Water purification for 10g nano reef...

[ChrisMan123]

I'm setting up a 10g nano reef for someone and he has a big freshwater tank but all he does for water changes is use tap and add de-chlorinator...

he needs something to make his make up water for water changes... reverse osmosis is too much $$$ so he needs a water purifier... for his faucet... anyone know a good one? and not too expensive? just let me know whatever you know about a good water purifier for a 10g nano reef...

and im thinking he'll just have it pump into a rubbermaid bin or bucket

 

[rsteagall]

Just do a DI only setup. I have the Kent Deion 200. Its just a 3 stage standard cartridge size filtration deveice. You can pick these up various places (ie: ebay) for about < $75. I have carbon 10 micron in my first one and then 2 CFI mixed resin di cartridges in the other 2 (this will cost about another $75).

Works great for me and my 58 gal with no waste water, and I can produce lab grade water at a much faster rate as compared to RO systems. You also don't have the expensive bladder to replace. The DI cartridges can easily be visually looked at to see how much life is left in the resin without testing. You must test with RO because RO can falter where DI only doesn't. I'm about to replace my di cartridges for the first time since June 05. The carbon only needs replacing 1 time per year. I also run this whole filtration setup to my icemaker and refrigerator water.

I don't know how many people use my method of DI only, but i picked up this unit and method from a guy getting out of the hobby that had 2x150 gals and 1x175 gal tanks that had been using this method for 4-5 years.

Using this method, the slower you drip the water, the longer it interacts with the mixed resin filter, thus the cleaner the water is. I need to get a TDS meter... but I'm certain its doing a good job by looking at my tank. Note... I only do about a 4 gal water change every 3-4 weeks and then every 3rd month weeks I do an 8 gal change.

 

[ChrisMan123]

something maybe a bit simpler and cheaper... but thanks

 

[raddogz]

Depending on how much livestock you have will it be of real concern.

I have a seven gallon minibow with one fish and three peppermint shrimp, and a bunch of lps and softies. Other than the algae on the glass I don't have any other algae issues.

I use ro/di for water changes and top off.

Some people use the Tap Water Purifier - it's basically DI resin - but still it will be to the tune of at least $30+ dollars and the cartridges are not cheap.

If you want to be cheap and do not want to spend the money on a water filtration, then perhaps finding a water store might be an answer

This hobby is not cheap. Nano tanks can be fun, but they are very challenging.

 

[rsteagall]

Sounds like you just use a 10 micron carbon block filter that will also get rid of sediment. This will remove all chlorine, cysts, and some heavy metals. That would be a 1 stage 10" standard filter. You should probably be able to go down to lowe's and get everything you need for around $50.

Pay more for a standard canister in the beginning. You'll save in the long run. WHen you buy "gimmick" water filters... they really bend you over with filter replacements.

 

[ChrisMan123]

yeah he'll prob. just use a water purifier and we'll make sure it's a good one.. it's going to be up to him... i use r/o for my nano and all my other tanks in the house but this is up to him cuz he's only gonna have a 10g