Inexpensive/simple RO/DI system?

dejaknu · Jun 26, 2020

I've been buying water from my LFS for my nano but with covid reduced hours, it's been harder to get there. It's also a pain to go back and forth when I have big water changes to do.

Does anyone have recommendations for an RO/DI system?

Criteria:
-doesn't need high capacity
-simple installation & removal
-worth the cost trade-off for a 13.5 gallon tank over a few years (I might move in 2-4 years and might not be able to bring it)

Thanks!

Fred2482 · Jun 26, 2020

I have used many that are great, currently I am utilizing the BRS one and it is great.

Reverse Osmosis & RODI Systems

Saltwater aquarium reverse osmosis systems are an economical, convenient way to put consistently pure water into your reef aquarium without running to the store to buy RO or distilled water. Free shipping on all orders and orders placed before 3:30pm CST ship the same day.

www.bulkreefsupply.com

dejaknu · Jun 26, 2020

Fred2482 said:
I have used many that are great, currently I am utilizing the BRS one and it is great.

Reverse Osmosis & RODI Systems

Saltwater aquarium reverse osmosis systems are an economical, convenient way to put consistently pure water into your reef aquarium without running to the store to buy RO or distilled water. Free shipping on all orders and orders placed before 3:30pm CST ship the same day.

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Thanks, that looks good. I'm in Canada though so would get hit by the 18% fee to ship it here. I'll see if the math makes sense.

Shawn_epicurious · Jun 26, 2020

Buying a RODI system is not really about the cost Of buying it. They are fairly inexpensive. I’ve seen standard 4 stage systems online for as little as $200... It’s replacing the filters that is expense, because that cost never goes away.

The simple answer is this... it’s cheaper to make your own water than to buy... the up front costs can suck a little

slojim · Jun 26, 2020

How much water are you using? I think for a 13.5g and a 2-3 year window, it would have to be about convenience, not cost. You could probably buy adequate water in the grocery store.

dejaknu · Jun 27, 2020

slojim said:
How much water are you using? I think for a 13.5g and a 2-3 year window, it would have to be about convenience, not cost. You could probably buy adequate water in the grocery store.

I'm doing about 3 gallons every two weeks usually but right now I'm dealing with an issue that's required me to do 50% water changes a few times this week. Grocery store isn't very convenient because, while I have a car and have been using it to go to the LFS, I usually just walk to the grocery store. LFS is $1/gallon and a 20 minute drive if I can go at low traffic hours. Still only get 5 gallons at a time because I don't have a lot of storage space.

Shawn_epicurious · Jun 27, 2020

dejaknu said:
I'm doing about 3 gallons every two weeks usually but right now I'm dealing with an issue that's required me to do 50% water changes a few times this week. Grocery store isn't very convenient because, while I have a car and have been using it to go to the LFS, I usually just walk to the grocery store. LFS is $1/gallon and a 20 minute drive if I can go at low traffic hours. Still only get 5 gallons at a time because I don't have a lot of storage space.

Now the accountant is coming out in me.. do you own your home or do you rent? are you planning on moving in the near future? ...don’t answer those questions here...

RODI systems are kinna permanent. Sort of... if you are a good DIY guy, then Id say do it, unless you plan on moving in the near future. I had to hire a plumber to install mine... I’m not that guy... there are some simple plumbing “things” you can get to supply water to it in a laundry room... you still need gear to store water in... not expensive. A pump, some hose and most importantly some king of TDS meter tool.

Do the math... convenience + lower cost of continual supply + space It takes to store it + pluse set-up cost vs ...what you are doing

Hugh Mann · Jun 27, 2020

I got this one a few months ago.

Set up is pretty straight forward, even comes with a rack to mount on a wall. Plus a handy faucet and storage tank. Fits neatly under my sink.

count krunk · Jun 27, 2020

The best ro/di is the best used one you can find. If you can't find anyone brs or melevs reef have the answer.

You need an rodi in this hobby.

ichthyogeek · Jun 27, 2020

I’m thinking of getting this one once I move and my parents keep the old Barracuda one; it seems cheap and I’m not planning on using much RODI water, it’s mostly going to go into a 10 gallon show tank:
Aquatic Life RO Buddie Reverse Osmosis Systems

WilliamBowman · Jun 27, 2020

I had purchase the Aquatic Life RO Buddie Four Stage kit to make RODI water for my saltwater aquarium. This is a perfect unit for people with small spaces, small budget or patience since the output is a little slow. This unit does not need to be permanently plumbed in. Aquatic life recommends that the filters be stored away if not in use for more than two weeks so mine sits neatly tucked away and is easily accessible when I need to make RODI water once a week

slojim · Jun 27, 2020

Fwiw, it's not hard to move an rodi.
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals used to sell a standalone di tube that was great for situations like this, maybe there's still ademin only Option out there. More expensive long term, but could be a bridge
Do you think you'll be doing 50% changes much longer? Maybe there's a better option for whatever you are fighting if it takes more than 2 or 3 changes

AZMSGT · Jun 27, 2020

OP, several of the above systems posted are RO only drinking systems. So if you buy one you still need to add a DI cartridge to it. Easy enough to do just keep it in mind, you would have to T off the output line before the pressure tank.

I was going to suggest picking up a RO system and then add the DI section. If you need to order it from the states it would be far less expensive. I’m sure there is a source up north for DI resin.

RO DI systems are very easy to build on your too. As long as you understand the science a little and the routing the water needs to take.

Here is a good article on how these work.

How a Reverse Osmosis Deionization (RO/DI) System Works

Having water quality and algae problems with your reef aquarium? It could be your tap water. Check out the Marine Depot guide to reverse osmosis filtration.

blog.marinedepot.com

dejaknu · Jun 27, 2020

Thank you everyone! Great insights and suggestions here. It looks like RO Buddie 4 stage would be my best bet but the only one I'm seeing in Canada has a big shipping fee. I'll keep looking & might just have to suck up the price.

AZMSGT said:
OP, several of the above systems posted are RO only drinking systems. So if you buy one you still need to add a DI cartridge to it. Easy enough to do just keep it in mind, you would have to T off the output line before the pressure tank.

I was going to suggest picking up a RO system and then add the DI section. If you need to order it from the states it would be far less expensive. I’m sure there is a source up north for DI resin.

RO DI systems are very easy to build on your too. As long as you understand the science a little and the routing the water needs to take.

Here is a good article on how these work.

How a Reverse Osmosis Deionization (RO/DI) System Works

Having water quality and algae problems with your reef aquarium? It could be your tap water. Check out the Marine Depot guide to reverse osmosis filtration.

blog.marinedepot.com

The idea to make my own is very interesting as well. It seems like the systems are basically just cartridges & pipes, which shouldn't be too hard but idk about managing water pressure. That's another thing I'll look into. Thanks for the suggestion!

slojim said:
Fwiw, it's not hard to move an rodi.
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals used to sell a standalone di tube that was great for situations like this, maybe there's still ademin only Option out there. More expensive long term, but could be a bridge
Do you think you'll be doing 50% changes much longer? Maybe there's a better option for whatever you are fighting if it takes more than 2 or 3 changes

No longer as my UV sterilizer just arrived today! I've been battling what looks like phytoplankton but it didn't respond to a blackout. So, I've been worried about it being something else, like bacteria. I did just get a cat and the litter box wasn't far away when it started. Anyway, the big water changes are done for now but I can see other 'tank emergencies' happening in the future so the ability to manage at home would be helpful.

helijamal · Jun 27, 2020

SpectraPure RO Units

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dejaknu · Jun 28, 2020

helijamal said:
SpectraPure RO Units

Welcome to ReefSupplies.ca, Canada's #1 saltwater aquarium store! 90,000+ orders shipped, 1700+ product reviews, 1450+ 5 star! Unbeatable pricing and service. Top reef brands such as ecotech, neptune, reef octopus, Red Sea and more. One of Canada's largest Aquarium Depot at your service!

www.reefsupplies.ca