BRS RO/DI vs The Filter Guys vs Filter Direct????

[Telaverus]

I'm curious as to how each company ships their systems out. I saw a video today of a guy unboxing his new RO/DI system and it was all setup with the filters in place. This is handy, but the problem is that you are supposed to keep the RO membrane wet.

I know the DI resin is shipped in a bag which keeps the moisture in, but the RO membrane shouldn't be allowed to dry out, which it will do if stored assembled until shipped to the customer.

[savage]

Originally Posted by thbrewst

i have the brs plus system you mentioned and have been very happy with it, no problems. I agree though that it seems that the hardware for most of the systems is 'identical' as if it comes from the same factory.

+1. Brs

[TreyK]

I like air water ice..

[screamingibis]

spectrapure is more $ but well worth it.

[jbonez]

air water ice here #1 IMO

[Reefael]

So what's with the chloramine filter from Filterguys? They show it as a filter upgrade. BRS doesn't show one for there system. I thought any ro di system could filter chloramine out. Do I need one?

[Telaverus]

I thought any ro di system could filter chloramine out

Chloramine removal requires a longer pass through carbon. If you buy a Chloramine specific filter it is best to follow a GAC filter. This basically allows for a long pass through carbon.

The Chloramine specific cartridges utilize GAC however are wound in such a way that eliminates/minimizes fines and chanelling.

IMO if your city uses Chloramine then I would add a GAC canister followed by a Chloramine specific filter.

[Buckeye Hydro]

Originally Posted by Bigjav

Alright, so it's time to buy a 5 stage RO/ DI system.

My buddy loves his system which is from filter. Filter Guys look great as well but I have never tried their products. Finally, I've bought many things from BRS and really like that I can purchase the refills.

BRS:

75 GPD RO/DI 5 Stage Standard System- $159.99 (vertical DI stage)

75 GPD RO/DI 5 Stage *PLUS* System- $199.99 (vertical DI stage)

Filter Guys:

OCEAN WAVE FIVE STAGE 75 GPD RO/DI- $135.00

OCEAN WAVE+ FIVE STAGE 75 GPD RO/DI-$160.00 (vertical DI stage)

Filter Direct:

RD102 AQUA REEF RO DI - $138

If those are the three options (we'd love to convince you otherwise!), then by all means, disregard your third option and go with one of the first two.

Russ

[Buckeye Hydro]

Originally Posted by jscarlata

IMO most of the housings and fittings from RODI systems are the same from vendor to vendor

Yeow! Based on about 15 years of buying, inspecting, and inhouse trials, we couldn't disagree with you more.

I think they all look similar to an untrained eye, but they are absolutely not identical in terms of quality, durability, design, and in general ways that are important in the long-term ownership of an RODI.

Russ

[Buckeye Hydro]

Originally Posted by Telaverus

I'm curious as to how each company ships their systems out. I saw a video today of a guy unboxing his new RO/DI system and it was all setup with the filters in place. This is handy, but the problem is that you are supposed to keep the RO membrane wet.

I know the DI resin is shipped in a bag which keeps the moisture in, but the RO membrane shouldn't be allowed to dry out, which it will do if stored assembled until shipped to the customer.

TFC membranes must stay wet once wetted, but in many cases they are shipped dry.

Russ

[Buckeye Hydro]

Originally Posted by Reefael

So what's with the chloramine filter from Filterguys? They show it as a filter upgrade. BRS doesn't show one for there system. I thought any ro di system could filter chloramine out. Do I need one?

First off - Do you have chloramines in your tap water? If not, and assuming you don't have heavy sediment loads, then a 4 stage system will work fine. No need for two carbon stages.

If you do have chloramines, then yes, two carbon stages are advisable. Go with two carbon blocks, or with one block and a Catalytic GAC (not standard GAC!).

Russ

[Big_Al]

I buy my Ro supplies from BRS and have had good results.

[Craigar]

I have a water general rd106 and it works great for me I've had it for 2.5 years I also bought an inline TSS meter and I constantly have 0 Tds on my system.

[d0ughb0y]

I'd just decide on a type (4 or 5 stage) and then shop around for the lowest price. its not rocket science.

[Telaverus]

Originally Posted by BuckeyeFS

TFC membranes must stay wet once wetted, but in many cases they are shipped dry.

Russ

Thanks Russ. How do you ship your assemblies? Do you have them preassembled then ship when ordered? How long are the DI cartridges exposed to air prior to and during shipping typically?

[Telaverus]

Originally Posted by BuckeyeFS

If those are the three options (we'd love to convince you otherwise!), then by all means, disregard your third option and go with one of the first two.

Russ

Agree, but Bigjav, why isn't BFS on your list of options? You order one of these and they come with Russ. I don't see anyone else offering the support he does in all honesty.

[Buckeye Hydro]

If lowest price is your goal, then ebay is your target. Lots of poorly configured systems using the cheapest parts possible available for you there!

[Buckeye Hydro]

Originally Posted by Telaverus

Thanks Russ. How do you ship your assemblies? Do you have them preassembled then ship when ordered? How long are the DI cartridges exposed to air prior to and during shipping typically?

The housings, tubing, etc are pre assembed - we typically try to keep 20 or so on the shelf all the time. DI resin cartridges and refills are packed frequently, and packaged in special vapor barrier material so no gas exchange can occur. Most of our membranes are dry. The membrane, DI cartridge, and other odds and ends are packaged inside a smaller box - we don't like to ship with all the filters already installed because many of the filters need to be flushed with first use, and you don't want that flush water going into another filter. Some vendors ship with all filters installed - but then you are going to flush crud from one filter into the next filter, and your DI cart will be exposed to air for the length of time you have the DI cart installed prior to use.

Russ

[Telaverus]

Originally Posted by BuckeyeFS

The housings, tubing, etc are pre assembed - we typically try to keep 20 or so on the shelf all the time. DI resin cartridges and refills are packed frequently, and packaged in special vapor barrier material so no gas exchange can occur. Most of our membranes are dry. The membrane, DI cartridge, and other odds and ends are packaged inside a smaller box - we don't like to ship with all the filters already installed because many of the filters need to be flushed with first use, and you don't want that flush water going into another filter. Some vendors ship with all filters installed - but then you are going to flush crud from one filter into the next filter, and your DI cart will be exposed to air for the length of time you have the DI cart installed prior to use.

Russ

To the OP, this ^^ is why you should order from Russ at BFS IMO.

[d0ughb0y]

when you shop around, do include ebay and amazon. I have used ebay one and it works just fine. I have no vested interest here. I always thought sponsors are only allowed to post in their own forums, that's why you will never see BRS or Tunze or Marine Depot folks posting outside their own forum.

[Landsailor]

I bought a Bulk Reef Supply add-on DI cartridge because it was in stock at a LFS for $5 more than online from them. Previously, I spoke with someone at BRS when I was trying to get up to speed on how DI resin is used in reef keeping (I previously used it in a laser cooling system) and to confirm the problems I was having with an RO system I bought at a thrift store. He was more than happy to help.

Comparing their prices to piecing it together from one of my former wholesalers, they provide an excellent value, too. For example, my cost on the filter housing would be $10.75 (single piece qty, obviously), so I'm quite impressed with BRS and very happy to give them their very reasonable margin.

Thumbs up to Bulk Reef Supply!

[Telaverus]

Originally Posted by d0ughb0y

when you shop around, do include ebay and amazon. I have used ebay one and it works just fine. I have no vested interest here. I always thought sponsors are only allowed to post in their own forums, that's why you will never see BRS or Tunze or Marine Depot folks posting outside their own forum.

Russ has answered a lot of questions for people, even helping them with systems from other suppliers. I have no vested interest either and wouldn't want to see Russ silenced because he is a sponsor. His presence is invaluable IMO.

I wouldn't buy a system from eBay, that's just me. I find it strange how people in this hobby choose to save and skimp on, in my opinion, the wrong things.

The number one thing in this hobby is water, thus the quality of the source should warrant the most of our attention. It's surprising that most don't blink at spending $1000 on a light fixture but balk and skimp on their source water quality. It doesn't take much to get the best RO/DI setup.

To the OP, you have Russ' attention here, I'm sure he would like you to consider his products, but as he has already demonstrated, he will give you advice even if you aren't buying from him. Rest assured, if you don't go with his stuff, he'll still be here on RC ready to help you when your system fails in some way, or if you have a question about wheather your failing water quality could be from your system.

I wish I had his experience to draw on when I was first setting up my system as it would have saved me a lot of time and money.

[keifer_unit]

I have the BRS 5 stage plus. Im very happy with it, never had any problems.

[caliking]

I have owned both filters and was lucky enough to switch over to a Vertex Puratek RO/DI.
It self flushes the Ro membrane and gives accurate TDS readings. Best RO/DI i have ever owned.

http://www.vertexaquaristik.com/Prod...ek100RODI.aspx

Never skimp on the RO/DI system, It is the heart of the entire reef system; Poor water quality equals problems.

I do use BRS replacement filters, RO membrane, and DI resin. Although I find the color changing DI resin from BRS turns brown rather quickly compared to the orginal resin from Vertex.

[danreefman]

Originally Posted by BuckeyeFS

If those are the three options (we'd love to convince you otherwise!), then by all means, disregard your third option and go with one of the first two.

Russ

This is how I saw Russ come into the thread. He didn't say go with me.

And I use BRS 6 stage great product