Ro/di

[JStraz4991]

is this a good filter for the prize and will it do its job
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/RO/DI-Filters-&-Systems-RO/DI-Systems/c9_10/p603/Economy-4-stage-RO/DI-unit/product_info.html

[Misled]

Yes, it's fine. Also at the least get the TDS meter.

[JStraz4991]

ok thanks

[Mrbeachbum2]

Any reason why you're going with the 4 stage vs. 5 stage?

[Misled]

I have a 8 year old 4 stage that gives me 0 TDS. There's nothing wrong with 4 stages. 0 TDS is 0 TDS.

[jason2459]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15713539#post15713539 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mrbeachbum2
Any reason why you're going with the 4 stage vs. 5 stage?

I believe you'd really only need the second special carbon filter if you have chlorimine in your water supply other wise the sediment/carbon/ro/di would be sufficient.

Though, if I remember right chlorimine wont show up on a tds meter and you need to find out from the water company if they add it in?

[Mrbeachbum2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15713654#post15713654 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jason2459
I believe you'd really only need the second special carbon filter if you have chlorimine in your water supply other wise the sediment/carbon/ro/di would be sufficient.

Though, if I remember right chlorimine wont show up on a tds meter and you need to find out from the water company if they add it in?

Looks like my city adds chloroamine... so I have to go with the 5 stage.

[Playa-1]

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/586/158898OCEANREEF2.jpg
Look into the Chloramine filter upgrade.

[sedor]

Don't forget to add the an attachment if your going to be hooking up to your washer spicket or faucet. If your poking right into your pipe I think it probably comes with the hardware.

[CUfishfan]

How much chloramine in the water makes a 5 stage necessary? I was looking at the same BRS 4stage, but it appears my water has around 2.9-3.1 ppm of chloramine...

Do I really need a 5 stage filter for that? Or would that bottle of tap-safe chlorine/chloramine remover do the trick?

[jason2459]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15717191#post15717191 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CUfishfan
How much chloramine in the water makes a 5 stage necessary? I was looking at the same BRS 4stage, but it appears my water has around 2.9-3.1 ppm of chloramine...

Do I really need a 5 stage filter for that? Or would that bottle of tap-safe chlorine/chloramine remover do the trick?

I don't know the exact number but I would imagine any amount would be bad and worth the extra $30 up front cost to get the 5 stage and $11 extra for the filter when it needs to be changed out which at most would probably be every 6 months or more. This way the chloramine is actually removed and not just nutrilized and still in the water.

[jtgrimes]

http://www.thefilterguys.biz/ro_di_systems.htm

[jason2459]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15717794#post15717794 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jtgrimes
http://www.thefilterguys.biz/ro_di_systems.htm

I hear that's a great place to get ro/di units too. I would add on the DI stage or at least make sure to get a TDS meter and check how high your TDS is after it comes from the RO. If it is high then I'd add on the DI stage definitely. From what I've read on here people don't like a TDS at or above 5 for the most part and some don't even like it above 1. After I flush the RO membrane I get between 7-9 TDS and after the DI 0.

[drillsar]

It really depends on what your city adds to there water, it's best to find out and tell the filter guys they will recommend a ro/di unit there great.

[Playa-1]

the 5th stage is just a convenience. It allows you to completely exaust one of the DI chambers before changing it out. It's not a big deal. Once my first DI chamber is exausted then I move the 2nd DI chamber to the 4th position. Then refill the exhausted chamber with fresh di resin and put it on the 5th postion. Then again, Sometimes I get lazy and use them both up and replace them at the same time. :)

[jason2459]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15719754#post15719754 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Playa-1
the 5th stage is just a convenience. It allows you to completely exaust one of the DI chambers before changing it out. It's not a big deal. Once my first DI chamber is exausted then I move the 2nd DI chamber to the 4th position. Then refill the exhausted chamber with fresh di resin and put it on the 5th position. Then again, Sometimes I get lazy and use them both up and replace them at the same time. :)

In the link provided just above there is no DI stage. sediment > 5 micron carbon > .6 micron carbon > RO.


Most 5 stage RO/DI units are now coming as

sediment > 5 micron carbon > .6 micron carbon > ro > di.

6 stage then would be where you have the 2nd DI chamber. All about where you get it from and how they have the stages setup. With Chloramine becoming so prominent in the water supply a lot of places are adding on the .6 micron carbon block in the setup.

Typical 4 stage could also be sediment > 5 micron carbon > ro > DI. of course. Then 5 stage to that would be doubled up DI. All about where you are getting it from and how they have the stages setup.

[Playa-1]

Good point

[jason2459]

Just to add that everyone that uses tap water regardless of filtering it should know what's in it and needs to check every year as it can change. Most city's will send out or post at least an annual water report about the quality of the water and what they add to it. Depending on what they include in the water treatment will determine how you need to filter or treat the water to be used.

My city posts a pdf online and even includes a nice easy to follow diagram. Which looks like a basic typical setup. According to the report though they mention that they are in the process of upgrading to a system that includes UV filtration and to be implemented by 2010. Who knows what else they will introduce into this new system. :( Luckily right now I don't have to worry about switching over my two basic carbon filters to cgac and chloramine reducing carbon blocks. But with the 5 stage w/ two carbon blocks already it's really easy to convert over the media on the next filter change if I have to.

Here's the diagram my city provided of what they are doing now.

http://i26.*******.com/2lddjck.jpg

Stage 1 is an aeration treatment. Stage 2 slaked lime is used to soften the water. Stage 4 is a sand and gravel filtration (UGF anyone?). I should call and find out what else will be in the new UV filtration setup. My guess chloramine...

[jason2459]

:D

Interesting fact that the latest water quality report had in it for my area. I guess we are the cheapest in the state.


$2.78 Buys You 1,000 Gallons
of Clean Water

The break down:
Engineering & Administrative Support $0.19
Water Source (Wells) $0.33
Meter & Customer Service $0.37
Distribution & Storage $0.68
Water Treatment $1.21

I'd say getting the RO/DI unit has paid itself off really quickly for me compared to buying it from a LFS.

[Buckeye Hydro]

The issue with chloramines is having enough contact time with the carbon - hence the two carbon stages on chloramine systems.

Russ

[jason2459]

BTW ^^^^^ another good place to get a RO/DI unit. BFS.

[Playa-1]

Here's some good info regarding Chloramine and the Reef Tanks.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-11/rhf/feature/index.php