Are all ro/di units created equal

[duke62]

Looking to purchase another ro/di unit but the prices on some are soooo different then others. I found a 5 stage unit which i already have for 234.00 at 100 gallons per day and that was the cheapest one on 5 sites. Then i go to another site and a 6 stage unit at 150 gallons per day which is what im looking for is 150? Sure the more expensive one has a TDS meter but i have one of those already and cant see the price being 80 bucks more just for that

 

[piranhapat]

All same except GPH units. Nothing different. Filters, carbon , DI , are same. Just output. You can connect your TDS meter and a gauge if it don't come with one. Get best price......

 

[duke62]

yeah i was shopping around and was like why are these units so expensive. Going with filtersdirect.com

 

[piranhapat]

You can build your own. Shop for best price

http://www.aquariumwaterfilters.com/.

 

[piranhapat]

Check prices at this site.

http://www.fishtanksdirect.com/makobyaquafx.aspx.
Filtersdirect looks awesome and price is great....

 

[duke62]

i bought the one i wanted from filtersdirect for 143 from filterdirect on ebay . saved a few extra bucks

 

[Shark Man]

I have a aquatic life for 200 does 100 gallon per day

 

[duke62]

the one i just bought comes with a hand held TDS meter and pressure gauge. Makes 150 GPD. 6 stages which is what i was looking for. Im happy. Will put my 5 stage up for sale when i get the new one

 

[lfsmarineguy]

The housings are pretty much the same except for some of the higher end brands like Spectrapure. If you already have a unit and you want to bump up the GPD you just need to swap out the membranes and depending on the flow you might need to slightly modify it, but a whole new unit to go from 100-150 is unecessary.

 

[fishman1069]

the one i just bought comes with a hand held TDS meter and pressure gauge. Makes 150 GPD. 6 stages which is what i was looking for. Im happy. Will put my 5 stage up for sale when i get the new one

I think i might have the same unit ypu bought. It the rd-102 from filterdirect. I love these units and you cant beat the price. You should be happy with it. Im happy to see your not throwing in the towel yet

 

[tosiek]

BTW, even though units are rated 100-150gpd, most home water pressures won't support that output without a booster pump and the correct water temperature. A 75-100gpd membrane is enough for most people. And you don't need more than 4 stages. 1 sediment, 1 carbon, 1 DI and the RO membrane and its done unless your planning on filtering raw sewage and need the extra filtration. 5 stage is already overkill, there's no point in buying the extra membrane or DI for a 6 stage every filter swap.

Airwaterice has the cheapest 5 stage and its built with thick housings, same for bulkreef except your paying a bit more. These guys also have great warranties and swap out parts if anything is wrong or breaks. If your not happy with these units then you go for something more expensive with all the options and toys either through them or other companies.

 

[jf2381]

The housings are pretty much the same except for some of the higher end brands like Spectrapure. If you already have a unit and you want to bump up the GPD you just need to swap out the membranes and depending on the flow you might need to slightly modify it, but a whole new unit to go from 100-150 is unecessary.

I believe you also have to swap out the flow restrictor when bumping up the GPD.

 

[cali_reef]

The housings are pretty much the same except for some of the higher end brands like Spectrapure. If you already have a unit and you want to bump up the GPD you just need to swap out the membranes and depending on the flow you might need to slightly modify it, but a whole new unit to go from 100-150 is unecessary.

What he said...

Be aware the membrane is the most expense part of the unit and there are report of people selling knock off Dow membranes.

I added a second membrane to my unit and it increased the output by 30%, running at 60psi and 60deg F from my tap. This also reduced the waste water.

 

[cali_reef]

BTW, even though units are rated 100-150gpd, most home water pressures won't support that output without a booster pump and the correct water temperature. A 75-100gpd membrane is enough for most people. And you don't need more than 4 stages. 1 sediment, 1 carbon, 1 DI and the RO membrane and its done unless your planning on filtering raw sewage and need the extra filtration. 5 stage is already overkill, there's no point in buying the extra membrane or DI for a 6 stage every filter swap.

Airwaterice has the cheapest 5 stage and its built with thick housings, same for bulkreef except your paying a bit more. These guys also have great warranties and swap out parts if anything is wrong or breaks. If your not happy with these units then you go for something more expensive with all the options and toys either through them or other companies.

Depending on your water source, a second carbon filter should be used to remove clormine. Air water and ice's website have a good FAQ section to explain all of this.

 

[Gabe]

H20distributors.com

 

[duke62]

Not giving in yet. Im trying everything and i mean everything to keep my corals alive. Figured id even get a new unit since i cant pinpoint my corals stress im changing things up