Test kits and RO/DI

[EthanDouglas]

I saw a thread before talking about which test kits people use. Of course, now that I'm about to buy my own, I can't find that thread. Help me out with just the basics for now. I'm not going to have corals for a while, so I don't think I need the more advanced tests. I'll have to pick those up later down the road. I've heard how inaccurate the API tests are, so I'm a little hesitant to get their "master" kit.

On a different note, I'm looking to buy my RODI unit. I live in North West Florida and my city is known for being one of the worst in the nation in terms of water quality. I think the BRS 6 Stage Universal Plus will work well for removing the chloramine and just about everything else. Any experience with it?

Thanks for helping me out.

 

[Oscar47f]

I have no experience with the R/O unit i run a 5 stage spectra pure im sure your 6 stage will be more than adequate if not they sell extra add on canisters and membranes to upgrade the brs units... The API test kits are inaccurate in comparison to their titration based counterparts however they do work when you're starting out its just recommended to upgrade once you progress into corals and things that require more stable water parameters..

 

[jlear3]

If I were in your boat is get the red Sea basics kit (ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, kH) I prefer them to the API tests as I could never really read API clearly. RS is way easier and probably way more accurate based of some reviews.


Edit: also rodi will vary a lot depending on your water, I get by with a cheap $75 membrane kit from amazon, if you have the money I'm sure that is better but saving is something you'll learn to appreciate in this hobby.

 

[EthanDouglas]

I have no experience with the R/O unit i run a 5 stage spectra pure im sure your 6 stage will be more than adequate if not they sell extra add on canisters and membranes to upgrade the brs units... The API test kits are inaccurate in comparison to their titration based counterparts however they do work when you're starting out its just recommended to upgrade once you progress into corals and things that require more stable water parameters..

Okay that makes sense. Thank you. I'll probably pick up the API here soon then. I guess whenever it runs out would be a good enough time to upgrade. Is it okay to use the same test equipment for a quarantine that I use on my display? I could bleach whatever touches water, if it is necessary. If I use separate containers to collect the water from each tank, would it even make a difference? I hope you can kinda follow what I'm saying. Thanks again

 

[EthanDouglas]

Edit: also rodi will vary a lot depending on your water, I get by with a cheap $75 membrane kit from amazon, if you have the money I'm sure that is better but saving is something you'll learn to appreciate in this hobby.

Haha yeah I'm kinda basing my budget around the RODI currently. My reasoning is the fact that it is a necessary piece of equipment that you need from the start, so I am willing to spend (a lot) extra in order to get all of the added gunk out of my awful water. I'm scared the cheaper units won't remove everything, and I'll spend moths/years fixing a mistake I made starting out. Thanks for the reply. I'll look into Red Sea test kits.

 

[AZDesertRat]

When it comes to RO/DI nothing compares to Spectrapure.
http://www.spectrapure.com/
http://spectrapure.com/RO-RODI/RODI-SYSTEMS

They are engineered, designed and built in AZ where TDS can exceed 800-1200, we have things like nitrates, arsenic and rocket fuels in our Colorado River water and its so hard you can cut it with a knife. They build their systems to handle all of that and more and give you the lowest cost of ownership of any unit on the market.

 

[EthanDouglas]

When it comes to RO/DI nothing compares to Spectrapure.
http://www.spectrapure.com/
http://spectrapure.com/RO-RODI/RODI-SYSTEMS

They are engineered, designed and built in AZ where TDS can exceed 800-1200, we have things like nitrates, arsenic and rocket fuels in our Colorado River water and its so hard you can cut it with a knife. They build their systems to handle all of that and more and give you the lowest cost of ownership of any unit on the market.

I appreciate the reply, but I'm a tad skeptical. It seems too "salesmanship-y" to me. Does anyone have experience with spectrapure's products?

(I'm not trying to offend anyone, just want a second opinion)

 

[Oscar47f]

I have a spectra pure 5 stage and it works well, but i live in key largo florida and our water is some of the cleanest out there... Any 6 stage should work fine the media that goes is is the same the main differences are price and brand...Brs or spectra will work fine.. As for testing you canna make sure you clean the beakers you test in very well because you don't want to cross contaminate.

 

[cromag27]

Don't skimp on your rodi. spectrapure only.

 

[cromag27]

I have a spectra pure 5 stage and it works well, but i live in key largo florida and our water is some of the cleanest out there... Any 6 stage should work fine the media that goes is is the same the main differences are price and brand...Brs or spectra will work fine.. As for testing you canna make sure you clean the beakers you test in very well because you don't want to cross contaminate.

The media is far from the same. another area where spectrapure is far superior than other brands.

 

[rvlcf]

I use spectrapure, works very well.
I would suggest getting The Hanna Alk checker right off the bat. $50 and $8 for the reagent refills. It will probably be the one you own eventually, and you will save money in the long run.

 

[EthanDouglas]

Don't skimp on your rodi. spectrapure only.

Thanks for the advice. I definitely don't want to skimp out on such an essential part of this hobby. I skimmed through a few of your posts and I'm extremely impressed by how beautiful your tanks look. What spectrapure unit would you suggest? Also, what is the quality of your tap like and what unit do you use?

 

[Oscar47f]

The media is practically the same BRS sells high quality products as well.. there are more than enough people that don't use spectra pure that have had success so limited it to just spectra pure is not good seeing as the competitors work just as well.. i do agree spectra pure is good but plenty of people have had tremendous success with other brands saying spectra pure is the best now thats an opinion, saying everything else won't work just because theres a price difference is plain wrong.

 

[Oscar47f]

Its up to you Ethan lol just do your research BRS or spectra pure whatever you choose i hope you have plenty of success in the hobby and keep planning stuff out man!! its a good habit. And cromag im not trying to dis you or anything i see your point of view as well.

 

[RunBikeSwim]

I looked at the Spectrapure and BRS 6 stage system and purchased the BRS system.

Why?

The shipping charges for the Spectrapure was highway robbery.

My city uses chloramine and the BRS 6 stage does a good job removing it and everything else. No complaints for the BRS system so far. If you time it right, the system goes on sale several times a year.

As for test kits, I use both API and Salifert. I prefer the API for quick testing and during cycling. I use Salifert to double check the API results if something doesn't seem right. And every time, the results were same for both kits.

 

[Oscar47f]

I looked at the Spectrapure and BRS 6 stage system and purchased the BRS system.

Why?

The shipping charges for the Spectrapure was highway robbery.

My city uses chloramine and the BRS 6 stage does a good job removing it and everything else. No complaints for the BRS system so far. If you time it right, the system goes on sale several times a year.

As for test kits, I use both API and Salifert. I prefer the API for quick testing and during cycling. I use Salifert to double check the API results if something doesn't seem right. And every time, the results were same for both kits.

i completely agree

 

[EthanDouglas]

I looked at the Spectrapure and BRS 6 stage system and purchased the BRS system.

Why?

The shipping charges for the Spectrapure was highway robbery.

My city uses chloramine and the BRS 6 stage does a good job removing it and everything else. No complaints for the BRS system so far. If you time it right, the system goes on sale several times a year.

As for test kits, I use both API and Salifert. I prefer the API for quick testing and during cycling. I use Salifert to double check the API results if something doesn't seem right. And every time, the results were same for both kits.

Yeah I think I'm going to go with the BRS. I think I'm gonna be getting several items at once, so it would be more convenient to get them from the same retailer. Thanks for all the advice, I really appreciate it. I understand that many different companies make great products, so I don't really subscribe to the "there's only one way to reach success" thought process. I know for sure that I want to be able to use my unit for whatever tanks upgrade to in the future, and I think the BRS fits that. As for test kits, I see people suggesting the API for cycling and salifert/Red Sea as back ups. I'll probably consult my LFS for more tips and to see what they have in stock here soon. Thanks again!

 

[EthanDouglas]

I looked at the Spectrapure and BRS 6 stage system and purchased the BRS system.

Why?

The shipping charges for the Spectrapure was highway robbery.

My city uses chloramine and the BRS 6 stage does a good job removing it and everything else. No complaints for the BRS system so far. If you time it right, the system goes on sale several times a year.

As for test kits, I use both API and Salifert. I prefer the API for quick testing and during cycling. I use Salifert to double check the API results if something doesn't seem right. And every time, the results were same for both kits.

How long have you had it running? Have you had to change the cartridges yet?

 

[cromag27]

The maxcap 5 stage would be sufficient. for those who worry about chloramine, spectrapure makes a specific filter for that.

It's strange that some people refuse to acknowledge scientific data. spectrapure hand mixes their own di resin in-house and their membranes are far superior to those sold by brs and other companies. what you save in upfront cost will quickly be lost in future filter purchases. spectrapure is a company solely dedicated to water purification. brs is not.

 

[Frop]

Spectrapure all the way dood. I have 670 TDS and their 99% rejection membrane runs around 6-7 TDS @95-100psi. I've had it flicker on 2TDS the first night I ran it.

I spent $160 on their filters to set in my 5-stage machine but I don't regret it at all. I truly believe I have better water than the saltwater stores nearby.