Best RODI value unit for 5-10 gal a week usage

[Waynerock]

My LFS is closing and I will need to start making water instead of buying it like I do now. Online on the water quality list for my town it’s rated an A so I have great tap water. Only make about 5-10 gal a week. There are a lot of options on BRS or MD and need some guidance please. I won’t have an option to mount it really so it will have to tap into kitchen sink or washer hook up.

 

[themcnertney]

Go Spectrapure, the best in my opinion

 

[jeffchapok]

I've been using one of these for a year now with success. I've changed the DI cartridge twice.

Aquatic Life RO Buddie Four Stage Reverse Osmosis System with Color Changing Mixed Bed Deionization Cartridge

 

[piranhaman00]

The RO Buddie works great!

 

[JoshH]

I would go with Spectrapure myself, but Buckeye Hydro, Air Water Ice, BRS units are all great. I would avoid the systems that require any proprietary filters such as the Aquatic life Twist or RO buddies. These units while small and great, are incredibly costly when it comes to filters and typically come with lower grade membranes which can cause you to burn through DI faster..

 

[AdamNC]

AquaticLife RO Buddy or their twist-in model. Been using the twist-in model a few years now. I make about 20-30 gallons a week and the cartridges last me a long time with a added on tds meter with readings of in/out 35/0.

 

[Gw2kpro]

I've been using one of these for a year now with success. I've changed the DI cartridge twice.

Aquatic Life RO Buddie Four Stage Reverse Osmosis System with Color Changing Mixed Bed Deionization Cartridge

This.
You can replace the media in that DI cartridge as well once it gets used up.

 

[rushbattle]

Something like this. We don’t have chloramines here as far I know. Specifically, you will need the TDS meter and the ASO valve, plus a float valve for your container or you will definitely overflow the container.

SpectraPure - Innovators in Water Technology

SpectraPure, Inc. is an Industry Standard in the Water Purification world. From Drinking Water to Aquarium Systems, you don't just want pure water, you want the PUREST Water! Get it with SpectraPure!

www.spectrapure.com

 

[Strawberry]

I’ve been very happy with my Liquagen RODI unit. It’s pretty affordable.

 

[Greybeard]

I won’t have an option to mount it really so it will have to tap into kitchen sink or washer hook up.

Under sink mounts work fine...

90% of the RO/DI systems use the same type of cartridges, same form of canisters, etc. Go with those. Buying something proprietary is going to cost you in the long term.

I've been buying from AirWaterIce since long before BRS existed. They stand behind their gear, refills and add-ons are reasonable, they're easy to talk to, should you have a problem... I just don't see a reason to change.

Their Typhoon 5 stage, at $159, is an incredible value. Comes with everything you need to start your reef right, with zero TDS water.

I started with their Dual home/reef system, added a 3 stage DI system, a pressure booster, permeate pump, and changed out the inline carbon for a 2nd full size carbon filter. That system now feeds my reef, two refrigerator ice makers and drinking water systems, and a drinking water faucet at the kitchen sink. Put it all in a narrow cabinet on the wall behind our kitchen sink. Easy access, nothing crowded... couldn't be happier with it.

 

[rushbattle]

Under sink mounts work fine...

90% of the RO/DI systems use the same type of cartridges, same form of canisters, etc. Go with those. Buying something proprietary is going to cost you in the long term.

I've been buying from AirWaterIce since long before BRS existed. They stand behind their gear, refills and add-ons are reasonable, they're easy to talk to, should you have a problem... I just don't see a reason to change.

Their Typhoon 5 stage, at $159, is an incredible value. Comes with everything you need to start your reef right, with zero TDS water.

I started with their Dual home/reef system, added a 3 stage DI system, a pressure booster, permeate pump, and changed out the inline carbon for a 2nd full size carbon filter. That system now feeds my reef, two refrigerator ice makers and drinking water systems, and a drinking water faucet at the kitchen sink. Put it all in a narrow cabinet on the wall behind our kitchen sink. Easy access, nothing crowded... couldn't be happier with it.

Totally agreed on all points! Definitely go with the standardized systems.

AWI has been a really great place to get anything RO/DI since I started using them in the 90s!

 

[theMeat]

I would go with Spectrapure myself, but Buckeye Hydro, Air Water Ice, BRS units are all great. I would avoid the systems that require any proprietary filters such as the Aquatic life Twist or RO buddies. These units while small and great, are incredibly costly when it comes to filters and typically come with lower grade membranes which can cause you to burn through DI faster..

Agreed, but you left out Water General.
If you’re going to be in the hobby a good investment

 

[Silver14SS]

My LFS is closing and I will need to start making water instead of buying it like I do now. Online on the water quality list for my town it’s rated an A so I have great tap water. Only make about 5-10 gal a week. There are a lot of options on BRS or MD and need some guidance please. I won’t have an option to mount it really so it will have to tap into kitchen sink or washer hook up.

Do you have a space available to store water? It may be easier to make larger quantities at once instead of 5 gallons each time.

You should be able to pull up a water report with your zip code to see if your water treatment uses chloramines or not.

Go Spectrapure, the best in my opinion

Agreed and a pleasure to deal with.

 

[hotdrop]

Buy either BRS or Spectrapure. The Spectrapure kit is supposedly slightly better build quality. The parts are all 99% identical just some vendors source better than others so you might get better fitting canisters. You can get even cheaper stuff than BRS but will most likely get fake or knock off membranes, they may work ok but may not. Dow filmetch 75gpd is the standard, spectrapure enhances and screens theirs but thats the way to go. Larger GDP does not make a better membrane supposedly the higher flow ones are actually worse than the 75gpds so just stick with that one.

 

[drblakjak55]

APEC 50ES. 5 stage Around 150$. Make 50g in 24 hours. Mine is to a Y regular hose connector with a 3/8 inch tube adaptor to the filter. Made in USA

 

[ErinD]

I've been using one of these for a year now with success. I've changed the DI cartridge twice.

Aquatic Life RO Buddie Four Stage Reverse Osmosis System with Color Changing Mixed Bed Deionization Cartridge

+1

 

[Waynerock]

Holy cow guys thanks! I got a lot to look at now Super appreciative of everyone’s suggestion

 

[Silent]

For 5 to 10 g a week you should just find a local reefer and make a deal with them.

 

[Waynerock]

No kidding! I admit we are a dying breed up here in my town. When this LFS closes all I got left in 60 miles is petco!!ahhh The guy who has worked there for the last four years might buy it and run it the correct way though so I am hopeful

For 5 to 10 g a week you should just find a local reefer and make a deal with them.

 

[Waynerock]

It’s sad really. Look up Asheville NC and we have a crazy diverse group of people here. This place is blowing up with old and new money. I can’t believe there is only one shop and it’s closing then nothing else. Withinn a year someone will reopen and do it better and enjoy it and get the community involved and be very successful but till then ahhhh! I told my friend to hop on R2R and try and pick some people brain about running a shop and I hope he does. He is really good and has worked there a while but his hands where always tied the current owner is just burnt out and not getting with the times and social media and community events like swaps or just get togethers. Sorry to rant but it’s frustrating seeing people go out of business even if they brought it upon themselves.