More on RO and pH

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/rofaq3.htm

- RO Questions -
HI guys, Bryan here.
Hi, Bryan, JasonC on this end...1
Have some questions regarding water makeup with RO. OK. Read thru F&Q's and
would like some help clarifying some things. OK here goes. Make up water to
add to tank: I take my RO water and aerate and heat for a day to drive off CO2
and increase dissolved O2. (this next order is where I'm a little confused) Then
add my salt mix (Tropic Marine) aerate for a day. Test for salinity, pH, and
ALK, add buffer as needed from the test results. Sound OK? I would add buffers
at this point, before you add the expensive salt. RO water is depleted of
minerals and will take them up like a sponge, potentially leaving you with a
lower than desired pH. Best to add either baking soda or a commercial buffer
like the Seachem product.
Evaporation top-off: Take RO water, aerate and heat for a day. This is where
I'm a little unsure. Test the water parameters and buffer as according? I'm
not sure you need to heat the top off, unless you add it in bulk quantities.
Set pH and Buffer according to main tank display, right? Ideally, yes. Last
thing to help me clarify. In the display tank I'll use ESV 2 part B-Ionic for
ALK and calcium. for top off and make up water I'll probably use SeaChem reef
builder. Do using these 2 different buffers in the water have any adverse
affects? No. The two part additive is a 'system' so that the buffers compliment
the calcium additive. The buffering in your top-off is really only making sure
the RO doesn't lower the pH of the tank. Ok last thing for real. IYO who or
what company has the best all around supplements/additives, Mg, Br, Iodide
etc... (just wondering, only using if test for and find a need) I don't have
any particular preference, but I do try to stay away from Kent and Mark Weiss
products.
Thanks for your help Bryan.
Cheers, J --

- RO Questions -
Jason, Bryan again, thanks for quick response and great info. My pleasure.
You helped clarify things for me about RO water treatment. I was a little
confused about the order of adding buffer and salt. I had read somewhere to
buffer then add salt and then last night read someone from WWM was adding salt
then buffer. Got a little confused. This is probably a silly question. But
when buffering the raw RO water, are you shooting
to buffer to the target range for the main display or just adding enough to add
some minerals to the water so it doesn't act like a sponge when you add the
salt? The latter, just enough so that the RO doesn't deplete the buffers in the
salt.
Thanks again Bryan
Cheers, J --

One more RO/DI question
Hi again,
Hello!
I was wondering what the best procedure would be for introducing RO/DI water to
an established aquarium. Should I just begin using it for top off and regular
water changes, with no changes to my usual routine; or, should I begin with one
or more, larger than normal water changes?
Makes little/no difference. Test the pH and make it match your aquarium and of
course...match the temp to that of the aquarium
As per my last email, I have found 'RO Right' and 'Osmo Prep Marine' (both by
Kent), are these types of additives necessary? recommended?
Test your pH to see if it matches your tank. If not buffer it up using baking
soda or other buffer fluid/powder. I am not familiar with RO Right but if it's a
buffer agent (and it should state that on the label) then it will work as well
as anything else
Thanks again,
You're more than welcome! David Dowless
Adam

RO/DI Questions
Hi guys,
I am a few days from purchasing the Typhoon 3 RO/DI from
http://www.airwaterice.com/Typhoon%20lll.htm, if you know anything about this
model (positive or negative), I would appreciate your input.
I have no first hand experience nor know anyone with this brand.
I've read that after processing the water through the RO/DI you have to use some
sort of supplement to replenish certain essentials that are removed by the RO/DI
process.
Correct. Best to read through the articles and FAQ files on treating RO or DI
water. My protocol (briefly) is to aerate, heat, mix salt, test pH, alkalinity,
and calcium, adjust with additives, and use.
Can you please point me to a vendor where I can find these additives?
Just about any good buffer will work.
Also, any recommendations on a brand name for the additive is appreciated.
I use Seachem's Marine Buffer and Reef Builder.
Thanks, Adam
You are welcome. -Steven Pro

Buffering Top Off Water
I buffer my top off water after aerating for a day. If I test for KH/Alkalinity,
what should my results be before I use the top off water?
Ugh, what?
Should I be getting these results immediately after adding the buffer?
I would wait until the next day. You are looking for trends here, not immediate
changes.
I don't want to use too much. I am using Seachem Reef Builder.
I would add the same amount every other day, testing on the odd days for one
week. Then look back at your records and note the trend. You will then know if
you must adjust up or down. Repeat this procedure for a few weeks until you get
a feel for your tank's needs. Then just double check every couple of months as
things grow, you add new corals, etc. your tank's demands will change.
Thanks
You are welcome. -Steven Pro

RO/DI Use
I am currently resetting up my 125 gallon tank. I am going to be setting it up
as a FOWLR tank. I have a 125 main tank, 55 gallon sump tank, and a 38 High
refugium sharing the same sump. I am looking to do this right this time from the
start. I have never used RO/DI before and would like to take the plunge.
I highly recommend all marine tanks use purified water. You will save time and
money over tap water by not having to battle nuisance algae problems.
The tap water in my area is hard and worked for my cichlids, but I don't trust
it for a reef or salt setup. My confusion comes when it comes to adding the RO
water. I have seen on the FAQ's two opinions. One saying its ok to plumb the RO
directly into the tank for auto top offs and other opinions saying its not the
best thing to do.
They are both right. I have seen people use their RO water straight out of it
for automatic top offs, but it is not the best option. Taking RO water, storing
it for a day, aerating it, and perhaps using it with Kalkwasser is the best.
Can you help clear this up?
See above. Hopefully you will understand my explanation.
I don't wanna make a mistake before I even restart this thing. What options do I
have here? Any help clearing this up would be awesome.
Thanks, Tim Turner of Reading, PA
You are welcome. -Steven Pro