Need advice on first RO/DI unit

[Yx2016]

I am trying to purchase my first RO/DI unit for my 90G saltwater tank. I did a lot of research and narrowed down my choices to the following two:

- Spectrapure Starter Kit: $160 + shipping ~ $195
- Spectrapure Chloramine Removal System: $200 with free shipping (I am assuming this is the same unit that sells for $220 plus shipping on the spectrapure web site)

Both of them come to around $200. I know there is an extra set of filters for the starter kit. I have the following questions:

- My tap water doesn't have chloramine according to the local water report. Is it an overkill to get the chloramine removal unit? Is it worth the extra money?
- Which one has lower maintenance cost in the long run? Will it be more expensive to maintain two carbon filters than one?

Appreciate your input!

 

[tkeracer619]

The additional cost would be the price of the additional carbon block when it's time to replace carts.

I have the chloramine system. It's great!


Something you may consider is bumping up to a 99% rejection membrane. It will reduce long term di costs for not much more initial investment. If you contact them they can set you up.

 

[Willyboz1]

Following. I'm in the market too

 

[2smokes]

Most economical would be to get a ro/DI system thats refillable and you buy the charcoal,Di resin and wool filter separatedly.I buit my last osmosys filter with somme refillable containers that were normmaly used to house ceramic filter.They have same fittings as the 75 GHP membrane and was an easy job just to conect thoose and fill the cartridges.If you dont know how to build then buy one that has refillable cartridges allready made.Also its verry important that you have enough pressure in the water instalation at home.It doesnt work if youre using it on well water system if the pressure is low and to increase the pressure you could buy an aditional booster pump.A TDS meter is a tool you need to measure the water.

 

[Yx2016]

Thanks for the advice. I am leaning towards the chloramine removal unit right now since it may give me some more flexibility down the road.

Any additional advice? Thanks!

 

[Ou8me2]

I would go for the Spectrapure Chloramine Removal System. You never know if they may change the water system someday. I know mine didn't used to use Chloramines , but now they do as of 2015. Using 2 carbon blocks won't really make it more expensive as the first one will get most of it and the 2nd will catch what the first didn't catch and have minimal effect. Then you can rotate one at a time.

 

[madreefer2013]

Mikro Omega Portable is great for people with confined spaces.

 

[Smoke Inator]

I went with
Aquatic Life Twist-In 100 Gpd 4-Stage Ro Unit
It was easy to install, I installed it under my mud sink in the laundry room.
Used the screw on input to connect to the faucet...to hide everything I roll up the tubes and have a Velcro strap underneath.
I was thinking of getting a drinking faucet attached for the output...It takes an hour or so to do 5 gal

 

[Tron_954]

If you don't have chloramines in the water why would you get the chloramine kit...
Get a simple 4 stage...
.5 micron sediment filter
.5 micron carbon filter
Membrane
Maxcap di or silica buster di....


Here's a refurbished unit by spectrapure... Boom....

http://spectrapure.com/Refurbished-90-GPD-RODI-System

We have around 120tds on average here and I replace the filters once a year... It's also used for drinking water...

 

[bo0sted2g]

Need advice on first RO/DI unit

I just received my Refurb SpectraPure unit in the mail. All I can say is you won't be disappointed. I can't find any reason why this couldn't be sold as brand new.... no scratches dents or anything, the filters and membranes are all brand new the membrane canisters are all new. Came with all new hoses.

I am definitely happy with this product and it's build quality. Was also skeptical about the refurbished unit but you really can't go wrong with it.

So from my unbiased neutral review I would say if they still have any in stock definitely pick one up if you are trying to save a few bucks. The only thing worth mentioning is that I think that the refurb units DO NOT come with a warranty. But in all reality there are no moving parts or electronics so I'm not really worried about the warranty. All parts to this unit are easily removed and replaceable

THIS WAS THE ONLY LITTLE TINY IMPERFECTION I COULD FIND!

And you can barely even see it



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[Tron_954]

Same exact one i posted in the link... $112.

 

[bo0sted2g]

Need advice on first RO/DI unit

Same exact one i posted in the link... $112.

Yeah that's why I figured I would post up and give some insight if the refurbished unit was worth it or not since mine just came in the mail.

And like OP I was teetering on trying to decide which unit to get.

After shipping (which they 2-3day priority ship these things.) Came out to $128 to my front door!

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