Hi all - I'm doing a 360 gal setup - I plan to use some RO water for my discus and thought it might be helpful to install in the stand underneath - any ideas? Or is it better to put in the utility closet and fill up a tank to use when I need it. The one I am looking at purchasing is a Neptune 200 GPD unit and has a float valve - would that go into the tank itself? I appreciate any advice - I have never used RO water but always used driftwood, peat in the filtration system and that has worked for my smaller tanks and kept my discus happy. I'm finishing the space around the basement and thought if I want it there then now is the time to put it in. Thanks in advance for any help!
Hello, good luck!
How long have you kept fish?
(You will need a TDS meter.
Follow the pre clean instructions for the CCB and floss block thoroughly as a mistake could compromise the RO membrane. The membranes are sensitive to chlorine. Do not flush with water that hasn't past through the CCB.
It's easiest to have the unit at or near a sink, this will help at filter change times, normally it's around 6 or 12 months depending. Some water is spilt at this time.
After years of use mine is now above the sink. If the water is cold they condensate something rotten. I think it's better with the water close to the tank as it negates pumps and plumbing.
For the amount of water you will need, a proper container would be useful!
360G is a lot of water. 1600L I don't manage that much water over all my systems and storing RO is a big deal for me!
72g is 20% (average normal change) and as I understand it, it's little and often for discus.
I struggle with a 200 litre storage tank and 4x25 litre containers.
I'll just about have 1600 litres once I fill my reef!
Your water would be more simple if it's just for one tank, mine is complicated.
I think the cheapest way to treat that volume is to re mineralise pure RO using Gh Kh powders. You will need relevant test kits.
I measure powder by weight. You need to be quite accurate.
I used to cut RO with de chlorinated treated tap water but it's expensive long term on large volumes.
The float valve probably closes off production when storage tank is full.
Water needs mixing a bit before you use it in the display tank or a dosing system could be used if you operate a full time overflow. Direct use of RO in a tank is for serious use only, I don't advise on it but it is possible)