Aquaristics is a wonderful pursuit — but success comes down to a single word: water. Water that is pure, stable and perfectly matched to your species. For over a decade, AQUARIOPURE®, a DIMM Group brand (Belgium & France), has been equipping enthusiasts and professionals with benchmark RO systems and membranes. This guide takes you from choosing the right unit through to routine maintenance.
Why reverse osmosis is essential in aquaristics
Mains water in Belgium and France contains a cocktail of elements that are undesirable in an aquarium ecosystem: chlorine, chloramines, nitrates, phosphates, silicates, heavy metals (copper, lead), and sometimes pesticides. These substances cause:
- Chronic stress in fish — dull colours and recurring disease
- Algae blooms (cyanobacteria, diatoms) driven by nitrates and phosphates
- Salt precipitation in reef tanks, with falling KH and coral mortality
- Unpredictable conductivity that prevents certain species from breeding
An AQUARIOPURE® RO system removes up to 99% of these elements thanks to a semi-permeable membrane that lets only water molecules (H₂O) through. The result: water with a TDS close to zero, which you then remineralise to suit your needs.
💡 Good practice
Start by measuring your tap water with a TDS meter. In Poperinge (BE) or Steenvoorde (FR), readings are typically between 300 and 550 ppm — far too high for a demanding reef aquarium.
Choosing the right AQUARIOPURE® RO system for your aquarium
Your choice depends on three factors: the volume of your tank, the frequency of water changes, and the pressure available at your tap.
1. Aquariums up to 200 L — AQUARIOPURE® Shut-Off 50 or 75 GPD
AQUARIOPURE® SHUT-OFF
Compact, quiet 3-stage RO system. 98% salt rejection, 190 to 284 L/day. Ideal for a modest freshwater or tropical aquarium.
View the product →2. Aquariums 300-600 L or low pressure — Booster Pump
AQUARIOPURE® BOOSTER PUMP
Integrated 24V pump — works even at low pressure (< 2.5 bar). Ideal for a flat or a basement installation. Up to 400 GPD (1,500 L/day).
View the product →3. Reef aquariums or intensive use — AQUARIOPURE® NLF
AQUARIOPURE® NLF
The first RO system with vertical cartridges — maintenance 3× faster, with no leaks. High-performance TORAY® membrane. Perfect for demanding aquarists and reef enthusiasts.
View the product →Target water parameters by aquarium type
| Aquarium type | TDS (ppm) | pH | GH | KH |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community freshwater | 150-300 | 6,8-7,5 | 6-12 | 3-8 |
| Amazonian (discus, tetras) | 50-150 | 5,5-6,5 | 1-4 | 1-3 |
| African cichlids | 400-600 | 7,8-8,5 | 12-20 | 10-18 |
| Shrimp (Caridina) | 80-180 | 6,0-7,0 | 4-6 | 0-2 |
| Reef / marine | 35,000-35,500 (salinity 33-35 ppt) | 8,1-8,4 | - | 7-10 dKH |
Start with RO water (TDS < 10 ppm), then remineralise precisely according to the table above.
Installing and maintaining your AQUARIOPURE® RO system
Installation in 5 steps
- Connect the RO system to the tap using the supplied CN-CP-F34 fitting (3/4" thread with a reducer for 1/4" tubing).
- Route the waste line to the sink or a drain pipe. The waste-to-product ratio is around 3:1 on a pump-free RO system, and 1:1 with a booster pump.
- Connect the pure water outlet to your storage tank (a food-grade 20 L container is the recommended minimum).
- Run the system for 30 minutes and discard this first water — it contains manufacturing residues from the cartridges.
- Measure the conductivity of the water produced. You should read a TDS below 10 ppm. If it is higher, check the inlet pressure or consider a booster pump.
Recommended maintenance
| Item | Frequency | AQUARIOPURE® reference |
|---|---|---|
| Sediment cartridge | Every 6 months | PR-NLF-PP / AIP-25 |
| Activated carbon cartridge | Every 6 months | PR-NLF-CB / AIC-25 |
| AQUAPRO® / Filmtec® membrane | 2 to 3 years | PR-MBAQ-xx or PR-MBFT-xx |
| Full disinfection (diluted bleach) | Annually | — |
⚠️ Pro tip
Fit an AQUARIOPURE® volumetric meter (ref. PR-BVMW-W or PR-DF-066) on the outlet to track exactly how many litres you produce — useful for scheduling cartridge changes by volume (e.g. every 3,000 L) rather than by time.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using pure RO water directly — it is too aggressive and mineral-free, causing an osmotic imbalance that is fatal to fish. Always remineralise.
- Forgetting to change the pre-filters — a membrane fouls 3× faster without active pre-filtration.
- Storing RO water for too long — beyond 7-10 days there is a risk of bacterial growth in a non-sterile container.
- Neglecting the inlet pressure — below 2.5 bar, output drops dramatically. Opt for a version with a booster pump.
- Mixing RO water and tap water without measuring — nitrates and phosphates come back in proportion.
Frequently asked questions — aquaristics & reverse osmosis
Yes, provided the tap is supplied with drinking water (not an untreated well) and the pressure is above 2.5 bar. It is an excellent solution in summer for large water changes.
With an AQUARIOPURE® 50 GPD: around 12 hours. With a 100 GPD: 6 hours. With a 400 GPD and booster pump: 1 hour 40 minutes.
Both are excellent. AQUAPRO® (manufactured by TORAY®) delivers a rejection rate of 96-98% at outstanding value for money. Filmtec® reaches 99% rejection, ideal for high-end reef systems where every ppm counts.
Absolutely. The waste water remains drinkable (simply higher in salts) and can be used to water plants, wash the car or clean the terrace. An environmentally sound way to waste nothing.
Yes — our two logistics sites are in Poperinge (Belgium, +32 57 38 88 14) and Steenvoorde (France, +33 3 28 48 10 77). We ship throughout Europe; contact us for a tailored quote.
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