Check your RODI source!!

[JHSteepat]

Just a friendly reminder to check your RODI system often and maintain it well.

I have been wondering what has been fueling my latest hair algae outbreak, and think I found the source. Life took precedance and I haven’t changed the filters on my rodi unit for ten months and my topoff water tds meter reading was 151 (I kept putting off changing the dead battery in the TDS meter…so I had no clue). My tap water reads the same. This is city water to which they apparently add ORTHOPHOSPHATE to mitigate lead (apparently 0.6 to 1.8 mg/L). I just found this out.

Not to mention I installed my di resin canister upside down……..ten months ago…. When something seems wrong, pay attention. My resin wasn’t turning yellow despite significant use, but it just didn’t register.

I am not saying that this is 100% the issue with my tank, but it sure makes sense. Maybe my chaeto will have a chance now.

I will tell myself that this is the type of thing that makes us mature reefkeepers…..make a list of maintenance items and review/maintain everything when you are supposed to…..

 

[EricR]

Mistakes happen. I get it.
Running 10 months with no TDS reading due to dead battery (if I read that correctly) is a little hard for me to accept.
*I'm sure you'd agree, that part's on you,,, sorry to say

Hopefully you got the RODI issues all straightened out now, at least.
Good luck.

I don't get how you'd be getting same output as source water. RO membrane should've still been doing most of the work,,, but maybe I mis-interpreted that part.

 

[JHSteepat]

EricR, don’t judge someone until you know their story, and then think twice before you say anything.

Life’s priorities are #1, and a reef aquarium is a hobby, though I try to keep up and be responsible given the livestock, even when its tough. Most of us do and if I ever thought I couldn’t handle it, I’d offload the tank and contents. I am happy to say my tank is awesome, and everything, including algae, are great. Corals (sps and lps, from acros to duncans), inverts, fish are all healthy, and parameters stable despite the possible P addition.

My point was just to remind people to find a way to keep their eye on things, and don’t disregard even the most mundane task or it will bite you.

 

[EricR]

My point was just to remind people to find a way to keep their eye on things, and don’t disregard even the most mundane task or it will bite you.

I agree with this wholeheartedly.
Didn't mean to offend.
I won't bother asking if you agree or disagree with what I said since that conversation won't benefit anyone.

Again, good luck.

 

[JHSteepat]

At three years old, my ro membrane is at end of life, and is filtering at around 85% when it is supposed to exclude 98% according to specs. I will be ordering a new one.

I tend to post on r2r about my blunders with the hope that others don’t make the same mistakes, or maybe have a good laugh (or cry) with me. I’ve been at this for three years (not counting previous saltwater and reef tanks over the years), and despite my battles with algae, have a tank i am proud of and could probably write a book on all this by now.

 

[JHSteepat]

My point was just to remind people to find a way to keep their eye on things, and don’t disregard even the most mundane task or it will bite you.

I agree with this wholeheartedly.
Didn't mean to offend.
I won't bother asking if you agree or disagree with what I said since that conversation won't benefit anyone.

Again, good luck.

Thanks Eric. None taken. I felt bad enough, and owned up to my stupidity.

This hobby is so strange because it is so simple until its not, and that in worrying about all the complexities you can forget the simplest things, like testing the rodi water, or cleaning a powerhead