Best RO/DI system?

Water Dog · Feb 1, 2019

If you run your system manually, I think one of the most important upgrades you can get for their RODI unit is adding a DI bypass using a 3 way valve between the RO and DI stages. It allows you to flush that high TDS creep water away from your DI resin upon system restart, vastly improving your DI resin life.

Buckeye Hydro · Feb 1, 2019

Agreed. https://www.buckeyehydro.com/tds-creep-bypass/

There is a lot of confusion about the difference between a flush valve and a DI bypass/TDS Creep Bypass.

Russ

Sleepydoc · Feb 1, 2019

Russ- does buckeye have a timed TDS Creep valve system? I always start up my system, then get distracted and remember it an hour later. I've been looking for a setup that has a couple solenoid valves, opening the first for 5 minutes or so, then closing it and opening the other.

Buckeye Hydro · Feb 2, 2019

HA! Yes we do. If you're interested in being a Beta tester, we should talk.

Russ

Sleepydoc · Feb 2, 2019

Buckeye Hydro said:
HA! Yes we do. If you're interested in being a Beta tester, we should talk.

Russ

Sent you a PM

Even Further · Feb 2, 2019

Really happy with my 6 Stage Spectrapure Chloromine RODI. Works great. I really like that it came with all the extra miscellaneous parts, fittings, and two dual point TDS sensors. From time to time, I see threads about people adding these extras like a float switch, bypass valve, or additional TDS monitors to their set-up.

I just set a a stopwatch alarm on my iphone while doing the RO purge/DI bypass.

Sleepydoc · Feb 2, 2019

Even Further said:
Really happy with my 6 Stage Spectrapure Chloromine RODI. Works great. I really like that it came with all the extra miscellaneous parts, fittings, and two dual point TDS sensors. From time to time, I see threads about people adding these extras like a float switch, bypass valve, or additional TDS monitors to their set-up.

I just set a a stopwatch alarm on my iphone while doing the RO purge/DI bypass.

But....yours is backwards! The DI resin is supposed to be on the right side!

I like you you have it concealed in a cabinet.

Myka · Feb 8, 2019

Currdawg12 said:
I have a 45 gallon and my tds is 155

You don't need anything fancy. Check if your water has chloramines (your city water website will tell you). If you do, you may need to make some adjustments. Our city water has chloramines and about 180 ppm TDS, but a basic 4-stage RO/DI with 1 micron or less pre-filters and mixed bed resin does the job quite well. I have the AquaticLife 4-stage now, and had an AquaFX Barracuda for about 10 years before that. Both of these are good quality systems and WELL under $500! The only add-on you may need is a booster pump if your pressure is low. Buy the RO/DI first, hook it up, and see what pressure you get, buy a booster pump later if needed. Make sure you buy a system with a 98% or better rejection membrane (some are only 92%) or you will burn through a lot more DI resin and might not get everything out.

Ross Petersen · Sep 7, 2020

Old thread here: is anyone using the Vertex Puratex Deluxe 100 GPD RODI Unit? Pros and cons over something like Spectrapure units?

The Vertex comes with built in booster pump and full automation, at a good price, and is made in Germany it seems. Not a lot of information out there on these. I read one negative review about not being able to adjust the booster pump - but do not know if this is factual.

Water Dog · Sep 7, 2020

From what I’ve read, the people who own them like them a lot. A word of caution however... Vertex is no longer in busines.

ReefPig · Sep 7, 2020

I have a 300gpd, with a booster pump, and I still wish it was higher flow.
i could do an upgrade to 450gpd, which I may do soon.

It takes about 1.5 hours to fill 50L currently.

the rated spec is not what you get, the temperature of the water being a massive factor.

Ross Petersen · Sep 7, 2020

Water Dog said:
From what I’ve read, the people who own them like them a lot. A word of caution however... Vertex is no longer in busines.

Vertex being out of business is a big variable. Good to know.

TexasTodd · Sep 7, 2020

Which companies make automatic flush systems for RODI? And, how do they work?
I'm on a 10 year old AWI Typhoon and looking to upgrade. I always forget to do the back flush so want an auto if possible. We're 100-110psi so no pressure issues, very high TDS in San Antonio and I think Chloramines (possibly summer only?). All SPS system.

Sleepydoc · Sep 7, 2020

TexasTodd said:
Which companies make automatic flush systems for RODI? And, how do they work?
I'm on a 10 year old AWI Typhoon and looking to upgrade. I always forget to do the back flush so want an auto if possible. We're 100-110psi so no pressure issues, very high TDS in San Antonio and I think Chloramines (possibly summer only?). All SPS system.

Let me know if you find one - I’ve been keeping an eye out for something and haven’t seen anything. Been thinking of making my own or seeing if I can pick up an old Neptune system cheap to do it.

TexasTodd · Sep 7, 2020

Buckeye has it an option for it now I see. Let's see if they post. Still looking for others.

KStatefan · Sep 7, 2020

TexasTodd said:
Which companies make automatic flush systems for RODI? And, how do they work?
I'm on a 10 year old AWI Typhoon and looking to upgrade. I always forget to do the back flush so want an auto if possible. We're 100-110psi so no pressure issues, very high TDS in San Antonio and I think Chloramines (possibly summer only?). All SPS system.

I have a Spectrapure system at work that has an automatic flush and it uses RODI water so it eliminates TDS creep.

I am not aware of any system that back flushes.

mrpizzaface · Sep 7, 2020

I was recently looking at buying a new RODI unit. I live in NYC and have pretty good water, no chloramines and like 25 TDS. I emailed spectrapure and they really tried to get me to purchase only the most expensive max cap RODI units all priced north of $1000, they accidentally sent me an email where someone advising the person I was dealing will told them to steer me to a $1400 model.
I then spoke with Russ from Buckeye Hydro. He looked at my water report and talked me through what to purchase through him (only about $250 total) but ultimately convinced me to stick with my BRS 4 stage unit.
I will be making all future RODI related purchases from Buckeye Hydro.

KStatefan · Sep 8, 2020

On my system at home I modified a @Buckeye Hydro Hi-Low tank controller with a delay relay to make an automatic DI bypass when the low float calls for more RODI water.