This the ONLY video i could find showing me how to set this up. So frustrated that their QR code link only provided info on doing parts, no beginning to end guide like your video. If you know what you're looking at and working with, sure their videos are sufficient. But i knew nothing, got this kit and YOUR video helped me get up and running. Seriously, huge thanks from a reef newbie.
These guys are fantastic to speak to with any problems that you may have. I didn't know about these guys when I first started in the hobby. I actually had a custom made system for my tanks elsewhere. When I heard about these guys I bought all my new replacement filters. Daniel was amazing in helping me with a problem I had. I highly recommend them to anyone.
Hey Parker, I have a potentially stupid question for you regarding your RO supply. I remember you have/had plumbed in an inlet into your sump to allow you to do large water changes from a pump in your garage. Is that where your RO water goes or do you have an auto top off? I like the idea of having both for my dream set up, but don't seem to have the braincells to work out how lol
No silly questions here! I do have an RODI storage out with my natural salt water storage, but it is not actually where I draw it from for my dream reef. I have an RODI unit outside with my UV and chiller and it is on an automated system to keep a small 15L reservoir in my custom sump filled (turns on when empty and off when full, so technically doesn't keep it full - but does ensure it always has water ;) ) Your method would also work, you'd just need to use a peristaltic pump in place of the usual impeller pump for your ATO :)
@@ParkersReef Ok cool. So I could use a storage tank where I run my source water (HMA in my case) and use that for larger water changes. Then use a peristaltic pump to draw water from the same storage tank to top the sump up or do small water changes? I'll have a drain on the sump anyway as I know I'll flood it otherwise lol
Hi Park. Cool presentation. Standard carbon block does not take chloramines - only very small amount. You need to get N-doped carbon block to get them out. BRS sells them. But, it will take heavy metals ions + chlorine (for chlorine mechanism is unknown). Cheers Piotr
Great and informative episode as always. Can I ask, what is the ratio of ro/di water produced compared with the waste water and I assume the waste water can be harvested and used to water the garden?
I went out and got their 4 stage 50gpd unit based on your recommendation. The build quality is great and their support is responsive too. How many litres does your unit make per hour and do you know how long does it take for you to fill a 20L tub?
Great video. At the moment I’m spending around $50 a month on purchasing rodi water plus the time it takes to head out and get it Where would I start to setup my own system? Is it just a mater of buying a unit, large container and hooking it up to the mains?
Hey mate! Oh wow, RODI unit is needed! If you’re in australia, get in touch with reef pure and let them know you heard about them on Parker’s reef! The team will walk you through the whole process from end to end. If you’re not in aus, let me know and we can chat
Absolutely agree with your statements re: TDS Meter I run my system every couple of weeks to make a batch of RODI and find that I need to run it for 5 mins or so before the TDS drops to zero. Certainly wouldn't want to allow the initial water in my tank... Speaking of.... unfortunately when my tank was setup my tank builder recommended initial fill with tap water (Treated with Dr Tims to remove the Chlorine / Chloramines) and not to bother with RODI for initial fill... Fish safe? Yes. Staggeringly impressive diatoms bloom a few weeks later? Off the scale... The things we learn - after the event !
Hi Sam here in UK currently have 330 ppm incoming and after 4 stage processing get that down to 3ppm which I guess is quite good (99% efficient) have changed all filters, membrane & DI and still get 3ppm would you change the unit to more stages?
Must be down south with that TDS, here in West Yorkshire I get 60-95 TDS from the tap. If I were you I’d have a dual RO membrane and a booster pump to maintain constant high pressure (install a pressure gauge too)
yeah that is some SHOCKING town water! Good to hear the unit is getting it down to 3ppm, but yeah, you are going to burn through pre filters, membranes and DI resin. I'd potentially look to going to a commercial unit. Will cost more upfront, but the large pre filters will last a lot longer.
I have not ever used tap water before. RODI filters have been around a long time, probably a lot longer than we have been keeping corals alive for successfully in the home aquarium
I actually have my RODI automated to switch on and off when my reservoir when it is full/empty. The storage is about 25L which lasts me about 2-3 days (but again, it is automated)
Hey i use them as well, how do you know when you need to change RO membrabe, mine has 2 mambrane and already around 12-13 month old. They also told me my suburb has a good quality water
@@ParkersReef i only messure 1 before it goes to membrane after te filter, and one the product water to make sure 0 tds, maybe i should get another tds meter to messure between membrane and DI?
@@gjcoralfarm6929 I am not realy having any problems, water change every 10 days(works in with my shift). Change 140litres I have 2 x 70 litre bins fill up with the hose put in the prime then salt added (redsea pro) and mix. Same as for top up water from tap and prime, have poly filter, and carbon pad in the sump and thats it. I have a mixture of sps and lps coralline algae growing. Feed corals 2 to 3 times a week fish twice a day with spectrum probiotic food if I had a way of attaching a picture you might be surprised my local wants to know as to how I am doing so well. As it goes against most of the rules.
Great question, I’m not sure on their water requirements. My limited experience of freshwater fish suggests it’s all about ph and hardness of water - but I really have no idea 😅
I have Africans for the last 10 years and have only used a 0.5 micron carbon filter, and never had issue.. They are quite hardy so I suspect RO would be overkill.
@@ParkersReef Now need to get people on the message boards to realize that. Every time someone ask for a recommendation the answer is you need a 7 stage with booster pump and water saver add on.
7:20 it sounds like your saying the di resin increases membrane life span!!! This could be confusing to someone new to the hobby, as you know di resin only polishes the post membrane tds to 0
That is correct yes, I could see how that is confusing. Extends the useable life from a membrane though as it will pickup any loose TDS from a membrane starting to slip
Shoot my water is anywhere from 260! to 600!!! TDS. Needless to say I run a 7 stage dual membrane RO/DI with booster pump. I go through anion resin almost exclusively.
I have a whole house filter system that takes the brunt of the work first. I just replaced my 1 micron carbon blocks (x2) after 2 years. I don’t think I needed to but did anyway. I get my TDS down to 3 after pre, carbon and RO membranes the the cation,anion and mixed bed do the rest. On a side note the main prefilter for the whole house, I replace often every 6 months and it is disgusting how filthy it gets. Prefilter in my RO system is still white after 2 years. 👍🏼
This the ONLY video i could find showing me how to set this up. So frustrated that their QR code link only provided info on doing parts, no beginning to end guide like your video. If you know what you're looking at and working with, sure their videos are sufficient.
But i knew nothing, got this kit and YOUR video helped me get up and running.
Seriously, huge thanks from a reef newbie.
Glad I could help! The reef pure ro guys are first class, if you ever need help with their products - just reach out to them 👍🏻
These guys are fantastic to speak to with any problems that you may have. I didn't know about these guys when I first started in the hobby. I actually had a custom made system for my tanks elsewhere. When I heard about these guys I bought all my new replacement filters. Daniel was amazing in helping me with a problem I had. I highly recommend them to anyone.
Agreed Daniel is the best in the business!
It is really cool they research your water and recommend a unit based on that. No wasted money.
Exactly, only buying what you need - it’s a high quality service 👍🏻
More than happy with my reef pure ro unit and their service is second to none !!🖒
Absolutely!
Hey Parker, I have a potentially stupid question for you regarding your RO supply. I remember you have/had plumbed in an inlet into your sump to allow you to do large water changes from a pump in your garage. Is that where your RO water goes or do you have an auto top off? I like the idea of having both for my dream set up, but don't seem to have the braincells to work out how lol
No silly questions here! I do have an RODI storage out with my natural salt water storage, but it is not actually where I draw it from for my dream reef. I have an RODI unit outside with my UV and chiller and it is on an automated system to keep a small 15L reservoir in my custom sump filled (turns on when empty and off when full, so technically doesn't keep it full - but does ensure it always has water ;) )
Your method would also work, you'd just need to use a peristaltic pump in place of the usual impeller pump for your ATO :)
@@ParkersReef Ok cool. So I could use a storage tank where I run my source water (HMA in my case) and use that for larger water changes. Then use a peristaltic pump to draw water from the same storage tank to top the sump up or do small water changes?
I'll have a drain on the sump anyway as I know I'll flood it otherwise lol
@@chickenfist1554 yep - just make sure you're not mixing up your water change water and top off water :)
@@ParkersReef Top banana! Thanks :D
Can you show me the plumbing from outside to inside. Love what you did
Just removed a brick, fed piping through then filled with spray foam. Works a treat :)
Can you do a video explaining your AWC sensors and how they work to fill your ATO? Thanks!
I'll see what I can do, it's just a latching relay design that you can now buy off the shelf from company auto aqua though
Hi Park. Cool presentation. Standard carbon block does not take chloramines - only very small amount. You need to get N-doped carbon block to get them out. BRS sells them. But, it will take heavy metals ions + chlorine (for chlorine mechanism is unknown). Cheers Piotr
Thanks for the info!
Great and informative episode as always. Can I ask, what is the ratio of ro/di water produced compared with the waste water and I assume the waste water can be harvested and used to water the garden?
Great question! Usually around 1:1 or 1:2 and yes the waste water is great for the garden!
@@ParkersReef Thanks Sam. Been thinking about getting one - maybe the universe is whispering in my ear! 😂
Great video !
thanks mate!
I went out and got their 4 stage 50gpd unit based on your recommendation. The build quality is great and their support is responsive too. How many litres does your unit make per hour and do you know how long does it take for you to fill a 20L tub?
Glad to hear! I honestly wouldn't know how long mine takes as it is plumbed into an automatic setup so I never really see it come on or off :D
Great vlog. Do you know what is the ratio between clean water to waste water for a 100 litre volume.
Varies from unit to unit, usually 2 times the waste of clean water though
Another great video Sam, where did you get the tds meter from?
hey Matt, I just picked it up from my LFS. Great little units, super easy to add to any RODI system
Reefpure are the best! They have helped me so much. I got the expert system because im impatient.
the guys are second to none, super helpful and very well priced!
Great video. At the moment I’m spending around $50 a month on purchasing rodi water plus the time it takes to head out and get it
Where would I start to setup my own system? Is it just a mater of buying a unit, large container and hooking it up to the mains?
Hey mate! Oh wow, RODI unit is needed! If you’re in australia, get in touch with reef pure and let them know you heard about them on Parker’s reef!
The team will walk you through the whole process from end to end.
If you’re not in aus, let me know and we can chat
@@ParkersReef thanks will do. I’m located in Melbourne (SE suburbs).
Yeah hit up Daniel from Reed pure mate. You’re in safe hands
I put mine in the basement connected it to the washer fixture.
Absolutely agree with your statements re: TDS Meter
I run my system every couple of weeks to make a batch of RODI and find that I need to run it for 5 mins or so before the TDS drops to zero. Certainly wouldn't want to allow the initial water in my tank...
Speaking of.... unfortunately when my tank was setup my tank builder recommended initial fill with tap water (Treated with Dr Tims to remove the Chlorine / Chloramines) and not to bother with RODI for initial fill...
Fish safe? Yes.
Staggeringly impressive diatoms bloom a few weeks later? Off the scale...
The things we learn - after the event !
Hahaha yeah, that would create a decent algae bloom!!
Hi Sam here in UK currently have 330 ppm incoming and after 4 stage processing get that down to 3ppm which I guess is quite good (99% efficient) have changed all filters, membrane & DI and still get 3ppm would you change the unit to more stages?
Must be down south with that TDS, here in West Yorkshire I get 60-95 TDS from the tap.
If I were you I’d have a dual RO membrane and a booster pump to maintain constant high pressure (install a pressure gauge too)
yeah that is some SHOCKING town water! Good to hear the unit is getting it down to 3ppm, but yeah, you are going to burn through pre filters, membranes and DI resin. I'd potentially look to going to a commercial unit. Will cost more upfront, but the large pre filters will last a lot longer.
@@Hiskm just outside London so proper poor on quality
Have you ever used tap water before and what did people use before rodi units back in the days?
I have not ever used tap water before. RODI filters have been around a long time, probably a lot longer than we have been keeping corals alive for successfully in the home aquarium
I'm living in an apartment and need to plan everything...How much RO water do you store for such a large tank? is there a percentage you recommend?
I actually have my RODI automated to switch on and off when my reservoir when it is full/empty. The storage is about 25L which lasts me about 2-3 days (but again, it is automated)
@@ParkersReef do you store any large drums for larger water changes?
@@benlee9647 I use natural salt water :)
Hey i use them as well, how do you know when you need to change RO membrabe, mine has 2 mambrane and already around 12-13 month old. They also told me my suburb has a good quality water
Do you measure you TDS after the membrane? That is the best way to tell.
@@ParkersReef i only messure 1 before it goes to membrane after te filter, and one the product water to make sure 0 tds, maybe i should get another tds meter to messure between membrane and DI?
Yeah measuring between membrane and resin is a good idea. Let’s you know how hard the DI is working that wat
Must look at getting one soon I am using straight out of the tap for making up salt water and top up. And this has been for the least 2 years now.
Yeah I would highly recommend!!
Excuse my ignorance FTS? Not good with acronyms.
@@gjcoralfarm6929 I am not realy having any problems, water change every 10 days(works in with my shift). Change 140litres I have 2 x 70 litre bins fill up with the hose put in the prime then salt added (redsea pro) and mix. Same as for top up water from tap and prime, have poly filter, and carbon pad in the sump and thats it. I have a mixture of sps and lps coralline algae growing. Feed corals 2 to 3 times a week fish twice a day with spectrum probiotic food if I had a way of attaching a picture you might be surprised my local wants to know as to how I am doing so well. As it goes against most of the rules.
Hey mate
I have African cichlids would a Ro unit be overkill for those fish .
Great question, I’m not sure on their water requirements. My limited experience of freshwater fish suggests it’s all about ph and hardness of water - but I really have no idea 😅
@@ParkersReef thanks bud thought I'd try my luck haha
I have Africans for the last 10 years and have only used a 0.5 micron carbon filter, and never had issue.. They are quite hardy so I suspect RO would be overkill.
Thanks tommy
Good video 👍
Thank you
Can I use RO without DI?
You can yes. Deionisation just purifies the last couple of TDS out of the water completely
Nice to see a company the bases recommendations based on facts not what creates the best revenue.
Exactly!!
@@ParkersReef Now need to get people on the message boards to realize that. Every time someone ask for a recommendation the answer is you need a 7 stage with booster pump and water saver add on.
Bro...... why no Orange Shoulder Tang yet????? 😁😁😁
hahaha never know mate, perhaps when the other sub species of tangs go in :P
What would happen if you used rain water through your Ro Di unit? Then the waste would not be as much of a problem and would cost next to nothing.
Rain water takes up a lot of pollution from the atmosphere and takes a lot of filtration and ends up costing a lot more in membranes.
7:20 it sounds like your saying the di resin increases membrane life span!!! This could be confusing to someone new to the hobby, as you know di resin only polishes the post membrane tds to 0
That is correct yes, I could see how that is confusing. Extends the useable life from a membrane though as it will pickup any loose TDS from a membrane starting to slip
some new fishes in your reef tank
you bet mate, video on these is out now :)
best to flush system first with membrane and resin not attached, carbon fines are not a good start to its life.
True
Shoot my water is anywhere from 260! to 600!!! TDS. Needless to say I run a 7 stage dual membrane RO/DI with booster pump. I go through anion resin almost exclusively.
Oh wow I can only imagine how quick you burn through filters!!!
I have a whole house filter system that takes the brunt of the work first. I just replaced my 1 micron carbon blocks (x2) after 2 years. I don’t think I needed to but did anyway. I get my TDS down to 3 after pre, carbon and RO membranes the the cation,anion and mixed bed do the rest.
On a side note the main prefilter for the whole house, I replace often every 6 months and it is disgusting how filthy it gets. Prefilter in my RO system is still white after 2 years. 👍🏼