RO from LFS

[kiddbid]

I apologize if this is the wrong forum but thought I would try here first.

I get my RODI from one of our LFS that I use to top off about a gallon a day. A few weeks ago I noticed my nitrates going steadily up so I started 10% changes weekly and cut the feedings. Nitrates still going up so I bought a different test kit. My nitrates are above the limits on both the API and RS Pro tests. I then did a 20% change and tested directly after. The nitrates are still high so I tested my RODI and, you guessed it, same readings. Nitrates are high from all bottles of RODI.

I then brought the RODI to the LFS who confirmed the reading. They tested the water directly from their unit and also found even higher nitrates reading. Naturally they need to change their membranes which they say will take a week. Naturally, I'm currently looking for a new source of RODI.

My question is this; should I do a large water change or multiple water changes and if so what percentages do you suggest?

Thank you.

 

[kenman345]

which store is that?

 

[cullyisgully]

Where do you live so we can tell you what LFS is by you

 

[kiddbid]

I'm in Melville.

I'm not sure if I should post name of store; not sure of forum rules regarding that and not looking to create problems.

However if there is anyone in Nassau that is buying RODI water in next week, definitely PM me to find out which store to avoid.

 

[kiddbid]

Vinny,
Thanks for the PM on where to get RO in Copaigue. I do not have enough posts to PM back; I would have tried them but I ended up finding some in Deer Park.
Thanks again.

 

[kiddbid]

Kenman,
I'll PM as soon as the system lets me.

 

[kenman345]

Just finished mixing some water from their RO system.....Will you let us know when they've got that back in order? Cannot believe they weren't on top of that themselves since it sounds like you've noticed this problem for a while

 

[kiddbid]

I was surprised at them too. I was in there every time I bought more RO from them stressing about my nitrates and asking advice. Pretty funny I guess. I can't believe I'm the only one who had this problem. If I simply tested the RO back when I noticed the bump up I would have saved myself some money and time.
Now that I'm looking back in my log I noticed that creep up six weeks ago but attributed it to a piece of live rock I put in the tank and thought I started a mini cycle. I have water that I definitely got on 9/25 that tested high for nitrates.
Not sure that I'll be the one to find out when their RO is clean.

 

[Long Island Andy]

Test all the R/O you get from LFS

 

[kiddbid]

I'm going to test all RO from now on; just making it part of the process. I've been thinking that the store has been using this water for themselves as well but, maybe with their large system, it's not noticeable. Does anyone have any suggestions for water changes?

 

[kenman345]

So I think this whole situation is making my life easier. I used to go to the store you mentioned since it was near work, but they charge double the price as a closer store to me and they tested the water without question and happy to help me.

Cheaper and closer is great, only compromise is store hours, which isnt a huge deal anyways.

 

[kiddbid]

Glad to hear it Kenman. After a bunch of water changes and using good top-off, my system is noticeably improved. Curious as to how many others had this issue.

 

[kenman345]

Well, I do weekly water changes of about 8% of my system. Thing is though, I have 2 hang-on glass algae scrubbers on my system, so they pretty much helped balance things out, but they were originally intended to remove stuff from the tank my fish were producing, not what my store was making.