Post by Carl on Jan 7, 2023 18:48:17 GMT -5
Recommended Read from our website:
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2016/01/use-of-ro-di-softwater-in-aquariums.html
QUOTE:
"The membrane is the most expensive part of a RO unit and is rated in gallons per day (gpd).
With water that is too hot or cold (the ideal operating temperature is between 70-80 F or 21-27 C), along with low water pressure (psi), and high TDS (total dissolved solids) all will combine to slow the rated capacity of a RO Unit & membrane. High TDS will also affect the life of the membrane.
Often the pressure provided by the tap water is adequate, however with high capacity RO Units additional boost pumps are required (usually units over 100 gpd which require 65 to 80 psi).
The few top quality aquarium RO units still produced use TFC Medical Grade (thin film composite, sold by Pentair USA) membranes which is much better for removal of ammonia, phosphates, herbicides, pesticides, and TDS.
Reference: xflow.pentair.com/en/technologies/filtration-spectrum
Other units still utilize the popular Economy TFC membranes sold by Dow under the Trade Mark of FilmTec. This includes the Coralife, which I have considerable experience with along with Bulk Reef Supply & many others.
The other common type is the CTA, a.k.a. the cellulose triacetate membrane (also sold by Dow & others) which is used in low cost RO units commonly sold by discounters such as Amazon. Cellulose acetate membranes are the oldest form of commercial RO membranes and the lowest cost to produce, hence the much lower costs of systems utilizing these. "
