View Full Version : First top off using RO/DI have question
Kenpo guy
04/09/2015, 08:54 PM
I know that when topping off the tank there is no need to add salt. However when I set the tank up my SG was a bit lower than I wanted so as evaporation has occured my SG is right where I want it now betwen 1.025 and 1.026. If I add one gal or so of pure water for top off how much will it affect my SG in a 37 gal tank? I dont want to end up where I started so should I add the water to a bucket and mix it with salt to insure my levels stay consistant? Or am I just way overthinking this?
edsreef
04/09/2015, 09:06 PM
There will always be some fluctuation in your SG as water evaporates. The best thing to do to keep it consistent is to use an auto top-off that keeps up with all the evaporated water. Either that or keep up with it closely yourself.
rfgonzo
04/09/2015, 09:11 PM
Get yourself a ATO so you don't have fluctuation. One gallon of ro/di will change SG, you will have more consistency with a ATO.
TangingOut
04/09/2015, 09:13 PM
If you need to top off 1 gallon and you want your salinity to remain the same, mix 1 gallon at the same salinity and add, then get an ato to top off with rodi to have stable salinity.
Martini5788
04/09/2015, 09:15 PM
if you need to top off 1 gallon and you want your salinity to remain the same, mix 1 gallon at the same salinity and add, then get an ato to top off with rodi to have stable salinity.
+1
thegrun
04/09/2015, 09:15 PM
If you need to top off 1 gallon and you want your salinity to remain the same, mix 1 gallon at the same salinity and add, then get an ato to top off with rodi to have stable salinity.
+1, just top off the tank with 1.025 water
tkeracer619
04/09/2015, 09:15 PM
Here you go.
Always add salt and mix outside of the tank once animals are in the tank. The reaction of the dissolving salt will burn their gills.
http://www.hamzasreef.com/Contents/Calculators/DirectSaltCalculator.php
Kenpo guy
04/09/2015, 09:41 PM
So where can I get an ato with ro/di and how much should I expect to spend?
tkeracer619
04/09/2015, 10:35 PM
What model RODI do you have?
You can go about it different ways.
Most of us fill a container once in a while that stores the RO. A white, yellow, or grey brute trashcan is food grade and a good lower cost option.
We then use an ATO setup that pumps water from the storage vat into the tank.
It can be as complex as lasers or as simple as a small container above the sump with a gravity fed float valve.
The key here is not to tie your RODI setup straight to the tank which would short cycle the membrane. This will eat up your DI and shorten the life of the membrane.
edog45
04/10/2015, 04:50 AM
I use the Avast Marine ATO kit and an aqua lifter pump as my top off. 100 bucks for the kit and it works perfect on my 120 gallon setup. Here is a link for the Avast ATO I have.
http://www.avastmarine.com/ssc/do/product/rigging/Top-off-Kit
An R/O unit is going to be a separate purchase and is something I believe is the most inportant part in maintaining a stable and healthy system. They can range in price from 150.00 to 350.00 or more. I use a spectra pure 90 GPD max cap unit and in my opinion Spectra Pure should be at the top of your list when looking at RO/DI systems.
smedlin
04/10/2015, 05:09 AM
An R/O unit is going to be a separate purchase and is something I believe is the most inportant part in maintaining a stable and healthy system.
That.. is.. true!
I went 13 years without one for a 150g tank.
It honestly, changed EVERYTHING when I recently got one.
kmbyrnes
04/10/2015, 05:53 PM
+1.
I did the math and just to FILL my 110 was going to cost 50% of buying an RO/DI unit.
Then there was cycling, and the regular WCs, and top offs and oh yeah, I bought another tank and ....
Anyway get an RO/Di and an ATO and you will have a much easier time getting things stabilized.
Kenpo guy
04/10/2015, 09:17 PM
I'm runnjng a canister not a sump. Can I still do this? Also for now I'm just adding reef crystals to the bottled water I have and mxing outside the tank. I'm adding 1 gal at a SG of 1.025. Can I just put it in the tank once the crystals are disolved?
edog45
04/10/2015, 10:38 PM
Yes you can still use an ATO without a sump. You would mount the float switch and water line from the pump in your tank. Your fresh water you would put in a container under the tank.
Once you mix the salt like you mentioned it will be fine to put in the tank. Not anything different than you would do for a water change.
CHizer
04/10/2015, 11:42 PM
For about $100 you can take out one of the biggest daily hassles of having a tank.
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