where to get RO/DI water?

[Reef-Geek]

Originally Posted by scherzo

There are tonnes of sites and webpages with this topic. You can search for making RO/DI water in google and you will find many sites with information.

I'll tell you what I know to summarize what I've read. It sounds like you're new to this.

We filter water to make sure that it is as PURE AS POSSIBLE before we put it in our tanks. That way we can make sure there aren't any unwanted nutrients or things that may harm our tanks.

From my experience the water in the lower mainland of Vancouver is extremely good. Especially in areas that are close to the water sheds or have access to Vancouver's new water filtration system (coming from Capilano and Seymour watersheds). Our TDS is quite often as low as 15-or 10 PPM (0 is ideal).

You can get a DI (De-Ionization) filter which creates NO WASTE WATER for pretty cheap at J&L. Mine last about 12 months before I need to replace them ($35 for the replacement)

For the ultimate in water purity you can get a Reverse Osmosis (or RO) filter. This pushes the water through some filters and a membrane to clean the water. The water that is "BAD" is discarded through a hose and down the drain. Many systems also put a DI (De-Ionization) filter that further cleans the water. This is how you end up with RO/DI water. (These filters cost about $150-$300 depending on the system)

Then add salt and then add it to your aquarium.

You can get RO water from the grocery store. I would test it just to make sure it is ok. As others have said, who knows how often they clean their filters.

I've always used a DI filter. I will likely get a RO/DI filter soon as I have been looking into it. I'm not sure why. I'm always saying that our water here is so clean we don't really need it. But, I've been looking into it lately. Just for insurance.

There you go. My long post which has postponed my inevitable list of house work to be done tonight.

That's very valuable info, thanks
will you please recommand a RO filter for me under 200 bucks? or do u think just use DI filter is enough,can u please post a link to the one you bought from JL? I am in North Burnaby and do u know how is the water quality?

[Veng68]

Water in the GVRD is supplied by 3 reservoirs so the water quality is quite similar. We get a TDS around 15-20ppm.

You can go RO and add the DI unit later or you can go with DI only.

Check any of the vendors and you will find something under $200 that fits your needs.

Cheers,
Vic

[gobytron]

just snag one of these

http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/ro...er+Filter.html

I've used this for almost 8 years now with no issues whatsoever.


for the small tank or the frugal enthusiast.

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by gobytron

just snag one of these

http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/ro...er+Filter.html

I've used this for almost 8 years now with no issues whatsoever.


for the small tank or the frugal enthusiast.

That is a neat little unit, it doesn't say the GPD (Gallons per day) or how to replace the internals (or can you?)

Is this a disposable unit? Very neat.

[fkshiu]

Originally Posted by globaldesigns

That is a neat little unit, it doesn't say the GPD (Gallons per day) or how to replace the internals (or can you?)

Is this a disposable unit? Very neat.

You can replace the DI cartridge which is about 85% of the price anyway. It is essentially a DI filter and it works great on our low TDS Vancouver water. It is perfect for the smaller tank around the Lower Mainland. I used one for years on my 46 gallon. You'll need a bit of patience for anything larger.

Be aware, however, that unlike a full out RO/DI unit this thing cannot deal with turbidity and particulate matter very well. I often found that its output slowed even before the DI beads were exhausted because its small foam filter pad was clogged. And unlike a modular RO/DI unit everything is in one single cartridge that you have to replace in one shot.

I was also wary of the city injecting extra chlorine into the water after a heavy storm since it can ruin DI beads. On a full RO/DI unit you've got multiple layers of protection to deal with extra chlorine before it gets to the DI. On this unit all you've got is a thin layer of carbon, I think.

I know that OA used only DI filtration for quite a while when they started up, so this is a good way to go until you upgrade to a bigger tank.

[gobytron]

they recently made some small improvements to the design, like thicker filter floss on both ends and slightly larger washers that seem to have resolved a lot of te issues with turbidity.

I actually use this thing for all my tanks...maybe 200 gallons in total and daisy chain 2 of them when the tds is up from the tap, which is rarely.

Est this at about 5 gallons and hour...lol

The replacement cartridges are http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/ro...Cartridge.html

[Sean]

That is a neat little unit, I live in calgary and run to the store to get my water, but lately iv been slipping and not wanting to change the water as often. Do you think one of those would work with Calgary's water, or should i just pay the extra for a full RO unit.