Super-fancy RODI unit, worth it?

Pdxile · 07/14/2013, 11:39 PM

I am buying a house with a well and low water pressure, so I need to buy a booster pump. I also want an inline TDS meter. Instead of kluging my basic RODI together with these extras, I decided I'd rather have a neat, clean easy to organize unit with the bells and whistles built in.
I'm selling the basic (water general rd-150) and looking at this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/271144534134...84.m1423.l2649
The price is ridiculous, but as they say the cheap comes out expensive.
Does anyone have this unit, or have a suggestion of something similar?
Peace,
H

Sonyardo · 07/15/2013, 01:09 AM

look at the 5 and 6 stage units at the filter guys.
http://thefilterguys.biz/ro_di_systems.htm

Pdxile · 07/15/2013, 01:44 AM

They look good, but none of them (unless I missed it) has an integrated booster pump. That is #1 on my wish list.

Right now I'm running a water general rd-150 getting 0-1 TDS. I'm quite satisfied with production and quality but spending $100 to modify a 2 year old unit that will soon need a replacement membrane sounds like throwing good money after bad.

dkeller_nc · 07/15/2013, 06:31 AM

Here's another alternative. Just as expensive, but with the integrated look you're after:

http://www.aquaticlife.com/products/357

Depending on how clean your well water is (with respect to particulates), you may need more than one prefilter. Or you can put a "jumbo" 2-cylinder combo on your whole house to keep the particulates out of your plumbing.

Green Chromis · 07/15/2013, 06:39 AM

Look on the Spectra-Pure website. They come with pressure pumps and are one of the best units made.

thegrun · 07/15/2013, 06:40 AM

The aquatic life unit is great, I have two friends who use them. I personally prefer separate component so if your booster pump went out you can still make water.

Dapg8gt · 07/15/2013, 06:45 AM

I totally agree at that price point why not go spectrapure.. I too had the water general and it was a great unit.. I since have got the maxcap by spectrapure and I am happier with the build quality and overall use of it.. It's a little more for replacement cartridges(pre) but is made by one of the leaders in water technology and is a quality unit suited to do what it's intended.. I personally would go for the tried and true spectrapure unit w/booster pump FWIW plus the spectrapure has 1 more stage of filtration and less things to break in the future..

Sonyardo · 07/15/2013, 06:59 AM

I would go with separate components as well. You don't wanna get caught up in a situation where you can't get parts. I would also consider modifying the water well to solve the water pressure issue and skip the booster pump altogether.

blue736 · 07/15/2013, 08:00 AM

Ya get you a booster pump, tds meter,new membrane, & new filters. Be cheaper than a new unit (and less work too).

ggsteve · 07/15/2013, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonyardo

I would go with separate components as well. You don't wanna get caught up in a situation where you can't get parts. I would also consider modifying the water well to solve the water pressure issue and skip the booster pump altogether.

When I installed my BRS unit I thought I was going to have to get a booster pump. Instead I increased the pressure on the pressure switch of my well by about 10 psi. Not only did that improve the efficiency of the RODI unit, the increased water pressure is great in the shower!

SaltwaterSensei · 07/15/2013, 09:18 AM

What about the BRS setups? what are your guys thoughts and reviews on their units? They're very competitively priced and you can even hame them build you something custom, however I'm not 100% positive if they still do that you'd have to ask them.

ggsteve · 07/15/2013, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaltwaterSensei

What about the BRS setups? what are your guys thoughts and reviews on their units? They're very competitively priced and you can even hame them build you something custom, however I'm not 100% positive if they still do that you'd have to ask them.

Mine is great. It came with connections for all manner of installation, good build quality and good customer service. Get the "Plus" version, you will want/need the TDS meter, flush kit and pressure gauge.

nemosworld · 07/15/2013, 09:57 AM

if you want a unit with bells and whistles, vertex has the best I have seen.
http://www.vertexaquaristik.com/Prod...S/Default.aspx

LFS and buddy of mine has one, this thing produces 200gpd.

great quality build and the computer works.

Thunder32 · 07/15/2013, 10:05 AM

I love my BRS water filter, I have the 5 stage unit. The guy's there are always helpful when you need advice, they have all the replacement elements on hand for fast shipping. You can't go wrong. I've had my filter for well over 5 years now and it still rocks, giving me the greatest water.

Pdxile · 07/15/2013, 10:42 AM

Thanks everyone! I've got a lot more research to do, for sure. One thing that I am sad about is not being able to increase water pressure at the well. It's a $2500 repair! Ouch!

S14Swap240sx · 07/15/2013, 10:48 AM

Spectrapure!

after all the research, it offers 5 stages, backed by a company that only does water filters and pumps. cant ask for much more.

thatfishplace has it on sale pretty cheap right now, maxcap 90.. saw it on their advertisement above this morning

http://www.thatpetplace.com/spectrap...-system-90-gpd

Palting · 07/15/2013, 11:02 AM

I have the BRS 5 stage Deluxe. I am quite happy with it, and recommend it. It has all you would need except for the booster pump. This unit, http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-5-...tem-75gpd.html , plus this pump, http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/1-4-aq...-pump-kit.html, will cost $344.98. If you like to spend money, you can customize the unit to add more TDS meters or switch to glycerin filled pressure gauges, etc.

One company that has been actively answering questions in this forum is BFS. Very helpful for newbies and RODI questions, including excellent answers to some puzzling things I had, so I also recommend them. Their unit, http://www.buckeyefieldsupply.com/sh...ry=168&Sub=166 , plus their pump, http://www.buckeyefieldsupply.com/sh...ry=503&Sub=151 , will cost $317.99. I'm sure they will be happy to take your money as well if you want to customize and add more bells and whistles

.

My first RODI was AquaticLife brand. Not happy with it at all, would not recommend it. Design looks good, but build quality is poor.

tom obrecht · 07/15/2013, 12:07 PM

Being on a private well myself I would recommend having your water tested first and then go with a reputable company. I personally recommend Spectrapure but there are others. Well water varies greatly and if you have water with particular filtering needs its better to find out before purchasing a unit.

d2mini · 07/15/2013, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonyardo

look at the 5 and 6 stage units at the filter guys.
http://thefilterguys.biz/ro_di_systems.htm

+1
Been using mine for years with no problems and their customer service is fantastic.

Fizz71 · 07/15/2013, 01:03 PM

I used this one for years:
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pure-flo...tfc-3-canister

..I'm not sure if they changed the design but on mine it flushed automatically. Every time the unit turned on it flushed the membrane for a about 10 seconds...I forget if it did it after too. It was a nice feature. No DI on those though, but you can get one of those from BRS and other places.

I eventually moved and didn't need the pump so I used it without for a while. It also had some leaking issues (after 5 or 6 years) but it was in my basement so I didn't care to figure out why.

07/15/2013, 06:39 AM	#5
Green Chromis Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: miami,florida Posts: 640	Look on the Spectra-Pure website. They come with pressure pumps and are one of the best units made. __________________ Natural Reefer Current Tank Info: 600 gallon Carribean Reef System, ETSS Protein Skimmer, 1.5HP Tradewinds Chiller, Reef Breeders Photon V2+ LED Lighting For The Refugium, Mitra LX7206 LED Lights For Display Tank

07/15/2013, 06:45 AM	#7
Dapg8gt Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Pacifica Posts: 3,741	I totally agree at that price point why not go spectrapure.. I too had the water general and it was a great unit.. I since have got the maxcap by spectrapure and I am happier with the build quality and overall use of it.. It's a little more for replacement cartridges(pre) but is made by one of the leaders in water technology and is a quality unit suited to do what it's intended.. I personally would go for the tried and true spectrapure unit w/booster pump FWIW plus the spectrapure has 1 more stage of filtration and less things to break in the future.. __________________ 15 years in the hobby yet still learning every day. 280g radium lit sps flat living in my garage rent free. Current Tank Info: 105g SPS dominant euro braced powered by 4 ecotech pumps and lit by an ATI powermodule controlled by a reef angel =).

07/15/2013, 09:18 AM	#11
SaltwaterSensei Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: ainrofilac lartnec Posts: 2,182	What about the BRS setups? what are your guys thoughts and reviews on their units? They're very competitively priced and you can even hame them build you something custom, however I'm not 100% positive if they still do that you'd have to ask them. __________________ if you're looking for me you better check under the sea, 'cause that is where you'll find me. Current Tank Info: Waiting for a 48x36x28 rimless to arrive

07/15/2013, 09:57 AM	#13
nemosworld Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Houston TX Posts: 1,411	if you want a unit with bells and whistles, vertex has the best I have seen. http://www.vertexaquaristik.com/Prod...S/Default.aspx LFS and buddy of mine has one, this thing produces 200gpd. great quality build and the computer works. __________________ Felix Nice to meet you! Current Tank Info: 60 Gallon Cube

07/15/2013, 10:05 AM	#14
Thunder32 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 24	Filter I love my BRS water filter, I have the 5 stage unit. The guy's there are always helpful when you need advice, they have all the replacement elements on hand for fast shipping. You can't go wrong. I've had my filter for well over 5 years now and it still rocks, giving me the greatest water.

07/14/2013, 11:39 PM	#1
Pdxile Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 162	Super-fancy RODI unit, worth it? I am buying a house with a well and low water pressure, so I need to buy a booster pump. I also want an inline TDS meter. Instead of kluging my basic RODI together with these extras, I decided I'd rather have a neat, clean easy to organize unit with the bells and whistles built in. I'm selling the basic (water general rd-150) and looking at this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/271144534134...84.m1423.l2649 The price is ridiculous, but as they say the cheap comes out expensive. Does anyone have this unit, or have a suggestion of something similar? Peace, H

07/15/2013, 01:09 AM	#2
Sonyardo Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: OC California Posts: 522	look at the 5 and 6 stage units at the filter guys. http://thefilterguys.biz/ro_di_systems.htm

07/15/2013, 01:44 AM	#3
Pdxile Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 162	They look good, but none of them (unless I missed it) has an integrated booster pump. That is #1 on my wish list. Right now I'm running a water general rd-150 getting 0-1 TDS. I'm quite satisfied with production and quality but spending $100 to modify a 2 year old unit that will soon need a replacement membrane sounds like throwing good money after bad.

07/15/2013, 06:31 AM	#4
dkeller_nc Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Central NC Posts: 5,062	Here's another alternative. Just as expensive, but with the integrated look you're after: http://www.aquaticlife.com/products/357 Depending on how clean your well water is (with respect to particulates), you may need more than one prefilter. Or you can put a "jumbo" 2-cylinder combo on your whole house to keep the particulates out of your plumbing.

07/15/2013, 06:40 AM	#6
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	The aquatic life unit is great, I have two friends who use them. I personally prefer separate component so if your booster pump went out you can still make water.

07/15/2013, 06:59 AM	#8
Sonyardo Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: OC California Posts: 522	I would go with separate components as well. You don't wanna get caught up in a situation where you can't get parts. I would also consider modifying the water well to solve the water pressure issue and skip the booster pump altogether.

07/15/2013, 08:00 AM	#9
blue736 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Virginia Posts: 106	Ya get you a booster pump, tds meter,new membrane, & new filters. Be cheaper than a new unit (and less work too).

07/15/2013, 10:42 AM	#15
Pdxile Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 162	Thanks everyone! I've got a lot more research to do, for sure. One thing that I am sad about is not being able to increase water pressure at the well. It's a $2500 repair! Ouch!

07/15/2013, 10:48 AM	#16
S14Swap240sx Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 258	Spectrapure! after all the research, it offers 5 stages, backed by a company that only does water filters and pumps. cant ask for much more. thatfishplace has it on sale pretty cheap right now, maxcap 90.. saw it on their advertisement above this morning http://www.thatpetplace.com/spectrap...-system-90-gpd

07/15/2013, 11:02 AM	#17
Palting Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,912	I have the BRS 5 stage Deluxe. I am quite happy with it, and recommend it. It has all you would need except for the booster pump. This unit, http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-5-...tem-75gpd.html , plus this pump, http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/1-4-aq...-pump-kit.html, will cost $344.98. If you like to spend money, you can customize the unit to add more TDS meters or switch to glycerin filled pressure gauges, etc. One company that has been actively answering questions in this forum is BFS. Very helpful for newbies and RODI questions, including excellent answers to some puzzling things I had, so I also recommend them. Their unit, http://www.buckeyefieldsupply.com/sh...ry=168&Sub=166 , plus their pump, http://www.buckeyefieldsupply.com/sh...ry=503&Sub=151 , will cost $317.99. I'm sure they will be happy to take your money as well if you want to customize and add more bells and whistles . My first RODI was AquaticLife brand. Not happy with it at all, would not recommend it. Design looks good, but build quality is poor. __________________ Anything I post is just an opinion. One of many in this hobby. Believe and follow at your own risk of rapid and complete annihilation of all life in your tank :) Current Tank Info: Incept 3/2010, 150 RR, 50g sump, 20g fuge, 150w 15K MH x3, T5 actinics x8, moonlight LED x6, 1400gph return, Koralia 1400 x4, 300 g skimmer, 4 tangs, 2 mandarins, 2 perc, 6 line, 3 cardinals, 2 firefish, SPS, LPS, zoas, palys, shrooms, clam

07/15/2013, 12:07 PM	#18
tom obrecht Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: WI Posts: 3,014	Being on a private well myself I would recommend having your water tested first and then go with a reputable company. I personally recommend Spectrapure but there are others. Well water varies greatly and if you have water with particular filtering needs its better to find out before purchasing a unit. __________________ Reef keeping is where Murphy's Law and your bank account collide!! TOTM May 2006

07/15/2013, 01:03 PM	#20
Fizz71 FragSwapper Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: West Lawn, PA Posts: 5,800	I used this one for years: http://www.thatpetplace.com/pure-flo...tfc-3-canister ..I'm not sure if they changed the design but on mine it flushed automatically. Every time the unit turned on it flushed the membrane for a about 10 seconds...I forget if it did it after too. It was a nice feature. No DI on those though, but you can get one of those from BRS and other places. I eventually moved and didn't need the pump so I used it without for a while. It also had some leaking issues (after 5 or 6 years) but it was in my basement so I didn't care to figure out why. __________________ --Fizz Current Tank Info: Current system is 8x2x2 240g peninsula setup with a single "chamber" 100g sump in the basement with an RDSB. All corals are 100% home grown from frags of fellow reefers (low natural reef impact).