Looking for RO unit...too many options

BigAirHarper · 08/13/2009, 10:53 PM

I was looking for an RO unit in the $100-$200 price range that does a good job and people have been happy using. Any suggestions on which ones I should check out would be greatly appreciated.

phil121 · 08/13/2009, 10:59 PM

Hi. I will throw out the Typhoon III from AirWaterIce. I have been using it for over a year now and it was very easy to setup, not to mention sturdy. My tap water has a TDS of around 285. I get 0 out of my Typhoon. There are many good ones out there though.

Josh72836G · 08/14/2009, 01:24 AM

I'll second AirWaterIce RO/DI units. I haven't actually used one yet (mine comes on Monday) but I've heard great things about them. Besides, their fairly cheap and still use nice DOW membranes.

RokleM · 08/14/2009, 07:45 AM

RC has a number of sponsors that have great units in that price range. Run through the list when you have time. Buckeye Field Supply is where I personally get most of my goodies.

Just a couple to start with:
http://buckeyefieldsupply.com/~bucke...eries-c33.html
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/RO/DI-...duct_info.html

transd · 08/14/2009, 03:27 PM

+1 on air water and ice ro/di units. they work really well

GoingPostal · 08/14/2009, 04:01 PM

Filter guys is another good one, I have a unit from them.

Reef or Die · 08/14/2009, 04:34 PM

There are alot of good choices
I am using a Kent Marine Maxxima and looking to upgrade. I narrowed it down to a few.
I like the AQUAFx Barracuda 4-Stage RO/DI System because its got all the bells and whistles... pressure gauge, and a TDS Meter included but a lil'pricey
I also like the Optima Vison series from www.purelyh20.com looks pretty good and
the FILTER GUYS and BULK REEF SUPPLY also get good reviews.

Whatever you decide I would recommend a 4 stage RO/DI with pressure gauge.
But you can always add a pressure gauge and TDS meter later on

kruse_alan · 08/16/2009, 01:00 PM

I like Bulk Reef Supply for replacement parts and filters.

Brad

skanderson · 08/16/2009, 09:24 PM

i picked up mine at bulk reef supply. the tds meter is a nice option. i like paying for what is in the filter, not what the name is. just decide what you want on it and then price a few out.

addicted2reefin · 08/16/2009, 09:49 PM

i got a spectra pure mpdi 90gpd for 180. i think my lfs mispriced it as cuz he now has then for 230 w/o the DI! but spectra pure makes a good r/o

ERICinFL · 08/16/2009, 09:53 PM

I know people that have purchased units from $85 up to $300 and they all put out 0 TDS water. As mentioned before, look around, ask questions and decide if the unit will be right for you. Sometimes a name on the outside can add to the price, but all that matters are the guts inside. Just make sure a quality RO membrane is used and the DI resin is nuclear grade (color changing is nice too).

kkil4life · 08/17/2009, 01:20 AM

seems everyone is getting 0 tds out of their RO without DI.
I can seem to only get 6 or 7 tds. Is there something I'm doing wrong.
I have a 5 stage RO, with 5 micron sediment filter, then carbon, then GAC, then the GE membrane and finally another stage, not sure but I think its the final carbon stage.

Am I doing something wrong here?
should I change to 1 micron?

ludnix · 08/17/2009, 02:14 AM

I don't know anyone who's getting 0 without DI.

kkil4life · 08/17/2009, 03:40 AM

I guess I kinda misunderstood then

thanks ludnix

frank40 · 08/17/2009, 03:45 AM

i use a modified kent r/o with a bulk reef supply 150gpd membrane, no DI and i get 0 tds. incoming water is at 76tds. depending on your water supply, you should get 0 tds from your unit.

kkil4life · 08/17/2009, 11:14 AM

my incoming water is about 180 tds.
frank can you tell me what media u have in the canisters?

johnlvs2run · 08/18/2009, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ERICinFL
Just make sure a quality RO membrane is used and the DI resin is nuclear grade (color changing is nice too).

What is nuclear grade resin and why is it called nuclear grade?

Is that the same as 0 ppm resin?

blennielove · 08/18/2009, 09:49 PM

I think I will be ordering from Bulk Reef Supply. They are giving away a leak controller/detector with every 75GPD RO/DI 5 Stage *PLUS* System purchase in August. I think this comes with all the bells and whistles. I am thinking about getting the Water Saving 150 GPD RO Upgrade Kit to help cut down on waste water. Does anyone have experience with the upgrade kit?

naterealbig · 08/19/2009, 07:18 AM

johnlvs2run - A nuclear reactor uses water to cool the reactor, by transferring heat from the core to the steam generators via the "primary cooling system". Just as in any water system, you must replenish lost liquid frequently. Because of the extreme temperature and pressure found inside the primary (and even more so in the secondary) system, it is much more susceptible to corrosion. The makeup water injected into the systems must be perfect, clean, 100% water with 0 tds. Part of the make-up system is a large (as we know it ) DI resin filter. These filters use "nuclear grade" deionization media.

PSU REEFER · 08/19/2009, 07:41 AM

I also agree you can't go wrong w/ the Typhoon III from AirWaterIce. They also send you reminders about changing the filters.

johnlvs2run · 08/19/2009, 09:53 AM

naterealbig - thank you for that explanation. I had thought all DI resin would result in 0 ppm and was surprised to see there are DI resins that don't. Therefore the 0 ppm and nuclear resin must be the same quality.

BuckeyeFS · 08/21/2009, 11:12 AM

You would be stunned at the number of different DI resins available. The "standard" used in this hobby is a mixed bed, color-changing nuclear or semiconductor grade.

Russ

sjfishguy · 08/21/2009, 11:20 AM

I bought my unit from the Filter Guys. www.thefilterguys.biz You can give them a call and talk directly to the guy that will build your unit. I told them about my tank, how much water I need to make, where I live, what I want to spend, etc. and they customized a system that fit what I needed for <$200 shipped. Some things I thought I needed they said I didn't need, so they didn't try to sell me extra things. Years later if I have a question, they are always there to answer. Great products and service from the Filter Guys.

lucas73 · 08/21/2009, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sjfishguy
I bought my unit from the Filter Guys. www.thefilterguys.biz You can give them a call and talk directly to the guy that will build your unit. I told them about my tank, how much water I need to make, where I live, what I want to spend, etc. and they customized a system that fit what I needed for <$200 shipped. Some things I thought I needed they said I didn't need, so they didn't try to sell me extra things. Years later if I have a question, they are always there to answer. Great products and service from the Filter Guys.

I have to agree with everything that Rich stated about the Filterguys,excellent customer service and a quality unit.I purchased the Ocean Reef +1 Five Stage 75GPD Unit.

http://www.thefilterguys.biz/ro_di_systems.htm

BigAirHarper · 08/27/2009, 04:38 AM

Thanks for all the input guys, I'm going to research the options you guys have presented and go from there.

08/13/2009, 10:53 PM	#1
BigAirHarper Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Posts: 472	Looking for RO unit...too many options I was looking for an RO unit in the $100-$200 price range that does a good job and people have been happy using. Any suggestions on which ones I should check out would be greatly appreciated.

08/14/2009, 01:24 AM	#3
Josh72836G Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 60	I'll second AirWaterIce RO/DI units. I haven't actually used one yet (mine comes on Monday) but I've heard great things about them. Besides, their fairly cheap and still use nice DOW membranes. __________________ "Oh but nothing beats cantaloupe with a little palytoxin spread on it." -emm0909 Current Tank Info: 45g Tech tank w/10g sump, 25g frag tank, 8g tube anemone tank, and some form 10g tank in the works....

08/14/2009, 07:45 AM	#4
RokleM Pingy pingy Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 9,814	RC has a number of sponsors that have great units in that price range. Run through the list when you have time. Buckeye Field Supply is where I personally get most of my goodies. Just a couple to start with: http://buckeyefieldsupply.com/~bucke...eries-c33.html http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/RO/DI-...duct_info.html __________________ -Eric-

08/14/2009, 04:01 PM	#6
GoingPostal Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,441	Filter guys is another good one, I have a unit from them. __________________ Most people don't realize that large pieces of coral, which have been painted brown and attached to the skull by common wood screws, can make a child look like a deer. *Jack Handey Current Tank Info: 135 gallon fowlr Aqualight Pro 3 x 250 watt halides, 24 gallon nanocube, lps dominated, 150 watt halide, 7.5 gallon non-photo lps nano

08/16/2009, 09:53 PM	#11
ERICinFL Rejisturd Mimbur Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Brevard County, FL Posts: 1,357	I know people that have purchased units from $85 up to $300 and they all put out 0 TDS water. As mentioned before, look around, ask questions and decide if the unit will be right for you. Sometimes a name on the outside can add to the price, but all that matters are the guts inside. Just make sure a quality RO membrane is used and the DI resin is nuclear grade (color changing is nice too). __________________ Ummmm... yeah... don't touch the Mag Float. Sorry kids, your college fund is gone, but the tank looks SWEET right? Current Tank Info: 150gal mixed reef. ER CS135, 65gal sump/fuge with a Mag12 return. (2) Korillia 4s, (1) modded MJ1200, two SunSun 3200gph powerheads. 250+lbs LR.

08/13/2009, 10:59 PM	#2
phil121 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Dallas, Tx Posts: 106	Hi. I will throw out the Typhoon III from AirWaterIce. I have been using it for over a year now and it was very easy to setup, not to mention sturdy. My tap water has a TDS of around 285. I get 0 out of my Typhoon. There are many good ones out there though.

08/14/2009, 03:27 PM	#5
transd Registered Member. Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 76	+1 on air water and ice ro/di units. they work really well

08/14/2009, 04:34 PM	#7
Reef or Die Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New York Posts: 253	There are alot of good choices I am using a Kent Marine Maxxima and looking to upgrade. I narrowed it down to a few. I like the AQUAFx Barracuda 4-Stage RO/DI System because its got all the bells and whistles... pressure gauge, and a TDS Meter included but a lil'pricey I also like the Optima Vison series from www.purelyh20.com looks pretty good and the FILTER GUYS and BULK REEF SUPPLY also get good reviews. Whatever you decide I would recommend a 4 stage RO/DI with pressure gauge. But you can always add a pressure gauge and TDS meter later on

08/16/2009, 01:00 PM	#8
kruse_alan Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: indiana Posts: 99	I like Bulk Reef Supply for replacement parts and filters. Brad

08/16/2009, 09:24 PM	#9
skanderson Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: baraboo,wi Posts: 320	i picked up mine at bulk reef supply. the tds meter is a nice option. i like paying for what is in the filter, not what the name is. just decide what you want on it and then price a few out.

08/16/2009, 09:49 PM	#10
addicted2reefin Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: hell, delaware Posts: 628	i got a spectra pure mpdi 90gpd for 180. i think my lfs mispriced it as cuz he now has then for 230 w/o the DI! but spectra pure makes a good r/o

08/17/2009, 01:20 AM	#12
kkil4life Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 523	seems everyone is getting 0 tds out of their RO without DI. I can seem to only get 6 or 7 tds. Is there something I'm doing wrong. I have a 5 stage RO, with 5 micron sediment filter, then carbon, then GAC, then the GE membrane and finally another stage, not sure but I think its the final carbon stage. Am I doing something wrong here? should I change to 1 micron? __________________ vote for the rice experiment thread for August thread of the month http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1886199 THE RICE TRAIN HAS ARRIVED AT YOUR LOCAL STATION

08/17/2009, 02:14 AM	#13
ludnix Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Eureka, California Posts: 3,030	I don't know anyone who's getting 0 without DI. __________________ -Eric Sutter Current Tank Info: 120 Gallon with 40 gallon sump.

08/17/2009, 03:40 AM	#14
kkil4life Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 523	I guess I kinda misunderstood then thanks ludnix __________________ vote for the rice experiment thread for August thread of the month http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1886199 THE RICE TRAIN HAS ARRIVED AT YOUR LOCAL STATION

08/17/2009, 03:45 AM	#15
frank40 Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: nyc Posts: 150	i use a modified kent r/o with a bulk reef supply 150gpd membrane, no DI and i get 0 tds. incoming water is at 76tds. depending on your water supply, you should get 0 tds from your unit.

08/17/2009, 11:14 AM	#16
kkil4life Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 523	my incoming water is about 180 tds. frank can you tell me what media u have in the canisters? __________________ vote for the rice experiment thread for August thread of the month http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1886199 THE RICE TRAIN HAS ARRIVED AT YOUR LOCAL STATION

08/18/2009, 09:49 PM	#18
blennielove Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: United States Posts: 326	I think I will be ordering from Bulk Reef Supply. They are giving away a leak controller/detector with every 75GPD RO/DI 5 Stage PLUS System purchase in August. I think this comes with all the bells and whistles. I am thinking about getting the Water Saving 150 GPD RO Upgrade Kit to help cut down on waste water. Does anyone have experience with the upgrade kit?

08/19/2009, 07:18 AM	#19
naterealbig Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 1,817	johnlvs2run - A nuclear reactor uses water to cool the reactor, by transferring heat from the core to the steam generators via the "primary cooling system". Just as in any water system, you must replenish lost liquid frequently. Because of the extreme temperature and pressure found inside the primary (and even more so in the secondary) system, it is much more susceptible to corrosion. The makeup water injected into the systems must be perfect, clean, 100% water with 0 tds. Part of the make-up system is a large (as we know it ) DI resin filter. These filters use "nuclear grade" deionization media. __________________ "After begging and pleeding with my wife we came to an understanding on the light unit. I give her another child and i can get the lights." - mydeck07

08/19/2009, 07:41 AM	#20
PSU REEFER Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 718	I also agree you can't go wrong w/ the Typhoon III from AirWaterIce. They also send you reminders about changing the filters. __________________ Rob __________ __________________ Current Tank Info: 500g w/ a few fish & little coral, but that will change. 4 MH(400w-2-10K & 2-20k), 4-6' VHO, CL thru eurobracing, 2-Tunze's, OCT 5000ext., RKE, 2-550's LFR(GFO & Carbon), 2-part, and more equipment to add down the road.

08/19/2009, 09:53 AM	#21
johnlvs2run Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Western U.S. Posts: 47	naterealbig - thank you for that explanation. I had thought all DI resin would result in 0 ppm and was surprised to see there are DI resins that don't. Therefore the 0 ppm and nuclear resin must be the same quality.

08/21/2009, 11:12 AM	#22
BuckeyeFS RC Sponsor Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 4,272	You would be stunned at the number of different DI resins available. The "standard" used in this hobby is a mixed bed, color-changing nuclear or semiconductor grade. Russ __________________ Have you visited Buckeye recently? GFO (pellet, granular, and HC), VorTech pumps, refractometers, 2-part additives, ROX 0.8 GAC, and more! Reef Central S P O N S O R RO/DI Systems and Supplies at www.BuckeyeFieldSupply.com [email protected] HM Digital Master Distributor Hanna Instruments Master Distributor Salifert Master Distributor AQUA UV Master Distributor Current Tank Info: 300 g mixed reef system

08/21/2009, 11:20 AM	#23
sjfishguy Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL Posts: 2,059	I bought my unit from the Filter Guys. www.thefilterguys.biz You can give them a call and talk directly to the guy that will build your unit. I told them about my tank, how much water I need to make, where I live, what I want to spend, etc. and they customized a system that fit what I needed for <$200 shipped. Some things I thought I needed they said I didn't need, so they didn't try to sell me extra things. Years later if I have a question, they are always there to answer. Great products and service from the Filter Guys. __________________ Rich nanoTOTM May '08 18 years saltwater, 9 years reefs Current Tank Info: Oceanic 58 SPS

08/27/2009, 04:38 AM	#25
BigAirHarper Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Posts: 472	Thanks for all the input guys, I'm going to research the options you guys have presented and go from there.