Hmmmm, good question, BTW this I'm new to the forums. Pediatric doc in the AF. 55 gallon, with 30 gallon fuge (in the strict definition), about to put horsies in it. I also debated the R/O issue, even though it seems like you decided to go with one already. Here are my 2 cents.
So in making the decision to get one or not I did a test. My wife refuses to drink tap water so we have a brita. I took Brita filtered water and left in a bucket for 30 minutes and tested for nitrates, nitrites, and ammonia. All negative.
I did the same thing, and this time added ammonia detox, and dechlorinator to the bucket and let it sit for only 5 minutes... again all negative.
So I didnt get one, likely because I just bought a new car (sweet chrysler 300 limited, loaded... gawd its beautiful), and have been spending loot like crazy...which disappoints my wife... also a physician, AND we have no kids, and doing financially very well so I dont know what her deal is, but that's a different story!!.
Anyhow this is what you need to understand. Tap water varies from area to area, AND from day to day with in the same area. ( am currently going to repeat my tests once a week with water changes for the next month). As far as costs go... I go through a brita filter with such heavy use every 3 months. they are sold in packs of two for 30 bucks, initial investment is like 50 bucks. So...
1. Over 2 years you can get a pretty good quality R/O unit with same money
2. However does not cost as much up front.
3. Water parameters change in tap, if your tap water is really sucky, this may not be a viable option... but IS worth the test if for no other reason than your edification.
4. I do ALWAYS use the dechlorinator and the ammonia detox out of habit and this was not factored into cost.
5. I used salifert tests to test all parameters noted, so those are accurate, however... I did not test other things outside of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate which where my primary concerns.
Conclusion- If you are primarily concerned with ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite, and you already have a Brita, it presents a viable option to R/O, though it in no way makes water as pristine as a R/O unit. Most of my buddies use a seachem and they are pleased with em. So once my wife gets off my case, I'll get one myself, however in the meantime, I have been satisfied with Brita, ammonia detox, and dechlroination additives, and my tank is doing great.
Anyways just my two cents. Maybe helpful for those who cant afford an R/O unit or who's significant others are reluctant to part with the dough.
I know that wasnt your question, but hey, it seemed a good place to post my "study"
