RO/DI System

[kingrowland1217]

I need help with the whole RO/DI system situation. I have a 55g i am hoping to put corals in soon. The tanks been up and running 6 months now. Its FOWLR for now. Is a RO/DI system even 100% necessary? I have a water well, so I use well water for the tank. Is it that beneficial that its worth the investment? Does anybody have a recommendation for a fairly cheap(<$100) unit that is good and will do what it s supposed to? If so, what brand and from where? Is it possible to make my own for less than a store bought? I want to have EVERYTHING setup before I add any corals. Thanks for all the help

 

[morleyz]

There are some people who will say they successfully keep SPS reefs on tap water, but if you're going to invest $100s to $1000 in corals and fish, why not spend $150-200 on a good RODI unit. There are so many things that are fine for humans to consume in tap water (like a little phosphate) that will wreak havok in the form of algae.

Check Bulk Reef Supply. You can get their budget RODI unit for $150 + shipping. It's a good unit and their service is awesome. There may be others out there that are cheaper too and someone might chime in. You'll also need to maintain these units, so there are periodic costs for new membranes, carbon and sediment filters, and DI resin.