RO/DI unit Booster pump

[alsantiago]

So I have a 20 gallon nano reef and only need to make about 30 gallons of RODI water a month. I purchased this RO unit since it only cost around 80 bucks and I was paying 17$ a month for water at the LFS that is 30 min away.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FAYBVB8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It is a 150GPD (6.25 GPH) unit as long as you have the correct pressure. I do not have a pressure gauge but I know it takes around 2 hours to make 5 gallons, which obviously means I don't have the right pressure. I don't mind it taking that long to make water as long as it doesn't affect the RO unit and doesn't waste ridiculous amounts of water.

My questions are:
1. Am I wasting more water by not having the right pressure?
2. Will my filters be exhausted faster at low pressure?
3. Are there any booster pumps for less than 50$ out there (if you guys think I need one)?

Thank you,

 

[alton]

A RODI unit needs two things, water pressure gauge and a inline TDS meter. Save up your money and buy one from Russ at Buckeye or spectrapure. All you need is a 75g per day unit.

 

[kzaveri19]

I would get a pressure gauge before buying a pump. You might want to contact the seller to see if they provide one.

 

[mcgyvr]

I simply adjust the water pressure for my whole home vs worrying about a booster pump..
Showers are much better now too..

"most" homes will have a pressure regulator where the water enters the house (in crawlspace,etc..) A few turns of a bolt on top and voila..

Mine was set at 35PSI by the home builder and I raised it up to ~50 PSI while running..

Usually looks something like this..