Ro Unit Advice Needed

[ibbledibble]

hi, i was wondering about getting a RO unit set up. but i know almost nothing about it and could do with some advice.

firstly, would i be able to use the water as it is? or will i have to add anything to it? i presume no need to tap safe chemicals right?

secondly, is it possible to have an RO system that provides drinking water to the fridge/icemaker AND can be used for water changes in the tanks?

Thirdly, what sort of filter media changes do you have to carry out on the RO unit itself? frequency? average cost? etc.

i currently have a 110g tank with 2 oscars and 4 convicts and a rusty Cochilodon

and a second tank with a bristlenose catfish, khuli loach and an ever increasing supply of guppies!

sorry for all the questions and thanks in advance for any answers/suggestions

 

[rabbut]

Hi, for the fish you have, I would have said that an RO unit is not necissary.

hi, i was wondering about getting a RO unit set up. but i know almost nothing about it and could do with some advice.

firstly, would i be able to use the water as it is? or will i have to add anything to it? i presume no need to tap safe chemicals right?

You would need to add a mineral retopic, as there will be no minerals within the water, and fish need these minerals to breath.

secondly, is it possible to have an RO system that provides drinking water to the fridge/icemaker AND can be used for water changes in the tanks?

In a nut shell yes. RO units produce sergical quality purifyed water (or good ones do at least), that is 99.98% free of all contaminants, making it suitable for people as is, or suitable for fish with a mineral retopic.

Thirdly, what sort of filter media changes do you have to carry out on the RO unit itself? frequency? average cost? etc.

An adverage RO unit uses three stage filtration, sediment pre-filter, changed when flow rate dropps, usualy after 3000gal, carbon block, change with sediment pre-filter, and a membrane. The memberane will need replacing every 1-25 years, depending on the mebrane and water hardness in your area. Do not allow the membrane to dry out, as this will ruin the membrane. The membranes' ship with a coating of gel on them. You must first run the unit for 48 hours solid prior to using for fish, as this gel could poison you tank inhabitants. The gel is used to prevent the membrane from drying out during shipping. Costs of replacement media varies by manufacturer.
HTH
rabbut