TOTW 8-8-05 RO plumbing

[rtdurette1]

I am setting up my 125 gallon aquarium in my living room.
I just recieved my RO/DI a few weeks ago. I am not ready to start making water, but have had some different plans on how to connect everything.
Directly behind my aquarium, is a wall of course, but behind the wall is a coat closet.
across the hall from the coat closet is the wash room.
in the wash room is where my washer and dryer are set up and where i plan on having the RO unit.
here's the issue (after a very long intro):
I was thinking about running a water line from the RO up thru the ceiling over the hall and down into the closet, where i can there is a small hose that i can pass the line directly into the sump. Do you think this is possible? Do I need to have a small pump to push the water from the RO up to the ceiling and thru the length of the water line? Will the RO from the water pressure of the water line from the washing machine do that?
next, can i hook the shut off valve up so that i activates from the sump water level, as opposed to a collection container?
If so, what thoughts do you have on that?
I enjoy troubleshooting a problem as much as the next guy, but my major aim, other than maintaining a reef, is to try to become as automated as possible. I would like the RO to feed almost directly into the tank.
Thanks for any help/advice anyone can give,
rob

[gqsmoothster]

The RO system feeds the water into a small tank for storage. This tank is pressurized, but only enough to get the water from the tank (usually under the sink) up to the counter surface and through the faucet. By now the pressure is usually just high enough to give the water "good flow" out of the faucet.

If you're thinking of skipping the storage tank and trying to push the water from the system (5 stage, plus DI, right?) forget it. These systems are meant to have a continues pressure so they can take their sweet time filtering. You would litterally get a drizzle coming out of the system (if you were to try to bypass the tank).

Just thinking of your issue for a moment, I would think it would be easier to plumb an actual copper water line closer to the tank and then run the RO/DI from there, than moving the water post-filtration. You might be able to T-off from the closest supply (even in the basement?) and move closer to the tank. Just a thought. Another though would be to have the RO/DI upstairs (if you have one) and then do your post-filtration plumbing using gravity.

Best of luck.

[rtdurette1]

The RO system feeds the water into a small tank for storage. This tank is pressurized, but only enough to get the water from the tank (usually under the sink) up to the counter surface and through the faucet. By now the pressure is usually just high enough to give the water "good flow" out of the faucet.

If you're thinking of skipping the storage tank and trying to push the water from the system (5 stage, plus DI, right?) forget it. These systems are meant to have a continues pressure so they can take their sweet time filtering. You would litterally get a drizzle coming out of the system (if you were to try to bypass the tank).

Just thinking of your issue for a moment, I would think it would be easier to plumb an actual copper water line closer to the tank and then run the RO/DI from there, than moving the water post-filtration. You might be able to T-off from the closest supply (even in the basement?) and move closer to the tank. Just a thought. Another though would be to have the RO/DI upstairs (if you have one) and then do your post-filtration plumbing using gravity.

Best of luck.

Thanks, but i was overcome by the problems you listed. I have now resorted to the common solution of creating a storage tank that bleeds into my refugium using grav.
rob

[gqsmoothster]

I'm thinking of doing a similar rig-up. How'd you do yours, and water container do you use for the top-off water?

[scubadude]

im curious why you couldnt have it in the closet? you could have the skinny feed line up and over the ceiling and standard water PSI should be able to handle that w/out any problems. The main thing there would be that you would have to also route the waste water line back to the drain in the wash room.

[gqsmoothster]

im curious why you couldnt have it in the closet? you could have the skinny feed line up and over the ceiling and standard water PSI should be able to handle that w/out any problems. The main thing there would be that you would have to also route the waste water line back to the drain in the wash room.

I doubt that would work because of water pressure issues. However, you made me think of something. These RO/DI systems have an optional pump you can add on for "low pressure" systems which would occur if you did what scubadude suggests. This may be possible. The pump is available in 110/220 and usually only adds a few dollars onto the system ($25 is usual).

I used to import these systems from factories in Asia... if you don't understand what I'm talking about, I could dig up some examples and send you a link.

[scubadude]

.....if you don't understand what I'm talking about, I could dig up some examples and send you a link.

hey gqsmoothster

I believe you are referring to a booster pump!? Most all RO and RO/DI systems are made to run most effeciently at 40psi wich is generally the norm of water pressure. If your RO or RO/DI has a gauge on it and you are running within a couple of PSI of 40 then I wouldnt worry to much about a booster pump, unless you have an RO or RO/DI system that is made to run at a different pressure rating. If you dont have a gauge on your system then you should check into getting one before you get a booster pump for sure! I would also make sure and set your wastewater/ro water ratio to this could possibly lead you to believe that your pressure is less than satisfactory. What kind of restrictor for your wasteline do you have? A manual valve or an internal restrictor line?

[gqsmoothster]

hey gqsmoothster

I believe you are referring to a booster pump!? Most all RO and RO/DI systems are made to run most effeciently at 40psi wich is generally the norm of water pressure.

Exactly, but if he's running lines all over, he'll likely fall below 40psi. If he does, he can add a booster pump cheaply and... viola....

[leo]

do not use copper pipes bad for marine

The RO system feeds the water into a small tank for storage. This tank is pressurized, but only enough to get the water from the tank (usually under the sink) up to the counter surface and through the faucet. By now the pressure is usually just high enough to give the water "good flow" out of the faucet.

If you're thinking of skipping the storage tank and trying to push the water from the system (5 stage, plus DI, right?) forget it. These systems are meant to have a continues pressure so they can take their sweet time filtering. You would litterally get a drizzle coming out of the system (if you were to try to bypass the tank).

Just thinking of your issue for a moment, I would think it would be easier to plumb an actual copper water line closer to the tank and then run the RO/DI from there, than moving the water post-filtration. You might be able to T-off from the closest supply (even in the basement?) and move closer to the tank. Just a thought. Another though would be to have the RO/DI upstairs (if you have one) and then do your post-filtration plumbing using gravity.

Best of luck.