Imagine spending your money on the best water filtration system, exotic corals, tropical fish, and most gorgeous reef tank you can find. It quickly becomes your family’s pride and joy as you have spared no expense in making sure everything you purchased was top of the line. A few months after setting everything up, you realize that something is not right as your corals are dying!
How can this be?
You bought the best of the best! You have even purchased SpectraPure’s spare filter kits, with dates clearly marked on your calendar for replacement.
Situations like this seem to appear out of the blue, however, if you haven't yet received your free 5-Point Assessment, chances are that the problem may have existed well before you even installed your RODI system. Incoming sediment, dissolved solids, chemicals, water temperature, and water pressure all play a significant role in how well your filtration system performs at startup. They also play an even bigger role in how your system will continue to perform over time. Your Ultimate Guide to a Healthy Reef Tank The local water for each geographical area differs substantially, which is why we ask you for your zip code. Depending on whether your water source is municipal, well water, or a cistern will determine the amount of pre-filtration that is required to produce the desired quality of RO and DI water that your marine life needs to thrive.
Step 1: Evaluate the Incoming Source Water
Water hardness, chlorine levels, chemicals, and other contaminants can all take their toll on your RODI filtration system. Knowing what your incoming water contains helps us to safeguard your investment and keep your system performing at its peak no matter where you live. To measure the total dissolved solids (TDS) or hardness levels of your incoming water, we recommend using a TDS Meter. Most of our RODI systems include TDS meters, however, if you require a stand alone meter we also have those available for purchase. It’s important to allow your tap water to run long enough to flush out any water that has been sitting so that you can measure your incoming chlorine level, as chlorine can dissipate quickly and throw off the accuracy of the reading. Once you have flushed your tap water thoroughly, please use a chlorine test kit that you can purchase at any local pool supply. We recommend that you acquire a water quality report from your city and upload it here prior to your 5-Point Assessment in order to determine the amounts of lead, chloramine, chemicals, and other contaminants in your water supply.
Step 2: Assess Your Incoming Water Pressure
Most of our systems included an incoming water pressure meter (gauge). If you want to evaluate your incoming water pressure prior to purchasing an RODI system, a stand alone water meter is also available for purchase. If your incoming water pressure is too low, you will need to add a booster pump to increase the pressure. If your water pressure is too high, this can damage the RO membrane. In cases where water pressure is too high, we recommend a water pressure regulator. Proper calibration of your water pressure for your production requirements is key to the longevity and performance of your system.
Step 3: Calibrate for Your Production Requirements
If you require 90 gallons or more per day, let us know and we will make sure you are equipped with the right system for the job! In addition, pH and TDS can affect production rate, which means that they need to be accounted for. When you work with our experts, we will fine tune your system requirements to your environment to provide maximum performance.
Step 4: Pre- and Post-Filtration Requirements
Do you have high levels of metallic and chemical contaminants in your water source? Adequate pre- and post-filtration can ensure that your precious marine life will thrive. Our 5-Point Assessment will provide the information you need to get the best performance from your RODI system. Regular filter changes are imperative to protect the ongoing health of your reef tank and marine life. For those who live in areas with higher levels of lead, chloramine, or high levels of hardness, it is vital to account for this and calibrate your system to adequately accommodate for these types of pollutants.
Step 5: Automated and Manual Operation
SpectraPure’s add-on kits allow you to maximize both the possibilities and the full capabilities of your RODI system. Be sure to discuss your wishlist as well as your desired level of automation with our SpectraCare team. If you have a vision, the team at SpectraPure will work with you to make it a reality. Contact SpectraPure at sales@spectrapure.com or (480) 894-5437 today.
