NEW RODI unit!

[lovecrzreef]

Hey guys!! So my husband and I are looking to buy our first RODI unit and we are a little ignorant to it and would like some help. From the research I have done Spectrapure is what we would like to go to we just don't know which system would be best for us. We have been looking at the two below, could anyone tell me which would be best? We have a
93g cube and a JBJ 24g nano cube as well as a 10g freshwater tank and a 40g QT. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks guys!

ALL NEW! CSPDI 2:1 Automatic Flush 90-GPD RO/DI System

ALL NEW! CSPDI 2:1 Manual Flush 90-GPD RO/DI System

Or is there something else we would be better off with?

 

[saltyphish]

I like the automatic flush feature personally. I hear a lot of people using the spectrapure units and love them. Do you use ro/di water for freshwater? My understanding was you shouldn't but I do not have fw tanks so my experience is limited there.

 

[AZDesertRat]

My first questions would be what is your tap water TDS, do you have soft or softened water and what is your water pressure and water temperature? You don't list your location in your title so we have to guess.

The normal waste ratio for any RO or RO/DI system is around 4:1 for a reason, to keep the membrane clean and operable. The idea of reducing waste is great but it requires soft water and lower than normal TDS or the membrane will not last as long, driving replacement costs up. If you have soft water go for the 2:1, either one. If you have moderately soft water even without a softener and your TDS is not bad (the national average is around 250 with some places like the Pacific NW less than 100 and the desert SW like here in Phoenix over 600) then try the included 3:1 flow restrictor. If you have hard water and normal to high TDS then stick with the 4:1 waste ratio if you expect the system to last.
You have chosen the best and they have a system to fit any of the above conditions.

 

[lovecrzreef]

I live in Jacksonville, FL. I'm not sure on the TDS on our local water as we've always bought our water from the LFS. We do have hard water though so is there something better you recommend? I appreciate the help

 

[EZMAC114]

I live in Sanford, FL and my TDS meter reads 135ppm. I bought a Aquafx Barracuda 4 stage RO/DI with dual inline TDS meter and a pressure gauge from one of the LFS by me. One reason I went with Aquafx was that they are a local company in Winter Park...they did have some good review too. I paid $200 at the LFS but they sell for more on there website

 

[AZDesertRat]

I would stick with the Spectrapure personally.
The CSP-DI is an excellent system just stick with the 3:1 or 4:1 waste ratio until you know your hardness and TDS numbers. If you are going to have a RO or RO/DI you will need a TDS meter anyway as this is how you troubleshoot the membrane and DI and know when they need service or replacement. I do not recommend the inline meters as they have limitations such as not being temperature compensated so have built in inaccuracies since your water and air temperatures are rarely if ever the same. They also limit you to just those sampling locations and cannot be used portable and you need three TDS readings to troubleshoot a RO/DI, tap water, RO only and final RO/DI. With a good handheld you can test all the above plus your ATO storage, LFS water, bottled water, your buddies water etc. The cost is only $20-$25, the same as an inline but much more versatile. I actually have two dual inlines and three handhelds and never even turn the inlines on anymore since they are never accurate.

The refurbished Spectrapure system for $140 is an excellent system that comes with all quality components and filters but saves you money since it may have a cosmetic scratch or scuff somewhere but is 100% new inside so not a used system.

Your water utility probably has a website listing their basic water quality information or you can call them and ask for a printed copy. This should get you close but it is historical data so may not be exact for your location.

 

[lovecrzreef]

Thank you so much AZDesertRat for the info!
Is this the one you're referring to?

http://spectrapure.com/FACTORY-REFURBISHED/Refurbished-90-GPD-RODI-System

If it is you saved me a lot of money!!

 

[AZDesertRat]

Yes that is the system and I did not know they were on sale that low. The one thing I would add is a handheld TDS meter such as the TDS-3 for $26 or better yet TDS-4TM for $30. do not get the TDS-EZ as it is not temperature compensated so has many of the same issues as the inlines.
HM Digital TDS-3 Handheld TDS Meter, 0-9990ppm
HM Digital TDS-4TM Pocket Size TDS Meter

Once you know your tap TDS and you can get a water hardness test kit at Lowes, Home Depot of Sears next to the water softeners to check the hardness you may be able to reduce the waste slightly but 3:1 is pretty good for keeping the membrane flushed.

 

[lovecrzreef]

Thank you!! You are awesome!! I'll order mine today!

 

[lovecrzreef]

I just ordered the unit and TDS meter. Thanks again!!

 

[AZDesertRat]

I think you will be very pleased with your purchase. You never hear of anyone not happy with them. I have had my current Spectrapure system about 7 years but one of their other systems for 4 years before that and never had any issues.