RO/DI Unit

[tehon3299]

Hey guys-

I am starting a saltwater tank and making a list of everything I need. I am looking for recommendations on RO/DI units. What does everyone use that has worked well for them? Also, how quickly does it produce RO/DI water?

[ledford1]

Go to Airwaterice.com.

I have a Typhoon III and love it.

Also, mention you belong on RC for a freebie.

[tehon3299]

Thanks for the help! What TDS reading do you get with your Typhoon system? There are so many to choose from and I am just lost.

[kau_cinta_ku]

i have the system from filter direct off of ebay and it works great just make sure to get the 75 gpd membrain.

[hangles]

IMO buckeye field supply has some good deals. good people to work with. 50 to 75 gal per day is plenty and you got extra for dogs, and personal use

[tehon3299]

Originally posted by ledford1
Go to Airwaterice.com.

I have a Typhoon III and love it.

Also, mention you belong on RC for a freebie.

After researching the Typhoon III a little deeper, I am sold on it. Everyone says that it is a quality product and works great. How often do you have to replace the carbon/filters on these RODI units?

[crumbletop]

Good choice. Make sure you get the 75 gallon per day membrane when you get one.

Replacement depends on how much water you make and how bad your tap water is, but general rule of thumb as far as I can tell is to replace the filters every 6 months to a year, replace the DI resin whenever the TDS starts creaping up, and replace the RO membrane about every 3 years.


Jack

[tehon3299]

How would everyone recommend doing water changes using an RODI system? Since it produces RODI water so slowly its not like I would be able to use my Python like I do for my freshwater tank. How does everyone else do it?

[ledford1]

I have the 75gpd also. It's the best way to go unless you absolutely need more water than that.

I store my RODI water in a Rubbermaid Tuffneck (sp?) grabage can from Lowe's. I've gone through a couple of trash cans, but this one seems to be the best I've used. It's 44g, which is enough for me to use for water changes.

You could set up an auto-topoff system with a float valve. But you would still need to do water changes.

[tehon3299]

Originally posted by ledford1
I have the 75gpd also. It's the best way to go unless you absolutely need more water than that.

I store my RODI water in a Rubbermaid Tuffneck (sp?) grabage can from Lowe's. I've gone through a couple of trash cans, but this one seems to be the best I've used. It's 44g, which is enough for me to use for water changes.

You could set up an auto-topoff system with a float valve. But you would still need to do water changes.

How do you get the water from the garbage can to the tank or sump? Powerhead? Also, do you mix the salt with your water in the garbage can and also adjust the temp with a heater before pumping it back to the tank?

Thanks for the help!

[johnnyguitars]

Typhoon III on ebay.. great unit I bought two of them... Clear canisters are great. You can actually see when your filters need changing

[smleee]

Originally posted by tehon3299
After researching the Typhoon III a little deeper, I am sold on it. Everyone says that it is a quality product and works great. How often do you have to replace the carbon/filters on these RODI units?

Glad to hear it, mine is in the mail. I believe AWI has ballpark figures on when to replace the filters, but of course that all depends on your actual TDS input to the unit.

eee

[crumbletop]

I put the water for my tank into 5 gallon containers and do my water changes and top off that way. I am planning on putting in an auto topoff system, but I'll continue to use 5 gal buckets for the water changes.

Jack

[tehon3299]

Originally posted by crumbletop
I put the water for my tank into 5 gallon containers and do my water changes and top off that way. I am planning on putting in an auto topoff system, but I'll continue to use 5 gal buckets for the water changes.

Jack

Thanks for the help! One more question...sorry I'm a newbie still ...When you top off your sumps, do you use regular RODI water or do you use an RODI salt mixture. Since you are just topping off the sump with such little water, would it make a difference if you dont use a salt mixture?

[MCary]

As far as I can tell, RO/DI units are just some PVC and/or Plastic housing with some filters and membranes. The quality of the RO membrane is the only significant difference between units. I have read by members here that the typhoon 75 gpd membrane is good quality and has the most efficient rejection rate. Membranes are often interchangable between brands. If it fits you can turn a 10 gpd system into a 100 gpd system by changing membranes without buying a whole new unit. SO I guess what I'm saying is don't get all wrapped up in brand names. Just get a good membrane.

Moving water from a waste can to the tank can be done many ways. Some very affordable. I use a sump pump bought at HD for $70. You can also use submersable pumps and power heads found at foster and smith or marine depot. With these options being cheap I would avoid the hauling buckets senerio.

But thats just me.

Mike

PS do not top off with salt water! Salt does not evaporate. If you top off with salt water you will increase the salinity of your tank. (Too Salty)

[tehon3299]

PS do not top off with salt water! Salt does not evaporate. If you top off with salt water you will increase the salinity of your tank. (Too Salty)

Good point. Once common sense kicked in I realized that the salt doesnt evaporate. So when do you have to adjust the salinity of the tank? Only during water changes?

[crumbletop]

Yes, you adjust salinity (and temperature) of the new water that you will be putting into the tank so that the salinity and the temp match the tank. Inbetween water changes, you top off with RO/DI. If you have a set line in your tank or in your sump that is the level when the salinity is a-okay, then you can fill up with RO/DI to that point when doing top offs.

Jack