which RO unit?

dawgs · 02/11/2009, 08:32 PM

i will need to come up with about 100 gallons right away, but thats only to fill the tank. i have a 120 gal display with a 55 sump. i already have about 75 gals i can use. which RO unit do you guys reccomend?

bradbmbj · 02/11/2009, 08:54 PM

This is a nice one
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...s~vendor~.html

jtgrimes · 02/11/2009, 10:15 PM

I would suggest the OCEAN WAVE FIVE STAGE 75 GPD RO/DI. By The Filter Guys. They are great to work with and help you with everything. They are more affordable and everything they sale is built well and pro. I have this same one and works great!

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

Nerdy Nudi · 02/12/2009, 05:44 PM

ive got the typhoon III from air water and ice. great unit. excellent build quality, and excellent parts.

ro units are only as good as the pre-filters and membranes that they use.

it looks and works as good as it did when i got 3 years ago.

remember to price the units with everything you need. 4-5 stages, tds meter, flush and auto shut off valves, etc.

some base models start off cheaper, but others will be a better deal when you consider the entire unit after all the "add-ons".

alleykat81 · 02/12/2009, 07:13 PM

+1 on the Spectrapure. I have the smaller model 25gpd of the maxpure and I am very pleased with it.

Harry_Fish · 02/12/2009, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jtgrimes
I would suggest the OCEAN WAVE FIVE STAGE 75 GPD RO/DI. By The Filter Guys. They are great to work with and help you with everything. They are more affordable and everything they sale is built well and pro. I have this same one and works great!

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

If you can swing it get the "OCEAN REEF MISER SIX STAGE RO/DI 150 GPD "

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

I have this one and it really does the 150 GPD even
with my cold NY water. Well worth the price.

I wrote a bit of a review here:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1559067

I am a very happy customer

dzhuo · 02/12/2009, 08:07 PM

Harry,
So this unit has less than 2:1 waste ratio?

Nereaga · 02/12/2009, 08:12 PM

+1 on thefilterguys.biz -----------> Ocean Wave 5 stage

Harry_Fish · 02/12/2009, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dzhuo
Harry,
So this unit has less than 2:1 waste ratio?

Just about a 2 to 1

but the best part is it makes 150 GPD

Trust me when you are filling a tank it is a long time,
I sure was happy for it being as good as it is.

I almost bought a lesser unit, I was sure glad I did not.

strat24 · 02/12/2009, 08:36 PM

I agree with using the filter guys

charmander59 · 02/12/2009, 10:41 PM

Typhoon III from Air, Water, Ice.

cthedaytrader · 02/13/2009, 12:20 AM

Love my filterguys Ocean Reef 5 stage great service too

strat24 · 02/13/2009, 09:28 AM

The Filter Guys are the best.

Scungili · 02/13/2009, 04:17 PM

So what makes the filter guys so good? Do they manufacture their own RO or are they just a label like so many others? Please be specific, otherwise it sounds like a plug for a sponsor...

cthedaytrader · 02/13/2009, 04:43 PM

Lol, I am by no means affiliated with filter guys, I did some reaearch last year just as you were doing looking for a good high quality unit at a good price, the one I got was 199.99 I think and fully loaded. My TDS are always zero, and it is very easy to order from them, and easy to get refills.

The Unit I have is very well made, and there service was great. They answer all of my questions quickly, they shipped right away.

I ordered refilles for my unit last week, I ordered it on Weds. I got an email on Thursday saying they had shipped. I had them Friday, I wasnt even expecting them that fast, they sent them priority mail.

I am just speaking from perosnal experince. I think in this hobby it is good to promote the business that actually do a good job and have good value. There have been a lot of rip offs over the years. Not so much in RO/DI but so many coral vendors come and gone. It is just nice now to have different choices with equipment, when I first started I used a Kenmore RO/Di unit from sears lol.

I doubt you will find a bad word about specturpure too, I just find them to be a bit more expensive, and I have never dealt with them.

I am not sure if they manufacutre them or they just build them, but they are there own brand of units. I am sure if you go to their forum here they would be more than happy to answer any technical questions you may have about their units. Good luck

bradbmbj · 02/13/2009, 07:36 PM

I think a lot of people get caught up in these big fancy "Cadillac" filters with several stages, five, six, even seven, but a feel that 0 tds is 0 tds regardless of stage count. While more carbon and sediment stages will make the life of the membrane longer, I cant be sure if the extra cost of replacing these extra prefilters every 6 to 8 months make it worth it, same as a dual DI, if one set of resin is spent, then its done, using the second one to do the work the first one missed just prolongs the amount of time between changes but at the end it will be two to replace instead of one.

Scungili · 02/13/2009, 07:49 PM

That sounds like some good rational. I've seen some that advertise 300gal at a very good price. Most people don't need 300 gpd, but if I had my reasons, what would someone tell me to be wary of???

I was thinking that you may need high PSI coming from city water. I doubt I have any more than 60-65psi... I think this is standard for city, but I can't be sure without testing it... Any thoughts out there?

dawgs · 02/13/2009, 07:51 PM

what about the units i see on ebay? 75 gpd....$99 for the unit. how much different can it be from the "brand" name units?

Harry_Fish · 02/13/2009, 08:02 PM

What sold me on the filterguys.....

I had ordered a Spectrapure unit 2nd day shipping because I
needed it to fill a new tank where the livestock was sitting in
brute trashcans waiting for the tank to be filled.

After it still did not ship for a week I canceled the order.

Called another company and ordered a unit, that one did not ship
they e-mailed me to confirm my address even though I gave them
the right address and they had my phone # to call and did not
call either (I had spoke with them verbaly and they knew I
needed it right away).

So I then found "The Filter Guys" Called him at night and asked
Jim (from the filter guys) a bunch of questions, he answered all
of them and spent a lot of time helping me get the right system.

I paid for it and it shipped out the very next day.

To my surprise they even refunded me the estimated
shipping to the actual shipping (that was a first).

I get the unit and it was top notch all the way.

I call back to order a few more parts
and he gets them right out as well.

Best part is it really does the 150 GPG even with Cold NY winter
water (I think they bay be the only ones making a 150 GPD)

Even better is that the waste is about half that of the other guys RO/DI unit.

What really sold me was the customer service.

Since they were so decent I called them back and spent even
more and I added in a few goodies like an auto flush valve
that makes it really nice and convienient.

I'm not affiliated with them in any way other than a very happy
customer who hopes they do well because they relly went the extra for me.

I also feel the same way for Glass-Holes and Marine Solutions.

All three of those companies will get my future business.

chilwil84 · 02/13/2009, 08:10 PM

love my rodi from bulk reef supply, good price great unit and filters are made in the usa

Scungili · 02/13/2009, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Nerdy Nudi
ive got the typhoon III from air water and ice. great unit. excellent build quality, and excellent parts.

ro units are only as good as the pre-filters and membranes that they use.

it looks and works as good as it did when i got 3 years ago.

remember to price the units with everything you need. 4-5 stages, tds meter, flush and auto shut off valves, etc.

some base models start off cheaper, but others will be a better deal when you consider the entire unit after all the "add-ons".

I looked at this one and it sounds like a really good deal. I may get this one...

Xler8n · 02/14/2009, 12:44 AM

Hey guys.. I need to get an RO/DI unit also and had a couple of questions..

1. Do i really need the DI part of the unit for a reef tank.. What are the advantages/ disadvantages? And what does the DI unit do... I know uts a dionization but do we really need that in our hobby??

2. Have you guys heard of these filters... I heard from a friend that they are good???

http://www.purewaterclub.com/catalog...roducts_id=163

jjk_reef00 · 02/14/2009, 01:15 AM

+1 on typhoon III

Harry_Fish · 02/14/2009, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Xler8n
Hey guys.. I need to get an RO/DI unit also and had a couple of questions..

1. Do i really need the DI part of the unit for a reef tank.. What are the advantages/ disadvantages? And what does the DI unit do... I know uts a dionization but do we really need that in our hobby??

2. Have you guys heard of these filters... I heard from a friend that they are good???

http://www.purewaterclub.com/catalog...roducts_id=163

To me DI is a must.

To me I would look at a different unit (I see a fer things on that I would not want, non-clear canisters on the filters, single short RO cartridge being pushed to 150gpd, etc

You get what you pay for, if you plan to be in this hobby long spend
the extra and do it right the first time it will save you in the long run.

02/11/2009, 08:32 PM	#1
dawgs Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 112	which RO unit? i will need to come up with about 100 gallons right away, but thats only to fill the tank. i have a 120 gal display with a 55 sump. i already have about 75 gals i can use. which RO unit do you guys reccomend?

02/11/2009, 08:54 PM	#2
bradbmbj Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: New Orleans Posts: 554	This is a nice one http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...s~vendor~.html __________________ New tank, $1200.00, New Skimmer, $400.00, New Lighting, $800.00, Not letting the wife find out... Priceless

02/11/2009, 10:15 PM	#3
jtgrimes Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Eastern ,NC Posts: 322	I would suggest the OCEAN WAVE FIVE STAGE 75 GPD RO/DI. By The Filter Guys. They are great to work with and help you with everything. They are more affordable and everything they sale is built well and pro. I have this same one and works great! http://www.thefilterguys.biz/ro_di_systems.htm __________________ "I glue animals to rocks" Current Tank Info: 110 Gallon Rimless - https://www.*********.com/threads/jtgrimes-110-gallon.637759/

02/12/2009, 08:07 PM	#7
dzhuo Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 4,338	Harry, So this unit has less than 2:1 waste ratio? __________________ One of the most frustrating thing about this hobby? The blind leading the blind.

02/13/2009, 12:20 AM	#12
cthedaytrader Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: LI Posts: 1,328	Love my filterguys Ocean Reef 5 stage great service too __________________ Chris Current Tank Info: 75G Rimless 40x24x18

02/12/2009, 05:44 PM	#4
Nerdy Nudi Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 473	ive got the typhoon III from air water and ice. great unit. excellent build quality, and excellent parts. ro units are only as good as the pre-filters and membranes that they use. it looks and works as good as it did when i got 3 years ago. remember to price the units with everything you need. 4-5 stages, tds meter, flush and auto shut off valves, etc. some base models start off cheaper, but others will be a better deal when you consider the entire unit after all the "add-ons".

02/12/2009, 07:13 PM	#5
alleykat81 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 187	+1 on the Spectrapure. I have the smaller model 25gpd of the maxpure and I am very pleased with it.

02/12/2009, 08:12 PM	#8
Nereaga Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oley, Pa 19547 Posts: 1,513	+1 on thefilterguys.biz -----------> Ocean Wave 5 stage

02/12/2009, 08:36 PM	#10
strat24 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NWI Posts: 236	I agree with using the filter guys

02/12/2009, 10:41 PM	#11
charmander59 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Skiatook Posts: 87	Typhoon III from Air, Water, Ice.

02/13/2009, 09:28 AM	#13
strat24 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NWI Posts: 236	The Filter Guys are the best.

02/13/2009, 04:17 PM	#14
Scungili Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: st petersburg Posts: 376	So what makes the filter guys so good? Do they manufacture their own RO or are they just a label like so many others? Please be specific, otherwise it sounds like a plug for a sponsor...

02/13/2009, 04:43 PM	#15
cthedaytrader Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: LI Posts: 1,328	Lol, I am by no means affiliated with filter guys, I did some reaearch last year just as you were doing looking for a good high quality unit at a good price, the one I got was 199.99 I think and fully loaded. My TDS are always zero, and it is very easy to order from them, and easy to get refills. The Unit I have is very well made, and there service was great. They answer all of my questions quickly, they shipped right away. I ordered refilles for my unit last week, I ordered it on Weds. I got an email on Thursday saying they had shipped. I had them Friday, I wasnt even expecting them that fast, they sent them priority mail. I am just speaking from perosnal experince. I think in this hobby it is good to promote the business that actually do a good job and have good value. There have been a lot of rip offs over the years. Not so much in RO/DI but so many coral vendors come and gone. It is just nice now to have different choices with equipment, when I first started I used a Kenmore RO/Di unit from sears lol. I doubt you will find a bad word about specturpure too, I just find them to be a bit more expensive, and I have never dealt with them. I am not sure if they manufacutre them or they just build them, but they are there own brand of units. I am sure if you go to their forum here they would be more than happy to answer any technical questions you may have about their units. Good luck __________________ Chris Current Tank Info: 75G Rimless 40x24x18

02/13/2009, 07:36 PM	#16
bradbmbj Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: New Orleans Posts: 554	I think a lot of people get caught up in these big fancy "Cadillac" filters with several stages, five, six, even seven, but a feel that 0 tds is 0 tds regardless of stage count. While more carbon and sediment stages will make the life of the membrane longer, I cant be sure if the extra cost of replacing these extra prefilters every 6 to 8 months make it worth it, same as a dual DI, if one set of resin is spent, then its done, using the second one to do the work the first one missed just prolongs the amount of time between changes but at the end it will be two to replace instead of one. __________________ New tank, $1200.00, New Skimmer, $400.00, New Lighting, $800.00, Not letting the wife find out... Priceless

02/13/2009, 07:49 PM	#17
Scungili Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: st petersburg Posts: 376	That sounds like some good rational. I've seen some that advertise 300gal at a very good price. Most people don't need 300 gpd, but if I had my reasons, what would someone tell me to be wary of??? I was thinking that you may need high PSI coming from city water. I doubt I have any more than 60-65psi... I think this is standard for city, but I can't be sure without testing it... Any thoughts out there?

02/13/2009, 07:51 PM	#18
dawgs Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 112	what about the units i see on ebay? 75 gpd....$99 for the unit. how much different can it be from the "brand" name units?

02/13/2009, 08:02 PM	#19
Harry_Fish Moved On Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Liverpool, NY Posts: 1,461	What sold me on the filterguys..... I had ordered a Spectrapure unit 2nd day shipping because I needed it to fill a new tank where the livestock was sitting in brute trashcans waiting for the tank to be filled. After it still did not ship for a week I canceled the order. Called another company and ordered a unit, that one did not ship they e-mailed me to confirm my address even though I gave them the right address and they had my phone # to call and did not call either (I had spoke with them verbaly and they knew I needed it right away). So I then found "The Filter Guys" Called him at night and asked Jim (from the filter guys) a bunch of questions, he answered all of them and spent a lot of time helping me get the right system. I paid for it and it shipped out the very next day. To my surprise they even refunded me the estimated shipping to the actual shipping (that was a first). I get the unit and it was top notch all the way. I call back to order a few more parts and he gets them right out as well. Best part is it really does the 150 GPG even with Cold NY winter water (I think they bay be the only ones making a 150 GPD) Even better is that the waste is about half that of the other guys RO/DI unit. What really sold me was the customer service. Since they were so decent I called them back and spent even more and I added in a few goodies like an auto flush valve that makes it really nice and convienient. I'm not affiliated with them in any way other than a very happy customer who hopes they do well because they relly went the extra for me. I also feel the same way for Glass-Holes and Marine Solutions. All three of those companies will get my future business.

02/13/2009, 08:10 PM	#20
chilwil84 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: down the shore Posts: 780	love my rodi from bulk reef supply, good price great unit and filters are made in the usa

02/14/2009, 12:44 AM	#22
Xler8n Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Silver Spring, MD Posts: 128	RO Filter Hey guys.. I need to get an RO/DI unit also and had a couple of questions.. 1. Do i really need the DI part of the unit for a reef tank.. What are the advantages/ disadvantages? And what does the DI unit do... I know uts a dionization but do we really need that in our hobby?? 2. Have you guys heard of these filters... I heard from a friend that they are good??? http://www.purewaterclub.com/catalog...roducts_id=163

02/14/2009, 01:15 AM	#23
jjk_reef00 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,476	+1 on typhoon III __________________ I need more fish tank appliances! --Ed Current Tank Info: 375 FOWLR