Reverse Osmosis water system

[150EH]

Julie 90 psi is just a little too high and you should back it down to 80 psi via the very small 1/16 hex key (allen wrench) on the top of the booster pump, it's a pressure bypass and Bulk Reef Supply includes comments about it in the booster pump video. Just insert the wrench and turn counter clockwise until the gauge drops to 80 psi.

[Aaron]

I wasn't aware it could be too high? Does it force it through too fast that way?

[jweis]

I called Bulk Reef Supply and they said their system is able to handle up to 100 psi, but I could lower the pressure if I felt more comfortable by adjusting a hex nut on top of the booster pump.

So.... if it is rated for 100 and I am only at 90 should't I just leave it alone? Seems that higher water pressure would be better. The water is coming out at 0 TDS.

[150EH]

The membrane only requires 50 psi, if it were dual membranes 60 psi, I have mine set a 70 psi so any fluctuation from my well pump will be covered by the booster pump. Too much pressure can stress fittings and o-rings and cause pre-mature failure, that's why residential well tanks are set at either 30-50 or 40-60 and once you get to around 80 you should think about reducing the flow.

Only time will tell.

[jweis]

The membrane only requires 50 psi, if it were dual membranes 60 psi, I have mine set a 70 psi so any fluctuation from my well pump will be covered by the booster pump. Too much pressure can stress fittings and o-rings and cause pre-mature failure, that's why residential well tanks are set at either 30-50 or 40-60 and once you get to around 80 you should think about reducing the flow.

Only time will tell.

Well you certainly know a lot more about it than I do. I'll bump it down. Thanks for letting me know.

[jweis]

I've had my RO system up and running for about six weeks. I use "Bee-Shrimp Mineral GH+" to remineralize the water to about 160 TDS.

Last week, I noticed my pH in my 11g was very low. My pH monitor read 6.2. Since then it has dropped even more. It is now about 5.6. Since I use the pH monitor/controller, my aquarium only gets CO2 when the pH dips below a preset level. I have mine set to turn on CO2 if the pH goes above 6.8.

So, I am not sure what to do. The pH of the remineralized RO water is 5.5. That is after the water has sat overnight.

I am worried for a couple of reasons. #1: Mid 5's pH must be too acidic for my critters (however, they all appear to be doing fine). #2: My plants aren't getting any CO2 pumped in since the pH is below the preset level. I could manually allow it to add CO2, but I am worried that will drop the pH even more.

Any advice? I've tried upping the water changes, but that is not helping. If anything, the problem is getting worse.

[150EH]

Julie mine is also very low because I'm not using much alkiline buffer and my dkH is between 1 and 2, I've read not to worry about the false pH created by CO2 but this is a little different. I'll ask around with a couple of old timers using RO on high tech set ups but for now don't worry because my unit has been up 2 weeks longer with no ill effects.

It is possible you might have to go back to the bps and not use the controller, but for now hold out for a better solution.

[jweis]

Julie mine is also very low because I'm not using much alkiline buffer and my dkH is between 1 and 2, I've read not to worry about the false pH created by CO2 but this is a little different. I'll ask around with a couple of old timers using RO on high tech set ups but for now don't worry because my unit has been up 2 weeks longer with no ill effects.

It is possible you might have to go back to the bps and not use the controller, but for now hold out for a better solution.

Its tricky to find good info. Many people have shrimp tanks and many have hi tech planted tanks. Not many have both going on in the same tank though. At least they aren't posting much.

[jweis]

I did a couple of water tests today. My KH is very low. One drop and the water turned yellow, so the KH is 1 or lower. The GH test took 9 drops so according to the chart in the test kit the ppm GH/KH is 161.

So based on this and referencing my pH/hardness/PPM Co2 chart, my target pH level should be 6.0. My problem is my monitor tells me my pH level is 5.5. I've overriden the monitor and have some Co2 going in. The plants were pearling some before I turned on the Co2 manually, and now with the Co2, they are pearling like crazy.

I still worry about such a low pH though. Any words of wisdom out there.....?

[jweis]

http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/AquariumKH.html

I found this article while searching the web for some answers to my low pH and low KH delimna. Thought others might find it helpful too.