Beginner RODI question

NE reefer · Jun 25, 2023

Hello everyone,
I’m starting to do research on installing my own system. The new system will be supporting a 100 gallon system. What should I be looking for in a beginner Rodi system
How many stages do I need 3,4,5 ?
Thanks

Salty Sea Flowers · Jun 25, 2023

NE reefer said:
Hello everyone,
I’m starting to do research on installing my own system. The new system will be supporting a 100 gallon system. What should I be looking for in a beginner Rodi system
How many stages do I need 3,4,5 ?
Thanks

id say, no less than 4 stages.

KStatefan · Jun 25, 2023

NE reefer said:
Hello everyone,
I’m starting to do research on installing my own system. The new system will be supporting a 100 gallon system. What should I be looking for in a beginner Rodi system
How many stages do I need 3,4,5 ?
Thanks

The quality of your water supply determines what you need. contact Russ @buckehydro and he can help you get a system for your water.

BetterJake · Jun 25, 2023

TDS of my tap water is 50. 3-Stage RODI is plenty for my situation. I would say to buy a cheap TDS pen and use that reading to determine how many stages you may need.

mike550 · Jun 25, 2023

I’m running a BRS 5 stage with water saver because I’m on city water but didn’t want to worry about potential chlorine issues.

TheFunnyFarm · Jun 25, 2023

As @KStatefan mentioned, it ultimately depends on your water quality. If you utilize municipal water then request the most recent water report from your town/city, this be the starting point to identity issues.

I’m on city water and wanted to future-proof in case of changes so I got a 7 stage BRS PRO Plus Water Saver RO/DI system. The water saver models reduce the waste water produced by half which saves money on my water and sewer bills.

I’d also highly suggest a booster pump kit if your water pressure is low/moderate as it will improve the efficiency and rate of water production.

Another suggestion would be opting for an add-on faucet kit with pressurized tank. I originally dismissed it, but recently found myself wishing I had one as it makes cleaning/rising/etc of equipment more convenient. I now have one on order and cursing myself for not originally having it!

Woodyman · Jun 25, 2023

RO/DI Basic Guide

There are always a lot of questions regarding which RO/DI setup do I need, how many stages, how do I know when to change filters/membranes, I’m getting a weird TDS value, etc. Hopefully this clarifies a few things and helps some of you out one day. My first recommendation would be to find the...

www.reef2reef.com

Buckeye Hydro · Jun 30, 2023

Just when we were successful in getting users in this hobby to not focus on the "number of stages," a popular vendor in the market put the spotlight right back on it. Ugh.

First - get away from the notion that "more stages is better."

Consider an RODI with a sediment filter, carbon block, RO membrane, and DI resin cartridge the default configuration. It is a good fit for most people. Add additional filters only if you are trying to address specific water quality issues.

Russ

NE reefer · Jun 30, 2023

Buckeye Hydro said:
Just when we were successful in getting users in this hobby to not focus on the "number of stages," a popular vendor in the market put the spotlight right back on it. Ugh.

First - get away from the notion that "more stages is better."

Consider an RODI with a sediment filter, carbon block, RO membrane, and DI resin cartridge the default configuration. It is a good fit for most people. Add additional filters only if you are trying to address specific water quality issues.

Russ

Good point, don’t over complicate things I think is the main point. I read that some systems create less waste water and I thought this was related to the number of stages. Thank you for the info

Gumbies R Us · Jun 30, 2023

I say get a 4 Stage minimum as well!!

SteveMM62Reef · Jun 30, 2023

I have a Six Stage BRS 75 GPD Unit for Well Water, and I’m very happy with the Quality and Price if it. I added the upgrade for 150 GPD, as I didn’t want to leave it running, while not in the Basement. If you are under 50psig, plan on a Booster Pump, Pre-Strainer and a Pressure Switch to shut the pump off when a float shuts the water off.

Buckeye Hydro · Jun 30, 2023

NE reefer said:
Good point, don’t over complicate things I think is the main point. I read that some systems create less waste water and I thought this was related to the number of stages. Thank you for the info

The amount of concentrate is controlled by a little $4 part called a flow restrictor.

Check out https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/lets-talk-ro-flow-restrictors.993044/

Russ