RO/DI question

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by jackerma, May 5, 2009.

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  1. jackerma

    jackerma Bristle Worm

    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2008
    Messages:
    144
    I got a TDS meter free when I got my unit. It is a AQUA/FX Mako, which is a 5 stage unit. I got it in Oct. to start reefing;D. I filled my tank and have been using it since to make water for topoffs. Every couple of weeks, when I make water I turn it on to see the TDS reading. Today when I turned it on it went to 1, then 2, and back and forth. My question is what is this actually measuring? Is that a high level? It seems like I read 1 or 2 is not that bad. If I do need to get new cartridges, do I need RO, DI, or both. Which one removes TDS? The guy at LFS told me not to worry to much about it my skimmer should take care of it.... Thanks for any advice.... One more thing.. I read they usually last a 1 to 1.5 years before new cartridges are needed....
     
    jackerma, May 5, 2009
    jackerma, May 5, 2009
    #1

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  2. Bogie

    Bogie Snowflake Eel

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2008
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    Bogie, May 5, 2009
    Bogie, May 5, 2009
    #2
  3. tigermike74

    tigermike74 Panda Puffer

    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2008
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    Location:
    Southern CA
    You want your TDS to be below 10ppm for FO tanks, and 0ppm if running a reef. What will extend the life of the filters on your RO/DI system is getting a flush kit.
    Every stage in the RO/DI will remove TDS, which is all the heavy metals, chemicals (like chlorine), rust, etc. After each stage, the TDS will drop more and more. The DI stage is what will bring it down to zero or near zero.
    How long they last depends on the volume of water you are putting through them. If you are maintaining a 20G system, they will last much longer than if you are maintaining a 300G system, naturally. Most system filters are good for 800-1000 gallons of water. Even that will vary depending on how dirty your source water is. I find that I have to replace my filters once a year, 1.5 is pushing it. I also have a flush kit to clean out the membrane stage as well.
    Your LFS guy saying that your skimmer will remove TDS is out of his mind. He is basically saying it's ok to have chlorine etc. in the water, the skimmer will remove it. Tell him "put some chlorine and copper in your tanks, you have a much bigger skimmer than I do. I want to see it remove them before the fish die." Then you will get the truth about skimmers and TDS removal. :hehe:
     
    tigermike74, May 5, 2009
    tigermike74, May 5, 2009
    #3