im looking for a recommendation for a RODI unit. im looking to spend $150 max. i've been considering air, water and ice typhoon since they have their free TDI meter with it and our club discount. i've also looked at BRS, good price with a group buy, and a few others. what are you guys running and which do you recommend?
RODI recommendation
- Thread starter hiimsean
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At this stage I wouldnt consider any off-the-shelf unit anymore and rather build my own to my specs.
Might come in a tad bit higher than a AWI stock item, but I know what I need and want from it.
The average user probably doesn't need to go that route...
Might come in a tad bit higher than a AWI stock item, but I know what I need and want from it.
The average user probably doesn't need to go that route...
I would recommend the marlin unit. It spits out 750 gpd. I fill a 5 gallon jug in about 5 minutes. It's more then $150 but well worth it in the long run with saving water and time. Just food for thought.
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Might want to do some homework regarding the features you want first, rather than worrying about the brand name. Find a system that has what you want, or find a vender who will build one to your specs, or a vendor who is willing to talk you through what is best for your situation.
At a minimum, I would avoid the large majority of systems on ebay.
Here are some things to look for in a good system for this hobby:
No more than 4 stages (sediment, carbon, RO, DI) unless you have specific water quality issues you want to address
Standard-sized prefilters, membrane, and DI cartridge
Brand name, high-rejection membrane
Specifications provided for each stage
Pressure gauge after the prefilters and before the membrane
Thermometer
TDS meter (handheld or in-line)
DI bypass
Vertical DI stage
Refillable DI cartridge
Aluminum bracket
Quick connect fittings
No water from pressurized storage container delivered to DI
Flush valve
Clear housings
High-quality instructions written in clear English
Customer support before, during, and after your purchase
A vendor involved in your hobby
Russ
At a minimum, I would avoid the large majority of systems on ebay.
Here are some things to look for in a good system for this hobby:
No more than 4 stages (sediment, carbon, RO, DI) unless you have specific water quality issues you want to address
Standard-sized prefilters, membrane, and DI cartridge
Brand name, high-rejection membrane
Specifications provided for each stage
Pressure gauge after the prefilters and before the membrane
Thermometer
TDS meter (handheld or in-line)
DI bypass
Vertical DI stage
Refillable DI cartridge
Aluminum bracket
Quick connect fittings
No water from pressurized storage container delivered to DI
Flush valve
Clear housings
High-quality instructions written in clear English
Customer support before, during, and after your purchase
A vendor involved in your hobby
Russ
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+ 2 BRS - I got mine from their and love it. Down the line I may get a pump for it to limit the amount of waste water it produces. Only good thing is the way I have it setup I never see the waste water it produces. 
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Although increasing the pressure above factory spec conditions will change the waste water to purified water ratio, you should adjust the flow restrictor to maintain something close to a 4:1.
If you are intent on reducing the waste to purified water ratio, just buy a different flow restrictor for $4 - no need to add a booster pump, or another membrane for that matter.
Russ
If you are intent on reducing the waste to purified water ratio, just buy a different flow restrictor for $4 - no need to add a booster pump, or another membrane for that matter.
Russ
How much water are you looking to be able to produce per day/for what capacity tank? What's the TDS of the water coming out of your tap? Are you on well water or municipal supply?
Depending on the answers, you may need something akin to the 750GPD listed above or be able to get by with a 25-50GPD system. Which has a huge impact of how close you can stay within your budget.
For example, I have a 9 gallon FOWLR tank (soon to have corals added, pending lighting upgrade). I'd be nuts to buy a RODI system for that with three supermarkets less than 5 minutes away with tested, reliable RODI systems (not just RO). However, the TDS measured from the tap in my home is 35-40ppm, so I currently just use a ZeroWater pitcher to make my top-off and water change water. This cost me $25 to start up, replacement filters cost $9-11 (or less with coupon or in multiple packs) and last over 3 months and counting. This works well for me...for such a small tank.
If I had a tank over ~16 gallons or so, this approach would be a PITA. But that goes to show that the right answer can vary wildly setup to setup. By the way, I seem to recall that Jenn over at Imagine Ocean usually has a refurb'd RODI system or two in the front bargain table, usually at or below your stated price limit.
Depending on the answers, you may need something akin to the 750GPD listed above or be able to get by with a 25-50GPD system. Which has a huge impact of how close you can stay within your budget.
For example, I have a 9 gallon FOWLR tank (soon to have corals added, pending lighting upgrade). I'd be nuts to buy a RODI system for that with three supermarkets less than 5 minutes away with tested, reliable RODI systems (not just RO). However, the TDS measured from the tap in my home is 35-40ppm, so I currently just use a ZeroWater pitcher to make my top-off and water change water. This cost me $25 to start up, replacement filters cost $9-11 (or less with coupon or in multiple packs) and last over 3 months and counting. This works well for me...for such a small tank.
If I had a tank over ~16 gallons or so, this approach would be a PITA. But that goes to show that the right answer can vary wildly setup to setup. By the way, I seem to recall that Jenn over at Imagine Ocean usually has a refurb'd RODI system or two in the front bargain table, usually at or below your stated price limit.
