RODI filters on Amazon vs BRS

[timrocks311]

I'm looking to buy all new filters for my 5 stage RODI system. I'm trying to save money where possible but obviously also want something that will work well. It seems to make sense just buying DI resin and probably the universal carbon filters from BRS. It might be best to just buy their whole replacement kit. Dow RO membrane I can get cheaper. I'm considering the sediment filters on Amazon vs the ones on BRS though. They have a 6 pack of Aquaboon 1 mircon for $14. Considerably cheaper but the one area I'm thinking doesn't need absolute top of the line is the sediment filter. Anyone have experience trying out other filters like this? Is it worth it or do they just not last? Thanks.

 

[bif24701]

I haven't needed to change my BRS carbon blocks in over a year. You should be testing all your filters to know when it's time to change them already. So why not try the cheaper ones and when they start to pass chlorine use that to make a comparison to the BRS blocks.

Personnel I feel more comfortable buying BRS because I know I am getting the best performance at a reasonable price compared to others. Pure quality water is especially important in a reef tank and I'm not risking it for an extra dollar or two in savings. Filter replacements to me seem pretty low cost considering what they do.

I have compared BRS carbon blocks to others and the BRS is far heavier, more carbon. I got a GE sediment filter years ago, still have the same one and PSI hasn't dropped at all.

 

[Opus]

How old is your RO membrane? It may not need changing. They usually last 3 to 5+ years. Check your TDS out of the membrane and if it is within spec I would not change it out.

Think of it this way. The prefilter protects the carbon filter, and the carbon filter protects the RO membrane. If you go cheap on the sediment filter then you could be damaging your carbon filter and it won't last as long as it should. A damaged carbon filter could then let thru chemicals that could destroy your RO membrane. You can't really judge when you need to change your filters based on other users experience unless they are on the same water system. There are several people on here that live in areas where there TDS is under 20 so their filters will last longer than mine, which my tap TDS is close to 500.

 

[timrocks311]

My RODI unit is about 12 years old. I used it for about 5 years without changing it. It's been sitting for about 7 years since I got rid of my tank. I just want to make sure I start fresh now.

 

[Opus]

My RODI unit is about 12 years old. I used it for about 5 years without changing it. It's been sitting for about 7 years since I got rid of my tank. I just want to make sure I start fresh now.

You definitely need all new filters. Do you know your TDS at the tap? Also, make sure if you get a different gpd RO membrane than what you currently have, you will need a matching flow restrictor.

 

[timrocks311]

I do have a TDS meter but I haven't checked my TDS yet. I have a 600 flow restricter compatible with a 75 gpd membrane I believe.

 

[roberthu526]

How old is your RO membrane? It may not need changing. They usually last 3 to 5+ years. Check your TDS out of the membrane and if it is within spec I would not change it out.

Think of it this way. The prefilter protects the carbon filter, and the carbon filter protects the RO membrane. If you go cheap on the sediment filter then you could be damaging your carbon filter and it won't last as long as it should. A damaged carbon filter could then let thru chemicals that could destroy your RO membrane. You can't really judge when you need to change your filters based on other users experience unless they are on the same water system. There are several people on here that live in areas where there TDS is under 20 so their filters will last longer than mine, which my tap TDS is close to 500.

My tap water is at 40 TDS and I changed my sediment filter after a year of use because it was getting really dirty. My housing is clear so the color of the filter is a good indicator. My TDS out of the unit has always been 0 or 1 so I have not changed anything else yet. But I read as the filter blocks get dirtier the RO unit may get less efficient so I am thinking about changing out the filters.