Ro System

[mshollenberger]

I was thinking of purchasing an RO system for for our house which could also be used for water changes.

I was looking at this model.

http/www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?ProdID=11111638

Any comments?

Thanks

 

[steelhealr]

That system looks fine. If you were looking for a 'portable' less expensive unit, this is the one I have and it is fine:

http/cgi.ebay.com/AQUA-AQUARIUM-100GPD-R...1QQcmdZViewItem

This is their system with a tank:

http/cgi.ebay.com/AQUA-SAFE-100GPD-MAXIM...1QQcmdZViewItem

I do NOT know exactly what the differences would be in quality between the Costco system and the one on Ebay. I DO know that Costco will probably refund your money hands down if there is a problem with the unit. SH

 

[crazyelece]

I think you can get a cheaper, better unit off ebay. The only things I would be concerned with are the volume per day and the zero waste. All the systems I have seen like this (including the one I got from HD) are marketed for home drinking water and have around a 10 gpd membrane and a 1 gal storage tank. This is fine for drinking water because you more than likely will never run short in any given day. However in the aquarium world gallons will be on demand at one time and you will be waiting forever to get the amount you need with that setup. It took me two full weeks to originally fill my 120 gal tank running non stop. If all you have is a nano it may not be that bad as you will only need 2-3 gallons for a water change.

As for the zero waste, I have no idea how that works unless it pumps the wate back into the main water line of the house. In order for an RO unit to work properly it has to waste water to keep the membrane free of buildup.

IMO I think you would be better off with a system from Buckeye Field Supply (http/www.buckeyefieldsupply.com) or off ebay.

 

[mshollenberger]

Thanks. I was thinking of using this as a dual purpose system, for drinking water and the tank. My sister is always calling me about the importance of clean drinking water

 

[Wolflife]

That system looks fine. If you were looking for a 'portable' less expensive unit, this is the one I have and it is fine:

http/cgi.ebay.com/AQUA-AQUARIUM-100GPD-R...1QQcmdZViewItem

This is their system with a tank:

http/cgi.ebay.com/AQUA-SAFE-100GPD-MAXIM...1QQcmdZViewItem

I do NOT know exactly what the differences would be in quality between the Costco system and the one on Ebay. I DO know that Costco will probably refund your money hands down if there is a problem with the unit. SH

Can i use it As drinking water???

 

[Chac]

I am sure I read on another forum that drinking RO water wasnt great for you - unfortunalty that is all I remember - Will try to find out more info

 

[SkiFletch]

I cant see how it would be bad for you... It doesnt have any minerals in it, some of which we do need as humans, but you can get those minerals from other trace sources

 

[steelhealr]

It's a common misconception that RO water is bad for you. Like anything, it is not unless you drink several gallons at once. SH

 

[crazyelece]

The only reason it is bad is because it removes the flouride which is there to help you. In my opinion this doesn't make the RO water bad as long as you already have a healthy personal grooming standard and can brush your teeth.

 

[SkiFletch]

The only reason it is bad is because it removes the flouride which is there to help you. In my opinion this doesn't make the RO water bad as long as you already have a healthy personal grooming standard and can brush your teeth.

Amen, and lets be honest here. Who drinks enough tap water in modern America to recieve any benefits from teh flouraide additions to the water (as far as their teeth are concerned)? Nobody.

 

[JJ1234567]

Well...I live in "the Boon-docks" by a river. 12 miles from anything resembling civilization and 65 miles from the nearest mall (big city). I get my water out of the ground from my well. No flouride in my water...just lots and lots of iron and sulfur ( i dont like my water incase you didnt notice)....time to stop putting off the RO!

 

[steelhealr]

It's a common error made when some aquarists test their tap for nitrates, phosphates ..get zero..and then think it's OK. There is iron, sulphur, copper for some, etc..heavy metals...and they build up with each water change. SH

 

[Die_Grinder]

Well...I live in "the Boon-docks" by a river. 12 miles from anything resembling civilization and 65 miles from the nearest mall (big city). I get my water out of the ground from my well. No flouride in my water...just lots and lots of iron and sulfur ( i dont like my water incase you didnt notice)....time to stop putting off the RO!

no running water, but you got the internet? thats crazy man

 

[crazyelece]

Just because he has a well doesn't mean there is no running water. Where do you think the city water comes from. All water is either pulled from a well or out of a water source such as a river or lake. Houses that have well systems just have a pump either in the well or in the house that pump water from the well into a bladdered storage tank. The bladder in the tank is used to pressurize the water in the tank so it can be used in the house. Once the water pressure falls below a certain point the pump kicks on and pumps more water from the well into the tank. Think of it like an aircompressor but with water instead of air.