RoDi question???

[roadrunner1659]

I have a 26 gal tank that i do a 4-5 gal water change one a week and during the week i replace about 2 gallons of water. I use ro water from the LFS right now...50 cents per gallon...i'm not sure if i can find it any cheaper so my question is...

...What would be a sufficent RODI unit for my tank? What is involved in an RODI unit and how often do you have to change the media?

Thanks

 

[Jeep$ter]

Most of the units sold on ebay are plenty good, and use the standard size parts , generally the different filters are replaced every 6 to 8 months sometimes up to just once a year.

 

[Konadog]

roadrunner1659, for your size tank, I would look for a 50 GPD unit. As far as how often do you need to change media (pre filter, carbon filter, RO filter) it depends on how bad your water is in your area. The best way to check is with a TDS meter. When your TDS goes up, time to change filers.

 

[roadrunner1659]

how exactly does an RODI work? i mean what do i plug it into and such?

 

[Konadog]

The easiest way to hook them up is with a hose adapter. Then you need a place to run the wast line, like a tree or garden, and a container to store your RO/DI water.

I found this explanation on the Air, Water, & Ice web site.

 

[roadrunner1659]

so i could hook it up to my sink or an outside spicket? If affordable i would like to get one but my parents make sure that im not getting something that could flood???

I wanted to create a refugium from my main tank but my parents are affraid of a power outage and a flood occuring (esp. since its in my bedroom on the second floor...

...and what is a good price for an RODI?

 

[Konadog]

Yes, you can hook it up to your hose "spicket" outside, use it, and when done, remove it and put it away. Look at the accessories area in the link I provided above for conection alternatives.

 

[szwab]

i would make sure the membrane is a filmtec membrane. if you are concerned with overall cost the 75 gph membrane to the best of my knowledge is the most efficient. both buckeyefieldsupply.com and airwaterice.com have very good units at very reasonable prices.

 

[roadrunner1659]

we'll i'll run down the entire webcite and will check them out...

when you guys say 75gpd does that mean it will create 75 gallons of rodi water in one day?

 

[Konadog]

Yes, but only if the water is the correct temp and pressure. They usually make a little less. The one I have makes 5 gallons of water in just under 2 hours.

 

[roadrunner1659]

even if the rodi unit only made 50 gallons per day wouldn't that be alot for me? or are there benefits for getting rodi units that are bigger than maybe needed?

 

[Konadog]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6588462#post6588462 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by roadrunner1659
even if the rodi unit only made 50 gallons per day wouldn't that be alot for me?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6587848#post6587848 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Konadog
roadrunner1659, for your size tank, I would look for a 50 GPD unit.

Where it comes in handy to have a larger unit is if you need a large quantity of water fast.

 

[szwab]

the reason I suggested the 75 gpd is the price difference is minimal if any aand they are more efficient. It does help to have the ability to "make" a lot of water in a pinch

 

[roadrunner1659]

do you think i should buy a big container for the unit or should i get the container they offer?

what do you use to store the water when its running?

 

[Konadog]

I use 5 gallon Arrowhead water jugs for top off water, and a 35 gallon and 55 gallon drum for water changes.

Look around for "free" storage containers.

 

[roadrunner1659]

right now i have a rubbermaid container that can hold 22 gals and then i have 20 gal water jugs when i need to transfer water.

...if i got a big container to hold the newly made ro water...how long could it stay stored b4 any problems would occur?

 

[szwab]

as long as the container is clean a fair amount of time. I've left water in mine for a month before w/o problems. careful with some containers the chepo trashcan type containers could leach chemicals into the water. Anything food grade or rubbermaid "brute" should be fine. You could even go to a local restaurant and get some 5 gallon buckets they throw them out all the time just wash and rinse them well.

 

[Konadog]

That all depends one how/where it's stored. I don't make any more than I can use in a week, except when preparing for water changes.

 

[AllenFord_SC]

If you can, get some of the 5 gallon water jugs made for the water dispenser machines. They have caps that you could place back on the jug after you fill it. I did this and put some rigid airline tubing down into the jug through the cap with an airstone at the bottom of the jug.

 

[roadrunner1659]

so i guess that ro water needs some movement to it as well?