Is an RODI unit necessary

[ferraridude112]

Hey everybody, i was just wondering if an RODI unit is necessary for a reef tank, or if I can use plain tap water. I plan on doing about 10% water changes every week or so, and wanted to know if it is really worth the price.

Thanks

 

[kirru]

For a reef tank, I would highly suggest you use an RO/DI unit. Reasons being that it would put unwanted nutrients in the tank which would eventually lead to a major algae bloom. It could also put metals, like copper (from the copper pipes that run through the house), which aren't good for the tank in general. It could also put chlorine and other water conditioners in the tank which aren't good. I know they make think that take care of these but sometimes they dont cut it all the time.

Besides, if you have one and have a big trashcan for fresh and saltwater, you never have to freak out if there is an emergency

 

[kirru]

dawgdude;512406 wrote: I agree with all of above but here is my take on it. You can invest in an RODI for about $150-$200 and it helps to keep the tank healthy and cleaner. You have probably a few times that invested in livestock and I just dont see how filtered your water is being the place to cheap out.

Dang, i new I forgot to mention that about having more in livestock. But yea, if you have a lot invested in livestock, a $150 unit isn't gonna do any harm. In fact, it'll do more good. you could probably shop around and get a used one cheap. I bought mine and it came with the RO and tubing as well as a 42g brute trash can with float valve for $100... that was the best 100 bucks i ever spent along with the $30 for ARC membership and the vortechs and..... i'll stop.. i've been doing this too long lol

 

[kirru]

O, aslo, ask around at some of the sponsors if they have any that are for sale from either customers who got out of hobby or if the store is upgrading to a bigger one and they need to sell the small one. Thats how I got mine.. Actually got it from Blue Planet cause a customer broke down his tank and that was in it.. i promptly bought it then..

 

[ferraridude112]

Alright perfect ill plan on getting one. Im going to Purereef this weekend and ill ask if thay have anything. Other than that ill try to find one on the forums.

 

[tnyga]

I havent read the replies but I will say this. I went 6 months with tap water and fought death, algae and just speratic water levels..then I purchased RO water for water changes and found consistant levels in my water parameters, growth in corals, clearer tank and no death in livestock. Purchased an RODI and it has paid for itself ten-fold

It really is a no brainer

 

[smallblock]

Yeah they are good and save alot if you top off with distilled water like I was. The only draw back is all the waste water it produces, I bet if you do a search you can find some interesting ideas about what people do to save on the water bill by recycleing the waste water. i use it to water some in the yard. Like I said i was topping off with distilled @ 1 dollar a gallon, Lose a gallon everyday or other day from evap. Not to mention once a month water change @ 25 dollars. I think i was spending about 50 bucks a month on just distilled water. So it really does pay for itself quickly, Kirru is right about the trash can idea it can come in really handy in a pinch