Source Water Questions

MelbaToasty · 09/25/2010, 04:48 PM

I notice that all of the experts use a RO/DI machine to make water for water changes. I cycled my tank with water that my LFS made using a RO/DI machine, but I have been using distilled water to do my regular water changes.

I have been reading a lot of posts that take issue with sources of water other than RO/DI. I have started the process of researching RO/DI devices, but I have two questions.

1.) What is the impact of doing 10% water changes with distilleld water? Can it hurt my tank?
2.) Can someone reccomend a good model RO/DI?

I have a 72G Bow and perform weekly 10%ish water changes (I change 9 gallons a week).

B-Willz · 09/25/2010, 05:03 PM

You can use distilled water, how ever the reason people use RO/DI is because we can make it at home for a lot cheaper and the convineance. Buying a RODI will actually save money in the long run.

Dino · 09/25/2010, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-Willz

You can use distilled water, how ever the reason people use RO/DI is because we can make it at home for a lot cheaper and the convineance. Buying a RODI will actually save money in the long run.

All correct points. There isn't any issue with using distilled water, if its 0TDS its 0TDS whether it was achieved by distilling or filter through a membrane and resin.

MelbaToasty · 09/25/2010, 05:39 PM

Thanks for the replies. Any suggestions on a RO/DI system that is good and affordable?

Dustin1300 · 09/25/2010, 06:53 PM

I've heard a downfall of Distilled is that it often will have a low PH but this is what I've heard and not what I've experienced.

I've used an RO/DI system from http://www.purewaterclub.com/ and have had goood luck with the filters. I'd recommend getting one of the systems with a dual DI portion at the end and get an inline TDS meter so you can tell when you need to replace the filters. They also have replacement filters for a very reasonable rate.

Dustin1300 · 09/25/2010, 06:55 PM

I've also seen that Bulk Reef Supply has some RO/DI systems and if I was to purchase one now I might consider them. I'm only saying that because I get my two part and other chemicals from Bulk Reef Supply!

MelbaToasty · 09/25/2010, 07:31 PM

Thanks Dustin... I saw the ones at bulk reef supply, but I will check your link also. What is the significance of 3 stage, 5 stage, 6 stage etc.? I gather from the prices that more stages are better.

Dustin1300 · 09/26/2010, 05:56 AM

I'm not an expert of the actual science of the RO/DI systems but I figure the more stages the better. It may be overkill with the 6 stages but 0 on the TDS is all I want

I figure the less stages you have the more often you will have to change the filters so it probably just ends up being the same price if not less in the long run.

Denbf58 · 09/26/2010, 06:22 AM

the75g per day 5 stage plus from bulk reef supply is a real nice unit and it is on sale for 180. that is the the one i bought and it works great

09/25/2010, 04:48 PM	#1
MelbaToasty Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 54	Source Water Questions I notice that all of the experts use a RO/DI machine to make water for water changes. I cycled my tank with water that my LFS made using a RO/DI machine, but I have been using distilled water to do my regular water changes. I have been reading a lot of posts that take issue with sources of water other than RO/DI. I have started the process of researching RO/DI devices, but I have two questions. 1.) What is the impact of doing 10% water changes with distilleld water? Can it hurt my tank? 2.) Can someone reccomend a good model RO/DI? I have a 72G Bow and perform weekly 10%ish water changes (I change 9 gallons a week).

09/26/2010, 06:22 AM	#9
Denbf58 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: selden N.Y. Posts: 885	the75g per day 5 stage plus from bulk reef supply is a real nice unit and it is on sale for 180. that is the the one i bought and it works great __________________ Life is good Current Tank Info: 75gal reef ready koralia 3, 30g sump, 4b 48" t5s lighting, 29g reef with breeding pair clowns 55g reef 55g freshwater

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09/25/2010, 05:03 PM	#2
B-Willz Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Aurora Co Posts: 420	You can use distilled water, how ever the reason people use RO/DI is because we can make it at home for a lot cheaper and the convineance. Buying a RODI will actually save money in the long run.

09/25/2010, 05:39 PM	#4
MelbaToasty Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 54	Thanks for the replies. Any suggestions on a RO/DI system that is good and affordable?

09/25/2010, 06:53 PM	#5
Dustin1300 Reefaholic Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Carmel, IN Posts: 5,135	I've heard a downfall of Distilled is that it often will have a low PH but this is what I've heard and not what I've experienced. I've used an RO/DI system from http://www.purewaterclub.com/ and have had goood luck with the filters. I'd recommend getting one of the systems with a dual DI portion at the end and get an inline TDS meter so you can tell when you need to replace the filters. They also have replacement filters for a very reasonable rate.

09/25/2010, 06:55 PM	#6
Dustin1300 Reefaholic Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Carmel, IN Posts: 5,135	I've also seen that Bulk Reef Supply has some RO/DI systems and if I was to purchase one now I might consider them. I'm only saying that because I get my two part and other chemicals from Bulk Reef Supply!

09/25/2010, 07:31 PM	#7
MelbaToasty Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 54	Thanks Dustin... I saw the ones at bulk reef supply, but I will check your link also. What is the significance of 3 stage, 5 stage, 6 stage etc.? I gather from the prices that more stages are better.

09/26/2010, 05:56 AM	#8
Dustin1300 Reefaholic Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Carmel, IN Posts: 5,135	I'm not an expert of the actual science of the RO/DI systems but I figure the more stages the better. It may be overkill with the 6 stages but 0 on the TDS is all I want I figure the less stages you have the more often you will have to change the filters so it probably just ends up being the same price if not less in the long run.