RO/DI Advice

[popalnet]

I'm still having problems with diatoms/brown algae all over my sand and rock. I've used phosphate and silicate sponges, without success. The diatoms actually cleared up, but now it's all back. I guess I have no choice but to get an RO/DI device. I really didn't want to get an RO/DI device since setting up the reef tank alone has left me broke, but like I said, I have no choice.
BTW, I've been using tap with kent's ammonia detox.
I've done some searches on this site and it looks like most people recommend the Air, Water, and Ice. They have several models...typhoon being the cheapest...but another 50 bucks gets you the typhoon III.
Man, I haven't even added any corals yet...budget reasons...and the wife...she thinks I'm crazy because of all the amount of money I've spend so far. Plus, she's jealous of the fish. She thinks I spend more time on the tank that I do with her.
So, how do you connect these ro/di devices? Does it connect to your faucet? Or do you connect it to your aquarium plumbing? Does it require power? Sorry for the stupid question. Can I justify the price to the wife by telling her that with the ro/di device, we won't have to buy any more bottled drinking water?
Thanks.

 

[brewercm]

If it makes your wife any happier. I bought 6 gallon water jugs at Wal-Mart and just fill them up and use them for top offs and water changes. Some LFS will sell the water for around .25 to .50 a gallon. I use the machines that put out RO/DI water for .25 a gallon. Doesn't look like as much of an expense that way.
My wife says the same thing about the hobby. I usually wait until she see's whatever is new and then say "Oh, I've had that in there for a while".
Doesnt' always work but it's worth the try.

 

[popalnet]

hahahahahahhahahahah!!!! Your line about "My wife says the same thing about the hobby. I usually wait until she see's whatever is new and then say "Oh, I've had that in there for a while". " - made me crack up big time!!!!! That was a good one!!!!!
I've tried using the same line before, next thing I hear is, "I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU @#@$

$#^^$%^#@..DO YOU THINK I'M A FOOL!!!" hahahaha.. Too funny!!!
I haven't seen any ro/di machines in our wal-mart. I should check into another wal-mart in the area. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[dsp]

RO/DI units only require water preasure to run, no electricity is needed. They are hooked up to a fauset or directly into your plumbing. You can also attach the output to a float valve in your sump and use it for auto-top-off. You need a drain for the extra water to run into though.