Looking to soon setup a rodi unit (tired of buying distilled). I live in the Los Angeles area and was wondering if a 4 stage unit will achieve the 0 TDS we all want. Will 4 make the cut or should I get a 5? Experience in my area greatly appreciated!
RODI Qs
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ichthyogeek
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@terraincognita , tagging bc you're in LA
I think it depends on where in LA you are. I hear that some parts of LA get water from different reservoirs, which can drastically affect water composition. So if you're in an area with really hard water, that's different than an area with really soft water. You should be able to get a water quality report from your water supplier.
Additionally, it also depends on if LA runs chloramines. If it does, then a 5 stage filter might be better than a 4 stage filter.
Here's a spreadsheet on the different RODI Units (4 stage) that I know. It's out of date (last updated like 6 months ago), but still fairly helpful:
I think it depends on where in LA you are. I hear that some parts of LA get water from different reservoirs, which can drastically affect water composition. So if you're in an area with really hard water, that's different than an area with really soft water. You should be able to get a water quality report from your water supplier.
Additionally, it also depends on if LA runs chloramines. If it does, then a 5 stage filter might be better than a 4 stage filter.
Here's a spreadsheet on the different RODI Units (4 stage) that I know. It's out of date (last updated like 6 months ago), but still fairly helpful:
Having your own RO is definitely worth it, so good for you.
Generally, you always need:
1 sediment filter
1, if not 2, carbon blocks
RO
DI
If your water system is using chloramine to disinfect, then that requires a special carbon block. You can call your local public water system and ask.
TDS out of the tap might be useful to know as well.
Hope that helps.
Generally, you always need:
1 sediment filter
1, if not 2, carbon blocks
RO
DI
If your water system is using chloramine to disinfect, then that requires a special carbon block. You can call your local public water system and ask.
TDS out of the tap might be useful to know as well.
Hope that helps.
terraincognita
Valuable Member
I’ve been hearing in the last year also LA County added larger amounts of chlorine, chloramines, and fluoride.
I personally ended up going with a pretty budget $300 RODI Unit, but if I could go back in time I’d throw the extra $300 at it since now I’m just gonna upgrade whenever I get the money.
I’ve never been able to get below 2TDS with my unit. I blame it on my $15 TDS meter but who knows.
I’d definitely say spend the extra cash here though.
definitely Would try to get a 2nd membrane in there if you can, the water here is just so toxic dirty they overkill it to clean it up. Sorry, wish we lived elsewhere.
5 stage should be your minimum. With an additional membrane would be ideal.
I personally ended up going with a pretty budget $300 RODI Unit, but if I could go back in time I’d throw the extra $300 at it since now I’m just gonna upgrade whenever I get the money.
I’ve never been able to get below 2TDS with my unit. I blame it on my $15 TDS meter but who knows.
I’d definitely say spend the extra cash here though.
definitely Would try to get a 2nd membrane in there if you can, the water here is just so toxic dirty they overkill it to clean it up. Sorry, wish we lived elsewhere.
5 stage should be your minimum. With an additional membrane would be ideal.
