RODI - Which unit

Lunger50 · Dec 26, 2018

Hey, I am looking to get myself an RODI system but I am having difficulty figuring out what unit may best suit my needs? Any info would be appreciated. Looking at one of the first three 5 stage units on this page... https://www.reefsupplies.ca/online-store/5-Stage/

Or maybe I don't need 5 stage and I can go with one of these 4 stage units? https://www.reefsupplies.ca/online-store/4-Stage/

Any insights, reviews , suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Thanks

mich2599 · Dec 27, 2018

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/bulk-reverse-osmosis-filters-systems/reverse-osmosis-systems.html

Cheaper and great quality.

Reefin Ryan · Dec 27, 2018

Since you are in Canada I would recommend taking a look at the Marine Depot branded ones. https://www.marinedepot.com/Marine_..._Systems-Marine_Depot-MD9115-FIRORDNH-vi.html They are regarded as a solid unit and very similar to the Bulk Reef Supply ones. They are cheaper as well but more importantly they list that they are built with a "Manual Flush Valve Kit to extend TFC Membrane Life" which yours didn't mention unless I missed it.

To me that is a MUST have feature in any RODI unit.
Other features I can't live without but some do are the inline TDS meter and the pressure gauge. I would strongly recommend getting a unit with both of these as well. The inline meter on the link I gave measures the TDS before the DI stage. useful because if your TDS after the sediment filter, carbon block, RO membrane phase is higher than about 4 TDS(if i remember correctly) you want either a second carbon block or need a booster pump or both. It also measures TDS after the DI resin stage which is supposed to be 0. If it isnt and your TDS going into the DI phase is where it is supposed to be about 4 TDS or lower then you know your DI resin is needing replacing. Those inline TDS meters to me are a huge plus and to me a must have. The pressure gauge to me also is a must. I found out I only had 30 PSI coming out of my faucet which is way lower then ideal and pushing the limits of the unit so I had to buy a booster pump. Luckily I had the pressure gauge to tell me. Even if your water pressure is normal range (40ish-50ish)I still reccommend a booster pump also. its worth the extra money since it not only makes the water a lot quicker but also lowers TDS because it pushes the water through the RO membrane at the ideal operating speed which makes it operate more efficently at removing TDS. They come factory set at about 90PSI and most run them there but it does push the limit of your fittings on the unit so I turn mine to about 75. Other features on the more expensive units are the water saver RO membrane. If you are constantly making water and the price of water is a concern then this could be for you but since it recyles the waste water from the unit it does deplete your resin quicker. I would reccomend starting without these and adding it later as an addon if needed unless you pay a lot for water and have a huge tank.

I wound up getting a 4 stage Bulk Reef Supply Plus model myself and couldn't be happier. 4 stage is all you need to get 0 TDS water if your city water isnt overly high starting TDS. This is off the top of my head but if I remember correctly the general recommendation is above 200-300 city TDS water you want more than 4 stage. Additional stages are for different things and can be added later if you find they are needed or want the added luxury. other stages are normally a second carbon block which isn't needed if your city TDS water isnt excessively high but using 2 is nice. the first one in line will deplete quicker so you buy a replacement for that one then swap the other used one to where that one used to be kind of like rotating your tires, haha. having 2 carbon blocks is mainly for extra pre-DI resin filtering which will prolong the life of your DI resin if one carbon block doesnt reduce TDS enough before the DI phase.(becaue of high starting TDS water from your city or well water etc). The other extra stages are all about DI resin. There are 2 different DI resins used in the DI stage. One always depletes quicker so in a 4 stage it's a little wasteful but something I accept for my uses. The additional stages for DI seperate the resins so you are only replacing the one that gets depleted first. you can buy up to a 7 stage RODI unit and basically that has 2 carbon blocks, and 3 DI resin stages(2 canisters for the faster depleting DI resin and one for the slower. Thats the ultimate install basically.

I know this is a lot to take in but you can also open up bulk reef supplies youtube page and search for "RODI" in their channel search tab. They have many videos on RODI units which do a better job of explaining everything I am saying and a lot more and it is easier to injest in video format. Reading about them made my head spin and can seem overwhleming at first, haha. Definately do your homework and don't buy a cheap piece of garbage. I read so many reviews of people that did and bought off branded garbage units and later went and bought a real unit so this is something you want to get right the first time

Lunger50 · Dec 27, 2018

Thanks for that. Really appreciate it. The marine depot one converted to Canadian funds is almost 250, I will also get screwed with shipping and likely duty and import fees, so probably cost me north of 300.

Looks like my choices are really between Spectrapure and Aquaticlife. The Spectrapure units seem to be highly recommended and do not use proprietary cartridges which I believe Aquaticlife does.

TDS here about 105, Chlorine (total, as Chloramine) - 1.80 mg/l

CC13 · Dec 27, 2018

mich2599 said:
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/bulk-reverse-osmosis-filters-systems/reverse-osmosis-systems.html

Cheaper and great quality.

lol BRS is Cheaper yes, no chance its better quality when comparing top of the line units from either. Spectrapure units are some of the best in the hobby. All they do is manufacture and build and design water purification units.

OP is also located in Canada so ordering from BRS means you have to pay USD, then shipping, brokerage, import and duties.

Reefin Ryan · Dec 28, 2018

Lunger50 said:
Thanks for that. Really appreciate it. The marine depot one converted to Canadian funds is almost 250, I will also get screwed with shipping and likely duty and import fees, so probably cost me north of 300.

Looks like my choices are really between Spectrapure and Aquaticlife. The Spectrapure units seem to be highly recommended and do not use proprietary cartridges which I believe Aquaticlife does.

TDS here about 105, Chlorine (total, as Chloramine) - 1.80 mg/l

In that case the 4 stage unit you linked would should be perfect for your city water situation and if it's cheaper I would get it. Some people swear by Spectrapure almost militantly, lol. Can't go wrong with it from everything I have read. The only thing that 4 stage you mentioned lacks is the flush valve but if you google "spectrapure flush valve" you will find the manual flush valve sold seperately for 10-15$ USD depending on where you get it. Google TDS creep and read up a bit and decide for yourself if you think you need it but I highly recommend it for TDS creep and believe it's a real thing and not some conspiracy theory like some suggest.

Hopefully you have enough PSI and don't need a booster pump like I did. I am happy for you that you are getting a RODI unit. I know I love reefing waaaaaaay more now that I don't have to lug multiple 5 gallon buckets back and forth to the LFS to buy mine anymore.