbon in the sump &/or a BRS reactor.

Good saltwater filtration = live rock, live sand, carbon, & skimmer.

saltwater4life1 · 01/03/2010, 11:29 AM

I just got a RO/DI unit from bulkreefsupplies and it's working great, As far as the filter goes i would save the money for a protein skimmer.

jdak · 01/03/2010, 11:31 AM

My best deal was on craigslist. I actually bought 2 for $40 each and now i have a 5 stage RO system and added on a 2 stage DI system to the end...

iceh · 01/03/2010, 05:52 PM

So I found this one...http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/...rd-system.html

Will this work?

and what about this skimmer? http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...00&pcatid=4400

FranktheTankTx · 01/03/2010, 05:55 PM

LOL!! I didn't know they still made those skimmers. NO!!!

RO/DI unit is good - though it's a little stripped down. I would build your own & add a pressure gauge, TDS meter, etc.

iceh · 01/03/2010, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FranktheTankTx

LOL!! I didn't know they still made those skimmers. NO!!!

RO/DI unit is good - though it's a little stripped down. I would build your own & add a pressure gauge, TDS meter, etc.

Can you point me in the direction of a decent protein skimmer?

So just add everything that model has plus a pressure gauge and TDS meter? *EDIT* Looks like the deluxe version comes with those plus a flush kit for $199

stealle · 01/03/2010, 06:22 PM

Stick with FrankTankTx. +1 everything so far...

stealle · 01/03/2010, 06:30 PM

If I was on a budget and needed a skimmer for that size tank, I'd have a serious look at the i-Tech Model 100 Cone. I hear really good things about that skimmer. It is also taking the lead in the reef b uilders . co m poll for "What is your favorite new HOB or economy protein skimmer from 2009?"

iceh · 01/03/2010, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stealle

If I was on a budget and needed a skimmer for that size tank, I'd have a serious look at the i-Tech Model 100 Cone. I hear really good things about that skimmer. It is also taking the lead in the reef b uilders . co m poll for "What is your favorite new HOB or economy protein skimmer from 2009?"

Thanks for the tip, I'll check it out.

Are there any downsides to it?

stealle · 01/03/2010, 06:46 PM

I don't think there are any downsides. I will most likely be buying an ATB cone skimmer. The "cone" skimmer are the latest technology. Many will argue if cone skimmers are any better than standard skimmers, but most of the people who have tried the new cone skimmers swear by them. The i-tech skimmers look very similar to the ATB cone skimmers. The ATB skimmers are more expensive because they are a big name and there has been so much money put into research and development. The acrylic might be thicker and overall build construction is probably better on the ATB. However, you are probably not going to be throwing it across the room so the i-tech is probably plenty strong. There is a thread somewhere here on RC called the i-tech skimmer club. If you are interested, it will probably be a good read.

I don't think you'll find pricing online. This is the website of the person that builds them: http://www.ichthythings.com/main/ I'm not sure why he doesn't have them listed on the website. BTW, even though this is considered a "budget" skimmer don't be surprised when you find it to be quite pricey. This is an expensive hobby.

stealle · 01/03/2010, 06:54 PM

I-Tech Skimmer Club

iceh · 01/03/2010, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stealle

I don't think there are any downsides. I will most likely be buying an ATB cone skimmer. The "cone" skimmer are the latest technology. Many will argue if cone skimmers are any better than standard skimmers, but most of the people who have tried the new cone skimmers swear by them. The i-tech skimmers look very similar to the ATB cone skimmers. The ATB skimmers are more expensive because they are a big name and there has been so much money put into research and development. The acrylic might be thicker and overall build construction is probably better on the ATB. However, you are probably not going to be throwing it across the room so the i-tech is probably plenty strong. There is a thread somewhere here on RC called the i-tech skimmer club. If you are interested, it will probably be a good read.

I don't think you'll find pricing online. This is the website of the person that builds them: http://www.ichthythings.com/main/ I'm not sure why he doesn't have them listed on the website. BTW, even though this is considered a "budget" skimmer don't be surprised when you find it to be quite pricey. This is an expensive hobby.

I see what you mean by pricey... are there any other skimmers that would be appropriate for my tank that I can actually find online? :P

cameron91806 · 01/03/2010, 06:58 PM

i have this ro/di and its real good

http://filterdirect.com/product_info...products_id=29

maynardjames · 01/03/2010, 09:29 PM

try a octopus hob skimmer. i had one & it performed well & wasnt too expensive
that is if you dont get sump for setup

saltwater4life1 · 01/03/2010, 10:06 PM

That ro/di unit is the one i got. the *PLUS* version it's working great so far. As for the skimmer don't go with the syclone, I would check out ether the HOB octopus like maynard said, I own the BH2000 myself but i think the 100SS version will work for you. One thing about skimmers is they are usually rated for alot bigger tanks then they can handle. I try to get one thats rated for twice the size of the tank it's going on.

jdak · 01/03/2010, 10:55 PM

I use the sea clone skimmer. Produces dirty cups in two days... It is good to start with. Some people don't like them cause they couldn't spend $1000s on them. I'm sure ill see some hate mail after this post.

01/03/2010, 10:47 AM	#1
iceh Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Hauppauge, NY Posts: 207	Confused...RO/DI? Like alot of newbies I'm itching to start my tank asap, but I know the value of playing the waiting game...Right now I have the 90gal+stand sitting in my bedroom with dual 250w metal halide lights and dual 54w T5 actinics, and I'm wondering what's next? I'm ordering powerheads in the next couple days and thinking about using an eheim 2217 for mechanical filtration and flow supplementation http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...03&pcatid=3603 Is the filter required before I start the tank? Secondly, I'm a bit confused as to where to get the best deal on an RO/DI unit...I know that tap water is a bad idea, even though I've had friends tell me that they've used it blah blah blah. I don't want to run into problems because of not using it. Can someone please point me in the right direction? Thanks, Terence

01/03/2010, 10:55 AM	#2
Jeff Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 11,907	Check out the RO/DI filters on bulkreefsupply.com I use one of their's and have found it to be the best value around and very well made. As far as the filter goes, you can probably wait a little while but that filter isnt the best for reef tanks. Live rock and sand are your best filtration system. __________________ Always remember.... any time you reef, you also reef with every reefer that reefer has reefed with. Mitch 2/18/10 IWNFT343F Current Tank Info: Innovative Marine 20

01/03/2010, 11:06 AM	#4
FranktheTankTx Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 2,306	Check out The Filter Guys, Buckey Field Supply, &/or Bulk Reef Supply for your RO/DI unit. All 3 are reputable suppliers & will be glad to assist you over the phone in getting exactly what you need. As for the canister filter - save the $170 & pick you up a sump for under the stand. A 40breeder makes a really good DIY sump. Pick up some glass baffles & make a skimmer/return/refugium style sump. Go to Melev's site & learn up on sumps. Do a Google search for Melev. Trust me, the $170 would be wasted on the canister in this hobby. Run a bag of carbon in the sump &/or a BRS reactor. Good saltwater filtration = live rock, live sand, carbon, & skimmer. __________________ Frank the Tank "What, I thought we were in the trust tree... in the nest? Are we not?" Current Tank Info: Custom Rimless 60g (30.5"x24.5"x18.5")

01/03/2010, 05:55 PM	#8
FranktheTankTx Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 2,306	LOL!! I didn't know they still made those skimmers. NO!!! RO/DI unit is good - though it's a little stripped down. I would build your own & add a pressure gauge, TDS meter, etc. __________________ Frank the Tank "What, I thought we were in the trust tree... in the nest? Are we not?" Current Tank Info: Custom Rimless 60g (30.5"x24.5"x18.5")

01/03/2010, 10:58 AM	#3
jimzin15754 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 109	I dont use 1, I have an api tap water filter. but I did notice that reefgeeks.com has a few on their clearance list. nice prices Edit: Scratch that, I just double checked and they must have sold out on them...not listed now

01/03/2010, 11:29 AM	#5
saltwater4life1 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Fort Dix, New Jersey Posts: 933	I just got a RO/DI unit from bulkreefsupplies and it's working great, As far as the filter goes i would save the money for a protein skimmer.

01/03/2010, 11:31 AM	#6
jdak Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 91	My best deal was on craigslist. I actually bought 2 for $40 each and now i have a 5 stage RO system and added on a 2 stage DI system to the end...

01/03/2010, 05:52 PM	#7
iceh Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Hauppauge, NY Posts: 207	So I found this one...http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/...rd-system.html Will this work? and what about this skimmer? http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...00&pcatid=4400

01/03/2010, 06:22 PM	#10
stealle Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 501	Stick with FrankTankTx. +1 everything so far...

01/03/2010, 06:30 PM	#11
stealle Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 501	If I was on a budget and needed a skimmer for that size tank, I'd have a serious look at the i-Tech Model 100 Cone. I hear really good things about that skimmer. It is also taking the lead in the reef b uilders . co m poll for "What is your favorite new HOB or economy protein skimmer from 2009?"

01/03/2010, 06:46 PM	#13
stealle Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 501	I don't think there are any downsides. I will most likely be buying an ATB cone skimmer. The "cone" skimmer are the latest technology. Many will argue if cone skimmers are any better than standard skimmers, but most of the people who have tried the new cone skimmers swear by them. The i-tech skimmers look very similar to the ATB cone skimmers. The ATB skimmers are more expensive because they are a big name and there has been so much money put into research and development. The acrylic might be thicker and overall build construction is probably better on the ATB. However, you are probably not going to be throwing it across the room so the i-tech is probably plenty strong. There is a thread somewhere here on RC called the i-tech skimmer club. If you are interested, it will probably be a good read. I don't think you'll find pricing online. This is the website of the person that builds them: http://www.ichthythings.com/main/ I'm not sure why he doesn't have them listed on the website. BTW, even though this is considered a "budget" skimmer don't be surprised when you find it to be quite pricey. This is an expensive hobby.

01/03/2010, 06:54 PM	#14
stealle Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 501	I-Tech Skimmer Club

01/03/2010, 06:58 PM	#16
cameron91806 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Nanticoke, PA Posts: 304	i have this ro/di and its real good http://filterdirect.com/product_info...products_id=29

01/03/2010, 09:29 PM	#17
maynardjames Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: west tennessee Posts: 1,600	try a octopus hob skimmer. i had one & it performed well & wasnt too expensive that is if you dont get sump for setup

01/03/2010, 10:06 PM	#18
saltwater4life1 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Fort Dix, New Jersey Posts: 933	That ro/di unit is the one i got. the PLUS version it's working great so far. As for the skimmer don't go with the syclone, I would check out ether the HOB octopus like maynard said, I own the BH2000 myself but i think the 100SS version will work for you. One thing about skimmers is they are usually rated for alot bigger tanks then they can handle. I try to get one thats rated for twice the size of the tank it's going on.

01/03/2010, 10:55 PM	#19
jdak Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 91	I use the sea clone skimmer. Produces dirty cups in two days... It is good to start with. Some people don't like them cause they couldn't spend $1000s on them. I'm sure ill see some hate mail after this post.