2 quick inquiries for the many geniouses of the forum :)-Filters, etc..-3reef Forums

AngelLeah1981 · 03-28-2008, 10:28 PM

Hey Peoples !

1. I want to buy an RO/DI unit for my 120 gallon (not yet set up) saltwater aquarium. I want the unit to be very good but I don't want to go crazy. "I don't have a money tree out back." ha ha. The thing I'm trying to figure out right now is what I need to look for in a RO/DI system ....just 5 stage? or anything else? I heard that the $70 unit at PetsMart is worthless. shrugs shoulders. I'm willing to spend up to $250-300 but definatly don't want to if it's not necessary. I see the units at all different prices. Also, a while back someone told me they use their unit for drinking water and I always saw this as a plus especially considering I spend around $70-80 a month in Walmart bottled water !!!

2. I'm not even sure I will need a UV sterilizer but I saw what appeared to be a great deal and am wondering if you would mind checking it out for me. I would really appreciate it.
It's #5 on the list:
Louisiana Reef Club :: View topic - Equipment for sale WITH PICS
Also, he said "Here is a link to info on the model that I have. They will kill anything that is in the water.

Aqua UV 40 Watt 2 inch UV Sterilizer (Saltwater Aquarium Supplies > UV Sterilizers > Units > 36-40 Watts ) "
Please give me your thoughts on this deal.
Leah

Quick info: I try my best not to overfeed. LOL

reef_guru · 03-28-2008, 10:51 PM

Home Reverse Osmosis Systems for Water Purification and Filtration in Residentia WaterAnywhere AAA Home RO Systems 12-100 GPD
i dont use uv or ozone on a reef

AngelLeah1981 · 03-29-2008, 12:57 AM

One more thing: How big of a quarantine tank would you do? .....especially since later on I want a Powder Blue Tang. I know these are extremely difficult but they're my favorite so I have to at least try it. (unless it could get ich and kill all my fish) Is this possible- it killing the fish? I hate the idea of a tank going constantly (using my power and water and paying for the equipment) just for it to sit there most of the time with no fish in it. That kills me but if it's necessary I will do it. I would be constantly fighting off the urge to put fish in it. LOL

coral reefer · 03-29-2008, 02:04 AM

I recently purchased a Coralife RO/DI filtration four stage for about $150.00!
Do you plan on keeping corals in the future? If so scrap the UV sterilizer, in my opinion! It will kill numerous beneficial organisms within your tanks chemistry and equilibrium.
Unfortunately, anything is possible in regards to one fish having a negative impact on other tankmates in your tank, so the introduction of a Powder Blue Tang is not out of the realm of possibly effecting other tank mates if it wer to get sick and die.
Trying to offer it the right husbandry and compatibility conditions and requirements is essential, with the learning as much about your beautiful fish, or any other animal you wish to maintain in a captive environment, being essential to your and the animals long term success.

Otty · 03-29-2008, 03:53 AM

TYPHOON III AQUARIUM RO DI 75 or 100 GPD
I use this type of RO/DI unit. Make sure if you are going to get a Blue Tang that you add him last because they don't like other surgeonfish to be added after them.

lunatik_69 · 03-29-2008, 05:23 AM

By no means am I a genus, at least thats what my wife says. Heres a site that sells RO/DI units at a great price; purewaterclub*com
As for the UV filter, I wouldnt use one as stated by CR, unless you have an outbreak of algae. For example, long story short, Someone had cleaned the glass with windex once and the following day my tank was filled with little green particles, you couldnt see anything inside the tank. I had to buy a UV to kill that bac. and in a couple of days(2-3) it cleared up, but I disconnected it after that and havent used it again. Hope this helps, Luna

reef_guru · 03-29-2008, 08:49 AM

Quote:

One more thing: How big of a quarantine tank would you do?

that all depends on your pocket book and what fish are to be housed, each fish requires a minimum amount of water.

Tangster · 03-29-2008, 08:57 AM

Look into the Kold Steril units no waste water and averages 15,000 between recharging and will not remove the natural carbonates and or calcium from the water .. I have never used them until a little over a yr ago.. regular R/O and D.I won't touch them. GIVE OUT 3 gpm of product water . Thats the small unit..

AngelLeah1981 · 03-29-2008, 01:03 PM

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By no means am I a genus, at least thats what my wife says.

That's hilarious. LOL

Thanks for the chuckle.

I don't need 50-100 gallons a day or a permenant unit. I live in an apartment.

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you can get a unit that makes clean water just about as fast as you can use it with no waste water and do it at normal house water pressures.

This is what I want. I really appreciate all your advice and help but I'm wanting to know what I need to look for in a ro/di system....whether it be 5 stage, 7 stage, or best filter prices, easiest filters to find and replace...etc. Does anyone know this info? I would like to know what to look for so I can google a bunch of them and figure out which one is best for me. Someone told me

Quote:

As long as you get a unit that has standard sized filters (prefilters the carbon, sediment ect) you can replace those parts locally.

How do I figure this out and are they talking about buying the parts at a lfs? If so, I think I would rather buy it online since everything seems to be extremely cheaper.
Also,

Quote:

One more thing: How big of a quarantine tank would you do? .....especially since later on I want a Powder Blue Tang. I know these are extremely difficult but they're my favorite so I have to at least try it. (unless it could get ich and kill all my fish) Is this possible- it killing the fish? I hate the idea of a tank going constantly (using my power and water and paying for the equipment) just for it to sit there most of the time with no fish in it. That kills me but if it's necessary I will do it. I would be constantly fighting off the urge to put fish in it. LOL

Someone said:

Quote:

you can't medicate a reef tank should 1 or more of your fishes contract Ich or some other parasite

So what happens if you get a ick outbreak in a reef tank? .....especially if you only have one qt tank and a bunch of fish?
Thanks for the info!

AngelLeah1981 · 04-03-2008, 12:19 PM

Quote:

averages 15,000 between recharging

What does that mean?

Quote:

will not remove the natural carbonates and or calcium from the water

Is this good for the fish or the drinking water?

Quote:

regular R/O and D.I won't touch them. GIVE OUT 3 gpm of product water . Thats the small unit..

You won't touch them because they produce waste water? Is that what you're saying? Would you please explain? Thank you so much.