R / O and D / I...is one better than the other?

[albionpo]

Hi...quick question. From what I've read, it seems like a lot of people use one or the other...not both. What's the difference between reverse osmosis & de-ionization? One better than the other? I found a D /I unit for pretty cheap...will that be all I need? and I should still add my water conditioners to that, right? Thanks for your help...

 

[beth]

I'm going to move your thread over to the Equiptment Forum where I think you will get more attention.

 

[botp2k1]

Albion, many do use both. There are RO filters, DI filters, and RO/DI filters. RO has a great quantity of waste water from use. Expect to see 4:1 or 3:1 ratio of waste to good water. RO consists of a membrane that rejects a large percentage of elements, dissolved solids, and allows purer water through. DI has no waste water. DI does need to be regenerated or replaced often because once the capacity of the resins are reached, the resins do not filter any more. DI is probably cheaper in the beginning but the constant replacements of the resins may bring the total similar to RO or more. RO is more cost up front. What conditioners are you speaking of? What size is your tank? The amount of water needed will tell you what is better, cheaper, etc.

 

[twoods71]

As mentioned above many units come with both RO + DI. If I had to choose 1 I think I would go with the RO unit.
Currently I get my water for $.25 a gallon at a vending machine and it goes through a process that no home unit could match.

 

[albionpo]

Well, I guess I could get that vending machine water, too. Mine is .50 a gallon, I think. Does it ALL go through the same purification process? Let's see...I have a 55 gallon so if I did a 25% water change every two weeks, that would be about 13-14 gallons, costing about $7.00 per water change? Hmmm...is that a good price? I think I'll do that while I'm saving up for a RO/DI unit!! My local tap water is said to be one of the highest in quality and I've tested it myself, found no traces of ammonia, nitrites or anything but I know I can't rely on that forever so...anyway, the conditioners I was refering to are just the Aquasafe tap water conditioners to remove any traces of metal, ammonia and such...do you still need to use these as a safeguard for the fish while you're using an RO unit? Thanks for your replies...I appreciate all the help I've found on this board. It's the best info I've found on the net!!

 

[twoods71]

At around $14 a month you would probably be better off saving for the RO/DI unit.