New RO/DI filter from Barrier Reef came with minimal directions...pointers?

[Playapixie]

I took advantage of the Barrier Reef Aquariuams holiday sale today and purchased their RO/DI filter unit. It came boxed, but there is no manual, only one sheet of paper with a couple sketches and very minimal instructions. I have never seen one of these plumbed up close before nor have I ever used one, so I'm not really sure exactly how it's supposed to work. Can't say I've done much plumbing in my life, either, but I'm game to try.

I suppose I can cobble this thing together following the sketchy "quick start sheet", but I still have a lot of unanswered questions.

-There is no on-off valve that I can see. Is that something I need to purchase separately and add?
-There is a pressure gauge, but nothing that tells me what it should read or what to do with that information
-There is a TDS meter that measures in and out, but again, no information on what those numbers mean or should read
-What does each of the different filters do?
-How often do I need to change these filters, and what tells me they are due to be changed?

If anyone can point me towards a useful RO/DI setup resource, I'd sure appreciate it. I've tried searching the forms but I get huge numbers of hits in my search response and none of them have what I'm looking for.

I'll call Barrier Reef and ask them but I know they are busy this weekend with their sale, so thought I'd see what I can learn online first.

Thanks!
Dawn

 

[tat2z_21]

Dawn, what make is the RODI? This will tell us if there is a ASO (automatic shutoff valve),

-There is no on-off valve that I can see. Is that something I need to purchase separately and add?

Adding a shutoff valve to the feed line (water in) would be a good idea to shut the supply water off when not in use.

-There is a pressure gauge, but nothing that tells me what it should read or what to do with that information

The pressure gauge should read between 50 to 65 psi

-There is a TDS meter that measures in and out, but again, no information on what those numbers mean or should read

The TDS "in" is dependent on what your supply water is, and the out should always be "0"

-What does each of the different filters do?

This depends on what system you have. You will have a membrane, a sediment filter, and a charcoal filter. The filters should be changed out when ever your TDS starts reading high.

 

[user 26995]

There is whats called an Auto Shut off connection. when the back pressure increases when the flow is stopped this fitting stop the flow of water. You can see one here about a third of the way down the page. http://www.thefilterguys.biz/fittings.htm

this is a simple example. http://www.thefilterguys.biz/five_stage_ro-di_system.htm

the TDS meter, the "IN" sensor will hook up in the "Feed Water In" line and the "OUT" sensor will hook up to the "Pure DI Water" line.

The first stage will hold the sediment filter. collects all the sediment larger particals and smaller ones in the water if using the 1 micron filter.
the second and third stage will hold the carbon filters. removes clorimines, clorine if any, pollutants and other contaminants
the 4th stage is the membrane it catches suspended solids and other substances. kinda polishes the water
the 5th stage is the DI resin. helps reduce Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) to zero

this info may not be complete, but hopefully it helps you understand a little more.

And like Tat2z_21 mentioned, it depends on your water as to how often you will need to replace the filters. I change the sediment filter about every 6 months, the carbon filters once a year and the di resin every two years. get the color changing di resin and you will be able to tell when to change them. the membrane I changed it recently. the previous one was about 5 years old I think.

 

[reefman069]

i just ordered me one of the shutoff valves and float switch.

when i dont know how to hook up or do something. look at youtube.com.

 

[Playapixie]

Thanks everyone, this information is helpful.

There is no brand label on the unit and Barrier Reef sells it as their "signature line."
http://www.barrierreefaquariums.com/productcart/pc/Barrier-Reef-s-100-GPD-Deluxe-RO-DI-211p10746.htm

It says it comes with a shut-off valve but I don't see that.

I think I may just take the in-line from a drinking water filter under our kitchen sink that we never use, and it appears that there is a valve at that connection, so that may be enough. Not sure how easy it is to regulate flow with that valve but I'll try my hand at plumbing tomorrow and see how it goes.

Thanks again!
Dawn

 

[mfinn]

Do you have a garage that you can install your new ro/di unit?