Should I get a 4 or 5 stage RO/DI?

sam11909 · 12/05/2009, 03:36 PM

Is a 5 stage worth $30 more than a 4 stage? Here are the two I'm comparing.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/...my-system.html

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/...rd-system.html

Thanks!

BLKTANG · 12/05/2009, 04:16 PM

i got mine here love it.5 stage.

http://www.melevsreef.com/shop/boosted_rodi.html

apshooter · 12/05/2009, 04:19 PM

I just got the 5 stage from BRS. It is what they recommended after talking to them on the phone. Give them a call.

sam11909 · 12/05/2009, 04:42 PM

I'll call them.

sam11909 · 12/05/2009, 04:47 PM

Can I check water coming out of the Di with a double TDS meter so I don't have to get another separate TDS meter? Also can I just "unplug" the Di cartridge to get drinking water?

sam11909 · 12/05/2009, 06:04 PM

Anyone?

ReefKeeperRob · 12/06/2009, 12:12 AM

What's $30? I don't know about you but the extra $30 is nothing in the grand scheme of things.

I bought the 5 stage unit from BRS. As a side note I love BRS, they always go above and beyond, and my stuff always arrives extremely fast.

Anyway, yea but the 5 stage

lordofthereef · 12/06/2009, 12:17 AM

Depends on how much water you use IMO. You will get more efficiency out of your DI resin in a 5 stage unit, but if you are not making lots of water and are reaching the time to replace all filters (yearly mark) then you have no need for a 5 stage IMO.

lordofthereef · 12/06/2009, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sam11909

Can I check water coming out of the Di with a double TDS meter so I don't have to get another separate TDS meter? Also can I just "unplug" the Di cartridge to get drinking water?

Depends on the unit you have but I think most come with a DI bypass meaning it goes through RO and that is it. My Typhoon III is set up that way.

goochesfish · 12/06/2009, 12:21 AM

put a valve in so you can run RO only for drinking water so you don't have to unhook and rehook.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sam11909

Can I check water coming out of the Di with a double TDS meter so I don't have to get another separate TDS meter? Also can I just "unplug" the Di cartridge to get drinking water?

pledosophy · 12/06/2009, 02:34 AM

Depends on the source water. The TDS out of the tap here is between 10-20, so many reefers here just run DI. Our tap is better then some RO filters.

Lightsluvr · 12/06/2009, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pledosophy

Depends on the source water. The TDS out of the tap here is between 10-20, so many reefers here just run DI. Our tap is better then some RO filters.

Holy Smoke, where do you live to get 10 TDS tap water?

To the OP, the extra carbon filter is worth it...to extend the life of your membrane, if for no other reason... IMO.

LL

lilmonster · 12/06/2009, 03:54 AM

I got a 6 stage on ebay stores for $80 shipped.

insane · 12/06/2009, 07:09 AM

Go with the 5 stage RO/DI. It will save you money in the long run on filter replacement. I went with a 4 stage RO without a DI from BRS. Big mistake. My water in is 650 and about 20 coming out. I will be adding the DI canister onto my unit. My city water has chunks in it.

Buckeye Hydro · 12/06/2009, 07:52 AM

Adding a second carbon stage to a typical 4 stage configuration is not needed, and will simply add to the original cost of the system and the cost of operation over time.

An exception to this is is you have chloramines in your water, or an issue with some other VOC (unlikely).

Russ

Buckeye Hydro · 12/06/2009, 07:52 AM

........

Buckeye Hydro · 12/06/2009, 07:53 AM

......

sam11909 · 12/06/2009, 07:13 PM

Weird story about the chloramine, I called our water supplier and after an 30 minutes of being on hold this is what he said...

me: hello?

him: Hi

me: Do you guys add any chloramine to the water?

him: What?

me: chloramine

him: Oh, we don't put anything in the water.

me: ...ok ...thanks. click

I don't think he knew what he was talking about so just to make sure I'll get the 5 stage.

lilmonster · 12/06/2009, 07:31 PM

I stopped by my local water store and asked the lady how it was filtered,

She said "Huh?"

she had no clue how it was filtered or even if it was.

sam11909 · 12/06/2009, 08:32 PM

Wow!

Buckeye Hydro · 12/07/2009, 04:28 AM

Sam - what's the name of your water utility - I'll try to pull their report and see if they add chloramine.

Russ

sam11909 · 12/07/2009, 07:27 AM

City of Tallahassee - water service

Thanks!

SecGenGSX · 12/07/2009, 07:45 AM

I gave up trying to ask our water company about how they treated the water so I just looked it up on their website. Anyways, I would go with the 5 stage.

TP123 · 12/07/2009, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sam11909

City of Tallahassee - water service

Thanks!

Looks like they add chlorine in Tallahassee. I just skimmed it quick though.

2009 Water quality report

sam11909 · 12/07/2009, 09:17 AM

thanks!

12/05/2009, 03:36 PM	#1
sam11909 Maxi Mini Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 1,039	Should I get a 4 or 5 stage RO/DI? Is a 5 stage worth $30 more than a 4 stage? Here are the two I'm comparing. http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/...my-system.html http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/...rd-system.html Thanks! __________________ Samuel A reef aquarium is simply an aquarist's best try of painting a small section of the ocean and containing it in a glass frame. Each new coral adds a new color or brush stroke to the painter's toolbox. Current Tank Info: The Stair-Stepping Nano System

12/05/2009, 04:16 PM	#2
BLKTANG Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Never,Never Land Posts: 7,061	i got mine here love it.5 stage. http://www.melevsreef.com/shop/boosted_rodi.html __________________ We the few have done so much,for so long,for so little.That we are now qualified to do anything with nothing. ____________________________________________________________________________ Current Tank Info: RR 90 Maganvore sump,250w Hamilton fixture,VorTec's ASM skimmer.

12/05/2009, 04:42 PM	#4
sam11909 Maxi Mini Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 1,039	I'll call them. __________________ Samuel A reef aquarium is simply an aquarist's best try of painting a small section of the ocean and containing it in a glass frame. Each new coral adds a new color or brush stroke to the painter's toolbox. Current Tank Info: The Stair-Stepping Nano System

12/05/2009, 04:47 PM	#5
sam11909 Maxi Mini Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 1,039	Can I check water coming out of the Di with a double TDS meter so I don't have to get another separate TDS meter? Also can I just "unplug" the Di cartridge to get drinking water? __________________ Samuel A reef aquarium is simply an aquarist's best try of painting a small section of the ocean and containing it in a glass frame. Each new coral adds a new color or brush stroke to the painter's toolbox. Current Tank Info: The Stair-Stepping Nano System

12/05/2009, 06:04 PM	#6
sam11909 Maxi Mini Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 1,039	Anyone? __________________ Samuel A reef aquarium is simply an aquarist's best try of painting a small section of the ocean and containing it in a glass frame. Each new coral adds a new color or brush stroke to the painter's toolbox. Current Tank Info: The Stair-Stepping Nano System

12/05/2009, 04:19 PM	#3
apshooter Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Tracy, CA Posts: 98	I just got the 5 stage from BRS. It is what they recommended after talking to them on the phone. Give them a call.

12/06/2009, 12:12 AM	#7
ReefKeeperRob Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 291	What's $30? I don't know about you but the extra $30 is nothing in the grand scheme of things. I bought the 5 stage unit from BRS. As a side note I love BRS, they always go above and beyond, and my stuff always arrives extremely fast. Anyway, yea but the 5 stage

12/06/2009, 12:17 AM	#8
lordofthereef One reef to rule them all Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Leominster, MA Posts: 5,299	Depends on how much water you use IMO. You will get more efficiency out of your DI resin in a 5 stage unit, but if you are not making lots of water and are reaching the time to replace all filters (yearly mark) then you have no need for a 5 stage IMO. __________________ "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself" ~ Josh Billings Visit My Home page for current build thread (click my user name and select "Visit LordoftheReef's Homepage" in the drop down menu!

12/06/2009, 02:34 AM	#11
pledosophy Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Beaverton Posts: 5,290	Depends on the source water. The TDS out of the tap here is between 10-20, so many reefers here just run DI. Our tap is better then some RO filters.

12/06/2009, 03:54 AM	#13
lilmonster Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Riverside, CA Posts: 324	I got a 6 stage on ebay stores for $80 shipped. __________________ Gary Wiens Computer Guy Free PC Tech Support for all forum members Current Tank Info: 80gl reef tank, 10gl mini reef, 20gl fuge, 29gl sump

12/06/2009, 07:09 AM	#14
insane Moved On Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: under your bed Posts: 771 Blog Entries: 7	Go with the 5 stage RO/DI. It will save you money in the long run on filter replacement. I went with a 4 stage RO without a DI from BRS. Big mistake. My water in is 650 and about 20 coming out. I will be adding the DI canister onto my unit. My city water has chunks in it.

12/06/2009, 07:52 AM	#15
Buckeye Hydro .Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 4,857	Adding a second carbon stage to a typical 4 stage configuration is not needed, and will simply add to the original cost of the system and the cost of operation over time. An exception to this is is you have chloramines in your water, or an issue with some other VOC (unlikely). Russ

12/06/2009, 07:52 AM	#16
Buckeye Hydro .Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 4,857	........ Last edited by Buckeye Hydro; 12/06/2009 at 08:01 AM.

12/06/2009, 07:53 AM	#17
Buckeye Hydro .Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 4,857	...... Last edited by Buckeye Hydro; 12/06/2009 at 08:01 AM.

12/06/2009, 07:13 PM	#18
sam11909 Maxi Mini Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 1,039	Weird story about the chloramine, I called our water supplier and after an 30 minutes of being on hold this is what he said... me: hello? him: Hi me: Do you guys add any chloramine to the water? him: What? me: chloramine him: Oh, we don't put anything in the water. me: ...ok ...thanks. click I don't think he knew what he was talking about so just to make sure I'll get the 5 stage. __________________ Samuel A reef aquarium is simply an aquarist's best try of painting a small section of the ocean and containing it in a glass frame. Each new coral adds a new color or brush stroke to the painter's toolbox. Current Tank Info: The Stair-Stepping Nano System

12/06/2009, 07:31 PM	#19
lilmonster Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Riverside, CA Posts: 324	I stopped by my local water store and asked the lady how it was filtered, She said "Huh?" she had no clue how it was filtered or even if it was. __________________ Gary Wiens Computer Guy Free PC Tech Support for all forum members Current Tank Info: 80gl reef tank, 10gl mini reef, 20gl fuge, 29gl sump

12/06/2009, 08:32 PM	#20
sam11909 Maxi Mini Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 1,039	Wow! __________________ Samuel A reef aquarium is simply an aquarist's best try of painting a small section of the ocean and containing it in a glass frame. Each new coral adds a new color or brush stroke to the painter's toolbox. Current Tank Info: The Stair-Stepping Nano System

12/07/2009, 04:28 AM	#21
Buckeye Hydro .Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 4,857	Sam - what's the name of your water utility - I'll try to pull their report and see if they add chloramine. Russ

12/07/2009, 07:27 AM	#22
sam11909 Maxi Mini Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 1,039	City of Tallahassee - water service Thanks! __________________ Samuel A reef aquarium is simply an aquarist's best try of painting a small section of the ocean and containing it in a glass frame. Each new coral adds a new color or brush stroke to the painter's toolbox. Current Tank Info: The Stair-Stepping Nano System

12/07/2009, 07:45 AM	#23
SecGenGSX Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Murrysville, PA Posts: 156	I gave up trying to ask our water company about how they treated the water so I just looked it up on their website. Anyways, I would go with the 5 stage.

12/07/2009, 09:17 AM	#25
sam11909 Maxi Mini Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 1,039	thanks! __________________ Samuel A reef aquarium is simply an aquarist's best try of painting a small section of the ocean and containing it in a glass frame. Each new coral adds a new color or brush stroke to the painter's toolbox. Current Tank Info: The Stair-Stepping Nano System