Reverse Osmosis Water vs. Tap Water

[Nattan]

Another question - since I received such great information from my last posting.

I understand that RO/DI water should always be used for all purposes. I have been using RO water all along, and all readings are good.

BUT, I'm wondering if I have been doing the right thing. I have been getting the RO water from the "Glacier" water dispensers in my local grocery store. I have meant to call the company to make sure that it does not contain chlorine, but have neglected to do so...just assuming that since it is put through so many carbon filters/ultraviolet sterilization, etc, that it would not contain chlorine or phosphates.

Can you tell me if this is acceptable ? What type of water do you all use ?
If I need to get an RO/DI system, what would you recommend ?

Thanks for any information.

Nate

 

[podboy]

The biggest concern with RO water at grocery store dispensers is possible lack of quality control. I've heard a lot of stories about the bad quality water coming out of some of those things due to the fact that some locations don't keep up on filter changes etc. I'd want to check and make sure that they were changing the filters regularly and you'd want to ask someone you could trust, because chances are they will tell you that they are, whether they really are or not.

When you have your own setup, you know that the filters are changed regularly and what is coming out of the water if you're testing it for tds etc.

I have myself been using tap water, but will be fixing my DI unit shortly,(used to add only pure 0 tds water) because I don't like not knowing what is going into my tank.

thefilterguys.net
airwaterice.com
purelyh2o.com

These are a few reputable locations to purcase from what I've heard.
Look at the sponsors for other possiblities. Posting your tank setup might give people a little more info to give suggestions as to which system you might need.

 

[Krish]

When I had my tank up and running I bought ro/di water from the local water company that a friend of mine owned. They are very strict on keeping filters changed and so forth so I I had no problem using it. One thing you want to do is use ro/di water and not just ro water. Buying your water however is fine, but as mentioned already by "podboy" you have to be extra careful that the supplier is keeping up with quality control as they described it

 

[Allenfamily]

I just bought a Kent Marine Maxima it is RODI and has a tester on the out flow side so you know that your water coming out is good and if it isn't that you need a filter change.It was $308 but beats the heck out of running to get water. I capture the water in a 32 gallon barrel and I have another 32 gallon barrell that I mix saltwater in, it works pretty well. As far as the quality of the filter I have talked with two experienced reefers and they both told me this is a good filter.

 

[Nattan]

Thank You

Thank you all for your responses. I will see if there is a water company in town that I can buy from that can prove their quality. I'll also ook into getting a RO/DI system.

Nate

 

[mmkeeper]

I have used this unit for a couple of years and it is still working great for me.http://cgi.ebay.com/AQUARIUM-2-110G...hZ002QQcategoryZ20756QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

 

[Reeferdude]

If you can afford it (RODI) and your tank specimens require zero TDS (total dissolved solids) then by all means buy one. Reducing every possible attributing negative factor is the safest route. I would test your water first to determine what you're adding to your tank. If your TDS is within an acceptable range RODI may not be required. The "acceptable range" is determined by your tank inhabitants since some corals and inverts are more demanding of high water quality.

 

[dnjan]

I would test your water first to determine what you're adding to your tank. If your TDS is within an acceptable range RODI may not be required.

Step one - buy a TDS (total disolved solids) meter. They don't cost that much, and then you don't need to trust the word of the guy at the grocery store. If everything is working well (at the grocery store), I wouldn't expect the TDS to be above 2 to 3 PPM. If the TDS is in the double digits, find another water source (or treat your own, as mentioned above).
If you end up buying an RO (or RODI) unit, the TDS meter is still a good investiment, as it will tell you when you need to change filters/membrane.

 

[tdgates10]

I bought my RO/DI from PurelyH2O.com and it came with the TDS meter on it! Works awesome and I wouldn't change it!