Questions for WaterGeneral/Filters Direct RO/DI Filter users

[Candi]

I just finally set up my watergeneral RODI unit today, just using the sink adapter as my husband and I are both clueless about plumbing etc and it seemed easier. I know all units make waste water but I'm wondering what the normal ratio is, say how many gallons of waste per gallon of pure water? Seems like the water is trickling out of the line a lot slower then its streaming out of the waste hose. Approx how long should it take to make 5g of water?

Thanks!

 

[Brian]

Hi Candi,

That's unfortunately how it works... I dint know the exact ratio, I believe it depends on the size membrane that you have and the quality of your water. But what you have going on sounds about right. If I were to venture a guess... I would say the ratio is around 8:1. I think it takes me about 2 hours to fill a 5 gallon bucket... somewhere in that range... it's been so long since I've filled up a 5 gallon bucket I can't remember. Your best bet is to use some sort of food grade storage tank (Brute Garbage Can). This way you don't have to constantly reattach everything to your sink. That can get old very quickly!

HTH

 

[mikem]

The ratio is normaly about 1gal good to 4 gals waste. When I need water in a hurry, I use hot water instead of cold. If it's new, there's a break in period before you reach you're certain gals. per day.

 

[Candi]

thanks guys... the plan is to eventually hook it up in the basement once I get a laundry tub (wink Mike LOL) but until then it's only one hook up to the kitchen sink... I've only been using RODI in my 24g nano since my 50g was a FOWLR, but since that is going reef looks like I'll be making more water

Just finished filling the 5g, took about 2 hours so must be working right.

 

[Phyl]

Since we're winking at Mike, and that somehow leads to extra plumbing in the basement... *wink* once I get a bathroom in the basement...

;D

I'm feeling a bit I dream of Genie'ish!

 

[mikem]

Are you looking to get a bathroom in you're basement Phyl?

 

[Candi]

Since we're winking at Mike, and that somehow leads to extra plumbing in the basement... *wink* once I get a bathroom in the basement...

;D

I'm feeling a bit I dream of Genie'ish!

LOL the head roll I can do, but not the outfit till I lose the baby weight LOL

 

[Phyl]

Maybe by the spring. ;D

 

[Jcurry@wesketch]

The amount of waste water will also depend on the total dissolved solids (TDS) in the tap water, temperature of it and the incoming water pressure. The incoming water temp should be 77 degrees with a pressure around 80 psi for optimum performance (4:1 waste to good H2O). Also you shouldn't run hot water through the unit as it will quickly destroy the RO membrane.

To help reduce the amount of waste water consider pre filtering the water through a water softener and installing a booster pump to increase the water pressure.

On larger systems you can also add a loop of 1/4" tubing in your sump between the water source and the RO unit to help raise the temp and cool the tank water at the same time.

 

[mikem]

Thanks Jc. I never thought of the loop in the sump trick.

 

[Jcurry@wesketch]

I would love to take credit for the idea but I saw it on http://www.melevsreef.com/