Who has a RO unit and how does it work?

[kb]

I have been having a problem with phosphate and I finally tested my tap water and the phosphate was darker than the darkest color on my test kit display! I need to do something and i was wondering how the RO works and what are the pros and cons of it. For now i use Phosguard in the trickle filter and this works ok.

 

[jimi]

I have a Kent hi-s r/o unit and am very pleased with it. Pay now or pay later fighting algae problems. The only real con to them is they waste water but that is a small price to pay considering what we pay for livestock. You dont have to aerate top off water. When I do water changes I mix the salt and water with a powerhead and a heater for 24hrs and Im ready to go. Just so you dont get confused about the temperature and flow rate it is true r/o units produce more water at higher temperates like 60deg will produce more then 40deg water but you can not run hot water through them.

 

[kb]

I also wonder when you get the ro water where does it come out and get put? I have a 150g tank and i fill the 50 gallon garbage can with water right in front of my tank because it ways so much it doesn't move. And where does the ro unit get installed-is it permanent or is it hooked up only when you use it? How often and how much is it to get replacement cartridges?
I should have added i use a hose from a sink to fill my garbage can.
[This message has been edited by kb (edited 12-07-2000).]

 

[jimi]

I have mine in my down stairs bathroom hooked up to an adapter I bought from a water supply company.The adapter works buy pulling a pin that stops the water from going through the faucet and directs it through the r/o unit. I put the waste line down the drain and r/o water into a rubber maid tub or 5gal bucket depending on what I am doing.When Im done I turn off the water and push the pin in then I can use the faucet. The carbon and micron filters are cheap to replace and should be replaced about every 4 to 6 months. The membrane filter is expensive but should only need to be replaced every 2 or 3 years.