(broomer5)RO unit decision

[beginnermatt]

Can anyone recommend a good ro unit for a 33 gal and with some room for a bigger tank in the future..55 or 75 gal. I'm not sure how they hook up and are they left running all the time. Can someone explain how they operate. Thank you.

 

[broomer5]

RO and RO/DI units are rated for "how many gallons of RO/RO/DI per hour" they are capable of producing.
You can use a wet tap to copper line ( like on a refridgerator ice cube water source )or hard pipe it into a water line. A lot of people choose to buy the optional water faucet adaptor as well, which allows you to hook it up to a standard kitchen or bathroom water faucet. Sort of unsightly this way - but an option.
Other folks plumb them up to water source, and use a float valve or auto top off system to their sump - makes for a nice way to maintain water level - and reduces the need to babysit your tank.
You decide how many gallons per day you need for top offs and water changes. But ... you can run the thing into a 5 gallon bucket, or large rubbermaid tub and "collect" water to be used later on.
The larger ones have additional prefilters, some are 3 stage or 4 stage or 5 stage.
I'd suggest surf'n over to <a href="http://www.kentmarine.com" target="_blank">www.kentmarine.com</a> and look under "water filters".
Lots of great info on HOW TO select a unit - depending on your water source, level of contaminent removal you want, and good basic info on RO - RO/DI water, including the auto top off float valves.
Good luck

 

[beginnermatt]

Thanks broomer5 you helped me out again. I'll check out the web page now. Thanks again.

 

[beginnermatt]

Broomer5, I checked out the site breifly and woundered what you would recommend for a tank with small inexpensive fish and some small critters.(crabs, shrimp and clean up crew) I have chlorine in my town water. Depending on the model TFC, CTA, HI-S the percent of contaminant removal increases or decreases. What percent would be right for my situation. KentMarine offers the Bare Bones (cheap) and the other multistages ($40+ more than bare bones) What do you think. Matt

 

[broomer5]

You'll want the TFC membrane for sure.
Each additional stage removes more stuff from the tap water.
Bare bones are economical - but not the best choice IMO - unless on a very tight budget. But they do indeed work.
BB10TFC would be a choice here - 10 GPD
BB24TFC would be even better - 24 GPD
Full Size are a better choice - you get the 1 micron filter for sediment removal and carbon block element.
RO24TFC for this unit - 24 GPD
Ideally - and the unit I decided upon was the Maxima series.
The Max35HIS RO and DI unit would be excellent for your requirements. 5 stage, removes most silicates, has the carbon block and DI. 35 GPD.
Costs more for sure - but you'll never second guess wondering if you should have bought it.
The rated GPD is sort of iffy too. Actual amount of good water produced is affected by supply pressure, temperature of water, condition of membrane, and decreases as the filter elements become "dirty" or used over time.
Most people don't actually get 10 GPD out of a unit rated as such.
There are a lot of online places to buy - again depending on your wallet - but my suggestion is to buy at least the full size or Maxima.
Wish ya luck - it's hard to decide sometimes - balancing the features for the cost.

 

[beginnermatt]

Thanks for answering my questions. I'm intersted in the full size. I think my mail order catalog calls it the Pure-Flo TFC-24 R.O. for $139.00. *************.com it produces 24 gpd. There is also another number in the catalog es0242 does that make sence. Kent Marine recommends a flush kit are you using on of these. Thanks again.

 

[broomer5]

Matt,
That sound fine to me.
But before we end this .....
Champion Lighting has 4 Stage Hi-S Maxxima RO/DI 35 for $174.90
This is an RO and DI unit and removes silicates as well, 35 GPD and is a kick butt package.
Includes carbon and 1 micron sediment prefilter with Hi-S High Silicate removal membrane.
Don't know what your budget/timeframe is but for another $35.00 bucks - you'd be getting a much better unit IMO.
Good luck what ever you choose.
Brian