Ro/di

[braysmom]

I don't mean to sound like a complete moron, but can someone please explain to me what a RO/DI is and whether we need one or not????

 

[cardiffgiant]

It filters tap water. Your water has chemicals, nitrates, and mineral sediments. As the water evaporates, these pollutants are left behind. Over the course of time, you will end up with algae problems.

Before I used one I couldn't overcome algae.

 

[dileggi]

When I started my tank in Sept, I thought it was mumbo jumbo myself. I figured I've always used tap water with conditioner/dechlor, so that's what I did to fill my tank and do water changes for about the first month or so.

I was overrun by algae, couldn't get my nitrates or phosphates lowered, etc. I started using ro/di...or at least the di (deionized) part of the ro/di and it has made a huge difference.

I would certainly think it's probably a must to use ro/di, as stated above, you'll have problems down the road.

Depending on what's easier...to buy the water or buy the unit to make the water is entirely up to you. It's definitely less of hassle to probably buy the unit than lugging jugs full of water back from a store. Plus, in the long run, it's more cost effective to buy the unit.

 

[Shooter7]

http://reefcentral.com/modules.php?s=&name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=2


From the stickied thread at the top of the forum...



And YES, you need one.

 

[braysmom]

Thanks!!

 

[Shooter7]

Check with Team RC member AZDesertRat for some thorough feedback on these if you really want some info on what to look for...

 

[braysmom]

K thnx Shooter7

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

This article describes exactly how they work:

Reverse Osmosis/Deionization Systems to Purify Tap Water for Reef Aquaria
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-05/rhf/index.htm

and this article describes my concerns with tap water if you do not use one:

Tap Water in Reef Aquaria
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/jan2004/chem.htm