R/O Filters...

[SEAG]

Hello All,
Quick question on R/O filters. I live in the country and have well water. Yes it is a tint on the brown /rust side before it is filtered. I use a R/o filter system for drinking water - an Ecowater Systems Filter. Could I use this for mixing water. Are all R/O water filters slow at filtering - I can get about 3/4 of a pitcher od H2O and it take like 3 hours to refill.

Thanks!
Sean

[Reefland]

Hi SEAG, Welcome to Reefland!

The rate of production from a unit is based on it's capacity (how many gpd or gph), the amount of "cleaning" that is required and the amount of pressure pushing through the filter. Whether or not this unit is suitable for aquarium use will depend of the TDS of the water after it is filtered.

We have a 75gpd RO/DI unit that we connect to our sink faucet and we produce about 5 gallons every 1.5 hours from it.

[Jimbob]

yes, all R/O systems are slow. There are many different system capacities available, ranging from as little as 16 gallons per day (g.p.d.) to 100 g.p.d. Some commercial systems process into the thousands of g.p.d. but at an extremely high cost.

The limiting factor in what your system will produce is the R/O membrane itself. There are only two major maufacturers of R/O membranes and they together supply greater than 98% of what is used in home R/O systems. The most common capacities are 16 g.p.d., 25 g.p.d., 30 g.p.d., 50 g.p.d., 75 g.p.d., and 100 g.p.d. There are numerous other g.p.d. rated systems available, but these seem to be the most common from my experience.

There are several other factors that affect the output of an R/OI system. The g.p.d. ratings of R/O systems are based upon an input line pressure of 65 p.s.i. If your line pressure is less than that (which is likely if you are using well water), you will not reach the rated output of your system. Additionally, R/O membranes are rated at their maximum g.p.d with an incoming water temperature of 75 degrees farenheit. The system puts out less g.p.d. the colder the incoming water is. It is important, however, not to exceed the 75F by much though as it will ruin the membrane.

There are booster pumps available on the market to boost your line pressure for the R/O unit to help get better performance from your system.

And to answer your question of using your existing system for your reef tank. You absolutley can use it. It is likely not as efficient as some of the newer and more expensive units sold for the hobby, but it is assuredly better than nothing at all :-)

[SEAG]

Thanks for the help...I am wondering if I could replace my current system - relies on a canister to fill up to disperse water, with a good system for the tank water and still be able to use tank R/O system for drinking water...I would put it under the kitchen sink like the old one...HHhmmm..sound okay?
Sean