Best RO/DI unit for < $150

DukeOfPrunes · 12-23-2007, 05:21 PM

Hello,

What is the best RO/DI unit for under $150? I don't think I would need more than 75GPD. I have seen Purely H2O value series, and also a 75GPD unit from Abundant Flow Water Systems. There are a bunch on Ebay. Some I have seen have 1 or 2 filters on top some have 2 or 3 hanging filters, whats the difference? Anything in particular to look out for?

Since I will only have a 29G tank with a limited budget I need to start small.

Thanks, happy holidays.

PEMfish · 12-23-2007, 06:52 PM

https://www82.safesecureweb.com/weba... gory_Code=RO

DrHank · 12-23-2007, 07:50 PM

Something like this will do you fine.

New 6st Reverse Osmosis Water Filter RO+DI+TANK +$0 5ps - (eBay item 120199411805 end time Dec-23-07 19:29:13 PST)

Also make sure you get a TDS meter to know when to change filters.

tbittner · 12-23-2007, 07:57 PM

This is where I bought my 150gpd unit. It includes everything you would need, including a tds meter.

Typhoon 5 stage RODI Reefkeeper 75 GPD

BigAl07 · 12-23-2007, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrHank

Something like this will do you fine.

New 6st Reverse Osmosis Water Filter RO+DI+TANK +$0 5ps - (eBay item 120199411805 end time Dec-23-07 19:29:13 PST)

Also make sure you get a TDS meter to know when to change filters.

That's the one I got and have thoroughly enjoyed it since day 1!!

les · 12-24-2007, 02:04 PM

how do the Ro filters work, do you connect them to your household sink?

ninjataco777 · 12-24-2007, 02:16 PM

this thread will help me too i want to buy a good one, but not a super expensive one. what is a good container to have the r/o flow into? i only top off maybe a quart a day so i dont want a big tank or anything.

ninjataco777 · 12-24-2007, 02:17 PM

sry i didnt mean to hijack ur thread lol

DukeOfPrunes · 12-24-2007, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninjataco777

sry i didnt mean to hijack ur thread lol

No problem! So far doesn't look like there's a superior unit, or everyone who replied would have pointed us in the same direction!

I hope to get my 29G Biocube sometime this week! I'm sure I'll get a thread going.

Cheers,

DoP

tbittner · 12-24-2007, 03:34 PM

I collect the ro/di water into 44g brute trash cans. They are rated safe for holding food (hdpe #2) so they don't leech chemicals into the water. Then I pump it into a different 44g brute trash can for mixing up the saltwater for water changes.

I think that most units use very similar filters so I'm not sure you would go wrong with any of them.

Yes, they typically have a piercing valve that pierces a small hole into an existing water line to feed it water. So if you have enough room, you can install them under a sink. If you have it push the ro/di water up into a container, it reduces the gpd. Not much, but it does take some of the water pressure away from producing water.

PEMfish · 12-24-2007, 09:37 PM

If you don't want to pay for a float switch, just put your RO on a timer. Run it for just a few minuets a day - or what suits you. Just remember to unplug it if you go on vacation.

Octoman · 12-24-2007, 09:46 PM

This is the one I got, very similar to the others, works great!

WaterGeneral RO6100+DI 2 OUTPUT REVERSE OSMOSIS RO + DI - (eBay item 120194793476 end time Dec-26-07 09:45:00 PST)

It came with a tap that goes inline between the cold water line and faucet instead of piercing the line.

jupiter · 12-24-2007, 11:16 PM

The good news about RO units is that the most expensive part is the membrane. Other than that, you just want to make sure the unit itself is of good quality. As said above, the membranes are pretty much all the same (DOW, I think.)

Another good thing about RO units is that even if you buy a unit to suit your smaller current tank but then decide to upgrade the tank and require more output, you don't need to buy a new RO unit. You just have to replace the flow restrictor ($5) and the membrane. There's no need to replace the unit! Your 50 gpd can be a 100 gpd in minutes.

And another good thing is that you can buy (if it isn't already included) a faucet adapter so you won't have to plumb your water line. You just need to pull out the unit, screw it onto you faucet, fill up your reservoir, and put the unit away when you're done.

Sometimes I think, IMHO, it is good to buy a unit with a reputable name even if it's more expensive because in the end, it's really just the unit that counts. The membrane and filters are disposable.

PEMfish · 12-25-2007, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jupiter

And another good thing is that you can buy (if it isn't already included) a faucet adapter so you won't have to plumb your water line. You just need to pull out the unit, screw it onto you faucet, fill up your reservoir, and put the unit away when you're done.

I don't mean to bash anyone but no one just hooks it to the facet. It takes 10 minutes to plum it. Anyone can, I know this. Don't be lazy, it will save energy in the long run, its a $10 tap, if you but a RO purifier then whats a $10 accessory? Don't be so stingy, it makes life much better. So mount it!

Rcpilot · 12-25-2007, 03:24 AM

I bought a 6-stage unit from Filter Direct. It wasn't working very good when I first hooked it up. Then I discovered that I only have like 35psi of water pressure in my apartment. Most RO units need about 45--60psi to work correctly--at least thats what I've read. There may be a unit out there that will work on only 10psi--I just haven't read about it.

So, I called Filter Direct and they sent me a diaphragm pump for like $70. It doesn't have any fancy solenoid valves or switches. When I want water, I open the main valve to let in water form my plumbing line--then open the discharge valve and stuff the end into my bucket. Then just plug the pump into the wall.

My unit is making about 2--2.5g per 1/2 hour. That's about right because it's rated at like 100g or 110g per day.

I bought this one: (hmmmm- it was cheaper when I bought it)
Filter Direct Online Store (C)

And I got the 751 model pump to go with it. Nothing fancy. Plumb it in and plug it into the wall for water. When you're done--unplug it and shut off the valves on the RO unit.

I guess thats going to put you over budget if you need the pump. You may not need it. I think you might be able to get cheaper units. I'm real happy with mine and real happy with Filter Direct. They treated me right and shipped quickly. Thanks again to Jack for the skinny on the cheaper pump.

It took me just a couple hours to pipe it. Most of that time was spent wandering the plumbing isle at Home Depot. I made it so that I could remove it in about 10 minutes when I move. All I gotta do is cap off a Tee on the cold water inlet and cut/glue in a coupling on the drain line under the sink. Then it will come right out. I'm in an apartment right now, and I'm not leaving it here when I finally buy a house.

12-23-2007, 05:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
DukeOfPrunes Bryozoan Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 53 View Gallery Karma Komment	Best RO/DI unit for < $150 Hello, What is the best RO/DI unit for under $150? I don't think I would need more than 75GPD. I have seen Purely H2O value series, and also a 75GPD unit from Abundant Flow Water Systems. There are a bunch on Ebay. Some I have seen have 1 or 2 filters on top some have 2 or 3 hanging filters, whats the difference? Anything in particular to look out for? Since I will only have a 29G tank with a limited budget I need to start small. Thanks, happy holidays.

12-23-2007, 06:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
PEMfish Golden Moray Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Kane Co. Il. Posts: 2,390 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Best RO/DI unit for < $150 https://www82.safesecureweb.com/weba... gory_Code=RO __________________ Paul `EM My new 48" reef tank; http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...-opciones.html My new planted; http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...-planted.html# Make it idiot-proof and someone will make a better idiot. I'll make the whole damn world jealous if given the money to do so. Don't make mistakes and learn from them, read and learn how to avoid mistakes. a)Fix the damn problem b)live with it -But absolutely no b*tching

12-23-2007, 07:50 PM	#3 (permalink)
DrHank Golden Moray Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Crestview, FL Posts: 2,284 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Best RO/DI unit for < $150 Something like this will do you fine. New 6st Reverse Osmosis Water Filter RO+DI+TANK +$0 5ps - (eBay item 120199411805 end time Dec-23-07 19:29:13 PST) Also make sure you get a TDS meter to know when to change filters. __________________ Doc Dr Hank's 210 Build: http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...nks-tanks.html

12-23-2007, 07:57 PM	#4 (permalink)
tbittner Watch this Ma! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Northern VA Posts: 5,562 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Best RO/DI unit for < $150 This is where I bought my 150gpd unit. It includes everything you would need, including a tds meter. Typhoon 5 stage RODI Reefkeeper 75 GPD __________________ Terry 150g predator tank full of killers. Soon to be upgraded to a 360g. 450g reef 300g sump.

12-24-2007, 02:04 PM	#6 (permalink)
les Fire Coral Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 68 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Best RO/DI unit for < $150 how do the Ro filters work, do you connect them to your household sink?

12-24-2007, 02:16 PM	#7 (permalink)
ninjataco777 Scopas Tang Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: south jersey Posts: 470 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Best RO/DI unit for < $150 this thread will help me too i want to buy a good one, but not a super expensive one. what is a good container to have the r/o flow into? i only top off maybe a quart a day so i dont want a big tank or anything. __________________ "Take the warning labels off and let the problem solve itself" RS Nano Club My 29 Gallon Oceanic Biocube Reef Chronicle http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...c-biocube.html ANTI-WALDO ANTI-BIO-BALL ANTI-CARRIBEAN BRISTLEWORM

12-24-2007, 02:17 PM	#8 (permalink)
ninjataco777 Scopas Tang Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: south jersey Posts: 470 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Best RO/DI unit for < $150 sry i didnt mean to hijack ur thread lol __________________ "Take the warning labels off and let the problem solve itself" RS Nano Club My 29 Gallon Oceanic Biocube Reef Chronicle http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...c-biocube.html ANTI-WALDO ANTI-BIO-BALL ANTI-CARRIBEAN BRISTLEWORM

12-24-2007, 03:34 PM	#10 (permalink)
tbittner Watch this Ma! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Northern VA Posts: 5,562 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Best RO/DI unit for < $150 I collect the ro/di water into 44g brute trash cans. They are rated safe for holding food (hdpe #2) so they don't leech chemicals into the water. Then I pump it into a different 44g brute trash can for mixing up the saltwater for water changes. I think that most units use very similar filters so I'm not sure you would go wrong with any of them. Yes, they typically have a piercing valve that pierces a small hole into an existing water line to feed it water. So if you have enough room, you can install them under a sink. If you have it push the ro/di water up into a container, it reduces the gpd. Not much, but it does take some of the water pressure away from producing water. __________________ Terry 150g predator tank full of killers. Soon to be upgraded to a 360g. 450g reef 300g sump.

12-24-2007, 09:37 PM	#11 (permalink)
PEMfish Golden Moray Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Kane Co. Il. Posts: 2,390 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Best RO/DI unit for < $150 If you don't want to pay for a float switch, just put your RO on a timer. Run it for just a few minuets a day - or what suits you. Just remember to unplug it if you go on vacation. __________________ Paul `EM My new 48" reef tank; http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...-opciones.html My new planted; http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...-planted.html# Make it idiot-proof and someone will make a better idiot. I'll make the whole damn world jealous if given the money to do so. Don't make mistakes and learn from them, read and learn how to avoid mistakes. a)Fix the damn problem b)live with it -But absolutely no b*tching

12-24-2007, 09:46 PM	#12 (permalink)
Octoman Majano Slayer Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Savannah, GA Posts: 1,569 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Best RO/DI unit for < $150 This is the one I got, very similar to the others, works great! WaterGeneral RO6100+DI 2 OUTPUT REVERSE OSMOSIS RO + DI - (eBay item 120194793476 end time Dec-26-07 09:45:00 PST) It came with a tap that goes inline between the cold water line and faucet instead of piercing the line. __________________ Mark My tank thread... http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...-euphoria.html Tank build... http://55reef.blogspot.com/

12-25-2007, 03:24 AM	#15 (permalink)
Rcpilot Has been struck by the ban stick Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Arvada, CO. Posts: 297 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Best RO/DI unit for < $150 I bought a 6-stage unit from Filter Direct. It wasn't working very good when I first hooked it up. Then I discovered that I only have like 35psi of water pressure in my apartment. Most RO units need about 45--60psi to work correctly--at least thats what I've read. There may be a unit out there that will work on only 10psi--I just haven't read about it. So, I called Filter Direct and they sent me a diaphragm pump for like $70. It doesn't have any fancy solenoid valves or switches. When I want water, I open the main valve to let in water form my plumbing line--then open the discharge valve and stuff the end into my bucket. Then just plug the pump into the wall. My unit is making about 2--2.5g per 1/2 hour. That's about right because it's rated at like 100g or 110g per day. I bought this one: (hmmmm- it was cheaper when I bought it) Filter Direct Online Store (C) And I got the 751 model pump to go with it. Nothing fancy. Plumb it in and plug it into the wall for water. When you're done--unplug it and shut off the valves on the RO unit. I guess thats going to put you over budget if you need the pump. You may not need it. I think you might be able to get cheaper units. I'm real happy with mine and real happy with Filter Direct. They treated me right and shipped quickly. Thanks again to Jack for the skinny on the cheaper pump. It took me just a couple hours to pipe it. Most of that time was spent wandering the plumbing isle at Home Depot. I made it so that I could remove it in about 10 minutes when I move. All I gotta do is cap off a Tee on the cold water inlet and cut/glue in a coupling on the drain line under the sink. Then it will come right out. I'm in an apartment right now, and I'm not leaving it here when I finally buy a house.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)