RO/DI unit upkeep

mike31154 · #1 05-29-2009, 11:49 PM

Most common systems all have the 10 inch housings for the prefilters, usually two or three, then the RO membrane and finally the DI cartridge which in the case of the system you're looking at is mounted horizontally along side the RO filter. Not sure why, but I recall reading that it is better to have the DI cartridge mounted vertically like the prefilters. Also nice to have all clear housings although that adds to the cost and the clear housings are a bit more fragile.

Here's the system I opted for from BWI in Ontario:

http://bwiplumbing.com/ca/index.php/...ming-soon.html

Although it says out of stock and coming soon, it didn't take too long to get mine and it seems I ended up with a five stage vice the 4 stage I paid for. The three cartridges below the RO membrane contain an extra carbon element and I think one is supposed to hold the DI in the 4 stage system. In any case, my DI is in a separate clear vertical housing on it's own bracket. I just mounted both to a 2x4 so it's fairly easy to carry around. Not sure I want to mount it permanently anywhere just yet.

The price is more than the initial listing on the eBay unit you're looking at and it doesn't have the storage tank, but by the time you do the exchange rate, shipping charges and possible brokerage fees, that number will climb in a hurry and the CAN $ price of the BWI unit all of a sudden doesn't look so bad in comparison. Granted, you'll have to pay GST and shipping with BWI as well, but I don't think shipping is that much if you're not in a hurry. Finally, not sure 6 stages is required for your application, might be overkill, but up to you I guess.

bullit67 · #2 05-30-2009, 03:33 AM

Ok I will admit I didnt read the whole thread but one so I dont know if any one else mentioned it but one problem you can get with bottled water is chemicals leaching from the plastic into the water I bought a bunch of water one day did my normal water change with it and noticed the next day the fish were very stressed and some corals were deal and most were not happy. When I went back to the water store I talked to the owner she knew what I was using the water for I was told that the bottles were new and the bottle manufacture did not tell them that they had to sit for a week befor they were filled as they were fresh off the line. So that was the last time I bought bottled water.

And to think we were drinking that stuff as well

TheRealBigAL · #3 05-30-2009, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bullit67

Ok I will admit I didnt read the whole thread but one so I dont know if any one else mentioned it but one problem you can get with bottled water is chemicals leaching from the plastic into the water I bought a bunch of water one day did my normal water change with it and noticed the next day the fish were very stressed and some corals were deal and most were not happy. When I went back to the water store I talked to the owner she knew what I was using the water for I was told that the bottles were new and the bottle manufacture did not tell them that they had to sit for a week befor they were filled as they were fresh off the line. So that was the last time I bought bottled water.

And to think we were drinking that stuff as well

So then is it bad to fill up store water jugs with RO/DI and let them sit for a few days in your house ? I only use a Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Tap Water Filter so I fill 4-5 5L jugs about once a weak to make fresh water and fill my ATO. The bottles I use are originally from save-on foods. Could the plastic possibly be leaching ? I haven't seen any problems but is the possibility there ?

bullit67 · #4 05-30-2009, 04:18 PM

Yah they could be but if they are well used they should be OK the bottles I had a problem with were brand new and that was where the problem was. I myself for drinking water dont trust plastics any more with all the chemicals that can leech into the water.

TheRealBigAL · #5 05-31-2009, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bullit67

Yah they could be but if they are well used they should be OK the bottles I had a problem with were brand new and that was where the problem was. I myself for drinking water dont trust plastics any more with all the chemicals that can leech into the water.

Good to know. thanks for the helpful tip