[Marco0725]

After having to drive every week to my local saltwater fish shop and having to carry water buckets all the time, I have finally decided to consider buying a water filtration system. I do not know much about them but having one seems like it beats having to travel to get water every week.

I just wanted to know if you guys can inform me in the advantages and disadvantages of having a water filtration system. I know that they run from 200 to 400 dollars in Foster and Smith. So please enlighten me.

Also, if I do get one, which one do you guys recommend? Looking at the ones they offer The Seachem Pinnacle sound really good, but who knows? Let me know because I want to make a good investment and not one that I will regret.

Thanks guys and gals!

[WILLIAM1]

Honestly a RO (Reverse osmosis) would be a great investment. I bought mine frome menards its not the best but it does a great job for about 160 bucks. Most people would suggest Dr fosters which I would have done but money is tight sometimes.

Dr Fosters sells an RO/DI system that would be a great investment. Some advantages would be not going to the fish store anymore! Plus you can fill yolur own buckets in the comfort of your own home. Second advantage would be $$$ after about 6 months it will pay for itself. Plus you will know that your water quality is always great.


This is an investment that is a reefers must have to maintain a great tank... Someone else here might give you some more ideas about this so just hang out and the anwsers will pour in.

[glampka]

Since you have a 29 take a look at the MightyMite + DI from Products and answers for your water treatment needs.. A number of us have that unit. Can't be beat for $99.

[Marco0725]

Thanks for your advice guys. I appreciate it.

[holiday]

Please know in advance how much water it takes to make 1 gallon of fresh. It takes about 4. I am having an issue with all the waste. It's my fault because I didn't research it enough. We spent $300 on a unit from Marine Depot. I am looking for ways to hook it up and save on the waste if its possible. I was also disillusioned my how slow it is to fill my own jugs.

I am sorry for whining about this but we bought the unit with the thought of saving money and I don't see how it's possible with all the waste. I can't return my unit so either I find a way to deal or sell it.

[pogodzib]

Holiday - A 4:1 waste water : pure water ratio is the optimum ratio. If the ratio is lower, typically the unit isn't producing "pure" water or your using excess DI media to get the pure water. You can hook up two RO membranes in series to get a ratio around 2.5:1 The second membrane needs to be connected to the first membranes waste water line and then the seconds membranes waste water will be discarded. The pure water from both membranes can be joined together with a tee and sent to your storage tank and faucet. Adding the second membrane will also double your unit's production rate.

Here's a diagram on how to hook it up this way.

http://www.spectrapure.com/huds/DUAL.pdf

One thing you need to do is to make sure that both membranes are have the same flow rating. You can't use membranes that are rated for different production rates or it won't work properly.

[Marco0725]

Ok, thanks for the information. I'll keep reserching, it great that you guys are telling me your toughts and experiences. I have the money to but the filter but I feel like I want to know if the good outweights the bad. Thanks again.

[pogodzib]

Depending on how much money you have, the RO/DI units that I would recommend are:

Cheap units that do the job, but use up more DI resin and are tougher to know when to change the filter cartridges are Filter direct and Aqua-Safe Canada. Both of which can be found on e-bay. The next step up would be the units that have clear cartridge housings, like the units sold by Products and answers for your water treatment needs. and www.thefilterguys.biz The top of the line units include everything that should be used to be able to tell exactly when your cartridges need changing are the ones sold by Spectrapure that have custom cartridges, pressure gauges, and TDS meters built into the units. For more people, I recommend the middle of the road units that are rated at 75gpd.

[reefnoob1991]

I got a Mighty Mite on ebay for less than 90$, and it gives more than 75 GPD

[Jeremy0322]

I really do not know much about it but i have heard some people using the waste water to fill up a washing machine, or for things such as watering flowers and plants. You can use your imagination, as long as the water quality does not need to be great you can use it.

[Marine1]

I hope I'm not to late, but I purchased my RO/DI 4 stage water filtering system from Buckeye field supply. Their prices are great and if you have any questions the guy will call you back or contact you via email. The service is exceptional. I hope this helps. If you already purchased one I hope this is a good reference for others in the future.

Here's their website:

http://www.buckeyefieldsupply.com/sh...ry=167&Sub=166

[gimmito]

Has anybody heard of polybio marine's cold filter sterile system ? There is no wasted water like ro/di, the cartriges last 5,000 gallons, & you can hook it up to your fride for pure drinking water ! Checkout Poly-Bio-Marine.