Reverse Osmosis Systems
A Reverse Osmosis System is a water filtration unit. The water that is processed with those filters can be up to 99.9% pure. R.O. unit are not only used for aquarium purposes, they are also used for other reasons such as getting the best drinking water for you. Depending on the type of R.O. system you could get a system that even removes chlorine and chloramines out of the tap water. For example, you can install your R.O. System under your kitchen sink for a 99.9% pure water.
Reverse osmosis systems basically come in three types:
- R.O. System with 2 filtration stages
- R.O. Systems with 3 filtration stages
- R.O. Systems with 4 filtration stages
R.O. System with 2 filtration stages
Reverse Osmosis systems with 2 filtration stages are the most economical and choice for small spaces. They have a two filtration stages. The fist filter usually called pre-filter is able to remove some impurities, and the second stage filtration is an R.O membrane that completes the process. This type of Reverse Osmosis system doesn’t come with activated carbon filtration and would not remove chlorine or chloramines from the water. They usually come with a Cellulose Tri-Acetate membrane that will remove up to 94% of impurities from the water. This type of membranes can’t take dechlorinated water because they are organic.
Advantages:
- R.O. Filtration
- Most economical
- Compact design
Disadvantages:
- No Chlorine or Chloramines removal
R.O. System with 3 filtration stages
Reverse Osmosis systems with 3 filtration stages are the best and most practical choice for your aquarium. It posses 3 different stages with carbon pre-filters that will remove all chlorine and chloramines out from the tap water. You could run regular tap water through your R.O. system and expect the best results, also the R.O. membrane lasts longer than the 2 stage filtration R.O. systems because the membrane is protected from chlorine and chloramines. The carbon pre-filters take care of the removal of chlorine and other harsh chemicals, and after the water gets through the R.O. membrane, you won’t have to further treat your water, because that water is pure and healthy enough for your fish. They usually come with a synthetic membrane called Thin Film Composite (TFC) and will remove up to 98% of impurities.
Advantages:
- R.O. Filtration
- Carbon Filtration that removes Chlorine and chloramines from tap water
Disadvantages:
- Water is still not 99.9% pure yet but can be used in an aquarium with no problems.
R.O. Systems with 4 filtration stages
Reverse Osmosis with 4 filtration stages process the water through Pre-filters, carbon pre-filters, R.O. membrane filtration and the forth stage is de-Ionization. The de-Ionization stage removes any other type of pollutant that was missed by the other filtration stages, and gives you a 99.9% pure water. There is no other filtration process that can compare to it. That is the best water available for your fish. They come with a Hi-S R.O membrane with a removal rate of 99.9%.
Advantages:
- 99.9% pure water
Disadvantages:
- Price
