For Aquarium Water Systems and RO membrane to function, a minimum pressure of 1 psi is required for every 100 ppm of TDS. In this case, 15 psi of pressure is needed to force a single drop of water through the membrane. This is known as Osmotic Pressure (Π) and is calculated by the equation (Π = TDS/100). In this case, the Osmotic Pressure is 20 psi. Normal municipal water systems pressure in the USA is around 40 psi.
Reverse osmosis units also use a pre-treatment system
However, reverse osmosis units also use a pre-treatment system and first the sediment pre-filter to eliminate any dirt, debris, or rust particles from the water up to 1 micron range. Though the RO membrane is very capable of removing sediment, too much of it can clog the RO system’s flow restrictor and cause the system to lose pressure.
Our aquatic reverse osmosis design systems also come equipped with our bacteriostatic technology and an organic coconut based carbon pre-filter and post-filter. The coconut carbon the more effectively removed over 75,000 chemicals, chlorine and volatile organics from the water by a process called adsorption.
This is a vital stage, not only because chlorine is very toxic to fish, but to help protect the system as a whole. The thin-film composite membrane has a very low tolerance for chlorine, so a carbon pre-filter eliminates the chemical before contact. These pre-filters extend considerably the lifespan of the membrane and boost the efficacy of the system.
Rematerializing cartridges can be added for those who want to boost the alkalinity of their water after the reverse osmosis process eliminates all minerals. This could be an ideal solution for those with aquariums that demand more alkaline pH levels. A deionization cartridge is also very popular among aquarists.
Deionization, commonly called DI, further purifies water by trading any remaining ions in the water with hydrogen and hydroxide ions. Reverse osmosis systems combined with DI are often called RODI or RO/DI systems and are extremely popular choices for aquarium owners. The combination of RO and DI produces water of such absolute purity it’s used in laboratory, medical, and electrical industries.