RO/DI break in period??? phos level

[kniquy]

I recently purchased a RO/DI unit from the famous auction web site. I have it up and running. Took care of the little leaks and it seem to be running fine. For those of you out there with a RO/DI unit ---- is there some sort of break in time where it doesn't initially clear water of all contaiminates? I started it up it has probably put out about 2 gal RO/DI water but the phos level is just as high as when it comes out of the tap.
I didn't know if this is to be expected.

 

[bang guy]

Do not use the first 10 - 15 gallons. The RO cartridge has a coating to protect it during shipping and the water needs to dissolve it first. I wouldn't send the first dozen gallons through the DI either.

 

[kniquy]

Would the first 15gal or so have higher than normal phos levels?? Just want to know if this is to be expected. Thanks for the input

 

[bang guy]

I have no idea, sorry.

 

[golfish]

Yeah, you should let a few gals run through it just as Bang said. I would suggest to you and to all people who use an RODI that they add a 3 way valve so they can divert water from the DI cartridge.
I would think your should still see close to zero PO4's from the DI

 

[h20science]

Golfish is correct there is a break in time for the RO and the DI each of these elements have a preservative coating that could cause spike levels in the product water higher than normal. many of the QandA sections of the manufacturers do not touch on this because the levels of polutants are not a high enough factor to be of any concern for human consumption but could be negative for a life supporting environment such as an aquarium.
Hope this helps
Bryan

 

[bacffin]

My manufacture (awi) said to waste the first 2 gallons of pure water, which I did. I did not have any problems and my phosphate readings from the initial fill up were 0.02ppm. The only thing in the tank was aragonite base sand. HTH
Bruce