Good RO kits ?

[finley]

Does anyone have any recommendations for good but relatively in expensive RO makers ?

 

[dadnjesse]

They are pretty basic operation. I would get a 10 inch Canister one. Then it depends on Gallons Per Day and the numger of filtration stages.

 

[Gtinnel]

There isn’t a big difference in any of them. Just get the one that uses standard size filters and has the number of stages you want.
I use a AquaFx Barracuda one from Amazon that started off as a 100gpd 4 stage and now it’s been added onto until it’s up to a 300gpd 7 stage.

If looking to get one now Bulk Reef Supply has them on sale for good prices, so I would probably buy one of theirs.

 

[EricR]

I agree with previous suggestions to at least get one that uses standard 10" chambers/filters if your budget allows.
Also, I'd lean towards BRS "sale" right now.

What's your budget ($$$)?

 

[cilyjr]

There isn’t a big difference in any of them. Just get the one that uses standard size filters and has the number of stages you want

I disagree. Both production output and wastewater ratios can be vastly different from unit to unit

Your average unit will produce a 4 to1 waste to product. My unit produces two to one waste to product. Meaning for every 3 gallons processed 2 is waste and 1 is filtered water.

Gpd rating will change meaning total output in a 24-hour period can change greatly as well. Also this will effect efficiency rate as well

 

[Gtinnel]

I disagree. Both production output and wastewater ratios can be vastly different from unit to unit

Your average unit will produce a 4 to1 waste to product. My unit produces two to one waste to product. Meaning for every 3 gallons processed 2 is waste and 1 is filtered water.

Gpd rating will change meaning total output in a 24-hour period can change greatly as well. Also this will effect efficiency rate as well

After the initial filters are replaced the rest of the unit is just plastic housings. Assuming they are made well enough to hold the pressure and not leak then what difference does the plastic housing make to the ability of the new filters/membranes to filter the water?

The waste ratio has as more to do with the number of membranes and the restriction size way more than the brand of the rodi unit. Just to be clear when I said they’re all about the same I am referring to the brand that doesn’t really matter. I will admit that certain brands will probably have membranes that have better rejection rates included.

If you are saying that the configuration in terms of stages and number of membranes makes a big difference then I agree completely. If you are saying the brand matters then we will have to agree to disagree.

 

[Peace River]

Not the least expensive but I would still recommend AquaFX. Also, I support the idea that the waste ratio is important.

 

[cilyjr]

After the initial filters are replaced the rest of the unit is just plastic housings. Assuming they are made well enough to hold the pressure and not leak then what difference does the plastic housing make to the ability of the new filters/membranes to filter the water?

Nothing. Professionally, I am the vendor/ inventory manager for a large plumbing and HVAC company here in California.
We use Big Blue (Pentek) to get all of our housings. It really does not matter who makes them. They will all work. They all make various sizes as well.

The waste ratio has as more to do with the number of membranes and the restriction size way more than the brand of the rodi unit. Just to be clear when I said they’re all about the same I am referring to the brand that doesn’t really matter. I will admit that certain brands will probably have membranes that have better rejection rates included.

There are maybe 10 companies in the world that are manufacturing reverse osmosis membranes that I am aware of. I'm sure there are more in China and India. We use dow and Toray. I have not found a significant difference in either brand. Each brand has several membranes with different capacities. When comparing apples to apples, there's really no significant difference.

If you are saying that the configuration in terms of stages and number of membranes makes a big difference then I agree completely. If you are saying the brand matters then we will have to agree to disagree.

The plastic housing has little to do with it other than size. There various media sold as carbon filters for your pre stage, that can make a difference.

The brand of who arranges the housings on a metal L bracket and sells you an "RODI filter" does not matter. The brand of who is making the ro membrane or the prefilter carbon blocks might.

Does anyone have any recommendations for good but relatively in expensive RO makers ?

Advice to the OP depending on where you are located.
If in a place where water is plentiful:
Buy a basic "complete unit" that has a 4:1 ratio. This is what most people run.

If in a desert or where drought is a big concern and if your home is already needing a water softener:
Buy a system with a higher ratio 2:1 should be fine. Any higher and they are tripping the price and only adding a 3rd membrane.

If the pressure coming out of the faucets is in the 60 to 80 range it is unlikely you will need a unit with a booster pump. If it's lower than that, you have other problems and should probably call a plumber because the PRV on your house is probably bad.

I should also say that saving money by using less water may increase spending more in filters. What is better for you is for you to decide.

When replacing membrane go online and find a Dow filmtec that matches what is in your unit

 

[finley]

I agree with previous suggestions to at least get one that uses standard 10" chambers/filters if your budget allows.
Also, I'd lean towards BRS "sale" right now.

What's your budget ($$$)?

Around £100 = about $125