RO Super-dunce

[Avi]

I'm finally giving in and ordering an RO/DI unit for my reef. It'll be a 75-gpd Typhoon III based on the strong recommendations I've seen here in RC. I need to know what kind of "holding" tank I would need for this and do I need anything else other than what it comes with? I would only have it do its thing before I need the water for water changes. Thanks.

 

[AZDesertRat]

You can either use it with a float valve in a Rubbermaid Brute trash can or with a pressure tank and drinking water system or both. They can walk you through it.

 

[Avi]

If I wouldn't be using it for drinking water, would one of those 40-gallon trash cans that are widely available all I'd need aside from the Typhoon III unit as far as the need for available space is concerned?

 

[AZDesertRat]

I think if you mention RC when you order the Typhoon III they throw in the float valve so yes thats all you would need.

 

[Avi]

Thank you very much, AZ, for your help.

 

[Avi]

AZ I wonder if you'd take moment to help me with this is little more. I saw in another thread that you recommend the Spectapure units

http://www.spectrapure.com/St_MaxCap-RO-DI.htm

above all others. I’d be getting the 90gpd version. Could you tell me what I'd need to order in addition to the unit itself, if I want it to have it operated most conveniently. I’d like it to empty the byproduct water into the sink, and have the water held in a 40-gallon container for when I want to use it for water changes. That’s the sole reason for getting the RO unit. Thanks for your advice on this.

 

[AZDesertRat]

The unit comes with a hose bib adapter that hooks to a hose thread. You can get a faucet adapter or self piercing valve adapter or whatever you need to hook to whatever you are going to hook to. It already has an autoshutoff valve so all you would need there is a float valve for the storage container and you are set.

 

[Avi]

Okay...Az, one last question, because I appreciate your effort on this. I want to go ahead and order the RO unit, but I want to be sure I get what I need. This will be for the fish tanks only, and not ever for drinking water. I'd want a unit that will give me about forty-gallons for when I do a water change. I'd be able to accumulate this amount of water over some days before I do a water change, so I don't need a very big unit. At the same time, I want water that will be very good for the overall health of the tanks, the largest of which is 120-gallons. So, could you tell me which manufacturer and model I should chose for these purposes? I'd be willing to spend the money for a great one like the Spectapure MaxCap-RO-DI, but I'd very much appreciate it if you could recommend something specific (even if it is the MaxCap 90 if that be the case) so that I don't do any unnecessary overkill in terms of water quality, size and or cost. THANKS again.

 

[AZDesertRat]

I would still recommend the MaxCap RO/DI in the 90 GPD version. You will find in most cases a 25,50 or 75 GPD or whatever size output unit costs the same or withing $5 to $10 of each other. The physical size is identical on all of them regardless of GPD. The biggest advantage is a 75 or 90 GPD unit makes water anywhere from 50% to 300% faster than the smaller ones so there is less time waiting for it to fill your holding tank. The Max Cap system only comes in two flavors, 90 GPD and 180 GPD as far as I know. The Typhoon III comes in two sizes 75 and 100 GPD but under no circumstances get the 100, it is not a true RO membrane but is a nano filter and does not produce the same water quality as the 75.

 

[Avi]

Okay....So, I want to place my order for the RO/DI MaxCap 90. I'm also ordering the Auto Shut-Off Valve Float Kit as shown here:

http://www.spectrapure.com/St_alc_p4.htm

Do you think I'd be wise to get the Pass to Drain Valve also? Thanks AZ.