Water Conditioners vs. RO/DI for a Drip System

[Albertan]

I'm trying to figure out a drip system for a new 330 tank I'm having built. I've looked at the some threads on drip systems that talk about dosing Prime, and was leaning towards something along those lines. But then this morning I came across forum vendor Aquasafe Systems' site and found their Aquarium II RO/DI combo. It's not terribly expensive (at least IMO) and seems like it would be a better solution. Any information on which would be a better way to proceed would be appreciated. Thanks.

[tomomothy]

The main things I can say is that RO will remove pretty much everything from your water, and from what I have heard, tap water has minerals in it that are beneficial to your fish. Also you'll have to make sure any RO system actually filters out everthing in your water, so you may need to get a water report, and talk to the RO filter manufacturer directly. I have heard that some manufacturers make RO systems and leave a stage out for fresh water aquaria, but I have heard mixed reviews when it comes to water parameters once the units were installed.

[Albertan]

Thanks Tom. I'm getting into Amazonian fishes. With my water supply's pH (8.2) and hardness (200+), I could probably do to pull as much out of my water as possible and start from scratch. More opinions/info are welcome.

[Albertan]

Well, after testing all my tanks and local water supply, a pH of around 8.2 and hardness in the neighborhood of 200ppm looks to be the norm. I guess that settles it in favor of a RO/DI system. Does anyone have any recommendations besides the Aquasafe System's unit? I'm going to head down to Culligan here in a bit and see what they have.

[mr.bigglesworth]

Try craigslist. Ive seen almost brand new rodi filters for 20$. The most i would pay is 60$ for a good, top name brand.