RO water From the machines at walmart, publix.......

[seth16]

They all say inside 9on a sticker) that it is R/O water, so does that mean that i can use it in my aquarium? At the moment, i pay 50 cents a gallon for R/O water from my LFS, and if i could only pay 23 cents a gallon, that would be great. Culligan, or whoever the compahy may be, changes the filters and does repairs weekely, so it is always clean water, but would you use it in your aqaurium?

 

[MORAY]

There are in some cases very big differences between R/O membranes and filters, plus I wouldn't count on their maintenance. You could be taking some risks that just aren't worth the savings. Also, those machines do not use a DI resin so that alone should be a deal breaker.

 

[InLimbo87]

I suggest if you are thinking of going that way, to invest in a handheld tds meter. That way you know whether the water is something you would like to have in your aquarium. Some of those are maintained well enough, and others I'm sure are horrendous. Without being able to measure it, you never know what you're getting.

 

[seth16]

how much do these handheld meters cost? and m friend dan used water form a loca store, and he has had no problems ever, so i may use it fro the smae place

 

[InLimbo87]

I think they are in the 20-30 dollar range.

 

[SueQ]

I've resorted to using the culligan machine when I can't get to the LFS. BIG MISTAKE! Usually within a day or two I get a huge algae bloom, as compared to no such bloom w/ LFS RO/DI water. This machine is only maintained once a month too! The handheld TDS meter is a good idea, but really, go with the better water-IMHO

 

[seth16]

well, i ve stuck with it up to now, why can ti stick with it, so i will.... and also, none is answering my post earlier, but is anyone going on a trip soon, i know you started to pln a get together for a trip to a beach, but has anything been finalized?

 

[rdmpe]

I would stay away from that water. Without DI it would probably have silicates in it as well as other things you don't want in your tank.

For the price of 250 gallons of water from your LFS, you could have your own RO/DI system. It will pay for itself eventually, maybe soon if you get a bigger tank and go through more water...

 

[seth16]

BUT it is not the RO/DI filter that costs alot, it is the membranes and filters for it.

 

[orb]

dude, you will save money in the long run. even if you broke even-at least you'd have the peace of mind knowing if that water is any good or not. even with a tds meter, you may not see silicates in their water. an ebay ro unit is 75 bucks-what i use-and i have found the filters last a while, maybe i just got a good one. i make up to 60 gal/week of rodi. no way would/could i get that amount from a machine.

 

[rdmpe]

Even with filter replacements it doesn't come out to all that much. Mine is probably going to work out to about $30/year or so. Much less than I'd spend on water from an LFS.

My evap is about 3 gallons/day and then add water changes and I pretty much have to have my own unit. If I only had a nano I might have just used lfs water though...

 

[flfirefighter13]

Seth, all the above are right, investing in it is WELL worth it. The added water changes and hassle involved from getting a algae outbreak will far outway the saveings of not buying a RODI unit. You can find them for decent prices just search around, If cashflow is an issue take your time on setting up tanks and get the basics taken care of first, it will save you in the long term bioth cash and frustration

 

[BoricuaMojao]

DEPENDS

DEPENDS

I used to use those machines exclusively for about a year before I got my own RO in order.

The machine in my local Publix was serviced every week. I tried to time my visits with their service schedule, and they usually serviced it on tuesday or wednesday. The service sticker said what was done ( changed membrane, carbon, etc) I never had any problems.

It just got expensive in the long run, and I wanted RO for my drinking anyway.

In a pinch I would still use them. Pay attention to the service schedule, and get a TDS meter.

"BUT it is not the RO/DI filter that costs alot, it is the membranes and filters for it."

Seth, you are misinformed about this. I spend at most 40 dollars a year on filters/membrane. That is only the year that I change membranes that it's usually every three. The year that is only filters, it's like $20.


BM

 

[mistermikev]

hmm, I would back up what has been said. I used the machines and get great macro growth!!! I did find some water that is micron filtered/ozonated that is tons better than the machine stuff. Still get a little ha every now and then(keeps my tang healthy) so I am considering rodi as my next purchase. What $75 model would you recommend?? Thanks in advance

 

[seth16]

you can find good deals on RO/DI filters on ebay,. seriously, i got a link form someone on here, and i looked further and found alot.

 

[solarwrx]

^^^^^^^

i got mine from ebay for around 120.00$ 5 stage filter its been great the filters are really dirty and i havent changed them out yet,

my tds is 005 so i dont think its bad but the filters sure look black

 

[seth16]

hahaha, well, if they are still working, then why change them....lol

 

[smpolyp]

If you plan to keep a tank 50 gals or more for a year buy your own R.O./D.I. filter or split it with a friend.
This is your first defense on pollution. Not to mention an ounce of prevention will save you a pound of pain.

 

[mistermikev]

hmm, seth... love the avata... "with the smashing and the crashing and the NYYYYYYlon".
what does one look for when considering an rodi unit. I would like to spend 75 and get one... 120 is a hair more than I'd like to spend but if the differences is night and day I guess I'd wait a few paychecks and go with that... whatdayathink?