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View Full Version : Recommend RO/DI filter?

Piscez
02-12-2009, 06:05 PM
Hey guys, I currently have this water filter: http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/ro-aptwp/Aquarium+Pharmaceuticals+Tap+Water+Filter.html but I'm going to be starting my new 72 Gal and obviously didn't want to fill it with Tap water, will this unit suffice? Or can some recommend a decent RO/DI filter possibly on ebay? and are replacement filters readily available? Thanks
Myka
02-12-2009, 09:19 PM
I have the AquaFX Barracuda 4-stage RO/DI (http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/store_pages/product-info.php?product_ID=ro-afb050). It's a great unit, and not very expensive. Don't cheap out on an RO/DI, it's one of the most important pieces of equipment you will buy for your reef.
Whatigot
02-12-2009, 09:25 PM
I use that exact same filter piscez...
our water quality is more than good enough to use just that.
Been using it for about 2 years, from new west to coquitlam, never had any issues related to tds.
Myka
02-12-2009, 09:45 PM
The tds in the Vancouver area is usually 60-80 ppm. A DI cartridge can only take out a maximum of 20 ppm, and doesn't take out many of the things an RO does. It's your choice whether you want to risk it. For me, that $200 is well spent. My tap water is 92-96 ppm.
Piscez
02-12-2009, 11:46 PM
There have been a lot of sales of this unit: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=220282916449
Mrfish55
02-13-2009, 02:13 AM
Vertex has a new unit out, 100gpd with built in tds and boost pump, pretty fancy unit but a little pricy at $369.00
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr88/Mrfish55/DSCF5923.jpg
brickwood
02-13-2009, 02:24 AM
The vertex is a really good unit. It uses far less water than most other units. The built in TDS meter is cool. I know Aquatic Addictions has one.
lastlight
02-13-2009, 02:38 AM
Yeah Albert at Proline was telling me about these today. Apparently for every gallon produced you waste around 1.15 gallons. That's a ton better than my old Aquasafe. And being on a water meter will factor into my decision to buy this or a cheaper unit when I'm ready.
Whatigot
02-13-2009, 02:38 PM
The tds in the Vancouver area is usually 60-80 ppm. A DI cartridge can only take out a maximum of 20 ppm, and doesn't take out many of the things an RO does. It's your choice whether you want to risk it. For me, that $200 is well spent. My tap water is 92-96 ppm.

coquitlam/poco get out water from the buntzen reservoir, I have had my water tested from 5-15 on tds in the past BEFORE i had a filter.
well away from the watershed that vancouver uses.
mark
02-13-2009, 06:16 PM
Yeah Albert at Proline was telling me about these today. Apparently for every gallon produced you waste around 1.15 gallons. That's a ton better than my old Aquasafe. And being on a water meter will factor into my decision to buy this or a cheaper unit when I'm ready.

Seems by using a variable flow restrictor can get this with other RO units (had my Aquasafe to close to 1:1) but at the cost of membrane life.
GreenSpottedPuffer
02-13-2009, 07:04 PM
The tds in the Vancouver area is usually 60-80 ppm. A DI cartridge can only take out a maximum of 20 ppm, and doesn't take out many of the things an RO does. It's your choice whether you want to risk it. For me, that $200 is well spent. My tap water is 92-96 ppm.

Where are you getting these numbers? I have been testing the past few years and never more than 60ppm (after a storm) but my tap water tests consistently between 11-15 ppm. I test once a week. I live downtown.
fkshiu
02-13-2009, 08:17 PM
The tds in the Vancouver area is usually 60-80 ppm. A DI cartridge can only take out a maximum of 20 ppm, and doesn't take out many of the things an RO does. It's your choice whether you want to risk it. For me, that $200 is well spent. My tap water is 92-96 ppm.

I always get 8 - 15 ppm out the tap right smack dab in east Vancouver.

The AP Tapwater filter was completely fine for me with my old 46 gallon, but I would't recommend it for any larger tank or a place with much higher TDS.
GreenSpottedPuffer
02-13-2009, 08:54 PM
I always get 8 - 15 ppm out the tap right smack dab in east Vancouver.

The AP Tapwater filter was completely fine for me with my old 46 gallon, but I would't recommend it for any larger tank or a place with much higher TDS.

Yeah I actually just went and calibrated my TDS meter, tested and got 9 today.
lastlight
02-13-2009, 10:17 PM
Mark are you saying that the membranes need to be replaced more often if you want to save on water-usage?