portable RO or DI or RO/DI system...

kyrie_eleison · 09-04-2007, 12:35 PM

Are there such things available locally? I'm in Northern California.

AQTCJAK · 09-04-2007, 12:44 PM

there are but htey don not produce enough water to do anything except drink

kyrie_eleison · 09-04-2007, 12:58 PM

Jak,

I had been researching and yeah...it does take a long time to produce enough for real use. But, I need to see some positive results with my corals. The growth rate of my corals right now (even though they are doing fine) is TOO slow. I have a bunch of zoas and new polyps appear only once every 2 months.

The colours aren't as vibrant as I wish for them to be and therefore, I need an RO or DI or both systems. My lighting is fine; my desiring routine maintenance is borders on obsession but it just doesn't seem to be enough. Can you help me out?

AQTCJAK · 09-04-2007, 01:01 PM

a combination system is the best. Vibrant colors can be frore water paramters Salinity temp & or lighting.

BigAl07 · 09-04-2007, 01:13 PM

I'm not saying this IS your problem because it could stem from any one of the above mentioned things from Jack or a combination but one thing you can do is slowly resolve any issues one at a time to see what works. I noticed on another thread you mentioned

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyrie_eleison

I've been using normal tapwater w/ conditioner for a while...I didn't hear anyone complain about my reef; I even posted a video of it here in RS.

I'd check my lighting (output, coverage even bulb life) first, then upgrade my water filtration system and see if after a couple of months you have any positive results. Zoas for the most part are just too easy to keep and thrive if given the right conditions.

good luck and happy reefing.

Allen

kyrie_eleison · 09-04-2007, 01:50 PM

al,

Everything is fine with my reef and it is beautiful BUT...I want better results with my zoas. It sounds a bit selfish (I agree) but I have several different species of zoas (which cost me an arm and a leg in some cases) that I want nothing less than to see them grow out of control especially my blue, red and bright green ones. AND, I know it has to be my water because I had a very serious problem in the very beginning with hair algae (blue, green AND red) and cyano. This problem was quickly solved with just 3 little emerald crabs. Yeah...I couldn't believe it either. I once had a cowry but that thing was evil despite its effectiveness with algae.

I am going to get a RO or DI system or both but what I want to really know is if you could only have one or the other, which would be the best choice?

BigAl07 · 09-04-2007, 02:25 PM

I'm with you 100% on wanting the very BEST growth rate possible. Note that not all zoas are fast growers and the irony is that some of the more expensive ones are slow growers which makes them slightly more rare. Factor in economics (supply & demand vs cost) and you may now know why they were

Quote:

an arm and a leg

If they are indeed genetically slow you'll just have to learn to love them a little at a time

good luck

Allen

kyrie_eleison · 09-04-2007, 03:05 PM

al,

You know...I have to be careful not to show too much interest in any particular corals to ANY lfs. They just have an knack for raping a person. If you had to chose which would you want DI or RO?

vdituri · 09-04-2007, 04:14 PM

I started with a DI unit, mainly because it was cheaper to start, then I bought the RO and hooked them together. I was going through a DI filter about once a month ($30).
Now that they are hooked together I haven't needed a new filter yet and I'm going on 4 months.
Each time I upgraded I saw a big change in my algae problem go down. Now I have pretty much no algae problems. Same with diatoms.

For your biggest results go with the RO unit, but if you need to start cheaper the DI unit will help also.

Just what I saw with my little slice of the ocean. Your results may vary.

kyrie_eleison · 09-04-2007, 06:08 PM

thank you...vd.

BoomerD · 09-04-2007, 07:02 PM

Depending on where you're at in NorCal, you MIGHT be able to get by with one or the other, but I prefer RO/DI. I'm in Modesto, and IMO, our water sux. I can barely tolerate drinking it, let alone try to keep fish in it...

By portable, do you mean one you can take with you places,

or just one that isn't a permanent installation?

If the latter, most RO's can be set-up to hook to a kitchen or bathroom sink faucet, so that when you move, the unit goes with you and no permanent fixture to remove.

BigAl07 · 09-04-2007, 08:26 PM

If I had to choose I would go DI with a strong dedication to soon upgrading to a full RO/DI solution. I think you'll be glad you did within the first month after the change.

Good luck

Allen

kyrie_eleison · 09-05-2007, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigAl07

If I had to choose I would go DI with a strong dedication to soon upgrading to a full RO/DI solution. I think you'll be glad you did within the first month after the change.

Good luck

Allen

I've thought about it and the initial cost and maintenance is worth buying an RO system. The inclusion of a DI is a nice feature but the cost of maintenance is a bit expensive in my opinion. I don't know if it's worth it. What I thought about doing right now is this: The local grocery stores sell RO water for pretty cheap. Therefore, I will buy RO water for the next two months and see how my corals do. If I see good results with this, I will buy an RO system if not an RO/DI.

BigAl07 · 09-05-2007, 09:45 AM

Just be careful what you buy at the store. Read the label and make sure it's not "fortified" for drinking/taste purposes. I bought 28 gallons of R/O water and didn't realize it was "enhanced" for taste purposes. I noticed once I had a stinking algae outbreak though. Once I noticed my error we ended up drinking the last 10 gallons (it was DELICIOUS). Now I taste tested my RO/DI water and compared it to bottled DRINKING water and there's a HUGE difference in taste. RO/DI water has seemingly NO taste. Go figure!

good luck and let us know what your findings are.

Allen

kyrie_eleison · 09-05-2007, 10:38 AM

Thanks Al,

I will definitely do that. You know...for some reason I've become obsessed about zoas. I have more expensive and rare corals in my tank but I love zoas. The just fascinate me the most. It was my hope that I could start collecting very rare zoas of all colours but it's frustrating if the reason I'm not able to get them to grow is my water.

This is clearly the way to go.

09-04-2007, 12:35 PM	#1 (permalink)
kyrie_eleison Has been struck by the ban stick Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 273 View Gallery Karma Komment	portable RO or DI or RO/DI system... Are there such things available locally? I'm in Northern California.

09-04-2007, 12:44 PM	#2 (permalink)
AQTCJAK Tiger Shark Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 7,225 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: portable RO or DI or RO/DI system... there are but htey don not produce enough water to do anything except drink __________________ A Wiseman once said build a stage add a pole & they will dance - Jack 2007 www.aquaticaggression.com Projects & Chronicels http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...car-buffs.html http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...nts-tanks.html

09-04-2007, 12:58 PM	#3 (permalink)
kyrie_eleison Has been struck by the ban stick Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 273 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: portable RO or DI or RO/DI system... Jak, I had been researching and yeah...it does take a long time to produce enough for real use. But, I need to see some positive results with my corals. The growth rate of my corals right now (even though they are doing fine) is TOO slow. I have a bunch of zoas and new polyps appear only once every 2 months. The colours aren't as vibrant as I wish for them to be and therefore, I need an RO or DI or both systems. My lighting is fine; my desiring routine maintenance is borders on obsession but it just doesn't seem to be enough. Can you help me out?

09-04-2007, 01:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
AQTCJAK Tiger Shark Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 7,225 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: portable RO or DI or RO/DI system... a combination system is the best. Vibrant colors can be frore water paramters Salinity temp & or lighting. __________________ A Wiseman once said build a stage add a pole & they will dance - Jack 2007 www.aquaticaggression.com Projects & Chronicels http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...car-buffs.html http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...nts-tanks.html

09-04-2007, 01:50 PM	#6 (permalink)
kyrie_eleison Has been struck by the ban stick Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 273 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: portable RO or DI or RO/DI system... al, Everything is fine with my reef and it is beautiful BUT...I want better results with my zoas. It sounds a bit selfish (I agree) but I have several different species of zoas (which cost me an arm and a leg in some cases) that I want nothing less than to see them grow out of control especially my blue, red and bright green ones. AND, I know it has to be my water because I had a very serious problem in the very beginning with hair algae (blue, green AND red) and cyano. This problem was quickly solved with just 3 little emerald crabs. Yeah...I couldn't believe it either. I once had a cowry but that thing was evil despite its effectiveness with algae. I am going to get a RO or DI system or both but what I want to really know is if you could only have one or the other, which would be the best choice?

09-04-2007, 03:05 PM	#8 (permalink)
kyrie_eleison Has been struck by the ban stick Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 273 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: portable RO or DI or RO/DI system... al, You know...I have to be careful not to show too much interest in any particular corals to ANY lfs. They just have an knack for raping a person. If you had to chose which would you want DI or RO?

09-04-2007, 04:14 PM	#9 (permalink)
vdituri Excellent Guesser :D Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Sacramento California Posts: 5,772 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: portable RO or DI or RO/DI system... I started with a DI unit, mainly because it was cheaper to start, then I bought the RO and hooked them together. I was going through a DI filter about once a month ($30). Now that they are hooked together I haven't needed a new filter yet and I'm going on 4 months. Each time I upgraded I saw a big change in my algae problem go down. Now I have pretty much no algae problems. Same with diatoms. For your biggest results go with the RO unit, but if you need to start cheaper the DI unit will help also. Just what I saw with my little slice of the ocean. Your results may vary. __________________ Victor ----- People come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

09-04-2007, 06:08 PM	#10 (permalink)
kyrie_eleison Has been struck by the ban stick Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 273 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: portable RO or DI or RO/DI system... thank you...vd.

09-04-2007, 07:02 PM	#11 (permalink)
BoomerD Reef Shark Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Northern California Posts: 5,637 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: portable RO or DI or RO/DI system... Depending on where you're at in NorCal, you MIGHT be able to get by with one or the other, but I prefer RO/DI. I'm in Modesto, and IMO, our water sux. I can barely tolerate drinking it, let alone try to keep fish in it... By portable, do you mean one you can take with you places, or just one that isn't a permanent installation? If the latter, most RO's can be set-up to hook to a kitchen or bathroom sink faucet, so that when you move, the unit goes with you and no permanent fixture to remove. __________________ Intelligence is not knowing all the answers, but knowing where and how to find them! www.google.com

09-04-2007, 08:26 PM	#12 (permalink)
BigAl07 Reef Addict (hopeless) Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Waynesville, North Carolina Posts: 12,834 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: portable RO or DI or RO/DI system... If I had to choose I would go DI with a strong dedication to soon upgrading to a full RO/DI solution. I think you'll be glad you did within the first month after the change. Good luck Allen __________________ ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. >((((º> Nitrate (NO3) reduction is directly proportional to percentage of Water Change. Allen's home-made formula...(-NO3=WC%) This means if you change 50% of your total water volume (That's EVERYTHING) you'll get a net reduction of (NO3) somewhere around 50%. Ask me about how to increase your REEF budget without going without FOOD!! Allen's testimonial . . ."Let Me help you help YOURSELF" (Click Here) Big Al's 10g Julie's (BigAl's Gal) 6g NanoCube Now in STORAGE and Dry-Docked BigAl's Slow 90g Tank Chronicle Allens OFFICE 12g Nano-Reef

09-05-2007, 09:45 AM	#14 (permalink)
BigAl07 Reef Addict (hopeless) Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Waynesville, North Carolina Posts: 12,834 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: portable RO or DI or RO/DI system... Just be careful what you buy at the store. Read the label and make sure it's not "fortified" for drinking/taste purposes. I bought 28 gallons of R/O water and didn't realize it was "enhanced" for taste purposes. I noticed once I had a stinking algae outbreak though. Once I noticed my error we ended up drinking the last 10 gallons (it was DELICIOUS). Now I taste tested my RO/DI water and compared it to bottled DRINKING water and there's a HUGE difference in taste. RO/DI water has seemingly NO taste. Go figure! good luck and let us know what your findings are. Allen __________________ ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. >((((º> Nitrate (NO3) reduction is directly proportional to percentage of Water Change. Allen's home-made formula...(-NO3=WC%) This means if you change 50% of your total water volume (That's EVERYTHING) you'll get a net reduction of (NO3) somewhere around 50%. Ask me about how to increase your REEF budget without going without FOOD!! Allen's testimonial . . ."Let Me help you help YOURSELF" (Click Here) Big Al's 10g Julie's (BigAl's Gal) 6g NanoCube Now in STORAGE and Dry-Docked BigAl's Slow 90g Tank Chronicle Allens OFFICE 12g Nano-Reef

09-05-2007, 10:38 AM	#15 (permalink)
kyrie_eleison Has been struck by the ban stick Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 273 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: portable RO or DI or RO/DI system... Thanks Al, I will definitely do that. You know...for some reason I've become obsessed about zoas. I have more expensive and rare corals in my tank but I love zoas. The just fascinate me the most. It was my hope that I could start collecting very rare zoas of all colours but it's frustrating if the reason I'm not able to get them to grow is my water. This is clearly the way to go.

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