RO question

Greetings !!
Well, I run RO/DI system, ATO..everything is good.
My question is this..I have aquired a RO system that is new, just needs mem and filters (around 80 bucks)...can I set this up and use it for my water changes only?
I generally do 30 gallon WC every six weeks in my 120 gallon system...I am just looking for a way to conserve my DI resin.
I'm thinking yes...but I'd love to hear any opinions and or comments.
Thanx in advance. 8)

 

Well my family has an RO unit to filter our drinking water, I used that for the longest time and always had phosphate issues. My tank is covered in algae right now. Just got my RO-DI unit up and running however so Im thinking it should go away no problem now. Im not sure if its the RO unit, but its not a DI so Im guessing thats why I have been having issues. Id wait for someone else to chime in with their experience though too.

 

bump..
I was thinking the same thing...years ago, before I began using RO/DI, I was constantly attacked with blooms...never a problem since, unless I let it go..I notice that if my TDS gets to about 3 to 5 on the meter, I begin seeing some green blooms on the glass...goes away when I refresh my DI....But I also have seen many folks that use RO water from the super market machine with little to no adverse effect. The problem with that is not knowing when THEY changed the filters. : )
So, just see if I get any more response to this...otherwise I'm selling it...and continue with what i know works.
Thanx.

 

The problem with RO only is that it is not purified like we need for our aquariums; even distilled would be better. The DI resin purifies the water at the ion level, so the RO is basically just a pre-filter to help preserve it.

Hope this helps.

 

Very well stated.
Thank you.

 

I would not because nitrates and phosphates are pulled out by the DI resin. The membrane does not seem to reject them that well.

 

DI resin is inexpensive and lasts for hundreds or even a thousand gallons per refill. Why would you want to skimp on the second most important part of the process? My tap water TDS is over 650, my RO only TDS is about 3 and my DI resin is lasting over 1000 gallons per cartridge, I couldn't imagine not using it since it costs maybe 2 cents per gallon to use or even less.

 

It was simply a question...I never said anything about NOT using it. ;D
But, I would like to get my hands on some DI resin that would filter thousands of gallons per canister fill. My DI last about 6 weeks before it starts creeping up ...once it hits 1 it goes pretty fast, I pull it before it reaches 5...But I do not believe that I am anywhere near 1000 gallons.
I purchase at BRS...been running it for years... I think I will give them a call..

 

Just a thought, but is it possible your RO media needs replaced?

 

yea.. what is the TDS out of your membrane? I would much rather replace DI media than a RO membrane. Mine is between 3 and 1 and always 0 out of my DI resin. I have even thought about adding a second membrane to the same DI resin to make water faster.....I have the housing but not the membrane.