Water Purification & Salt Mixing Systems

[mrdrago]

For anyone that is interested I thought I would share the system I have developed for creating water (salt & pure) for my reef tank. I have a spectra pure RO/DI system. I went to the local Culigan dealer and got 5, 5 gallon plastic water jugs. The kind that are used on water fountains for drinking. I asked them to provide me with the plastic caps (important point). I then drilled two small holes in one of the caps. This is my )master cap. The one I use to fill the bottles. I then insert the water outlet hose into one hole, and the automatic shut-off valve in the other. Turn on the water source and the bottles fill automatically, and the water shuts off automatically as well then the bottle is full. For salt water I put 3 cups of salt into the bottle before filling. For fresh water I leave the salt out. This system works great. I always keep 4 bottles of salt water on hand, plus 2 fresh water. I can make all of them in one day. Makes adding or changing water a breeze.

 

[ruaround]

what do you do for airation??? sounds like a great set up.

 

[byrself]

i don't understand how you get the water in and out the bottles. does it drip in your tank or what?? <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" />

 

[m1rodrig]

Runaround MR said caps,Iguess the caps make a seal on the bottle and then holes are poked in the caps

 

[ruaround]

Ya i re-read and editted my post thanx m1...

 

[mrdrago]

Runaround, not sure what you mean by aeration. I am making salt & fresh water for changing/topping of my tank. There is no need for aeration. This occurs once I add the water into the tank.
On your second question, the spectra pure filter has a blue hose that ejects the 98% pure water. The water drips continuously when turned on. This hose is inserted into the plastic cap by making a 1/8-1/4 inch hole. Makes a nice tight fit. The spectra pure system I have came with an automatic shut-off valve activated by water pressure. The diameter of the valve is exactly the same size as the center of the plastic caps. So, all you need to do is punch out the center of the cap, and you have a ready made hole for the valve. So really you only need to punch one whole in the cap. Get extra caps to use to seal the bottles once filled. These would have no holes in them. Enjoy.

 

[mrdrago]

Runaround, just to clarify and completely answer your question, I fill the bottles, then store them in my basement. I bring them out whenever I need to add water or make a water changes. Works really great.