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Cultivated Reef

Alternatives to API tap water filter?


TroyMcClure

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Hey guys!

Out of the hobby for over 6 years now but getting the urge to jump back in. Back when I had my tank (12G nanocube with a 14K 70W metal halide lighting system), I used this to purify my tap water before adding it to the tank:

http://www.apifishcare.com/product.php?id=549

 

It was fairly easy to use, without being as costly/cumbersome as a RO/DI system. However, I see that this product has been discontinued (although replacement cartridges are still available at online shops).

 

Wondering if anyone is aware of a decent alternative to the (apparently discontinued) API tap water filter?

 

Thanks in advance! -- Brian

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Everyone (myself included) are just going to tell you to use a rodi filter they are not that expensive anymore honestly, this is the one I use It fits under my bathroom sink and I connected it to the water line and the drain. Probably the best option $$ wise.

 

http://www.marinedepot.com/AquaticLife_RO_Buddie_3_Stage_Reverse_Osmosis_System_w_Mixed_Bed_Resin_DI_Cartridge_50_to_75_Gallons_Per_Day_RO_DI_Water_Filter_Systems-AquaticLife-AK010162-FIRORDFS-vi.html

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If you don't want to spend the $125 for a RO/DI then just buy jugs of distilled water. If its a small reef the cost won't be prohibitive but I still prefer having ultimate control of my water quality with the RO/DI. If the cost is hard to justify, use it for RO drinking water too and save the cost of all those throwaway bottles of drinking water.

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ReversedlogiC

Hey guys!

 

Thanks in advance! -- Brian

I really feel like this should have started more like, "Hi, I'm Troy McClure, you might remember me from such posts as, 'Can kittens fit in reef tanks,' and, 'My first tank was filled with beer and goldfish.' "

 

 

 

Everyone (myself included) are just going to tell you to use a rodi filter they are not that expensive anymore honestly, this is the one I use It fits under my bathroom sink and I connected it to the water line and the drain. Probably the best option $$ wise.

 

http://www.marinedepot.com/AquaticLife_RO_Buddie_3_Stage_Reverse_Osmosis_System_w_Mixed_Bed_Resin_DI_Cartridge_50_to_75_Gallons_Per_Day_RO_DI_Water_Filter_Systems-AquaticLife-AK010162-FIRORDFS-vi.html

Hmmm, I like it. I've always shied away from installing an RO unit, but it seems times have changed in my three year hiatus. Did you get the fourth stage for your unit? Also, how many gallons are you getting before you have to replace any of the cartridges? And basically the resin stuff changes color as it gets used up?

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I really feel like this should have started more like, "Hi, I'm Troy McClure, you might remember me from such posts as, 'Can kittens fit in reef tanks,' and, 'My first tank was filled with beer and goldfish.' "

 

 

 

Hmmm, I like it. I've always shied away from installing an RO unit, but it seems times have changed in my three year hiatus. Did you get the fourth stage for your unit? Also, how many gallons are you getting before you have to replace any of the cartridges? And basically the resin stuff changes color as it gets used up?

Being the single biggest ingredient in your reef tank (water) what you put in there should be of only the best quality (there did that sound like a good whiskey commercial :lol: ?)

 

You don't need a fourth stage, I haven't found it help that much after our household upgraded.

 

And yes, you can see the change in the color of the filters. However mine has an "In-Line"TDS meter so I change it when I believe it gets outside of acceptable levels.

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You need 4 stages, a 1 micron or smaller sediment filter, a single 1 micron or less extruded carbon block, the RO membrane (usually a 75 GPD Dow Filmtec or Spectrapures treated and tested version of the Dow 75 they call a 90 GPD) and a full size 10" vertical 20 oz DI filter. Without the DI you will not be able to reach 0 TDS since RO by itself is only 90-98% efficient.

 

I do not care for color changing resins, thye actually contain dyes and add TDS back to the wate ras they change color.

 

Sediment and carbon block filters get changed every 6 months, not by gallons, and that can be streteched if you monitor headloss with a pressure gauge and chlorine breakthru with a low range chlorine test kit. Most people find 6 months is easier to remember and write the date on the bracket or unit somewhere as a reminder.

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  • 6 years later...

Can any of you guys answer this...

if I add distilled water to my fish tank to lower GH do I also have to use water conditioner in it before I add it?

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51 minutes ago, Claire N said:

Can any of you guys answer this...

if I add distilled water to my fish tank to lower GH do I also have to use water conditioner in it before I add it?

No, you don't need to add anything to distilled water. Assuming your attempting to lower GH in a freshwater tank...

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