the filter guyz ro/di systems... help

[brad29]

am going to be ordering from
http://www.thefilterguys.biz/ro_di_systems.htm
i see there are a few models available to choose from. I see there was a discussion here the other day about these people and my question was what the big difference was between the $130.00 - OCEAN WAVE FIVE STAGE 75 GPD RO/DI and then $155.00 - OCEAN WAVE+ FIVE STAGE 75 GPD RO/DI and then $ 195.00 - OCEAN REEF + 1 FIVE STAGE 75 GPD RO/DI...? I don't plan on keeping any intense reef or anything like that. I mostly dabble in the FOWLR part of the hobby. Would the $130.00 package be sufficient enough or is it worth the extra money to get bigger and better?

Thanks

 

[jbrunken]

The $130 model differs from the other 2 in that the Stage 5 DI cartridge is mounted horizontally (it also appears smaller) As I understand it the horizontal units don't do quite as well as the vertical units.

The only difference between the $155 model and the $195 model is that it comes with some extras that you may (or may not) need:

PRESSURE GAUGE KIT - $12
MEMBRANE FLUSH VALVE - $10
DUAL TDS METER - $35
AUTO SHUT-OFF - $8

All are nice, but the TDS meter is probably a must and so is the auto shut-off if you plan to use with a float valve.

After I ordered mine, I had to turn around and order a few extras that I didn't think of at first.

1) Some extra tubing (this is available locally at Menards/HD but it's not quite as nice as the stuff from Filter Guys (IMHO).

2) Float Valve

3) Locking clips (probably not needed, but better safe then sorry)

-JB

 

[einsteins]

Nice summary JB !

 

[brad29]

thanks jb i wasn't sure what to look for in each one of those models.. you do make a good point i will probably opt for the reef +1 model $195 . i'd rather be safe than sorry!

 

[jbrunken]

No problem... That's the one I got and I'm really happy with it.

-JB

 

[Coralfreak]

One thing I'll add, I have 3 of the "dual TDS" meters(loooong story), IMVHO these things are junk. None of them read the same and not one of them matches my handheld TDS meter. Sone(slovan) brought over a really nice($50) TDS meter which to me confirmed that my handheld is accurate.

Long story short, get a handheld TDS meter, again JMO.

Allen

 

[dascharisma]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8848060#post8848060 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Coralfreak
One thing I'll add, I have 3 of the "dual TDS" meters(loooong story), IMVHO these things are junk. None of them read the same and not one of them matches my handheld TDS meter. Sone(slovan) brought over a really nice($50) TDS meter which to me confirmed that my handheld is accurate.

Long story short, get a handheld TDS meter, again JMO.

Allen

This is basically what I have heard as well. I would love to have an inline tds meter, because it is a pain to remember to check it with a handheld. It just seems that nobody makes a good one.


Brad

 

[brad29]

so is the inline one that comes from the filter guyz read that far off? I agree with what brad said above it would be nice BUT theres no point if it doesnt read correctly. If indeed I should opt for a nicer TDS meter where would be a good place to pick one up.

 

[jbrunken]

I look at the inline TDS meter kind of like I look at Hydrometers: They are great for quickly gettting a rough idea of where you are at with salinity, but if you want an accurate measure, you need a refractometer.

I'm going to get a handheld for occasional use, but I'll trust the inline TDS to give me a general idea if there is a problem or not...

-JB

 

[Bullet]

I run duel DI and my inline still reads 8ppm after DI. With my handheld I get 0! I have not trusted the inline one ever and I have checked my handheld with other reefers so I trust that reading. Just my experience...the inlines are a waste of money!

 

[Coralfreak]

The filterguys have several nice handheld TDS meters, you can still get it with your RO/DI, just get a handheld instead. I also thought I could use mine to sort of see what was happening w/out using the handheld, these things are way to wacked IMO to really even do that.

I installed in few "T's" and valves so I could easily get a sample and test it with my TDS meter.