Expert RODI Advice

How to Care for RO & RODI Systems

On this page, we go over everything you need to know for how to care for a RO or RODI system.

Coral keepers are very demanding and require reliable and specialized RO or RODI units that have been specifically designed to fit their needs. To best serve your needs, our RO experts offer several models with varying features. The TYPHOON model is our most popular reefkeeping RODI unit. We have now built and sold over 10,000 Typhoon units through November 2022 and every one is still under our lifetime replacement parts warranty.

RO/RODI System Care: Table of Contents

What is a RODI System?

A RODI system combines reverse osmosis and deionization to remove impurities from water. The process involves multiple stages:

  • Sediment Filter: Removes larger particles like sand and silt.
  • Carbon Filter: Eliminates chlorine and organic compounds.
  • Reverse Osmosis Membrane: Removes up to 99% of dissolved solids.
  • Deionization Resin: Polishes the water by removing remaining ions.

Key Parts of RODI System Care

Filter Replacements

Regular filter replacement is important for maintaining the efficiency of your RODI system. The sediment and carbon filters should typically be replaced every 6-12 months, depending on water quality and usage. The reverse osmosis membrane generally needs replacement every 2-3 years or when the rejection rate drops below 85%. The deionization resin should be replaced when the resin color changes or the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) meter indicates impurities.

Monitoring Water Quality

Monitoring water quality is essential to ensure your system is functioning correctly. Use a TDS meter to check the purity of the output water, with ideal readings being near zero. Additionally, regularly test the water for chlorine and chloramine to confirm that the carbon filter is working properly.

System Flushing

System flushing is another important maintenance task. Periodically flush the system to remove accumulated impurities and extend the life of the RO membrane. Maintaining the appropriate pressure and flow rate is also vital. Ensure the water pressure is within the recommended range (usually 40-80 psi) since low pressure can reduce efficiency and high pressure can damage the system. Keep an eye on the flow rate to ensure optimal operation.

Routine Inspection

It's also important to periodically inspect your RODI system. For example, sanitizing the system annually helps prevent bacterial growth, especially if the system is not used for extended periods. Regularly inspect for leaks, particularly around connections and filters, and tighten fittings as needed to prevent water damage. When it comes to storage and handling, if storing the system for an extended period, make sure it is properly dried and stored in a cool, dry place to prevent microbial growth and component degradation.

Notes on Typhoon RODI Units

All of the Typhoon units are all equipped with ASOV for automatic top off. (We introduced the ASOV to reefkeeping in 2001). Every RODI unit comes pre-assembled with filters and membrane installed. Your unit is pressure tested with 70 psi. The filters and membrane are installed the day we ship. You only need to make three plumbing connections and you are done. Just connect and enjoy zero TDS water, zip, zero, zilch, nada. NO TDS.

All of our Typhoon machines are equipped with refillable DI cartridges. The Typhoon is a 5 stage RODI (Reverse Osmosis/De-Ionizing) reefkeeper is supplied with a 75 GPD FilmTec (TFC) membrane for truly great water quality and production rates.

Every Typhoon unit comes fully assembled and is equipped with all first class installation hardware, including a sturdy extruded clamp style water supply valve, drain saddle, 2) in-line ball valves, and 24 feet of 1/4" tubing. We even include the filter wrench. All fittings are push-in fittings, eliminating the need for tools, teflon tape, or glue. Comes with a fast flush flow restrictor to reduce TDS creep and prolong the life of the membrane.

5 Filtration Stages for the Basic Typhoon Unit:

  • Stage 1 - Heavy duty, standard industry size 10 micron Poly Pro Sediment filter.
  • Stage 2 - 5 micron acid washed Gem coconut carbon block filter, removing 98-99% of chlorine
  • Stage 3 - 1 micron acid washed* Gem coconut carbon block filter, that removes any remaining chemicals and chlorine.
  • Stage 4 - 75 GPD FilmTec membrane removing up to 99% of TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)
  • Stage 5 - A full sized, high capacity, refillable DI cartridge* to bring the TDS down to ZERO.

*This vertical color changing resin in the DI cartridge removes the remaining TDS missed by the FilmTec membrane. As the resin is used, the color changes. Once the color change is complete you simply install a new cartridge or buy our bulk resin and refill it. This deionization nuclear grade resin is a mixed bed DI of premium grade Anion & Cation resins.

Differences Between our RODI Units

We are currently offering nine different RODI units. Below is a brief product overview of each one and notes on how to care for each RODI system:

Typhoon

The Typhoon is a 5 stage 75 GPD RODI that has everything you need to make RODI water. It is equipped with an Automatic Shut-Off Valve (ASOV) for automatic top-off. The Typhoon unit comes pre-assembled with the filters and membrane already installed. Each unit is pressure tested with 65 psi water. The filters and membrane are installed on the day of shipment. You only need to make three plumbing connections: source water, waste water, and product water. Enjoy zero TDS water—Zip, Zero, Zilch, Nada. Absolutely NO TDS.

Typhoon III

The Typhoon III is a 5 stage 100 GPD RODI that comes with a higher volume membrane, plus a DI bypass assembly, plus a RO only valve, plus a hand-held TDS Meter. Every Typhoon, including the over 10,000 units produced since 2001, is equipped with an Automatic Shut-Off Valve (ASOV) for automatic top-off. The Typhoon unit comes pre-assembled with the filters and membrane already installed. Each unit is pressure tested with 65 psi water. The filters and membrane are installed on the day of shipment. You only need to make three plumbing connections: source water, waste water, and product water and you're all set!

Typhoon III Extreme

The Typhoon III Extreme is a highly advanced version of the basic Typhoon. This 5-stage RODI system features a 150 GPD (gallons per day) capacity and includes several significant upgrades. It comes with a high-volume membrane, a DI bypass assembly, an RO-only valve, and a Senno hand-held TDS meter. Additionally, it is equipped with a built-in pressure gauge, a built-in TDS alarm, a dual in-line TDS meter, and an upgraded catalytic carbon pre-filter. For added convenience, the package also includes a tubing cutter and a float valve. These enhancements provide a total additional value of $175 over the standard Typhoon model.

Compact RODI

The Compact RODI uses a 75 GPD FilmTec membrane as the default, ensuring excellent water quality and production rates. This system features a five-stage filtration process designed to achieve 0 TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) water, making it ideal for Reefkeepers. An upgrade option is available to include a Catalytic Carbon stage, which removes, on average, five times more chloramines than any standard carbon block on the market, even those specifically designed to eliminate chloramines. This upgrade replaces the 5-micron carbon block with a Catalytic Carbon cartridge.

Compact III

The Compact III is a five-stage RODI Reefkeeper system with a DI bypass and a handheld TDS meter. This complete RODI system is compact enough to fit under most sinks and features clear filter sumps. It also includes an RO-only port for filling drinking water jugs and a handheld digital TDS meter for easy monitoring. An upgrade option is available to include a Catalytic Carbon stage, which removes, on average, five times more chloramines than any standard carbon block on the market, even those specifically designed to eliminate chloramines.

Mighty Mite RODI

Introducing the Mighty Mite RODI. This complete RODI reef water system is specially designed for aquarium enthusiasts on a budget who have a 50-gallon tank or smaller. It's the perfect solution for those living in smaller homes or apartments who don't want to compromise on quality when it comes to a RODI system. The Mighty Mite DI RODI system features a four-stage filtration process: an inline sediment filter, an inline carbon filter, a 50 GPD membrane, and an inline DI filter. Learn more about the water supply connections for this RODI system here.

Neptune RODI

The Neptune 200 GPG RODI features three DI stages. In stages six through eight, it utilizes a mixed DI bed, and all DI cartridges change color as they are depleted. This unit is designed to provide Reefkeepers with ultra-pure water, free of ammonia and silicates, delivering -0- TDS. It is a full-scale, high-production water purification system capable of producing the necessary water to sustain very large or numerous aquatic systems. It is also ideal for laboratories requiring large quantities of ultra-clean water.

Dual Home Reef

Introducing Air, Water & Ice's Dual Home Reef. The Dual Home/Reef is a six-stage RO/DI (Reverse Osmosis/De-Ionizing) reef keeping system that utilizes a 50 GPD (Gallons Per Day) FilmTec membrane to ensure excellent water quality and production rates. This model is specifically designed to provide absolutely pure, lab-grade RO/DI water for your reef, while also supplying you with a constant flow of exceptionally purified RO drinking water.

Hurricane RODI

Our Hurricane system is a 75 GPD Dual Home Reef RODI unit that adds a permeate pump to increase water pressure in the pressure tank and reduces the waste water. Plus this unit has upgraded Catalytic carbon filters, an inline TDS Meter and a vertical DI. The permeate pump boosts water pressure, making it ideal for use with modern refrigerators. With two separate outputs already provided, you won't have to fuss with connections like you do with other systems.

Helpful Definitions for RO & RODI System Care

  • ASOV Automatic Shut Off Valve. A hydraulic valve that is connected to the system and automatically stops the flow of feed water when the system is closed. Add a float valve and you make water automatically.
  • Stages. The number of filters that make up the total system. To truly understand which mircon rating to use where, please visit the Filter Array Recommendation page for more information.
  • GPD (gallons per day ). The GPD membrane rating is based on a water temperature of 77 degrees and water pressure of 65 PSI. RO membranes remove 90% to 99% of the feed water TDS.
  • DI or Deionization. This final stage is for reducing the membrane output TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) to zero.
  • Clear Filter Housings. Allow you to see your filters.
  • PSI Gauge. Is connected inline to measure line pressure.
  • Fast Flush. Mechanism connected to the waste water line of the system which allows flushing of the membrane to prolong its life.This flushing removes the stale water in the unit to eliminate TDS creep.
  • DI Bypass Valve. Allows you to bypass the DI stage. Useful when installing and flushing new filters. Useful for extending the life of the DI cartridge.
  • RO Only Valve. Allows you to get water out of unit after the membrane but before the DI filter. All dual home reef units have this feature.

Contact Us for How to Care for a RODI System!

If you have further questions on proper RODI system care, our professionals can give you advice via phone at (772) 461-0256 or by email at sales@airwaterice.com. We can help answer any questions about which RODI system you should choose, comparing RODI systems, installing your system, maintaining your system, and more. At Air, Water & Ice, we are the experts in RO and RODI systems since 1982!