RO systems?

[neptune]

I have been going to my LFS to pick up RO water OR buying Poland Springs water jugs for YEARS to make the salt water for my water changes. IT IS DRIVING ME NUTS.

I am thinking of treating myself and purchasing a RO unit for Xmas. I started reading some threads on the topic and am now overwhelmed. Can someone de-mystify the RO systems for me and send me a link to some places to learn more? I have no knowledge of pluming so whatever system I get will need to be easier... with little or no DIY?

I currently have a 50 gallon salt water. I am upgrading one freshwater 55 gallon to be salt in the next 3 months... so I think it is time I had my own RO system. One tank will be a reef one and one will be a predator tank. BOTH will have live rock. + 1 10 gallon salt nursery tank for my son. I know in both cases I need larger then a 50... but this is what I have... Where I live we have well water from the town... I have not had it tested?


How many membranes does my RO unit require?
Can I set this up and down every time I use it? I plan to put it in the laundry but don't have space to keep a large bucket in this spot.
Where is the best place to purchase salt water items on line?


thank you!!
Neptune

 

[Turbosnail]

You can buy an RO unit that hooks up to your faucet real easy. RO units have one membrane and a sediment filter and carbon filter then it is a good idea to have a DI filter.(de-ionization). Most of our sponsors sell RO Units so just check out the sponsors tab at the top and find one close to you. They will have no problem telling you how it works and how to hook it up.

 

[saltcrazy]

Hey. I say do it especially if your water is free! It makes life so much easier. Typically, you have 1 membrane. There is also a pre filter, 2 carbons and a DI cartridge. You can add an additional membrane, which can be hooked up for either minimizing waste water or doubling production. Hope this helped a bit

 

[neptune]

btw.... I did try a sponsor LFS. I asked if I could see one... none in stock. I asked if they could explain to me / show me one... explain the differences between my options.. I did expect more customer service... since I did not get that.. i am now thinking on line mail order is the way to go. I would prefer the LFS b/c I am NOT a DIY person. This will not be easy for me to figure out. Heck I have been BUYING water since that seemed easier to me then figuring out a RO system.

one more point.. we do pay for our water... it is town well water... I do realize that this wastes a ton of water... I will watch the bills?

Neptune