Question on RO filtration units

[Fletch]

My tap water has a high PH level so I am looking at getting an RO system. I have a few questions, first:

How are the units from fish supply companies different than those you get from your local water purification place different? I can still use the water for drinking and cooking I would guess, right?

Next, if these units do such a great job of filtering, is there a reason people don't have these hooked directly to their tank, say specifically after another filter and prior to reentering their tank, in order to provide superior filtration. Even if there was just a small amount of water running through there a day - say about 1/7th of your volume, wouldn't that be the same as new water on a weekly basis?

Maybe people already do this, maybe there are obvious reasons they don't. I'm just wondering what the staus is in either case as I'm sure this has been pondered.

Thanks.

 

[DasArab]

RO water needs reminiralizing so that may be one reason. Another may be that most people may not be able to or want to add a water system and a drainage system to thier livingrooms.

 

[Fletch]

I understand what you are saying which is why I didn't say everyone should do this. Does anyone? Has anyone?

I appreciate the reply but I'm not sure it really answers my questions.

 

[hangner]

well the water would have to be repressurized and the filters would probably clog up real fast so this means $$$

 

[Fletch]

Now that makes sense. I really don't know much about this stuff. Am I correct to understand that RO water has a neutral PH? Right now mine is off the charts.

What about the drinkability - is this the same thing as a regular RO unit even though it's aimed at fishkeepers?

 

[theundead]

The water out of RO units aimed towards aquaria can be used for personal/house use no problem there. People do hook these filters up directly to their tank filtering system, however, they are mostly saltwater folks who do this. And as far as the PH and drinkability, sure you can drink the water its fine, however, its pH is very low, water is very soft and has lost all mineral and trace elements so what you want to do is replenish it with a buffer, or some crushed coral. I use Kents "AF Cichlid Buffer."