RO/DI .... or only DI?

[northbay-reefer]

With the drought that we are having lately, I am trying to find ways to reduce water use. Currently am using two RO units by taking the waste line of one RO unit and feeding it to the input of another RO membrane, the production of both of those are combined by using a T connector and then feeding that make up water through a DI unit. While this method is fine and reduced the amount of waste water, I am still wasting water.

So what I am thinking about now is to take the RO out totally and only use the .5 micron Sediment ---> 1 micron Carbon block --> DI -----> DI .. this way their is no waste water. Have anyone done it this way before? I know some reefers have tried this but I don't know how successful so if you have seen it done or done it yourself, please chime in.

 

[shaneh]

Tom,

I have not done that but i can tell you the addition of a boster pump has helped me cut my waste in half. I make sure i am getting 60-70 PSI. Do you have a boster pump? they are about $130 but will pay off in a lower water bill...also a few pages back you can see the water storage table i built and RODI board with all equiptment on it....just to give you some ideas.

PS: what was the brand of fan you showed me at your house this weekend...can't member and did you say you use kent or sea chem salt?

 

[northbay-reefer]

Shaned, if you live in Windsor, your water pressure is off the roof so you don't need a booster pump, granted you know where and how to turn your PSI up mine is atleast 75 right now and my waster is only 2-1 but am hoping to make it even less. I am thinking about building an RO/DI board too so maybe we can come up with some design?

here is it http://www.acousticpc.com/noctua_fans.html

 

[kokaneejr]

O.K. water experts. Is there a local place to buy a hose to RODI system adapter.? I find them online for cheap but haven't found a place here yet.

 

[shaneh]

lowes in RP in the far back left corner. they have some fittings....i have so extra stuff too what do you need?

 

[kokaneejr]

Shane I need an adapter that goes from a garden hose to either the tubing or a threaded fitting that is about the same size as the tubing1/4"(I Think). I can measure it if it helps or if you think you might have something I can stop by and test it.

Thanks for looking.

p.s. Did you ever get that free tank?

 

[crispyreef]

Home Depot also has fittings. That is were i got mine.

 

[crispyreef]

Tom, my water is 3-1, so I capture waste in buckets and throw it in the wash machine or water plants with it. I know, it's still a PITA.

 

[shaneh]

Carig,

I think i know the fitting you are talking about, mine is tapped off the washer. I got mine at the home depot in Petaluma. But now you have to go to RP for that. I don't have an extra. Oh and i didn't get the free tank someone got it. Gurrr it would have been so perfect!

Tom-

If you are doing the tank tour in a few weeks i'll show you my water board to give you some ideas.

 

[Steve Ruddy]

When I lived in Windsor the phosphate levels were to high to use the water out of the tap. I experimented with resins but was never satisfied with the lifespan. I suppose you could try micron, carbon, and iron based phosphate remover but you may have to re circulate through the phosphate remover. I just gave up and ran my waist water into one of my flower gardens drip lines. Just try not to effect the back pressure or cut the restrictor to compensate.

 

[northbay-reefer]

Shane, Thanks, I'll try to make it

Steve, thanks for the info, you are right, I aml dripping my ro waste into my garden too. I conserved another way by turning off watering my big lawn and turning that into a low water yard and use the ro waste water to water it.