RO units

[frozenguy]

sorry for so many new threads, i'm just thinking of so many new questions.....
why would i get an RO unit when i can just go pay 50 cents a gallon at my lfs.....and i dont even use that much water......

 

[entice59]

well one reason might be because you might be wasting gas going there and 50 cents for RO water? i think you should check out albertsons/safeway/kmart for those vending machines. i get mines for 35 cents. i use the vending machine

 

[robn70]

your back will appreciate it. especially when lugging 5 gallion containers of it back and forth from the lfs.

 

[frozenguy]

ok
that makes sense......so for you, you would be okay with a 10 gallon a day system?

 

[birdy]

Keep in mind that RO units need upkeep too. You need to change the sediment and carbon filters every 4-6mo. The DI cartridge usually has a color change, mine last about 6mo. The membrane should last 2years but if you do not change the other filters when they need it, it will shorten the life of the membrane. You also have to be sure you run water through your unit at least once a week or bacteria will grow in the sediment filter (had this happen). I just thought you should be aware that all this costs money too. With such a small amount of water you will use with a 25gal tank, I would just buy it, but it is your choice, and I would test it occasionally you may even want to ask the LFS how often they test for TDS and change their filters. If you are planning to upgrade your tank to a bigger tank you may want to go ahead and buy an RO unit, but with a 25gal it would proabably be easier just to buy the water.