Best RODI in 2017

luke33 · Mar 22, 2017

So its been years since I have thought about buying a new RODI as I have been using old faithful for a good 10+ yrs, but it just doesn't have the flow rate like I would like. So my question is, whats the best RODI unit out there when we are taking into consideration, water quality, filters, membrane, gpd and price. Is spectapure still the best, or are some of these new models with all the bells and whistles the way to go?

#azdessertrat

jason2459 · Mar 22, 2017

Well, what do you need? How many GPD? Any other special requirements like super high TDS? Chloramines? Spectrapure is one of the best and I would also be happy with anything from Buckeye Hydro and BRS all depending on requirements, wants, needs, goals, etc.

And you could just upgrade membranes and flow restrictors. For that I would go spectrapure.

jason2459 · Mar 22, 2017

FWIW, this is the best for me

The Gapper 400GPD 1:1 and over 98.5% rejection rate from Buckeye Hydro.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-gapper-400gpd-light-commercial-ro-from-buckeye-hydro.290479/

luke33 · Mar 22, 2017

Ok, so my tds are roughly 300. I have a 180g display and 40g frag system. I'd like to be able to make up to 100gpd(12hr period). I'm looking at the 180gpd spectapure. I ran a 5 stage rodi for 10+ yrs then got tired of the slow output and moved to a 700gpd ge Ro system with twin Di stage. Problem is such a high rejection rate and it used a rediculous amount or Di resin.....but dang did it push the water! Issue is the water quality would deteriorate to quickly. I would like to have an inline pressure gauge and tds meter.

My psi was 105 on the ge but is now down to 65-70 psi with the old faithful rodi back on.

jason2459 · Mar 22, 2017

The spectrapure systems are great anyone would be happy with them. With what you mentioned though you may want to look at the Gapper. It does not come with DI stages so could use your current ones or what I did was add two more 2.5"x20" housings and refillable di cartridges. I also added the inline tds meter or could use your current ones if needed. Biggest thing with that unit is it needs 3/8" ID or 1/4" OD plumbing.

airwaterice · Mar 25, 2017

Hey guys it's Chris from air water and ice I have all the parts you guys mention ... in line TDS meters 20 inch housings with 3/8 inch ports... we have specialized in RO/DI water for 35 years... just curious how much water do you actually go through a day?

Fin · Mar 25, 2017

luke33 said:
#azdessertrat

That would be AZDesertRat, if you are wanting his opinion.

mtraylor · Mar 25, 2017

How many stages are in your existing setup? I would just change the membrane and restrictor on the outlet and be done with it.

RDA · Mar 27, 2017

jason2459 said:
The spectrapure systems are great anyone would be happy with them. With what you mentioned though you may want to look at the Gapper. It does not come with DI stages so could use your current ones or what I did was add two more 2.5"x20" housings and refillable di cartridges. I also added the inline tds meter or could use your current ones if needed. Biggest thing with that unit is it needs 3/8" ID or 1/4" OD plumbing.

Spectrapure is the only RO system I have experience with. Nothing but good things to say about them, but I have limited experience so take it with a grain of salt.

N4sty T4te · Mar 27, 2017

BRS stuff works great and is well priced. I'd definitely look into them.

luke33 · Mar 27, 2017

I ended up with the AquaFX Barracuda 300gpd RODI system. They have great communication and answered all my questions. The price also played a role as I didn't need anything to crazy expensive but didn't want a cheaper unit like the one I have currently. Should have it set up tomorrow, hopefully it produces 250gpd or more.

Liquid360 · Mar 27, 2017

I ended up with the AquaFX Barracuda as well. Love it! Had a gasket leak and they sent me an envelope filled with gaskets for every part [emoji4] free.

luke33 · Mar 27, 2017

They seem pretty solid so I'm hoping it works great.

jason2459 · Mar 27, 2017

luke33 said:
I ended up with the AquaFX Barracuda 300gpd RODI system. They have great communication and answered all my questions. The price also played a role as I didn't need anything to crazy expensive but didn't want a cheaper unit like the one I have currently. Should have it set up tomorrow, hopefully it produces 250gpd or more.

Is that dual 150s or triple 75s ? Couldn't you have just upgraded the one you had?

luke33 · Mar 28, 2017

It's three 100gpd. It's possible I could have upgraded but the unit is 10+ yrs old and the filters and membranes would have cost more or as much as the entire aquafx unit, so I figured it was time for an upgrade.

luke33 · Mar 28, 2017

When I looked it was going to be $240 for replacement membrane's and carbon block for my GE RO unit, then call it 10-15 for DI + shipping, tax.

To upgrade the generic RODI I have it was going to be $90 for two 150gpd membrane's, $40 for sediment, carbon, DI, $25 for the extra RO add on and $20 for fittings, + tax + shipping.

Or get the new AquaFX 300gpd for $240 shipped to my door. I could have saved a few bux trying to modify my current unit but just thought it was past its prime and would feel more comfortable going with a new unit. The GE unit I just don't think makes pure enough water and it waste's a ton of water, its also overkill. But its pretty sweet having the ability to produce 50g of RODI in an hour or two! I'll probably just sell it off for cheap.

ahiggins · Mar 28, 2017

I just have a 40, 25, 10 gal so I use a "small" rodi. I use the RO buddie with the DI resin (100 gal/day) and it works great. I works well for me but if you needed more water, Im sure it would be too small lol

hart24601 · Mar 28, 2017

I really like my BRS water saver. I use RO for all my FW tanks and automate around 20% daily WC in those with RO so I use quite a bit. 50-60 g/day. I also really like the avast barrel tender to use with it. Sounds like you have it all sorted though, hope it works great!

luke33 · Mar 29, 2017

Well, just as a follow up I have the AquaFX hooked up and running. Source water is at 298 tds. After the RO membrane's I'm getting 14 tds and after DI zero. So RO's are working at 95.3% efficiency. The psi gauge is at 45 which is quite disappointing as my plumber said we are at 65psi, so I'm not sure whats happening here. I was at 105 psi but had to get a pressure reducer installed to my main water line since the old pressure reducer went bad. So that tells me my plumber is full of crap, the PSI gauge doesn't work or the sink the RODI unit is under is at a different PSI then the rest of the house. So currently I can produce 32oz every 3.36 min or roughly 100gpd. Not to hot for a 300gpd unit.....not sure if a booster pump will make a huge difference or not. Temp is in the 60's so that isn't the issue. Thoughts?