Recmmended R/O filters and question about water softeners

[bowhuntng6]

Completely new to saltwater aquariums. After being recommended by a friend to become part of the community I have decided to join reef central on my adventures. I have yet to purchase anything for my new setup, because I wanna know what you all think. My first question is regarding the reverse osmosis filters and your recommendations (i.e. how many stages, brands gpd). I also was wondering once I get the filter should I hook it up prior to the water softener or after. It seems to me if I do so before, it would be better since that's less the filter would have to draw back out of the water. Any comment or concerns help greatly! ThAnks

[Betaktical]

I would hook it up after. While you might have trace amounts of salt in the water, it is a lot easier for your RO to remove salt rather than having to remove chlorine calcium and magnesium from your water. If your going for a coral tank it's better to dose your own calcium to regulate better than having water with calcium in it and not always knowing exact parts. Better the water, the more control you can have


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bowhuntng6]

Thanks for the help. DO you have any recommendations on what type of filter I should use. Looking to get about a 40-70 gallon tank

[Betaktical]

They are kinda all the same depends on your price range too. Bigger is better and also you can use it for drinking water. Some people will say some are better than others but it's the same filters. Just make sure you have a unit big enough to keep up with you water change schedule. In a 40-70 gallon tank you should have no problem finding a cheap one to suit your needs. Make sure it's got the extra stages for deionizing. And get a tds meter.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AK707]

6 stage bulkreefsupply rodi units are legit.....

[bowhuntng6]

How many gallons per day size filter do you think would be appropriate for that size tank?

[bowhuntng6]

Don't make too much fun since I'm a noob, but what is a tds meter?

[Rio1969]

Total dissolved solids.

[Rio1969]

Originally Posted by Rio1969

Total dissolved solids.

Hit post too quick, the meter measures the total dissolved solids. It tells you how pure the water is. For this hobby you want 0 TDS in the water.

[bowhuntng6]

Will most filters get me to zero or will I need to supplement with chemicals?

[xREEFINaintEZx]

Check out check out buckeye hydro, bulk reef supply, and referbished spectra pure. Also watch tons of BRS tv on utube. Ro units make alot of "waste water" if that's an issue check out the spectra pure. Good luck bud you have questions here's the place. Go slow and lots of research.

[bowhuntng6]

A friend of mine is currently a member and he said this was the place to be during all stages of having a setup. I appreciate the help and will take your advice.

[2smokes]

A water softener filter is a filter that contains phosphates or polyphosphates.Somme reccomend it to use it before the RODI to get zero TDS water.Take care with the phosphates because if the filter is leaching them you will have all soird of algae issue and problems with the stony coral growth.http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...=polyphosphate I would use a phosphate filter thogh.I put a link with a cheam and good TDS meter too.https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Port...b-1a0c0160c1b2

[Dealseer]

Originally Posted by AK707

6 stage bulkreefsupply rodi units are legit.....

[bowhuntng6]

Thanks for the link, makes it much easier when I begin ordering all my goodies!!!

[Buckeye Hydro]

Originally Posted by 2smokes

A water softener filter is a filter that contains phosphates or polyphosphates.Somme reccomend it to use it before the RODI to get zero TDS water.

Just so people don't get confused, water softeners do not contain/release phosphates.

They contain cation DI resin that captures (primarily) calcium and magnesium, and release sodium (or potassium).

You'd use a softener before an RO system is you have hard water to avoid building up scale inside the RO membrane. We typically design commercial RO systems with a softener because the RO membranes are more expensive to replace.

Russ

[Betaktical]

Originally Posted by Buckeye Hydro

Just so people don't get confused, water softeners do not contain/release phosphates.



They contain cation DI resin that captures (primarily) calcium and magnesium, and release sodium (or potassium).



You'd use a softener before an RO system is you have hard water to avoid building up scale inside the RO membrane. We typically design commercial RO systems with a softener because the RO membranes are more expensive to replace.



Russ

+++++10000
Must be a plumber too


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Buckeye Hydro]

Originally Posted by Betaktical

+++++10000
Must be a plumber too

We've sold water softeners for 15+ years!

[Betaktical]

Originally Posted by Buckeye Hydro

We've sold water softeners for 15+ years!

Awesome. What company? It's surprising what people say in threads like this. Always always always RO after softener


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Buckeye Hydro]

Originally Posted by Betaktical

Awesome. What company? It's surprising what people say in threads like this. Always always always RO after softener

???

Buckeye Hydro - we've also been a Reef Central Sponsor since the bronze age...

Russ

[mcgyvr]

Originally Posted by Buckeye Hydro

???

Buckeye Hydro - we've also been a Reef Central Sponsor since the bronze age...

Russ

Oooohhhhh now your screen name, avatar image, signature links, sponsor tag make total sense.. ha ha ha ha

Here I Just thought you really liked their RO/DI systems.. ha
/sarcasm

I sure hope they meant which brand of water softeners..

[heathlindner25]

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

Oooohhhhh now your screen name, avatar image, signature links, sponsor tag make total sense.. ha ha ha ha

Here I Just thought you really liked their RO/DI systems.. ha
/sarcasm

I sure hope they meant which brand of water softeners..

[Buckeye Hydro]

Ha!