Options for Connecting Your RO Unit
Many of you know that one of the best choices that you can make for your marine aquarium is using pure water. This can come from a reverse osmosis/deionizing filter (RO/DI), purchasing distilled water, or, if you are sure of your supplier, purchasing water or seawater from your LFS.
There have been many questions about connecting your RO/DI filter. If you use RO water for your house, connecting the unit under your sink is probably the best option although it IS a bit time consuming. However, if you are limited for space or have a backyard with a hose or faucet, you have options.
Basically, there are 2 ways you can attach your filter:
If you keep the unit portable, there ARE 2 different types of adapters that you can use:
The faucet adaptor screws on easily after removing the strainer/filter. Save the gasket. There is an open/close switch should you wish to leave it connected this way and still use the sink.
If cluttering up your house is an issue and you have a backyard or other outdoor sink or fixture, you can use a garden hose adaptor.
Be careful NOT to leave your RO unit out in extremes of weather for obvious reasons. If it freezes it will destroy the unit and heat will affect it as well. These adaptors should be available from the manufacturer or salesman vending the unit to you. In general, a pressure of 40-45 PSI is best to produce a satisfactory rate of RO water production. Anything less, you may require a pressure pump.
Other items that I recommend but are not immediately required:
SH
Many of you know that one of the best choices that you can make for your marine aquarium is using pure water. This can come from a reverse osmosis/deionizing filter (RO/DI), purchasing distilled water, or, if you are sure of your supplier, purchasing water or seawater from your LFS.
There have been many questions about connecting your RO/DI filter. If you use RO water for your house, connecting the unit under your sink is probably the best option although it IS a bit time consuming. However, if you are limited for space or have a backyard with a hose or faucet, you have options.
Basically, there are 2 ways you can attach your filter:
- permanently install it under the sink with a water tank as per the manufacturer's instructions
- keep it portable
If you keep the unit portable, there ARE 2 different types of adapters that you can use:
- garden hose adaptor
- faucet adaptor
The faucet adaptor screws on easily after removing the strainer/filter. Save the gasket. There is an open/close switch should you wish to leave it connected this way and still use the sink.
If cluttering up your house is an issue and you have a backyard or other outdoor sink or fixture, you can use a garden hose adaptor.
Be careful NOT to leave your RO unit out in extremes of weather for obvious reasons. If it freezes it will destroy the unit and heat will affect it as well. These adaptors should be available from the manufacturer or salesman vending the unit to you. In general, a pressure of 40-45 PSI is best to produce a satisfactory rate of RO water production. Anything less, you may require a pressure pump.
Other items that I recommend but are not immediately required:
- water pressure gauge
- TDS meter
- extra storage container (eg, 5 gallon plastic jug)
SH
