Should I get a RO/DI unit?

[yalan]

I am kinda a newbie here. Someone is getting out of the reef hobby and is selling their used RO/DI unit for $100. I think it is about 3 to 4 years old. I was wondering that how long do they last and if it is worth getting it. Thanks.

 

[nanojg]

Do you know the brand/model? I think most units last a long long time (as far as the equipment part). I replace my filters every 6-12 months, membrane every 12-18 months, and DI resin every 2-3 months.

I would not have a reef tank without an RO/DI unit.

 

[yalan]

this is the link he provided me

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/75-gpd-ro-di-5-stage-plus-system.html

 

[nanojg]

I think $100 is a fair price; although by the time you replace all the filters it will cost about the same as the brs price. Do you know how old the filters, membrane and di resin is?

 

[pmrossetti]

get a new one.

 

[GF3]

Buy new, even $100 is a bit pricey for a used setup unless its coming with all new filters and a membrane.

Im not going to place any hotlinks, but i suggest you look up this RO/DI system: ROH-6BT-2W under $150 shipped, can be used for drinking water and DI water for your tank, comes with a sink spout and holding canister, with free shipping.

I think the only thing you would need to go with that is a pressure gauge and TDS meter, which you can get anywhere, just find the best price somewhere on them.

 

[sasharotty]

I agree buy new, thats a little high depending on age of blocks resin and membrane like stated.Check the for sale forum here you can catch a ton of good deals on rodi's. I picked up mine here, a 90 gpd 4 stage spectrpure with inline tds meter for around 110 bucks shipped and it was brand new.

Edit------ Just saw your posts, get to 50 so you can get to the selling threads.

 

[jeff@zina.com]

I was wondering that how long do they last and if it is worth getting it.

A RO/DI unit is basically some tubing, some housings for filters and membranes and a rack to hold it neat. These almost never wear out, though the tubing can have issues, and every single part is available.

The main cost of any RO/DI unit is the filters, membrane and resin. For normal units, filters can run $10-40 each, resin is about $10-20 and the membrane is $50-75. In a new, $150 unit, the hardware (non-consumables) is probably about $40-50 of the price, the consumables are the rest.

In a used unit, the hardware is what you are buying and all consumables are suspect. Membranes are especially suspect if the unit is dry, they need to be stored wet. Filters and resins are suspect because you don't know what water or other material has been run through it. So to recondition a used unit that sold for $150 new will cost about $70-100, assuming hardware is fine.

Personally, that means a RO/DI unit selling used, in "perfect" condition, would be worth less than $50 to me, more like $25 or so. You can do similar math with the exact unit you're considering, that's just my range.

Jeff

 

[yalan]

thanks guys for all the good suggestion. The guy told me that it is about 1 year old with all orginal parts and filters, which means I will probably get new filters/resins soon if I choose to get it. I am leaning towards getting new instead.

 

[saintsr#1]

They are very nice to have and makes everything soooo much easier..

 

[biocube386]

SoOoOoOoOoOo!!!!!!! Much easier! And the money you will save on buying RO water of a year time and able to make your own saltwater.

 

[nanojg]

The main cost of any RO/DI unit is the filters, membrane and resin. For normal units, filters can run $10-40 each, resin is about $10-20 and the membrane is $50-75. In a new, $150 unit, the hardware (non-consumables) is probably about $40-50 of the price, the consumables are the

Jeff

resin is only $10 and filters are no where near $40, where are you buying your stuff?!

 

[NYC/NJREEFS]

RODI Filter

RODI Filter

Yes, you definitely need a RODI unit if you want to avoid problems in the future with algae. That unit for $100 will need a new set of filters and posibly a new membrane too. The average life of the membrane, depending if its back flushed is about 3-4yrs, as for the other filter cartridges they should be replace every 6-12months depending on your water conditions and amount of water made. Just go with a new unit if you can afford it.
Goodluck!!!