Picking a Ro/DI

[KINGROWLAND1217]

I've pretty much narrowed it down to these 2 units,I attached the details. The Filter Guys 75gpd reef unit, or a refurbished spectrapure 90gpd...I can get either for $150. Anybody have good or bad experiences with either? Is there a differant one that's cheaper and the same/better quality? Thanks for any help!

 

[zesty]

My vote is for spectrapure, haven't heard a bad thing about them.

 

[AZDesertRat]

Easily Spectrapure. No other vendor specially treats their RO membranes proven to increase their performace then tests them for quality control. Nor do any others custom blend every ounce of DI resin they sell so it is only the very best then vacuum sealed in mylar foil bags so it starys fresh. Compare the 5 micron sediment filter to the 1 micron and you find it is ab out as effective as a screen door, did you know you can see 40 microns with the unaided human eye?
A better protected membrane will last longer and perform better saving you money from day one. For every 2% you increase the membrane efficiency you effectively double the life of your DI resin, then toss in the better resin which do you think is the better value? 25 years of research and development really makes a difference.

 

[acesfull44]

Although I am new, I have had experience with the spectra and could not have been hapier.

 

[KINGROWLAND1217]

Ok that's 3 votes for spectra, I guess I'm goin that route. I was leaning that way anyway. Thanks for the help

 

[KINGROWLAND1217]

What do you guys think of Coralifes RO/DI SYSTEMS? I found a used one for $165 and thinking about getting it because it come with a booster pump and the specs look similar to spectrapures. Heres a link to one online http://www.marineandreef.com/Pure_Flo_II_50_GPD_RO_System_Coralife_p/res76004.htm

 

[AZDesertRat]

Coralife are pretty low end systems sold in pet shops at inflated prices. Unless the booster pump is a genuine Aquatec 8800 its not worth it since more than likely you will be replacing everything else. I have learned over the years, used systems are rarely worth much unless you know the person selling it and the complete history of the system such as filter and membrane replacements, what the users tap TDS was, if they were using softened water and what exact waste ratio they operated it at. By the time you replace the membrane, sediment can carbon filters and the DI you have as much or more invested than you would have in a new system.

 

[Steven@]

http://melevsreef.com/http://melevsreef.com/http://melevsreef.com/5-stage Reverse Osmosis De-Ionizing filtration system. It can produce 100 gallons per day when optimum conditions are met. (60-70 psi, 76° F, TDS <200)

http://www.melevsreef.com

this is the one I can recommend

 

[KINGROWLAND1217]

Ok, thanks for the tip, I appreciate the help.

 

[ajskennes]

i really dont see what the big deal is, pretty much all ro units built for salt water aquariums use the same filters, (dow membranes, matrix carbon blocks, ge or purtrex sediment filters) but with different canisters i guess the extra gadgets like auto shut off, pressure guage and a tds meter cost more, the filters used are what determines water quality, a ro unit is a ro unit

 

[AZDesertRat]

You could not be further from the truth here. There are many different qualities of filters, housings, fittings, resins and membranes. While most of the vendors who support the various reef forums do use quality components that is not always the case. Then you get into different micron ranges of filters and some being absolute or near absolute and others not, or some that repackage resins as is while others actually test each batch of resin they receive from the manufacturers then blend them together for better life and performance. Others such as Spectrapure and Buckeye Hydro offer an extra step by testing the RO membranes for performance and Spectrapure goes even further by specially treating them and guaranteeing the performance of their Select series.

Just because they look the same visibky doesn't mean they perform the same or end up csting thsame to own and operate. Shop wisely.

 

[phillrodrigo]

Go the spectrapure refurb. It's the one I have used for the last few years. I make close to 50 gallons a week and my first di lasted me over a year. I trashed it even though I was testing 0 but went to a super di. If you have good water pressure you don't need the booster pump. My house actually has too much pressure.

 

[AZDesertRat]

No such thing as too much pressure, I have run mine at 100 psi for 7 years. The higher the pressure the more efficient it gets.

 

[KINGROWLAND1217]

Does anybody on here have well water? I have well water and don't know if I will have enough PSI

 

[AZDesertRat]

What is your pressure switch set at? It is common for domestic well systems to operate at 30-40 psi which is too low for an RO membrane to be efficient, they require at least 50 psi and higher is better.

Your pump or pressure (CAT) tank should have a pressure gauge on it you can check. If it is less than 50 psi a RO booster pump is better than trying to raise the well system pressure. Quality RO boosters such as the Aquatec 8800 sell for $125-$175 complete with a DC power supply and pressure switch.Booster Pump Kit for SpectraPure 60, 90, & 180gpd Manual-Flush Systems