Best recommended RO/DI system?

[Many Waters]

Hi all! I'm new to the forum, but not as new to the hobby.

I'd like to purchase a good RO/DI system for my home, as the one I bought earlier this year has turned out to be a piece of crap. I have a 180 gal reef, a 20 gal nano reef, and a 40 gal fish only salt tank. I'd like to be able to not only fill up my auto top off bins, but mix my own salt water at home. So obv, high gal/day plus high $$ value ......and of course, being awesome at its job are some of the features I'm looking for. Lol. Thanks in advance for any input! I don't want to make a knee jerk decision based on my anger with my current unit. :lmao:

 

[Psirex]

5 stage BRS system.....

posted using alternating currents.....

 

[Many Waters]

5 stage BRS system.....

posted using alternating currents.....

Thank you! I appreciate it. That's actually the one I was looking at!


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[FunFishin24]

I like the Spectrapure units.

 

[iced98lx]

Most of the systems are VERY similar. Check out this video for more info: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58J4Jrw4ZbY&list=PLBaMLrfToJyzroiJy9VRgO4nhm9S5Vbhw

Things you'll decide:

RO membrane size- most go with one or more 10 inch unit.

RO membrane- I like the membranes shipped with the BRS kit, as do most and many other vendors use DOW membranes just like them. The membrane inside the 10 inch canister can be replaced if needed. Most are "75gpd" based on a given pressure and the limiter installed.

Pre-Filters: these canisters (usually 3 of them) are for sediment and carbon block filters. You'll replace the filters within them somewhat regularly. Again 10 or 20 inch most are 10. BRS sells replacement filter kits that work well.

DI Stage: Again size will be an option and how many stages do you want? Most want 2 so that when one exhuasts they can catch it before getting more than 1 tds water into their system. BRS sells a nice add on dual canister setup that I have 2 of.


I don't think you'll go wrong buying a BRS 5 stage, but what do you have now? It's likely you can order a filter set and maybe a new membrane + a dual DI setup from BRS and have basically the same setup and save some cash. The plastic canisters and lines aren't unique after all.

 

[iced98lx]

Oh, forgot to add: I'd highly suggest not focusing too much on GPD outside of understanding the effects on amount of waste water etc and get a decent tank if you space. See the "Mixing Station" thread for inspiration in the DIY Forum.

I have two 100 gallon tanks, one is always full of DI water, ready to go into a top off container. The other is where I mix saltwater and pull out of for water changes. It's nice to be able to just flip a few ball valves and top up my salt tank from my DI, toss in salt and get mixing while the DI tank fills itself at it's own pace. I too have a 180 gallon display tank, a 75 gallon frag tank and a 29 gallon bio cube I use for QT to juggle, this seems to be plenty of water volume for these tanks (probably a touch overkill) and very handy.

 

[saf1]

Not my thread but wanted to say thank you iced. I was looking at a system and found your replies helpful. If I don't find a reasonable transport method for nsw then I will be going this route. So Ty for the reply. Helped me also

 

[iced98lx]

Glad it was useful, there are a variety of conditions (Low water pressure, chlormines, high c02, especially cold water) that I didn't cover but those range from requiring a different type of pre-filter for chrlormines to a booster pump setup for low water to the possibility of setting up an off-gas tank for the other two.

Generally, unless you're talking really big daily water needs the RO/DI system for larger tanks doesn't need to be much bigger than that for a smaller system, you just need bigger holding tanks and some planning to have water on hand.

Using an RO/DI system and making saltwater is one of the things I wish more hobbyists did. It gives you the ability to do an emergency water change, as well as puts you in more control for upkeep (5 gallon, 10 gallon, 100 gallon water changes? your choice since you're not lugging gallon containers around!). Those that have easy access to NSW (especially if they can deliver and fill holding tanks!) are very lucky.

 

[saf1]

Glad it was useful, there are a variety of conditions (Low water pressure, chlormines, high c02, especially cold water) that I didn't cover but those range from requiring a different type of pre-filter for chrlormines to a booster pump setup for low water to the possibility of setting up an off-gas tank for the other two.

Generally, unless you're talking really big daily water needs the RO/DI system for larger tanks doesn't need to be much bigger than that for a smaller system, you just need bigger holding tanks and some planning to have water on hand.

Using an RO/DI system and making saltwater is one of the things I wish more hobbyists did. It gives you the ability to do an emergency water change, as well as puts you in more control for upkeep (5 gallon, 10 gallon, 100 gallon water changes? your choice since you're not lugging gallon containers around!). Those that have easy access to NSW (especially if they can deliver and fill holding tanks!) are very lucky.

Yeah, agreed. That is why I found your post useful because I'm going to buy one no matter what. I'm in Northern California (outside Sacramento) and go diving in Monterey a couple times a year. So technically I can get some pretty clear water in that area from the shore and just pump it to a holding container in the truck. My preference is something somewhat closer outside San Francisco but the water up near the bay is pretty crappy although Point Reyes may have something. Just need to see what works best or just forget it all together.

Which gets me back to ordering a RO/DI system Will be ordering the BRS 5 stage.

 

[Arthur1]

Just remember, vodka is clear and we only want our fish swimming in a little. Do yourself a favor, if you start using NSW, in which I approve of by the way, test the water parameters after it is the correct temperature. Near shore water collection is not always the best quality for a myriad of reasons that you can probably think of. Other than that, enjoy.

 

[saf1]

Just remember, vodka is clear and we only want our fish swimming in a little. Do yourself a favor, if you start using NSW, in which I approve of by the way, test the water parameters after it is the correct temperature. Near shore water collection is not always the best quality for a myriad of reasons that you can probably think of. Other than that, enjoy.

I will, and thanks for the tip. I actually wrote the water resource control board and also fish and game to make sure it was ok. Several of the areas I was looking at are protected has far as fishing, etc. But yeah, it may work or may not. If nothing else I have brought home 5 gallon buckets full with no harm (that I'm aware of). But I am derailing the thread, sorry OP.

I ended up ordering the BRS 5 stage though. At the end of the day I know I need top off water so it made sense. Again, not my thread but I found the information good So many thanks.

 

[Many Waters]

Yeah, agreed. That is why I found your post useful because I'm going to buy one no matter what. I'm in Northern California (outside Sacramento) and go diving in Monterey a couple times a year. So technically I can get some pretty clear water in that area from the shore and just pump it to a holding container in the truck. My preference is something somewhat closer outside San Francisco but the water up near the bay is pretty crappy although Point Reyes may have something. Just need to see what works best or just forget it all together.



Which gets me back to ordering a RO/DI system Will be ordering the BRS 5 stage.

Glad my thread was useful! Lol. Again thank you for the input and info- our BRS unit is already installed!!! Yay fast shipping!!! [emoji1317][emoji1317] many thanks, y'all!

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