Using Dechlorinator with RO/DI

[Phil]

Just curious if anyone is using a dechlorinator when they mix up a new batch of saltwater or RO/DI top off? Apparently there is a specific type of carbon for use in RO/DI systems that will properly remove chloramines which we have in Kitchener water. Prime is not supposed to make a skimmer go nuts. I've never even thought about chloramines since I started using a RO/DI system.

 

[teebone110]

I don't use one. My goal is 0 TDS and if my RO/DI unit can produce this, I think its good.  8)

 

[Phil]

Agreed, I think we are all after 0 TDS however chloramines apparently are still in the RO/DI water. Can anyone confirm this? I don't treat my water and have not had any ammonia present in my bi-weekly water tests.

 

[Phil]

There is a very interesting article by one of the most respected names in our hobby Randy Holmes Farley http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-05/rhf/index.php that talks about how easily chloramines pass through the RO membrane and the final DI stage.

 

[teebone110]

I did not realize this...


I guess I can now start blaming my misfortunes on chloramines :?

 

[Neopimp]

ya chloramines are not effctivley removed my an RODI system. They are much more stable than chlorine as well so they dont "evaporate" off of standing water.  I always figured a little bit of Prime was never going to hurt anything, I do not however add it to my water as we have chlorine here.

 

[Phil]

After reading Farley's article 2 times (pretty technical stuff) I found this http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/products/reverse-osmosis-filters-and-systems/replacement-filters-and-di-resin/chloramines-filters/catalytic-activated-carbon-for-chloramine-removal-one-cartridge-refill.html at Bulk Reef Supply.

Seachem's Prime even has a little blurb here http://www.seachem.com/Products/product_pages/Prime.html For what it's worth I have plenty of Prime on hand. I'm going to add 3/4 of a capful to my 30 gallon saltwater mix tonight. I'll be doing a 30 gallon change this Friday night. I'll let you know if the skimmer behaves as Seachem says it will.

 

[teebone110]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifY1UGnQn9o&feature=player_embedded#!

Timely

 

[Blob-79]

yea i was about to say the same, BRS supplies a chloramine specific filter

Teebone, i dont think London uses chloramine, you would have to contact the city to find out

 

[Phil]

I'm going to contact the Region Of Waterloo tomorrow just to see if they are still using it here. At one time, they would only use it after heavy storms and during the spring run-off. Never hurts to see what they say. As for that new BRS video, yes very timely indeed. I was always under the impression that using quality cartridges in our RO/DI systems ensured no nasties made it to the tank.

That being said, I took out a subscription to Marine ReefKeeping magazine (published in the UK) last year and there was an article about a serious hobbyist over there with a degree in chemical engineering who had been using tap water with TDS readings averaging around 200 in his SPS dominant reef for over 3 years with absolutely no issues. Go figure 

 

[spyd]

Let me know what the Region says Phil. I would be curious to find out myself. The RO unit will definitely clear out the chlorine but no chloramines. Only catalytic carbon will do that. My tank has been running fine so, even if there is chloramines, I doubt I will go to the extreme to purchase a filter.

I am getting a whole house dechlorinator installed next week. I can't stand the smell of the chlorine in our water. Best $600 I will ever spend for an installed unit. Only have to replace the media every 6 - 7 years.

 

[Blob-79]

Yea Phil, its very possible hes having success using his tap water, tds isnt the issue...its what elements that 200 tds consist of. For instance, check the tds of the salt water in your tank, it will be some obscene number.

 

[Phil]

Agreed Blob, very good point.

 

[Phil]

Let me know what the Region says Phil. I would be curious to find out myself. The RO unit will definitely clear out the chlorine but no chloramines. Only catalytic carbon will do that. My tank has been running fine so, even if there is chloramines, I doubt I will go to the extreme to purchase a filter.

I am getting a whole house dechlorinator installed next week. I can't stand the smell of the chlorine in our water. Best $600 I will ever spend for an installed unit. Only have to replace the media every 6 - 7 years.

Just spoke with the water quality manager for the region and we have both in the region. Chlorine for killing germs and Chloramine for long term disinfection. This applies to both water supplies. Grand River and Deep Artesian Wells.

Would you consider using Prime Derek?

Phil.

 

[spyd]

The guy installing my new water softener and dechlorinator filter told me that they use a mix bed that removes both cholrine and chloramine so I guess I won't really have to worry about that at all which is nice.

 

[Phil]

Thanks everyone. I found a fantastic post by Spectra Pure which many hobbyists use that answers my concerns. In a nutshell, use quality low micron sediment filters to keep your quality low micron carbon block clean and your RO Membrane is good for a long time. You can read it here http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1735402 .