RO/DI brands?

[pulpfiction]

4 to 5 gallons weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, 3 months?

Bi-weekly water changes!

Any idea what source water parameters are. Also how deep down this rabbit hole do you want to go.... !?

It's well water treated by the city. I don't know what it's parameters are. I started off using it and dechlorinated it (yes I was and still am a crazy noob LOL. The algae and junk I got from it was pretty gross) before switching to mixing my salt with distilled water. I'm not looking to get crazy with it since I run a simple FOWLR. I just want to be able to make good quality water for water changes at home.

 

[dedragon]

The great thing about even the cheap BRS starter set is you can infinitely add/remove and upgrade them as time goes on. So if you want invest a little now, and over the next year or 2 you can add more pieces and parts slowly.

That's why I say go with standard sizes, and not proprietary setup units.

you can use the brs add ons with any other standard rodi unit which is also really nice

 

[dedragon]

Bi-weekly water changes!

It's well water treated by the city. I don't know what it's parameters are. I started off using it and dechlorinated it (yes I was and still am a crazy noob LOL. The algae and junk I got from it was pretty gross) before switching to mixing my salt with distilled water. I'm not looking to get crazy with it since I run a simple FOWLR. I just want to be able to make good quality water for water changes at home.

Just make sure to check if your city water is using chloramines in the water treatment, chloramine usage will require a 5 stage or more usually

 

[Woodyman]

Bi-weekly water changes!

It's well water treated by the city. I don't know what it's parameters are. I started off using it and dechlorinated it (yes I was and still am a crazy noob LOL. The algae and junk I got from it was pretty gross) before switching to mixing my salt with distilled water. I'm not looking to get crazy with it since I run a simple FOWLR. I just want to be able to make good quality water for water changes at home.

In that case a simple 4 stage will likely suffice (again getting a standard will help if you notice a problem and need to add on stages).

Recommended would be a 5 stage with 2 carbon blocks.

Down the road you can add on another RO, more DI, etc.

If your ok with spending a little extra for quick, easy, and peace of mind go with the BRS, standard or plus.

If you want to spend even more go with spectrapure, yes they aren't cheap, but they are top notch quality.

 

[pulpfiction]

In that case a simple 4 stage will likely suffice (again getting a standard will help if you notice a problem and need to add on stages).

Recommended would be a 5 stage with 2 carbon blocks.

Down the road you can add on another RO, more DI, etc.

If your ok with spending a little extra for quick, easy, and peace of mind go with the BRS, standard or plus.

If you want to spend even more go with spectrapure, yes they aren't cheap, but they are top notch quality.

Thanks all for the great information. I may wait for the 5 stage to be back in stock. I don't mind paying more for a good unit for peace of mind. I worked too hard on my little tank to take chances. I just wasn't sure if there were equally good units besides BRS.

 

[Woodyman]

Thanks all for the great information. I may wait for the 5 stage to be back in stock. I don't mind paying more for a good unit for peace of mind. I worked too hard on my little tank to take chances. I just wasn't sure if there were equally good units besides BRS.

There are and there aren't. I've seen a 4 stage aquatic life with standard housings at my LFS for 150. Comparable to the cheap 4 stage 100god BRS for $40 less

 

[Woodyman]

Thanks all for the great information. I may wait for the 5 stage to be back in stock. I don't mind paying more for a good unit for peace of mind. I worked too hard on my little tank to take chances. I just wasn't sure if there were equally good units besides BRS.

Remember to purge your carbon prior to installing your RO/DI.

Install all filters in the correct orientation
Firmly seat the RO filter into the housing

I'd recommend buying extra lengths of tubing and the tube cutter so that you can add sampling/drain ports, so 'T' fittings and ball valves would be needed as well.

If you don't buy one with a TDS meter buy a TDS meter and install it yourself.

 

[Woodyman]

Remember to purge your carbon prior to installing your RO/DI.

Install all filters in the correct orientation
Firmly seat the RO filter into the housing

I'd recommend buying extra lengths of tubing and the tube cutter so that you can add sampling/drain ports, so 'T' fittings and ball valves would be needed as well.

If you don't buy one with a TDS meter buy a TDS meter and install it yourself.

RODI Not Putting Out 0 TDS

If that's the case the carbon fines would cause the membrane to prematurely go bad. So that may be the best TDS output your going to get until a new membrane is installed. I have a bypass valve after my carbon blocks so that when I install a new one it flushes down the drain for a good 5-10+...

www.reef2reef.com

Setup schematic on some tubing modifications you can make to ensure you are changing filters as needed.

 

[pulpfiction]

RODI Not Putting Out 0 TDS

If that's the case the carbon fines would cause the membrane to prematurely go bad. So that may be the best TDS output your going to get until a new membrane is installed. I have a bypass valve after my carbon blocks so that when I install a new one it flushes down the drain for a good 5-10+...

www.reef2reef.com

Setup schematic on some tubing modifications you can make to ensure you are changing filters as needed.

Thank you so much for all the information.

 

[Klyle]

Remember to purge your carbon prior to installing your RO/DI.

Install all filters in the correct orientation
Firmly seat the RO filter into the housing

I'd recommend buying extra lengths of tubing and the tube cutter so that you can add sampling/drain ports, so 'T' fittings and ball valves would be needed as well.

If you don't buy one with a TDS meter buy a TDS meter and install it yourself.

Does using the flush valve on the brs value plus models accomplish the purging of the carbon block? I saw this same thing mentioned the other day and have been wondering if I'm doing something wrong by just installing new carbon blocks and simply using the flush valve...

 

[Woodyman]

Does using the flush valve on the brs value plus models accomplish the purging of the carbon block? I saw this same thing mentioned the other day and have been wondering if I'm doing something wrong by just installing new carbon blocks and simply using the flush valve...

Yes and no. A dedicated flush that doesn't come in contact with your membrane would be ideal.

The flush valve will still flush the carbon fines down the drain, but in doing so it goes past/over the membrane/housing. So in theory you could still cause some fouling if carbon fines settle and/or are left behind after the flush.

 

[Woodyman]

Thank you so much for all the information.

You're welcome!

 

[Klyle]

Yes and no. A dedicated flush that doesn't come in contact with your membrane would be ideal.

The flush valve will still flush the carbon fines down the drain, but in doing so it goes past/over the membrane/housing. So in theory you could still cause some fouling if carbon fines settle and/or are left behind after the flush.

Awesome. I am trying to figure out your diagram now. Thanks!

 

[Woodyman]

Awesome. I am trying to figure out your diagram now. Thanks!

Feel free to PM me with any specific questions if you wish.

I prefer color coding all my tubing, but you don't have to. It just makes it easier for setup and troubleshooting.

 

[14 foot reef]

Hi, I want to get an rodi unit but the only ones I can find a lot of information on is the BRS one. That's basically all that's on youtube and they all feel like infomercials and their stuff is all out of stock and they seem overpriced? There are a lot of different ones on Amazon. Is Ispring or any other brands good? Or is BRS worth spending their premium on and waiting for a restock? I'm looking for a 5 stage 75 GDP unit

As long as I can remember every RODI system I have ever bought is from Russ at Buckeye Hydro.
His knowledge and customer service is unmatched in the filter world.

Residential and Commercial Water Filtration Systems | RODI Systems | Reverse Osmosis Filtration System - Buckeye Hydro

At Buckeye Hydro we specialize in providing the highest quality water filtration systems and accessories for every potential need.

www.buckeyehydro.com

 

[brightlifeaquaculture]

Spectrapure is my favorite. Definitely more pricey some units come with auto flush and sensors to automate water container etc. they also can make custom units.

 

[Woodyman]

As long as I can remember every RODI system I have ever bought is from Russ at Buckeye Hydro.
His knowledge and customer service is unmatched in the filter world.

Residential and Commercial Water Filtration Systems | RODI Systems | Reverse Osmosis Filtration System - Buckeye Hydro

At Buckeye Hydro we specialize in providing the highest quality water filtration systems and accessories for every potential need.

www.buckeyehydro.com

I have read/heard plenty of good and Russ knows his stuff from what I've read of his posts/troubleshooting with people on here.

Never had personal experience, but I would give him a try if the need arose.

 

[Woodyman]

Spectrapure is my favorite. Definitely more pricey some units come with auto flush and sensors to automate water container etc. they also can make custom units.

I have to agree, ive dealt with spectrapure for many years through my profession and I've had them design some systems.

Very knowledgeable and helpful as well, but you do pay a premium for this.

I do think they have the best DI resin hands down, no other DI resin compares.

 

[brightlifeaquaculture]

I have to agree, ive dealt with spectrapure for many years through my profession and I've had them design some systems.

Very knowledgeable and helpful as well, but you do pay a premium for this.

I do think they have the best DI resin hands down, no other DI resin compares.

Also agree 10 plus years very minimal problems great support. Some may see price as a downfall but it’s one of the few things we’re you get a great product for the higher price.

 

[Woodyman]

Also agree 10 plus years very minimal problems great support. Some may see price as a downfall but it’s one of the few things we’re you get a great product for the higher price.

The price can be intimidating. The DI is more expensive, but compared to budget and other brands it far out performs in my personal experience.