Setting up RO/DI unit

[Jon]

Since I have found out that using a RO/DI unit is the way to go to do water changes I now have new questions regarding the set up.

1. Where is the most common place to set up the unit to a direct water line? I think the laundry room would be sufficient but am not positive.

2. When using the two buckets one is for clean water and one is for waste water. Is the clean water bucket the one you do the salt mixing in?

3. When doing the salt mix is there a an easy to do the mixing? Would a pump do enough of the work or do you still have to manually stir it? Also how long do you allow the salt to dissolve before you do the water change?

4. Should you add any chemicals to the water before you add the salt?

5. When using the RO/DI water for "top off" do I add any chemicals for this water either?

Thanks for your input.

 

[mikem]

1. Most common place is the laundry room, basement, then under sink.
2. Waste water should be directed back into drain, unless you plan on using it for something.
R/O water should be kept seperate from the mixing salt bucket. So should have seperate bucket for salt and R/O water.
3.Mix with a pump. No hand mixing needed. Mix for 24 hours.
4.No chemicals needed.
5. No chemicals needed. Make sure top-off water is just R/O, no salt added.

 

[mikem]

1. They also have sink connectors so they don't have to be direct hook up.
2. On the waste water, you will be loosing about 4 gallons to the 1 good gallon saved.

 

[Jon]

What size of pump should I buy to help dissolve the salt.

 

[mikem]

That would depend on what size cans or buckets you're using. In my 33gallon drum, I use pumps between 300 and 900 GPH.