RO buddie still produce phosphates

splooto

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Hey all, I finally got the money to spend on an RO unit, and hoping I didn't make a mistake.
There's a lot of phosphates in my tap and even worse in my tanks, so after a while I've decided to buy a RO unit. I got RO buddies 3 stage system, and I'm kinda confused by the output.
The TDS is lower (it's 180 out of the tap and only about 8 from the clean water)
But the phosphates is actually worse somehow. I've read conflicting info on if a regular RO membrane can remove phosphates at all, and that most tests for phosphates are inaccurate with unbuffered water. However since there is still TDS reading and even some salt still registering, it doesn't seem like this is "pure" water.

Either way, I've tested by remineralizing and the result was the same for phosphates. I tried some marine salt as well but that increased the phosphate readings by a considerable degree.

Now I admit, I know nothing about RO units, this one had really good reviews though which is why I got it. Would it be worth returning it and getting the 4 stage instead? I wanted the 3 stage because it was 100gpd but I guess I can bite the bullet for the 50gpd one if it will remove this phosphates.

Phosphates in all my tanks are higher than 10ppm and I'm having insane issues with cyanobacteria constantly and many of my delicate fish are pale and unhappy. I really want this battle to be done with already lol... Phosphates in my tap are registering at 4ppm regularly, and whenever I do a water change the tank doesn't seem to lower whatsoever. Ty in advance for any help, I'm just sick of the phosphates game

I was also under the impression that this would neutralize the pH of my tap which is in the high 8s but nope, still high 8s even out of the clean water. I'm starting to get worried this thing isn't doing anything at all.
😭
 
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splooto

splooto

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I don't have the knowledge to help other than to ask if you are running a DI stage? I had to add a cartridge for DI resin when I ran an RO Buddy.
No I don't think the 3 stage has one, you saw a noticeable decrease in phosphates when you got the DI stage? Only thing stopping me from the hassle of returning and getting the 4 stage (which is even cheaper) is the worry that it'll just do the same thing lol... To be fair, I guess 1-4 ppm of phos isn't that big of a deal in the end (and maybe I'm even reading the test wrong) but I would like to get it lower somehow.
 

UMALUM

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No I don't think the 3 stage has one, you saw a noticeable decrease in phosphates when you got the DI stage? Only thing stopping me from the hassle of returning and getting the 4 stage (which is even cheaper) is the worry that it'll just do the same thing lol... To be fair, I guess 1-4 ppm of phos isn't that big of a deal in the end (and maybe I'm even reading the test wrong) but I would like to get it lower somehow.
Yes you need the di to remove the phosphate along with several other things. There's no need to return your current system just buy the di cartridge.

IMG_1326.JPG
 
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splooto

splooto

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Yes you need the di to remove the phosphate along with several other things. There's no need to return your current system just buy the di cartridge.

IMG_1326.JPG
Pugh thank God LOL that's a hassle averted. I'll need to get the chlorimates filter for the membrane as well so I'll just add it to the list. Does it come with its own plastic clasp to attach to the system? Mine doesn't have a third one, not a huge deal if not, I can just tape it.
 

BriDroid

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Yes, you need the DI! I get 0 ppm water out of my RO Buddie with the DI cartridge. I recently did an ICP test with my RODI water included. It was CLEAN! I was shocked, figured that something was getting through as much as the units get trashed online, nope! Just keep up with filter maintenance and they work really well!
 

UMALUM

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Pugh thank God LOL that's a hassle averted. I'll need to get the chlorimates filter for the membrane as well so I'll just add it to the list. Does it come with its own plastic clasp to attach to the system? Mine doesn't have a third one, not a huge deal if not, I can just tape it.
Pretty sure they send clips with the di. They must cause I have a box full of them for some reason.
 

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