RO/DI Units

I have a couple questions about RO/DI Units:

1. Can I just use my PUR water filter that attaches to my sink to filter my tank water instead of an RO/DI unit?

2. How do RO/DI units work? Do they just screw on to the end of the sink?

3. Should I start my tank with RO/DI water from the get go? 112 gallons is a lot and from what I've been seeing the units are like 50 GPD which is gallons per day right?

4. Which units do you recommend?

Thanks!

 

yeah, that's per day... some are slightly faster...

you only have to wait the first time... after that, you won't need to filter out 100+ gallons again (probably).

Anyway, go bang around this site (where I got my unit) but what I'm really pointing out are the videos they have in the site that explains how to install them and how they work, etc.

5 Stage Reverse Osmosis Deionization System Bulk Reef Supply

Your PUR is something else entirely.

Yes, they can hook right up to your faucet, but long term, this is annoying. I hooked mine directly into a source.

You should start w/RO/DI from get-go... Depends on the water quality in your area... I used treated tap (de-chlorinated) for the first year before switching to RO/DI and I see no difference whatsoever... your mileage may vary though...

 

1. No. Pur, Brita and other similar filters are a drinking water taste and odor filter, they do nothing for TDS which is the culprit we are after for a reef system. A plain activated carbon canister would do the same as a Pur.

2. Yes, they can. There are a number of ways a RO/DI can be hooked up, both portable and permanent. It can be as simple as a kitchen faucet adapter as you mentioned or even a hose bib adapter hooked to a garden hose, outside hose bib or my option is a wye adapter on the washig machine cold water line. One side goes to the washer and the other to my RO/DI system. Other more permanent ways include installing a self tapping valve on your cold water line to the sink, installing a small inline tee next to the cold water shutoff valve under the sink or any number of ways. Nothing tough about any of them actually and they all work.

3. ABSOLUTELY !!! Start out right from the beginning and you never have a doubt in your mind if something is water quality related. Many contaminants are cumulative meaning once thye are there no amount ofwater changes will remove it even using RO/DI. Start with RO/DI and you don't have that problem. Don't even think abouit tap water, treated or otherwise!
The most popular RO/DI units produce between 75 and 100 GPD at 50 to 65 psi and 77 degree water temperature. I would not even consider anything less than 75 GPD.

4. The absolute best deals hands down are found here in this Customer Appreciation Sale flyer:
SpectraPure Customer Appreciation SALE! 20% - 50% off

Spectrapure is the most recognized name in the business and has been around in the same city for 25 years. No one can touch the ProPlus for $149 and the MaxCap is the Cadillac of the Industry all others strive to match but none has come close. They are also a 3Reef sponsor and support this site!

 

Great! Thanks you guys so much for the advice!