Questions about RO/DI...

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yamahafunkplayer

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Aug 6, 2011
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Houston Area
I have heard that RO/DI is great for removing ammonia, nitrate, nitrites from water. But I have also heard that RO strips trace minerals from water as well.

Here are my questions...

1. What about using a on-demand RO/DI to top off a freshwater tank?
2. What about using a continuous RO/DI in conjunction with wet/dry to maintain freshwater quality?
3. What about using a on-demand RO/DI to top off a saltwater tank?
4. What about using a continuous RO/DI in conjunction with wet/dry to maintain saltwater quality?
5. Will using continuous RO/DI be a problem for corals due to mineral loss?
6. Will using continuous RO/DI be a problem for a FOWLR setup?

I am thinking of building an in-wall aquarium, undecided so far as to dimensions or whether it will be a freshwater tank, or FOWLR, or a full reef. (But it will be monster!) My purpose in these questions is to design the most stable/easy-to-maintain aquarium possible... One that is a pleasure for both the fish and the fishkeeper! :)
 
yamahafunkplayer said:
I have heard that RO/DI is great for removing ammonia, nitrate, nitrites from water. But I have also heard that RO strips trace minerals from water as well.

Here are my questions...

1. What about using a on-demand RO/DI to top off a freshwater tank?
-This requires a dedicated water supply line just for the RO/DI unit. If you wanted it to be automated you would need a float valve for your tank.
2. What about using a continuous RO/DI in conjunction with wet/dry to maintain freshwater quality?
-This is called a drip system which is pretty common among people with big aquariums. The wet/dry would need a drain line for when the water starts to fill up. This is an excellent way to have the best water quality.
3. What about using a on-demand RO/DI to top off a saltwater tank?
-Same as #1.
4. What about using a continuous RO/DI in conjunction with wet/dry to maintain saltwater quality?
-You would lose salinity in the water and it would eventually become a freshwater tank with really unhappy saltwater fish.
5. Will using continuous RO/DI be a problem for corals due to mineral loss?
-See #4.
6. Will using continuous RO/DI be a problem for a FOWLR setup?
-See #4.

I am thinking of building an in-wall aquarium, undecided so far as to dimensions or whether it will be a freshwater tank, or FOWLR, or a full reef. (But it will be monster!) My purpose in these questions is to design the most stable/easy-to-maintain aquarium possible... One that is a pleasure for both the fish and the fishkeeper! :)
Click to expand...

Note: A continuous drip line coming from an RO/DI unit will deplete the DI resin really fast if you have hard water.
 
When maintaining SW tanks, a drip isn't the proper method. However, a top off system is. It is usually a mechanical float switch is a good way, but you should test it regularly, as it will eventually fail (all things do in salt water). RO DI is the preferred water source for SW, yes.

I built a large in wall system that houses a 375g tank, a 125g sump, and a pretty interesting filtration method (IMO). I should update my thread, I think...
 
What i have gathered so far is that the RO/DI would be great for freshwater (both to top-off and in a filtration loop
), but ONLY for top-off on SW.

I am assuming that RO water would be a great start to make new SW ready for water changes?
 
ro should only be used for filling your tank. the way a ro system works it will not work for a continuous filter for a tank. for a ro unit to make water, the same amount of water or more is wasted down the drain. most units run around a 1:2 ratio, meaning it takes 2 gallons of water to produce 1 gallon of ro water. also as "dirty" as fish water is, you will need some expensive micron filters before running through the ro membrane. and will clog up pretty quickly.

a uv can be used with ro depends on what your trying to do. the ro water we use at work goes through uv sterilizers, and .2 micron filters to become sterile water. something the average person wouldnt need.
 
frickr said:
ro should only be used for filling your tank. the way a ro system works it will not work for a continuous filter for a tank. for a ro unit to make water, the same amount of water or more is wasted down the drain. most units run around a 1:2 ratio, meaning it takes 2 gallons of water to produce 1 gallon of ro water. also as "dirty" as fish water is, you will need some expensive micron filters before running through the ro membrane. and will clog up pretty quickly.
Click to expand...


Most units I believe run at greater than a 1:2 ratio. My unit specifically states to not run it unless the ratio is 1:4.
 
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