Reverse Osmosis Water - Orchid Board

Oscarman · #1 (**permalink**) 05-14-2006, 04:40 PM

Looking for some expertise regarding RO systems. Any pointers and tips you can provide are appreciated.

Marty · #2 (**permalink**) 05-14-2006, 06:43 PM

What exactly are you looking for ? What GPH are you looking for and how much do you want to spend ?

Oscarman · #3 (**permalink**) 05-17-2006, 07:55 PM

Thinking about 40 GPD - calculating what I really need is a little fuzzy. Not too sure about $$.

I remember seeing some info (web) about RO systems that produce less waste water. Anyone know about this?

My plan is to have the system produce water that will feed into a large storage container, perhaps 2 smaller ones. The water will be used for water/fertilizing and a misting system.

phragguy · #4 (**permalink**) 05-17-2006, 08:54 PM

buy one that will do 2x as much as you need. I have one that has a motor on it. When i am watering it is running constant and when I am done it is still going for hours. I have a 50 gallon barrel that I keep full all the time . Make sure that you can change the membrane and it is a brand name so you can get filters and stuff for it down the raod. hope this helps.
Russell

Anyara · #5 (**permalink**) 05-29-2006, 10:34 AM

I am also thinking about RO (sure would beat filling those plastic jugs of water and letting them sit to disperse the chlorine from the public water source as well as equalize the fluctuations in dissolved solids, ph etc....) I grow in a basement lightroom - 8 ' x 10 ' so only use about 10 gallons a week...Is that too little an amount to get a system for? Any suggestions? I also collect rainwater...but there must be better ways to get my excercise....

Oscarman · #6 (**permalink**) 05-29-2006, 07:30 PM

At first I was thinking of a system of tanks collecting ALL the rain water that runs off my roof and having those barrels connected to a collection line that would enter my basement and feed into a large storage container.
The storage tank would have a manual fill valve so that I could refill as needed from outside. This would be easy to set up, since I am re-doing my gutters this year. The problem is that the collection barrels I have now seem to collect a fair bit of dirt and who knows what else! Filtering would be required......

littlefrog · #7 (**permalink**) 06-02-2006, 11:44 AM

I use a small unit in the basement which I have plumbed into a 35 gallon trash can. There is a float valve on the trash can that turns off the water flow when the tank is full.

Consider getting a larger system than you think you need, and a air bladder pressure tank. Our RO unit is also plumbed to a special tap on the kitchen sink, and we use that for drinking water and cooking. Tastes better than the well water.

Unfortunately the guy who did my system (an orchid grower and professional water guy) passed away recently, or I'd recommend him. Find a reputable water quality specialist in your area, and you will get a better system. It will cost a bit more, but I think it is worth it. I've done my own setups for other houses in the past, it isn't difficult, but I guess I'm getting old and don't mind paying a bit extra for somebody else to do it.

Oscarman · #8 (**permalink**) 06-02-2006, 07:45 PM

Why the air bladder pressure tank, is it to service the drinking water tap? Thanks for the info.

Gin · #9 (**permalink**) 06-02-2006, 10:41 PM

I collect rain water from the greenhouse roof the gutter dumps into a barrel , then is moved with a submergible pump into 35 gal trash cans 1 in the greenhouse and 2 on the porch , I use a sub. pump to water with in the greenhouse .
Also have an RO. unit the thing I don't like ...the storage tank is not big enough . Gin

Neofalcata · #10 (**permalink**) 06-03-2006, 10:29 AM

I have a 100 gpd countertop RO unit, but that sounds like it would be too small for what you are looking for.

When you guys talk about a system to collect your rainwater, I imagine some Rube Goldberg inspired setup. If you don't know who Rube Goldberg is, google him and enjoy!