Ro Unit Usage

[michaelwgroves]

I have just ordered an Osmotics 6 Stage RO unit. I know this is overkill for my Tropical tank, but I plan to upgrade to Marine in the future.
Before I ask my questions, I just wanted to say they appear to be great value for money. I also sent several emails about the various products and I received second to none pre sales support. They are even trying to source specialist parts to allow me to plum straint into mains supply. I look forward to playing with it. You even get 10% discount if you are a Fish Forums member.

Anyway onto my questions, what is the best mix of RO / Tap water. Some say 50/50. Also what stage should I take my water, I think it is stage 3, but then should I take some from stage 1 instead of tap water. My thought is that Stage 1 might just take out the chlorine. I was hoping I could get away without using buffer and dechorinator if I take the right amounts from each stage, therefore removing the chlorine and leaving enough good stuff to save on the buffer.

What do you think, if I do need buffer, what do you guys recommend.
Please see my profile for my fish list, although this is a bit low at the moment as I have just recoverd from NTD and lost about 35% of my fish.

Thanks
Michael

 

[Rooster]

I simply wouldnt use RO for freshwater....

 

[Zatoichi]

By mixing RO water with tap water you're completely defeating the purpose of using RO water. Good buffers are not expensive and will treat several hundred gallons of RO. I use Seachem products exclusively. However, my tanks are heavily planted with >3W/G of lighting. I also use a pressurized CO2 system with a Milwaukee monitor/controller to maintain optimal pH and CO2 levels.

Acid Regulator to buffer
Alkaline Regulator to set the KH and to buffer
Equilbrium to replace mineral content for the aquarium

One thing to note is that many cities will vary the amount of chemicals pumped into the water supply during the year. Some resort to shock treating the water. As a result, it may be even more difficult for you to get the right proportions consistently. My experience with this led me to purchasing my RO system.

 

[SkiFletch]

Well you seem to have lots of fish that enjoy soft water more than they do hard water. As so, using RO water would be pretty beneficial to your tank. Perhaps look into what discus keepers do to their water to keep their pH down. Perhaps they use conditioners to RO water?

 

[michaelwgroves]

Nice one, I like your idea on asking Discus keepers.
So come on, anyone with Discus what do you reckon?

Thanks also for the links, I'll be checking those out when I know what I should be using.

Thanks
Michael

 

[crazie.eddie]

Most discus breeders I know either use plain tap water or RO water mixed with tap. RO removes any chlorine, ammonia, and some other minerals, which it filters in the resins. It also creates waste water, which contains some minerals, but does not contain chlorine, ammonia, etc. since those are trapped in the resins. The waste water can therefore be used to mix with the RO water to get the water along with tap water, to get the water to a desired level.