Can anyone recommend a cheaper RODI system

Lonelyreef · May 19, 2020

Looking for a cheaper RODI system for a new setup. I almost need to have some sort of portable shut off valve as well because i will be filling up multiple 5 gallon buckets or a little bigger for water storage in case i need it for an emergency Don’t really have room for a bigger containment system . Please let me know what you guys can recommend for me thanks

boacvh · May 19, 2020

I needed one that saved space. Been really happy with it. Not sure if what you need but maybe look into it.

kyleinpdx · May 19, 2020

What do you consider cheaper? I had to buy a 6-stage and booster pump based on my conditions, so while I had some choice in quality/features I had constraints that drove the decision more than cost savings. Do you know your waters TDS? Are you well or municipal? Do they treat with chlorine or chloramines? Whats you houses water pressure? A 75gpd unit running at 35psi probably wont make 75gpd...

vetteguy53081 · May 19, 2020

Buy the best you cannot afford and it will serve you well. To expect a shutoff and capability to fill several buckets without concern is much to ask from a cheap system.
Even go with the Marine Depot 3 stage that does it all with a TDS meter and pressure gage.

Marine Depot KleanWater 4-Stage Advanced RO/DI System - 100 GPD

OR THE BASIC WITH NO tds

Marine Depot KleanWater 4-Stage Economy RO/DI System - 100 GPD

$149.99

harley32907 · May 19, 2020

r u using a booster pump or just city water pressure? If just city water pressure a ball valve, if using a booster pump, pressure shutoff solenoid and a ball valve

Sebastiancrab · May 19, 2020

Consider Buckeye Hydro, AirWaterIce, Liquagen and BRS. A standard RO DI will run around $150-200. I am fixing to buy one too. Others here have recommended making sure it has a pressure guage and TDS meter.

tehmadreefer · May 19, 2020

6 Stage 100GPD 0PPM RODI Reef Marine Aquarium Hydroponics Reverse Osmosis System | eBay

Filter life varies and depends on the water source quality.

www.ebay.com

Lonelyreef · May 19, 2020

boacvh said:
I needed one that saved space. Been really happy with it. Not sure if what you need but maybe look into it.

Does it get you o tds water that all I’m concerned with

Lonelyreef · May 19, 2020

I had a bra one before but I’m only needing to change about 8 gallons every two weeks. But I’d like to have some on back up. So i guess back to the bars setup again

r20crazy · May 19, 2020

if you have one just change your filters and di resin.... u shouldn't have to change the membrane very often, and even the membrane isnt that much overall....

W1ngz · May 19, 2020

If cheap is what you're going for, take the long view. The RO Buddie is cheap up front, but within a year you'll have burned your savings buying their proprietary cartridges. Buy a standard basic 4 stage and a TDS pen if that's all you can afford up front, and you can add on other stages, in-line TDS and pressure meters later.

To properly decide what you need in the system, you should at least know the TDS of your tap water and how much pressure you have. Sort of a catch-22 until you get the pressure gauge.

If you're going to fill buckets like that, make sure you do it in the kitchen sink or bathtub. Doing it anywhere else is guaranteed to cause you a flood at some point, unless you also get yourself something like an XP Aqua flood guardian or a hang on float valve.

Dr. Dendrostein · May 19, 2020

Lonelyreef said:
Looking for a cheaper RODI system for a new setup. I almost need to have some sort of portable shut off valve as well because i will be filling up multiple 5 gallon buckets or a little bigger for water storage in case i need it for an emergency Don’t really have room for a bigger containment system . Please let me know what you guys can recommend for me thanks

A week ago bought one for $65 free shipping on ebay, I didn't do enough homework on choosing one. I hook it up and for every 1 gallon of RO water ,I waisted 6 gallons on water down drain. So saving up for a no waste or zero waste RO, Bummer

Also my tap 320 tds, out of RO 20, I don't mine that

DaddyFish · May 19, 2020

Happy with mine, and it uses any standard size cartridge.

If you need to boost pressure and get the most out of your system, I can recommend this...

Water Dog · May 19, 2020

Dr. Dendrostein said:
A week ago bought one for $65 free shipping on ebay, I didn't do enough homework on choosing one. I hook it up and for every 1 gallon of RO water ,I waisted 6 gallons on water down drain. So saving up for a no waste or zero waste RO, Bummer

You wouldn’t necessarily need a whole new unit IMO. I’d look into getting a different flow restrictor to dial in the proper 4 to 1 waste to product water ratio if I were you.

Dr. Dendrostein · May 19, 2020

Water Dog said:
You wouldn’t necessarily need a whole new unit IMO. I’d look into getting a different flow restrictor to dial in the proper 4 to 1 waste to product water ratio if I were you.

I would prefer 1:1, leaning also permate pump, $49, free ship

Water Dog · May 19, 2020

Dr. Dendrostein said:
I would prefer 1:1, leaning also permate pump, $49, free ship

RO membranes run at max efficiency at a 4 to 1ratio. The extra waste water allows the membrane to get properly flushed during operation. However, if you’re seeking better than a 4 to 1 ratio, it’s just a matter of trimming a capillary flow restrictor to get the ratio you desire.

Here’s a good Spectrapure video on trimming a capillary flow restrictor.

DaddyFish · May 19, 2020

Water Dog said:
You wouldn’t necessarily need a whole new unit IMO. I’d look into getting a different flow restrictor to dial in the proper 4 to 1 waste to product water ratio if I were you.

Seriously??? You find a Waste/RO ratio of 4:1 acceptable?
If I was salinating the incoming water first and then processing through the RO system, then Yes, 4:1 is acceptable. But if I'm feeding Municipal/CommunityWell/Drinking water around 75F and boosting pressure to 80-100 psi, I would expect a yield of 2:1 - 1.5:1.

Water Dog · May 19, 2020

Mine is more like 3 to 1, but yes, it’s totally acceptable to me. These waste water ratios are especially necessary if you have high source water TDS. Membranes need that constant flush to stay clean, restricting the waste to a lower ratio allows dissolved solids to build up and clog the membrane since they’re not being properly flushed during operation. This will shorten the life of your RO membrane.

Blue Spot Octopus · May 20, 2020

I bought the Speactrpure refurb unit, so I would check their site and see which model is on sale and then check out shipping as well. Their site they charge for shipping Marine Depot they do not for the same product, so check apples to apples. They also answer their phone and will give you advice.