I Need RO/DI

dark_lotis · 03/21/2007, 10:54 AM

I was wantinhg to know what some opions are for a good RO/DI system. II looked at melve's reef and buckeye field supply but i don't what to get. Melve's looked like it came with everything i need and the others looked like i might has ti get a few assecors and my LFS said something about a spectra I think thats what it called. So any input on this would be nice thatnks.

Entropy · 03/21/2007, 11:35 AM

I would email Marc directly. IMO you will not go wrong with Marc, he is first rate all the way. I got mine off eBay, but if you don't know what you want, I would go with a trusted source.

dark_lotis · 03/21/2007, 11:58 AM

who is this marc you speak of.

drummereef · 03/21/2007, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dark_lotis
who is this marc you speak of.

www.melevsreef.com

davocean · 03/21/2007, 12:56 PM

Spectrapure is suposed to be the best, but not the cheapest.
They're supposed to have something new out that runs more efficiently.
I got one from filterguys, which is good, but I'm starting to understand how quick you can go through membranes/DI resin on less efficient filters.
AZdesertrat is a good person to talk to for detailed info on these.

drummereef · 03/21/2007, 01:03 PM

If you do the Spectrapure route, go for the MaxCap RO/DI. It's the best period. I just spoke to a rep at Spectrapure and a new technology (microprocessor controlled) is coming available in the next month. Keep an eye out as it will be worth the wait from what I understand.

dark_lotis · 03/21/2007, 01:24 PM

What about something more on the $200 range but thanks for the info so far.

davocean · 03/21/2007, 02:25 PM

Filterguys would be good in that range.

ttomkat1 · 03/21/2007, 02:56 PM

I just bought a system from www.purelyh2o.com
they were really friendly and answered all my questions. The have systems in the $200 range.

Entropy · 03/21/2007, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dark_lotis
who is this marc you speak of.

Sorry

Marc Levenson www.melevsreef.com

Team RC, RC Sponsor, President of DFWMAS, and all around nice guy.

(he's also a stripper which I think is kind of weird, but who am I to judge...

)

AZDesertRat · 03/21/2007, 07:15 PM

There are several Reef Central sponsors that deal almost exclusively in RO/DI systems. Spectrapure is by far the best as they offer features and services not found anywhere else at any price. The MaxCap RO/DI is the best thing since sliced bread. It may cost more initially but it really will save you a ton of money over its lifespan, which in itself is longer than most anything else too.
Others in the $200 range are
www.buckeyefieldsupply.com - 75 GPD Premium series
www.thefilterguys.biz - 75 GPD Ocean Reef+
www.purelyh2o.com - Optima CA, Automated or Vision series
Melevs units are pretty good too although I think he needs to offer a refillable DI and Dow membrane but thats just me speaking.

dark_lotis · 03/22/2007, 08:54 AM

Man I hate when some one tells that its really worth to go for the more expensive one. I really don't have the money but i'm sitting here thing i know i could get the money but should I. I don't know

AZDesertRat · 03/22/2007, 09:42 AM

Read about the differences in their Sponsors Forum. Its quite significant and I am here to tell you they are proven and not just idle claims.

Pyrrhus · 03/22/2007, 09:51 AM

The difference in DI costs over the first year alone will usually make the Maxcap system less expensive than other cheaper units. That is just on the merit of the Maxcap DI, the other features (.5micron prefilters, NOT 5 micron like everyone else. Dual TDS meters) and the tested membrane are really icing on the cake.

FWIW, I am certain that Melev is a great guy, judging from his website, he could certainly stand to learn about RO/DI. There is more misinformation there than I have ever seen on a single page regarding RO/DI.

dark_lotis · 03/22/2007, 02:25 PM

Man I'd love to have it but i can't really aford it so what would you say my next best bet would be for arounf $200

AZDesertRat · 03/22/2007, 02:32 PM

Check out the Ocean Reef+1 from www.thefilterguys.biz . Not a MaxCap but a pretty darn good unit.

kfowler · 03/22/2007, 02:37 PM

I have Marc's unit and it works really well for me. Zero TDS after DI. Comes will lots of hook up options also.

dark_lotis · 03/22/2007, 02:46 PM

Whats the difference in 5 an 6 stage i know it has a second DI cartige but how helpful is it

AZDesertRat · 03/22/2007, 04:47 PM

Don't get hung up on stages. A dual DI is very nice but some vendors call the final taste and odor drinking water carbon filter a "stage" and others use two carbons and count them as two stages. In reality all it takes is 4 "stages" if they contain the correct micron rated filters. You need a good prefilter in the 0.2 to 1.0 micron range prefferable one with an absolute rating so it really does what it claims to do. You need a carbon block in the 0.5 to 1 micron range to adsorb chlorine and VOCs for up to 20,000 gallons of normally chlorinated water. You need a good RO membrane in the 98% +/- rejection range, the higher the rejection rate the better as this is what makes your DI resin last longer and work better. This is where the Spectrapure systems with their hand tested and guaranteed membranes shine, mine is averaging 99.25% rejection. Finally you need a full sized 24 oz DI canister and cartridge.
If you want to use RO for drinking water then the carbon taste and odor filter is used, do not use it for reef DI water though as it adds TDS back in. Two carbons are unneeded with a good 1 micron or less carbon block and that includes if you have chloramines, catalytic carbon is nice but really not necessary and if you do use it you want to follow it up with a 0.5 micron carbon blcok or sediment filter to trap the fines as it erodes.
Dual DI will extend the life of resin if you are using normal mixed bed resins as you can rotate cartridges into the lead position as the first one is exhausted and replace the second one. In the case of the MaxCap system the resins are a proprietary blend and they work best with the Max Cap in first and the Silica Buster in last. The Max Cap should go somewhere in the 600+ gallon range or more and the Silica Buster should last through at least 3 MaxCaps before requiring a change so a minimum of 1800 gallons. These numbers are with Phoenix water with a tap TDS of around 800 so most people will see lifespans much greater than this since the average nationwide TDS is only 250 to start with.

kfowler, any RO/DI should be capable of 0 TDS water after DI. The question is how well does the RO membrane work since this is what determines how long the DI lasts. I always tell everyone, test Tap Water TDS, RO only TDS and RO/DI TDS to determine your total packages efficiency not just the DI. If your membrane is only doing 90 or 95% DI will not last, although I think Marcs membranes are capable of at least 96% if not 98%. An important piece of information to remember is, For every 2% you increase the RO membranes efficiency, you DOUBLE the life of the DI resin! This is why I am glad I have a 99.25% efficient membrane with my 800 TDS tap water. My latest numbers are 795 TDS tap, 6.4 TDS RO only and RO/DI way down in the 18+ megaohm range which is much less than an indicated 0 on most TDS meters.

dark_lotis · 03/23/2007, 11:59 AM

Thanks for the info helps alot and its what I was looking for again thanks alot.

03/21/2007, 10:54 AM	#1
dark_lotis Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: IL Posts: 75	I Need RO/DI I was wantinhg to know what some opions are for a good RO/DI system. II looked at melve's reef and buckeye field supply but i don't what to get. Melve's looked like it came with everything i need and the others looked like i might has ti get a few assecors and my LFS said something about a spectra I think thats what it called. So any input on this would be nice thatnks.

03/21/2007, 11:35 AM	#2
Entropy Texas Reefer Join Date: May 2003 Location: Round Rock, TX Posts: 13,656	I would email Marc directly. IMO you will not go wrong with Marc, he is first rate all the way. I got mine off eBay, but if you don't know what you want, I would go with a trusted source. __________________ Rich Overton 150G cube FOWLR, 30g sump, ReefKeeperII, 3x Koralia 1400's, QuiteOne 3000, Reef Octopus DNWB150, 4x 30w Par38 LED. Current Tank Info: 36x36x27 150g

03/21/2007, 12:56 PM	#5
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	Spectrapure is suposed to be the best, but not the cheapest. They're supposed to have something new out that runs more efficiently. I got one from filterguys, which is good, but I'm starting to understand how quick you can go through membranes/DI resin on less efficient filters. AZdesertrat is a good person to talk to for detailed info on these. __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

03/21/2007, 01:03 PM	#6
drummereef Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: STL Posts: 14,754	If you do the Spectrapure route, go for the MaxCap RO/DI. It's the best period. I just spoke to a rep at Spectrapure and a new technology (microprocessor controlled) is coming available in the next month. Keep an eye out as it will be worth the wait from what I understand. __________________ -Brett 180g Marineland Starfire In-Wall 278 gallon system

03/21/2007, 02:25 PM	#8
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	Filterguys would be good in that range. __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

03/21/2007, 11:58 AM	#3
dark_lotis Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: IL Posts: 75	who is this marc you speak of.

03/21/2007, 01:24 PM	#7
dark_lotis Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: IL Posts: 75	What about something more on the $200 range but thanks for the info so far.

03/21/2007, 02:56 PM	#9
ttomkat1 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Sunny So. Cal Posts: 227	I just bought a system from www.purelyh2o.com they were really friendly and answered all my questions. The have systems in the $200 range. __________________ "You can observe alot just by watching" -Yogi Berra Current Tank Info: 120AGA, 110lbs LR, 25g sump, 10g fuge. Keeping Zoas, Mixed SPS/LPS

03/21/2007, 07:15 PM	#11
AZDesertRat Moved On Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: NW Phoenix Posts: 16,621	There are several Reef Central sponsors that deal almost exclusively in RO/DI systems. Spectrapure is by far the best as they offer features and services not found anywhere else at any price. The MaxCap RO/DI is the best thing since sliced bread. It may cost more initially but it really will save you a ton of money over its lifespan, which in itself is longer than most anything else too. Others in the $200 range are www.buckeyefieldsupply.com - 75 GPD Premium series www.thefilterguys.biz - 75 GPD Ocean Reef+ www.purelyh2o.com - Optima CA, Automated or Vision series Melevs units are pretty good too although I think he needs to offer a refillable DI and Dow membrane but thats just me speaking.

03/22/2007, 08:54 AM	#12
dark_lotis Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: IL Posts: 75	Man I hate when some one tells that its really worth to go for the more expensive one. I really don't have the money but i'm sitting here thing i know i could get the money but should I. I don't know

03/22/2007, 09:42 AM	#13
AZDesertRat Moved On Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: NW Phoenix Posts: 16,621	Read about the differences in their Sponsors Forum. Its quite significant and I am here to tell you they are proven and not just idle claims.

03/22/2007, 09:51 AM	#14
Pyrrhus Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 2,713	The difference in DI costs over the first year alone will usually make the Maxcap system less expensive than other cheaper units. That is just on the merit of the Maxcap DI, the other features (.5micron prefilters, NOT 5 micron like everyone else. Dual TDS meters) and the tested membrane are really icing on the cake. FWIW, I am certain that Melev is a great guy, judging from his website, he could certainly stand to learn about RO/DI. There is more misinformation there than I have ever seen on a single page regarding RO/DI. __________________ Severe Knowledge In Plumbing

03/22/2007, 02:25 PM	#15
dark_lotis Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: IL Posts: 75	Man I'd love to have it but i can't really aford it so what would you say my next best bet would be for arounf $200

03/22/2007, 02:32 PM	#16
AZDesertRat Moved On Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: NW Phoenix Posts: 16,621	Check out the Ocean Reef+1 from www.thefilterguys.biz . Not a MaxCap but a pretty darn good unit.

03/22/2007, 02:37 PM	#17
kfowler Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,095	I have Marc's unit and it works really well for me. Zero TDS after DI. Comes will lots of hook up options also. __________________ Kevin "You cannot achieve what you are not willing to pursue." Current Tank Info: 20g Mixed Reef

03/22/2007, 02:46 PM	#18
dark_lotis Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: IL Posts: 75	Whats the difference in 5 an 6 stage i know it has a second DI cartige but how helpful is it

03/22/2007, 04:47 PM	#19
AZDesertRat Moved On Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: NW Phoenix Posts: 16,621	Don't get hung up on stages. A dual DI is very nice but some vendors call the final taste and odor drinking water carbon filter a "stage" and others use two carbons and count them as two stages. In reality all it takes is 4 "stages" if they contain the correct micron rated filters. You need a good prefilter in the 0.2 to 1.0 micron range prefferable one with an absolute rating so it really does what it claims to do. You need a carbon block in the 0.5 to 1 micron range to adsorb chlorine and VOCs for up to 20,000 gallons of normally chlorinated water. You need a good RO membrane in the 98% +/- rejection range, the higher the rejection rate the better as this is what makes your DI resin last longer and work better. This is where the Spectrapure systems with their hand tested and guaranteed membranes shine, mine is averaging 99.25% rejection. Finally you need a full sized 24 oz DI canister and cartridge. If you want to use RO for drinking water then the carbon taste and odor filter is used, do not use it for reef DI water though as it adds TDS back in. Two carbons are unneeded with a good 1 micron or less carbon block and that includes if you have chloramines, catalytic carbon is nice but really not necessary and if you do use it you want to follow it up with a 0.5 micron carbon blcok or sediment filter to trap the fines as it erodes. Dual DI will extend the life of resin if you are using normal mixed bed resins as you can rotate cartridges into the lead position as the first one is exhausted and replace the second one. In the case of the MaxCap system the resins are a proprietary blend and they work best with the Max Cap in first and the Silica Buster in last. The Max Cap should go somewhere in the 600+ gallon range or more and the Silica Buster should last through at least 3 MaxCaps before requiring a change so a minimum of 1800 gallons. These numbers are with Phoenix water with a tap TDS of around 800 so most people will see lifespans much greater than this since the average nationwide TDS is only 250 to start with. kfowler, any RO/DI should be capable of 0 TDS water after DI. The question is how well does the RO membrane work since this is what determines how long the DI lasts. I always tell everyone, test Tap Water TDS, RO only TDS and RO/DI TDS to determine your total packages efficiency not just the DI. If your membrane is only doing 90 or 95% DI will not last, although I think Marcs membranes are capable of at least 96% if not 98%. An important piece of information to remember is, For every 2% you increase the RO membranes efficiency, you DOUBLE the life of the DI resin! This is why I am glad I have a 99.25% efficient membrane with my 800 TDS tap water. My latest numbers are 795 TDS tap, 6.4 TDS RO only and RO/DI way down in the 18+ megaohm range which is much less than an indicated 0 on most TDS meters.

03/23/2007, 11:59 AM	#20
dark_lotis Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: IL Posts: 75	Thanks for the info helps alot and its what I was looking for again thanks alot.