RO/DI Filter setup

jguinn2005 · 11/21/2012, 01:57 PM

Hey guys, the name is Jake and I'm new to the forum. A little background on myself... I've been building and working with freshwater for the past 20 years and grew up in the pet/fish industry. Somewhere along the line I got lost and NEVER got into saltwater but was always fascinated by it. I've made a conscious decision to educate myself to the best of my ability so maybe one day I can pass my newly found knowledge along to someone else ... and of course, enjoy it myself.

I've been eyeing this forum for the past few weeks and spent countless hours reading. For the most part I've got the basics of setting up a reef tank down; taken a BUNCH of notes and researched a bunch of different options to work within my budget.

I'm looking at setting up a 75 gallon (standard dimensions). I rent a house and have enough room to set up all of the stuff for the tank itself. Where I'm having difficulty, I guess, is where in the world I will store some RO/DI water!?!? I can do a small 5 gal bucket under the tank but honestly, I'll be out of room at that point. What suggestions might someone have for the individual who simply doesn't have a lot of room to keep water on hand but maybe 5 to 10 gallons at a time?

Thanks in advance!!

LGB76 · 11/21/2012, 02:13 PM

Have you thought about the laundry room? I dont know if you have room. I have very limited room in my laundry room, but my RO/DI system is hanging on the wall behind my washer (wasted space) and I put the waste water line down the same hole the return line from the washer is. I place a bucket in the corner of the laundry room and that is really the only thing that takes up space. Try finding a tall slinder trash can or something. That way you can place it in a corner and it will be out of the way.

jguinn2005 · 11/21/2012, 02:34 PM

That was a thought, originally, until I put a washer and dryer in there! LOL Its more of a "laundry space" rather than any sort of room. Alas, my problem persists. I do have a spare bathroom that I could make the water in. Put the bucker/can in the tub and fill it there off of the sink and that would also provide a great reduction to overflow damage ... not quite sure the wife would be thrilled with a trash cash in the spare tub but seeing as how we don't use it EVER it might be an option. Maybe she'll get over it? Ha!

LGB76 · 11/21/2012, 02:45 PM

Well I am laughing because you are limited where it goes because of your wife... because that was my same problem. I got her to agree to let me install the system in the laundry room, but what she doesnt know is there will be a big a** trash can in there holding water! I plan on suprising her!!

bathroom can be easyily done. When you buy the ro/di system, they give you most of the adapters that you will need to hook up to your water source, it can just be a temporary thing, start it a day or two before you need the water to start producing what you need, once you have got what you need, take it all down and move the can outside again. If she is anything like mine, she will let it go for a few days and then it will have to GO! so you may be looking for a temporary setup more than a fixed setup. you can maybe hook it up under the sink if there is room under there.

swine · 11/21/2012, 03:19 PM

I'm kind of in the same boat but I've decided I "need" an auto top off unit. So I'm going to have a 4-5 gallon bucket under the tank. Im getting a Homedepot bucket and lid and going to drill holes in the lead for the pump return line.

Also you could get those 5 gallon jugs that you use for water coolers at the office ect, you can get twist off caps that make it easy to move around, poor, and store in different positions.

mginani · 11/21/2012, 03:21 PM

I also did not have room in my laundry room, but I have my unit in there and have drilled a hole thru the wall to my pantry. My Brute trash can sits in there and the water drains in it.

jguinn2005 · 11/21/2012, 03:54 PM

Yeah, I'm starting to think that it will merely have to be a temporary set up and tear down type of thing. Starting the system a day or two in advance for a larger water change will be easy enough.

For water on hand I guess I can find room for two 5 gallon buckets. 1 fresh for topping off or an auto top off and 1 premixed salt for that emergency water change. While 5 gallons isn't a lot I suppose its better than nothing and if I have the 5 gallons of fresh and mix that up as well and I can have 10 gallons in a pinch.

Maybe my situation isn't so bad after all!

jguinn2005 · 11/21/2012, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swine

Also you could get those 5 gallon jugs that you use for water coolers at the office ect, you can get twist off caps that make it easy to move around, poor, and store in different positions.

I like this idea, may have to locate some of these, I'm sure they're cheap enough.

Can anyone point me in the general direction of an RO/DI system for a beginner like myself? I imagine that as long as I plan ahead for maintenance a lower volume system will work just fine.

**I guess I could also use the excuse, "But honey, that 55 gallon trash can sitting in our tub is... well 55 gallons, I can't just move it!"

LGB76 · 11/21/2012, 05:30 PM

so far I have spent about $550, my wife thinks I have spent $125... She thinks I am doing awesome!!! I cant wait until she walks into the laundry room and notices that there will only be enough room to get the clothes out of the washer and put them in the dryer... she will be SO EXCITED!.

jguinn2005 · 11/21/2012, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LGB76

so far I have spent about $550, my wife thinks I have spent $125... She thinks I am doing awesome!!! I cant wait until she walks into the laundry room and notices that there will only be enough room to get the clothes out of the washer and put them in the dryer... she will be SO EXCITED!.

<-- Remember to do this when she finds out!

Speaking of $550 - I found a local guy selling a 75gallon set up, tank, stand, wood canopy, 4x65 T5 light, 3 heaters, sump and skimmer for that price ... I'm thinking about jumping all over that. Even buying wholesale through my business I can't beat that price!

jguinn2005 · 11/22/2012, 07:10 AM

Here is the tank that I'm looking at, what do you all think?

http://harrisonburg.craigslist.org/for/3407611109.html

Sethjamto · 11/22/2012, 10:49 AM

Personally I think you can find a better deal. I would prefer an internal overflow vice the HOB that this tank has, plus that skimmer is too small to work well in that tank...you would more than likely end up spending more to replace it down the road. I would also steer away from the CF lights.....get at a minimum a nice T5 setup.

Just my opinion though. That setup will work, but you will eventually end up spending more to suit your needs.

blackstrat · 11/22/2012, 12:24 PM

I thought that I didn't have room also.
But after filling 5 gallon containers for a couple of months and all the lifting, sloshing water on the floor and overfilling which also led to spillage, the wife consented to letting me place 2 22 gallon Brute (garbage type containers bought at Lowe's for $29) in the back bathroom.
It soon became 'my bathroom', but no biggie.
I mounted my Bulk Reef RODI 4 stage system on the wall with the barrels (equipped with auto stop valves) below and all is convenient as can be.
Bought 42 feet of tubing that serves as a water change/new water replenishment system and wifey is happy with a dry house.
Where there's a will......................

plapczynski · 11/22/2012, 03:23 PM

The ro/di wi pay off in convenience and eventually cost. I had my wife do a water run or two for me with five gallon jugs and she was sold. Ro/di can be drank and cooked with as well.

jguinn2005 · 11/22/2012, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sethjamto

Personally I think you can find a better deal. I would prefer an internal overflow vice the HOB that this tank has, plus that skimmer is too small to work well in that tank...you would more than likely end up spending more to replace it down the road. I would also steer away from the CF lights.....get at a minimum a nice T5 setup.

Just my opinion though. That setup will work, but you will eventually end up spending more to suit your needs.

I have to tell you, I started thinking about this as I was doing more research throughout the day. Since I'm on a budget this looked pretty good to get started but you're right, in the long run I will spend more money. I can order all of my supplies through my business so it would really be silly to buy something second hand when I can get something new and better equipped for just a few more bones, all told.

I'm glad you pointed out the CF spec on that light, I looked right over it, definitely want the T5 ... actually I want LED but like I said, I'm on a budget - maybe later. Without borrowing against my motorcycle for a secure loan (heh) what would you suggest for a nice T5 set up? I understand a lot of it is "to each their own" for one reason or another but I'm also new at this. I've had minimal luck with coralife in my store albeit we still use them because they're cheap and for smaller stock tanks, they work ... but i don't want crap on my tank ... so, please help

. Oh, and if I buy new it'll be a 75 gallon, I don't have the room for anything longer and don't believe I could afford the lighting for something taller like and 90 or 110XH. One "perk" I would like in a lighting system that I would actually be willing to pay a little more for would be moon lighting, or I could get it separate. I know its not necessary but I work straight nights so if I'm awake in the middle of the night at home it would be nice to see SOMETHING in the tank rather than it being black.

Sethjamto · 11/22/2012, 06:21 PM

I hear ya! I bought a used 75 setup and ended up changing a LOT before I fully set it up. I sold the tank for the 90, ditched his lighting and found my Current USA Outter Orbit MH/T5 combo on Craigslist, and also a used 20g tank that I turned into a sump. In my opinion, if you buy the tank new, go 90 over the 75. Same dimensions, just about 4" taller. It makes you less apt to lean over while looking into the tank. That's what I did. The used 75 I got was old and had some scratches. I knew I'd be disappointed in the long run if I set it up. So I used the stand, sold the 75 for $80 on Craigslist, and bought the new Marineland 90 at the LFS. The 90 only cost about $40 than the 75 and we are extremely happy with the taller tank.

Search on Craigslist or local reef club forums for a used T5 or MH/T5 setup. With so many people going LED, you can find T5's all day long. I wanted LED, but love my MH/T5 combo much better in regards to looks. It costs more to run and replace bulbs, but right now it's worth it to me. Maybe someday I'll go LED.....

Once you have been a member here for 3 months and have had 50 posts, you will have access to the buy/sell forum. There is stuff listed there all the time. Keep your eye out on Craigslist though for lights.

swine · 11/22/2012, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jguinn2005

I like this idea, may have to locate some of these, I'm sure they're cheap enough.

Can anyone point me in the general direction of an RO/DI system for a beginner like myself? I imagine that as long as I plan ahead for maintenance a lower volume system will work just fine.

**I guess I could also use the excuse, "But honey, that 55 gallon trash can sitting in our tub is... well 55 gallons, I can't just move it!"

Several people have recommended the BRS 5.
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-5-...tem-75gpd.html

I ended up ordering it at 12% off this week. Everyone was saying to make sure you have a PSI meter and TDS read out. which is on the model in the link I posted

LGB76 · 11/23/2012, 08:03 AM

I purchased this same system!!!

11/21/2012, 01:57 PM	#1
jguinn2005 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 11	RO/DI Filter setup Hey guys, the name is Jake and I'm new to the forum. A little background on myself... I've been building and working with freshwater for the past 20 years and grew up in the pet/fish industry. Somewhere along the line I got lost and NEVER got into saltwater but was always fascinated by it. I've made a conscious decision to educate myself to the best of my ability so maybe one day I can pass my newly found knowledge along to someone else ... and of course, enjoy it myself. I've been eyeing this forum for the past few weeks and spent countless hours reading. For the most part I've got the basics of setting up a reef tank down; taken a BUNCH of notes and researched a bunch of different options to work within my budget. I'm looking at setting up a 75 gallon (standard dimensions). I rent a house and have enough room to set up all of the stuff for the tank itself. Where I'm having difficulty, I guess, is where in the world I will store some RO/DI water!?!? I can do a small 5 gal bucket under the tank but honestly, I'll be out of room at that point. What suggestions might someone have for the individual who simply doesn't have a lot of room to keep water on hand but maybe 5 to 10 gallons at a time? Thanks in advance!!

11/22/2012, 10:49 AM	#12
Sethjamto Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 845	Personally I think you can find a better deal. I would prefer an internal overflow vice the HOB that this tank has, plus that skimmer is too small to work well in that tank...you would more than likely end up spending more to replace it down the road. I would also steer away from the CF lights.....get at a minimum a nice T5 setup. Just my opinion though. That setup will work, but you will eventually end up spending more to suit your needs. __________________ 8ft 300g, Reeflo Dart Gold return, MRC 48" High-flo reef sump, MRC MR4 dual beckett Skimmer, (2) Reefbreeders Photon 48's, Reef Angel, LMIII continuous water change/ATO setup..

11/22/2012, 03:23 PM	#14
plapczynski Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Chillicothe, OH Posts: 51	The ro/di wi pay off in convenience and eventually cost. I had my wife do a water run or two for me with five gallon jugs and she was sold. Ro/di can be drank and cooked with as well. __________________ 40 Gal-2 Koralia 750's, 1 Nano 240 & 425, Remora HOB, Ecoxotic Panorama Pro LED’s (2x 12k, 2x Blue/Magenta, 1xBlue). 60 lbs LR, 60 lbs sand, 2x Ocellaris Clowns, 1xBlue Spotted Watchman Goby

11/22/2012, 06:21 PM	#16
Sethjamto Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 845	I hear ya! I bought a used 75 setup and ended up changing a LOT before I fully set it up. I sold the tank for the 90, ditched his lighting and found my Current USA Outter Orbit MH/T5 combo on Craigslist, and also a used 20g tank that I turned into a sump. In my opinion, if you buy the tank new, go 90 over the 75. Same dimensions, just about 4" taller. It makes you less apt to lean over while looking into the tank. That's what I did. The used 75 I got was old and had some scratches. I knew I'd be disappointed in the long run if I set it up. So I used the stand, sold the 75 for $80 on Craigslist, and bought the new Marineland 90 at the LFS. The 90 only cost about $40 than the 75 and we are extremely happy with the taller tank. Search on Craigslist or local reef club forums for a used T5 or MH/T5 setup. With so many people going LED, you can find T5's all day long. I wanted LED, but love my MH/T5 combo much better in regards to looks. It costs more to run and replace bulbs, but right now it's worth it to me. Maybe someday I'll go LED..... Once you have been a member here for 3 months and have had 50 posts, you will have access to the buy/sell forum. There is stuff listed there all the time. Keep your eye out on Craigslist though for lights. __________________ 8ft 300g, Reeflo Dart Gold return, MRC 48" High-flo reef sump, MRC MR4 dual beckett Skimmer, (2) Reefbreeders Photon 48's, Reef Angel, LMIII continuous water change/ATO setup..

11/21/2012, 02:13 PM	#2
LGB76 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 539	Have you thought about the laundry room? I dont know if you have room. I have very limited room in my laundry room, but my RO/DI system is hanging on the wall behind my washer (wasted space) and I put the waste water line down the same hole the return line from the washer is. I place a bucket in the corner of the laundry room and that is really the only thing that takes up space. Try finding a tall slinder trash can or something. That way you can place it in a corner and it will be out of the way.

11/21/2012, 02:34 PM	#3
jguinn2005 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 11	That was a thought, originally, until I put a washer and dryer in there! LOL Its more of a "laundry space" rather than any sort of room. Alas, my problem persists. I do have a spare bathroom that I could make the water in. Put the bucker/can in the tub and fill it there off of the sink and that would also provide a great reduction to overflow damage ... not quite sure the wife would be thrilled with a trash cash in the spare tub but seeing as how we don't use it EVER it might be an option. Maybe she'll get over it? Ha!

11/21/2012, 02:45 PM	#4
LGB76 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 539	Well I am laughing because you are limited where it goes because of your wife... because that was my same problem. I got her to agree to let me install the system in the laundry room, but what she doesnt know is there will be a big a** trash can in there holding water! I plan on suprising her!! bathroom can be easyily done. When you buy the ro/di system, they give you most of the adapters that you will need to hook up to your water source, it can just be a temporary thing, start it a day or two before you need the water to start producing what you need, once you have got what you need, take it all down and move the can outside again. If she is anything like mine, she will let it go for a few days and then it will have to GO! so you may be looking for a temporary setup more than a fixed setup. you can maybe hook it up under the sink if there is room under there.

11/21/2012, 03:19 PM	#5
swine Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 52	I'm kind of in the same boat but I've decided I "need" an auto top off unit. So I'm going to have a 4-5 gallon bucket under the tank. Im getting a Homedepot bucket and lid and going to drill holes in the lead for the pump return line. Also you could get those 5 gallon jugs that you use for water coolers at the office ect, you can get twist off caps that make it easy to move around, poor, and store in different positions.

11/21/2012, 03:21 PM	#6
mginani Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Arlington, Texas Posts: 88	I also did not have room in my laundry room, but I have my unit in there and have drilled a hole thru the wall to my pantry. My Brute trash can sits in there and the water drains in it.

11/21/2012, 03:54 PM	#7
jguinn2005 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 11	Yeah, I'm starting to think that it will merely have to be a temporary set up and tear down type of thing. Starting the system a day or two in advance for a larger water change will be easy enough. For water on hand I guess I can find room for two 5 gallon buckets. 1 fresh for topping off or an auto top off and 1 premixed salt for that emergency water change. While 5 gallons isn't a lot I suppose its better than nothing and if I have the 5 gallons of fresh and mix that up as well and I can have 10 gallons in a pinch. Maybe my situation isn't so bad after all!

11/21/2012, 05:30 PM	#9
LGB76 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 539	so far I have spent about $550, my wife thinks I have spent $125... She thinks I am doing awesome!!! I cant wait until she walks into the laundry room and notices that there will only be enough room to get the clothes out of the washer and put them in the dryer... she will be SO EXCITED!.

11/22/2012, 07:10 AM	#11
jguinn2005 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 11	Here is the tank that I'm looking at, what do you all think? http://harrisonburg.craigslist.org/for/3407611109.html

11/22/2012, 12:24 PM	#13
blackstrat Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 79	I thought that I didn't have room also. But after filling 5 gallon containers for a couple of months and all the lifting, sloshing water on the floor and overfilling which also led to spillage, the wife consented to letting me place 2 22 gallon Brute (garbage type containers bought at Lowe's for $29) in the back bathroom. It soon became 'my bathroom', but no biggie. I mounted my Bulk Reef RODI 4 stage system on the wall with the barrels (equipped with auto stop valves) below and all is convenient as can be. Bought 42 feet of tubing that serves as a water change/new water replenishment system and wifey is happy with a dry house. Where there's a will......................

11/23/2012, 08:03 AM	#18
LGB76 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 539	I purchased this same system!!!