Ro Unit

[jaffacake]

After a good few months of getting RO water from my lfs I've decided to get one myself to save all of the hassle. I've found some great second hand ones which are a lot cheaper than I expected so great news there but I'm not entirely sure how they work

How are they attached to the mains? What is the best way to do it, are they ok to be left outside with the mains tap that I use for the hose pipe? What wires go where?! Sorry for being so unknowledgable on this but if someone has a photo of their unit set up it would be fantastic, I really do have no idea how it all works and want to make sure I get it right!

Also do you always leave them on? I've heard it takes a while for them to create RO water and there's a lot of waste tap water.
Many thanks!!

 

[seffieuk]

After a good few months of getting RO water from my lfs I've decided to get one myself to save all of the hassle. I've found some great second hand ones which are a lot cheaper than I expected so great news there but I'm not entirely sure how they work

You need to be careful of second hand bargains, often you will have to replace the membrane and other things like resin which end up being expensive - if you can find a unit which has just had new membranes etc which have been kept wet then you may have a bargain

They get plumbed in to the main cold water feed, the water is then passed through filter stages until you come out with lovely RO water from one pipe and waste from the other

How are they attached to the mains? What is the best way to do it,

There are two common ways - plumbed straight in to the water pipe with a self tapping thingy (technical I know ) or using a Y connector (it really is easy, it can be as simple as putting a screw attachement in to a pipe and hey presto)

are they ok to be left outside with the mains tap that I use for the hose pipe?

Is it a mains fed pipe and could you put a little housing over it to keep it clean and free from frost?

What wires go where?

To the nearest powerpoint


! Sorry for being so unknowledgable on this but if someone has a photo of their unit set up it would be fantastic, I really do have no idea how it all works and want to make sure I get it right!

No problem, when you get your unit show us a picture and we will walk you through it. Have a read of this thread, might make you feel better. <a href="http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=289745" target="_blank">http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=289745</a>

Also do you always leave them on?

No, you turn them off at the ball valve so that the membrane stays wet

I've heard it takes a while for them to create RO water and there's a lot of waste tap water.

You do a half hour flush and then start collecting your RO water - it is all according how big your unit is and how much water pressure you have and even the temp of the weather to how quickly the ro will be produced. Mine takes about six hours to make 25 litres, but I only have a small unit

So you need to be looking for a unit which produces the volume your require (they never produce as much as they say as quickly as they say!)
One that has new membrane that has been kept wet
DI unit with new resin

You will also need to buy a TDs meter, or better still find a RO unit with one attached - if you can find a unit with a flush, even better


Many thanks!!

Never worry about asking questions - the only stupid question is the one not asked

Seffie x



ps to TFF

 

[jaffacake]

Thank you so much, what a helpful person you are!

 

[doktor doris]

Whilst we are discussing RO units. It has horrified me, learning how much water domestic units waste because of their lack of pressure.
Can the waste not be used?

For instance, could you not make a cup of tea, or have a bath with a domestic RO unit's waste?

thanks
doris

 

[ben1987]

I dont see why you would want a bath in it tbh...more hastle than it would be worth.

Quite a lot of people collect the waste in a water butt outside and water the garden with it or wash the car. Once the initial fill takes place then you will only be doing 10% water changes once a week. So a lot less will be wasted.