RO/DI units

[kjasjg]

Anyone ever tried the Aquatic Life RO buddie? the price is right but I'm not sure about the cartridges and reliability.

Are there any other RO/DI units that are in the price range? Are they all made essentially equal?
Thanks

[Got Fish?]

You kinda get what you pay for in this area. A little more up front saves over the long run. Vertex all the way.

[kjasjg]

You kinda get what you pay for in this area. A little more up front saves over the long run. Vertex all the way.

That is a little vague unfortunately. I was looking for something more helpful such as why the less expensive RO/DI unit is poor. Does it leak? is it not as effective? hard to get replacement filters? has anyone had one of the less expensive units and been unhappy with it or for that matter are you happy with it?

Any experiences good or bad would be helpful.

Thanks

[Stussi613]

There are three things to consider with RO/DI units:

1. Initial cost/build quality.   Is the unit well made?  Does it cost allot of money for cheaply made parts?

2. Cost of replacement filters.   Is it based on standard canisters and filters?  Are the membranes standard?  Cheap units usually have proprietary filters and membranes that are expensive and that's where they make money.   More expensive units have standard ones that don't cost allot to replace.

3. How much water does it waste?  Poor units get 1g of ro/di water to 3-4g of waste water and you have to add booster pumps and tds meters to get/check efficiency. Good units get 1g of ro/di to 1-2g of waste water and have built in booster pumps and tds meters.

I have the Vertex 100gpd unit and it's one of had best on the market and has all of the good features above, good build quality, standard filters and membrane, booster pump and tds meter built in.   Do yourself a favour and get a good one to start, it will last you a long time.

[bandit]

Also bulkreef supply makes a really nice easy to maintain unit, but not local I use the brs 4stage model with dual membrane it works awesome, when I did my purchase u was leaning towards vertex but seemed the bulkreef supply model met my needs better.

[bandit]

I should mention I make 40g min a week and change filters and resin approx 8-10 months

[kjasjg]

Also bulkreef supply makes a really nice easy to maintain unit, but not local I use the brs 4stage model with dual membrane it works awesome, when I did my purchase u was leaning towards vertex but seemed the bulkreef supply model met my needs better.

For the Bulk Reef units are the cartridges standard or proprietary? I was looking at these too.
Thanks

[bandit]

My guess would be standard, if I m understanding the question.. Brs likes to make things easy

[Rybren]

I have a BRS unit and yes, it takes standard filter cartridges.

[Stussi613]

I looked at the brs units, but opted for the Vertex instead since it has the booster pump and is more efficient. We use allot if water in this hobby and a 2:1 waste to useable water factor wasn't for me.

[az]

try the octopus/coralvue rodi comes with booster pump and lcd screen and built in tds, you will know exactly when to change filters.

[Stussi613]

try the octopus/coralvue rodi comes with booster pump and lcd screen and built in tds, you will know exactly when to change filters.

The Vertex has the same features...

[kjasjg]

 a couple list a chloramine upgrade kit does that mean that they don't normally filter the chloramine?
Thanks

[Stussi613]

All ro/di units remove chloramine...It's part of the RO phase.   The DI removes all dissolved solids (assuming the filter isn't expired)...chloramine upgrade kits mean it's either not a real RO filter or its a scam.

[veron]

I'd study that Chloramine statement a bit more. Chloramines as you might know do not readily break down or are removed by regular activated carbon. So no, all RO filters ie: carbon do not remove most of the Chloramines.
You do not want Chloramine or Chlorine to reach your RO membrane.  CATALYTIC carbon in conjuction with block/activated carbon is needed for Chloramines

[Darth]

a buddy of mine uses the waste water in his washing machine, so no waste =)

[kjasjg]

SO I got the Aquasafe Aquarium II 7 stage kit. http://www.aquasafecanada.com/store/aquarium-ro-di-filter-systems/aquarium-ii-7-stage-ro-di-system

I have had it running now for about 120 gallons. I check the pre and post water using the TDS meter and tap water tests with anywhere from 80 to 120 and from the RO/DI lists as 0 (not sure how accurate the tds is). still even if its not zero its less than 1 ppm which is good.

The output is around 1:1 ratio.

set up was easy.

I'm very happy with it and I did not have to sell one of my Kidneys to pay for it  
Jer

[JetJumper]

How do you get 1:1 ratio with this setup?  Curious on how you verified it was 1:1.

[Greatwhite]

How do you get 1:1 ratio with this setup?  Curious on how you verified it was 1:1.

Yeah, I have the same filter, and I seem to remember having to tune it to 4:1 waste:fresh...  Granted, if you're running it 1:1, it'll be better than tap water...

Might want to test your TDS!

[Parisiot]

Everyone is talking about 1:1 ratio with their RO units. Am I the only one who has heard this is bad for your membrane?