Stupid newbie Q

[sleepers]

Hey all. Can anyone talk to me a bit about reverse osmosis filters? How exactly do they function?

When I purchase one, does it REPLACE or AUGMENT my existing filter? Can I just get some kind of piece to add on to my current filter?

I'm slowly transitioning to an amazon tank (may take a year or so) from my community tank... I want to get it RIGHT! Thanks!

[Merrilyn]

An RO filter is not so much something you add to your existing filter, it is a separate unit that you use to treat your tap water before adding it to your tank. The RO unit strips everything out of the water, salts, minerals, calcium, everything.

On it's own, RO treated water will not support life, so a certain amount of raw tap water or mineral salts must be added back to the mix to make it suitable for aquariums.

If the water coming out of your tap was particularly hard, and you wanted to keep soft water species, Reverse Osmosis treatment of your tap water would be the best and most reliable way to produce soft water.

[sleepers]

Thanks, I like your icon, ladyred.

So, I suppose my LFS will have some good advice for an osmosis filter. Let's say I have water that I only need to sofen a bit for discus/angels to thrive in. Is there a better alternative than an RO filter?

[Blue]

Not really, I'd find an ro specialist, tell them what you are planning to keep and how much you are planning to use and they should be able to custom build you a tailor measured unit.
Heres a little bit of info.
http://www.planetcatfish.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10925

Barry

Best that you know a little of what they may say in your LFS.
With a bit of research on line you will Know more than them.
Unfortunately some shops wont know much.