RODI Water Filter - AquaticLife vs BRS

GuppyHJD · Oct 3, 2020

Hello,
I am looking to buy a RODI water filter - my lfs is recommending the AquaticLife 100 gpd 4-stage filter. When I look at BRS, their filter has screw off filter covers and the filter elements seem more universal (easy to get, etc).
The AquaticLife cartridges seem easier to change. I can't tell how long the AquaticLife vs the BRS filters last.
I do not like the DI element is horizonal in the BRS setup.

Recommendations?
Thank you

DaddyFish · Oct 3, 2020

The quality and configuration of the included cartridges is certainly an up-front cost consideration, but base your decision much more on the configuration and features of the unit than the cartridges (provided all are universal 10" and not proprietarty). You will be changing cartridges soon enough and you can get whatever suits your incoming water source the best.

I don't have a BRS, I have an Aquatic Life that I added prefilter stages to the stream, and an Ice Cap that's automatic with the same number of stages. Having the TDS meters and intelligent controller in the IceCap makes a HUGE difference in my satisfaction level with the system.

Philly Reefer · Oct 3, 2020

GuppyHJD said:
Hello,
I am looking to buy a RODI water filter - my lfs is recommending the AquaticLife 100 gpd 4-stage filter. When I look at BRS, their filter has screw off filter covers and the filter elements seem more universal (easy to get, etc).
The AquaticLife cartridges seem easier to change. I can't tell how long the AquaticLife vs the BRS filters last.
I do not like the DI element is horizonal in the BRS setup.

Recommendations?
Thank you

Disclamer I have BRS 4 stage.
Looking at the aquaticlife, you can only use their filters, right?

Why I like BRS, is because I can upgrade them in the future. Thinking of making it 7 stages.

How long the filter last? That depend on your water. Changing the filters seems to be easy enough for me

Not sure what you mean with the DI is horizontal. It's upright (vertical) and I use the color changing one so I can see when I need to change it

Water Dog · Oct 4, 2020

Not a fan of Aquaticlife and their more expensive proprietary prefilter and DI replacement cartridges. Go with BRS, Spectrapure or Buckeye Hydro RODI units. They use quality standard canister housings and the universal replacement prefilters and DI refills end up being both cheaper and of higher quality.

TheHarold · Oct 4, 2020

The new aquamaxx one looks great: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/p...-osmosis-deionization-filtration-unit.756510/

Rodi Upgrade - Bulk Reef Supply

Shop Rodi Upgrade at Bulk Reef Supply and get rewarded on every purchase with our Preferred Reefer program.

www.marinedepot.com

I have a AquaFX Octopus, which is also a smart unit with booster pump, auto flush etc. Definitly worth getting a booster pump if your pressure is <50psi.

Rit6942 · Oct 4, 2020

Pretty much all rodi units are the same with "rebranded" stickers on em.......i know ive been making em for 2 decades..........just make sure the membranes are quality units on em like from DOW. I run a 200gpd 4 stage unit featuring a 1 micron sediment filter a carbon cartridge......into a pair of DOW 100gpd ro membranes and then to a DI polishing cartridge. Imo better off building your own. Save some serious coin. Easy peasy to buy and assemble yourself.

GuppyHJD · Oct 4, 2020

Rit6942 said:
Pretty much all rodi units are the same with "rebranded" stickers on em.......i know ive been making em for 2 decades..........just make sure the membranes are quality units on em like from DOW. I run a 200gpd 4 stage unit featuring a 1 micron sediment filter a carbon cartridge......into a pair of DOW 100gpd ro membranes and then to a DI polishing cartridge. Imo better off building your own. Save some serious coin. Easy peasy to buy and assemble yourself.

When you say build your own...just get the individual filter parts and join them? TDS meter? Back flush? Pressure gauges?

Rit6942 · Oct 4, 2020

GuppyHJD said:
When you say build your own...just get the individual filter parts and join them? TDS meter? Back flush? Pressure gauges?

Exactly. Every part can be bought online.

KStatefan · Oct 4, 2020

GuppyHJD said:
Hello,
I am looking to buy a RODI water filter - my lfs is recommending the AquaticLife 100 gpd 4-stage filter. When I look at BRS, their filter has screw off filter covers and the filter elements seem more universal (easy to get, etc).
The AquaticLife cartridges seem easier to change. I can't tell how long the AquaticLife vs the BRS filters last.
I do not like the DI element is horizonal in the BRS setup.

Recommendations?
Thank you

I do not like the Aquaticlife since if has proprietary filters. I have not seen a BRS unit that has horizontal DI stages. Their unit are configured like most.

I would look at a @Buckeye Hydro system also, call them and they will put a system together that meets your needs.