Reserve Osmosis System For Salt Water Tank?

Question

I am looking into purchasing an ro system for my 92 gallon corner tank, when looking at the items they all mention a certain gpd rate. How do i know how many gallons per day i need, and what is the GPD based on?

Is the RO system going to be constantly pumping water into my tank or only when i turn it on? Also, if anyone has basic information on using these systems at all would you please share it with me? I just learned about the RO process and would like to know as much as possible before purchasing one.

As far as water changes go, how much more convenient is it to have one? Anyone already using one of these things? Im am currently looking into a 3 stage Pur-Flo II. thanks in advance for your help

Answer 1

I am pretty sure that RO systems do not pump water into your tank. It is apart from your marine aquarium and just produces water on its' own. You must mix the salt and add it to your tank as you do your water changes. I assume you will be doing about a 25% water change every two weeks. That would figure out to about 23 gallons of RO water every two weeks for the water change, plus whatever you need to top off the tank for evaporation during the two weeks. I would assume that 15 gallons a week would be enough for your application.

Go to "About.com" and follow their links to setting up and maintaining a marine aquarium. They have lots of info there and lots of links to saltwater sites. I think there is a search engine for the site that you could find info on RO with.

I would also Google RO water system and read up on it before taking the plunge on an expensive system you may or may not need.

Sorry, I have never had or used an RO system, but that is some basic info that I have.

Answer 2

To determine the size system you need, first determine how much water you nee per week. If you change 20 gallons per week, you need about a minimum of 7 gpd production. I have one salt water setup. An RO system was too expensive for me to justify. I go to my local Publix supermarket and purchase RO water for 30 cents a gallon and use it to mix with Reef Crystals or Instant Ocean. I have had no problems with it. It will take a long time to spend on this water what I would spend on an RO system and maintaining it.