Next purchase???

[enthejungle]

Was looking for some input on what everyone would get if they were in my situation.

I'm currently getting my RO from my LFS at .60/ gal. I'm evaporating between .5/1 gal a day.

I'm manually topping off every day or two with a gallon and also manually dosing 2 part everyday.

I was wondering if getting an RO unit, ATO setup, or dosing pump would be my next purchase.

Logically I'm pretty sure the RODI should be next but everything else is looking like more fun. Been toying with the idea of making my own acrylic ATO container which could be fun or misery depending on the outcome.

 

[Pilotman520]

I would do the ATO. I did a diy one for about 30 bucks. That should save you enough to get the RO unit. I'm convinced those 2 things are the best thing I've ever done with this hobby

 

[morpheas]

I vote rodi! I got mine before even getting the tank

 

[nereefpat]

RODI is a basic requirement. At 60c / gal it will pay for itself shortly anyway.

 

[JohnnyHildo]

for long term success you should buy the RO unit and consider getting that ato as soon as you can. i manually topped water when i started for about a month and it basically handcuffs you to your tank.
in the meantime go buy some lids for your pails or a cap for what ever container your losing evaporate from.

 

[CafeReef]

I agree with nereefpat

You have to take driving and opportunity costs (if during work hours) into account also. My closest lfs is 10 miles from me, round trip is about a gallon of gas, so at $2 a gallon, a trip every week to buy water, comes out to $104 per year, thats my rodi maker alone, not including cost per gallon.

Although if nereefpat isnt from GI or Kearney, I'd assume the drive is much further

 

[runningrandy04]

Another vote for RO/DI!
You can get a 5 stage 100gpd ro/di from pure water club through ebay for $99 shipped. Quality unit I have been using for 8 years. Search "pure water club ebay" The DI is the small inline type, so it will last only 100 gals or so depending on your TDS.
Next step is to get the BRS 2 stage canister DI system for $60 and a flush valve for $10. If you like you can get the BRS upgrade kit with flush valve, triple tds meter, and pressure gauge for $69.
That saves you $100 dollars off the best BRS RO/DI system. Plenty of cash to go towards an ATO.

 

[gone fishin]

I would prioritize RO/DI, ATO, dosing pumps.

FWIW I have been using the tunze osmolator ATO for awhile and have not had issues. I picked up my RO/DI unit from the filter guys many years ago. Also BRS has a dosing kit that is reasonably priced. Good luck

 

[BigEZ77]

i would prioritize ro/di, ato, dosing pumps.

+1

 

[nereefpat]

Although if nereefpat isnt from GI or Kearney, I'd assume the drive is much further

Ha, I'm 30 min yet from Kearney. Besides, Murray's in GI closed years ago. And Kearney doesn't have any salt supplies, including: salt, bulbs, corals, nori, or frozen food unless you want bloodworms!

 

[A.Astore]

I would prioritize RO/DI, ATO, dosing pumps.

FWIW I have been using the tunze osmolator ATO for awhile and have not had issues. I picked up my RO/DI unit from the filter guys many years ago. Also BRS has a dosing kit that is reasonably priced. Good luck

I was completely against the ATO when we first set up the tank because it required a reservoir beside the tank which was not something we wanted as an eyesore. We went on vacation and grabbed one so that the tank sitter would not have to stop by every single day we were gone... the ATO is still running a month later with an even larger reservoir. We also have the Tunze and are VERY happy with it. Had trouble swallowing the price at first but it definitely removes the worry of waking up to major issues with the return pump!

We use a normal tank which we grabbed during a Petco $1/gallon sale and then a piece of cut plexi from Lowes as the cover. MUCH cheaper than the ones being sold as ATO reservoirs.

I agree though that an RODI is something that I know I could not have lived without from the beginning. I would definitely grab that before the ATO unless you have a need to be away from your tank in the near future.

 

[enthejungle]

Appreciate all the response!

Was pretty sure I knew the answer ahead of time, confirmation is always a good thing.

Like the suggestion from runningrandy. Will have to look into that tonight.

 

[MidwestReefa]

I would vote RO/DI as well. The convenience of being able to do it all at home not having to carry water...