RO unit or Skimmer

[dazed1]

I currently have a 20G L tank which is having hair algae as well as some "diatom's". I do have an intank counter current skimmer, but want to get an external hang on skimmer so that I have more space in side the tank.
I visited my LFS today and they have a Kent Bare Bone RO unit for sale (used). AS per him, its been used barely for the last 7-8 month's. I'm not sure if is the Bare Bones (CTA 10 gpd), or the Bare Bones (TFC 10 gpd) unit. They had it listed as used for 68$, new 125$. Would it be worth a buy ? Even if I need to change the membrane how much approx would it cost ? Is the unit good ?
The skimmer that I am looking to buy is the seaclone's hang on. I also am currently cycling another 20G tank which will be a FOWLRLS , so i can use my intank skimmer in that.
I'm confused. Advice please.

 

[dazed1]

BTT, hope to get help before i go home from work in the morning

 

[broncofish]

I don't use skimmers, and have a bare bones single stage RO, because I believe anything else strips to much out of the water. My single stage keeps the diatoms away mostly, and no cyano problems. Just my experiance don't know if that helps.

 

[broomer5]

I would hesitate buying a "used" RO unit.
No telling if the membrane has been kept wet over these last 7-8 months.
If the membrane has dried out - it could be junk and need to be replaced.
On a small tank - I think you can accomplish much with regular water changes. In other words - the larger the tank and fishload/dissolved organics - the more the need for a protein skimmer because water changes become costly and can be more difficult.
On a 20 gallon tank - water changes are pretty easy in comparison.
If I had to make a choice of getting an RO/DI unit, or a protein skimmer ~ I would choose the RO/DI unit first.
You mix salt with freshwater and you top off for evaporation with freshwater. A good source of freshwater is key to reducing nuisance algae - in my opinion.
All depends on your current freshwater source.

 

[dazed1]

Originally posted by broomer5
I would hesitate buying a "used" RO unit.
No telling if the membrane has been kept wet over these last 7-8 months.
If the membrane has dried out - it could be junk and need to be replaced.
On a small tank - I think you can accomplish much with regular water changes. In other words - the larger the tank and fishload/dissolved organics - the more the need for a protein skimmer because water changes become costly and can be more difficult.
On a 20 gallon tank - water changes are pretty easy in comparison.
If I had to make a choice of getting an RO/DI unit, or a protein skimmer ~ I would choose the RO/DI unit first.
You mix salt with freshwater and you top off for evaporation with freshwater. A good source of freshwater is key to reducing nuisance algae - in my opinion.
All depends on your current freshwater source.
Thank's for the advice. Currently I'm using Bottled RO water. But i'm spending approx 5$ a week on it. I assumed that If I could get a "bare Bone's" Kent RO unit (ok, not used, new), I would be recovering the $$ spent in a few month's. Plus I would consider it as planning ahead on a bigger tank .
If you do know place's where I could get a good RO unit cheaper than somewebsite's, please email me : mayurbhatia@usa.net . IM : dazedmayur1
Thank's

 

[katfish]

Try a Prizm Skimmer-Can get on ---- for quite a steal sometimes.
I have had great success on my 54 corner with it.

 

[javatech]

take a look hear airwaterice.com a lot of reefers i know have one i like mine a lot i got a 100gpd RO/DI 5 stage from them for $139

 

[dazed1]

Originally posted by javatech
take a look hear www.airwaterice.com a lot of reefers i know have one i like mine a lot i got a 100gpd RO/DI 5 stage from them for $139

Thank's, (although i think this will be deleted soon,) the cheapest they now have is for 149$. Could you post the model number/make of the one you have please ?

 

[javatech]

this is the one i got
http://cgi.----.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=2311641890

 

[krux]

at 125 retail price for a kent barebones you are looking at a cta. the filter cartridges for that run 20 for the prefilter block, and 60 for the actual filter membrane (retail). if you go this route make sure that
1. you are on a city water system that chlorinates your water, it will not work on non-chlorinated water, period.
2. your tds is under 200ppm
3. your psi at the source you are attatching it is 80 psi.
if you can say yes to all of these, and your lfs can assure you that the membrane was kept wet (ie test some water that has been filtered through it to make sure for you with their nice test kits), and he will give you either a warranty, or a deal on a replacement prefilter cart. the kent cta barebones 10gph will be more than enough for your 20 gallon.
might use the angle of saying "hey, i see new filters for this puppy put the cost on the actual unit at only 40 bucks if they don't work.... care to go lower?"