SpectraPure or BRS? RODI

[Vapour1ze]

This: http://spectrapure.com/Refurbished-90-GPD-RODI-System

Or

This: http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-5-...tem-75gpd.html

Thanks !

[BANANAHANDS]

I don't have any experience with those two but if its not out of your price range I'd take a look at the Spectrapure maxcap. My works great and it has all the bells and whistles.

http://www.marinedepot.com/SpectraPu...RORDNH-vi.html

[Egkid]

They're both going to make 0 TDS water. I went with BRS cause of the price point. With the included TDS meter, pressure gauge, and flush kit no where else could beat the price of BRS.

[Vapour1ze]

Originally Posted by Egkid

They're both going to make 0 TDS water. I went with BRS cause of the price point. With the included TDS meter, pressure gauge, and flush kit no where else could beat the price of BRS.

Did you get the 75gpd model? For the 169$?

[Buzz1329]

FWIW, I've been using the BRS system for more than 2 years without any problems.

[phillrodrigo]

Go with the spectrapure and a hand held tds meter for another $20. You really don't want the in line tds meters. When it comes time to replace your di or to check the efficiency of the ro they won't help. You need to be able to test your tap to only and out coming water.

[Spiffy]

I went with the SpectraPure. I got the refurbished one, too. Just make sure you get the facet adaptor from your local hardware spot.

But I think 5 Stages is too much, the 4 Stages gets the job done just fine. I didn't see the need for the TDS meters, just change your membranes on a regular basis.

But I am a well-known cheapskate.

[slief]

Spectrapure without a doubt. They not only have the best RODI's but their filters are far superior to pretty much all the other vendors cartridges. If you want to get the best use out of your RODI and not be replacing filters more than you need to, get Spectrapure and use Spectrapure cartridges. I get upwards of 1000 gallons of RODI between first DI cartridge changes out of my Spectrapure Maxcap UHE 1:1 90 GPD unit. My tap TDS is 475-500 on a good day too. My second DI cartridge last until around the 1500-1700 gallon mark.

You can certainly save money upfront one cheaper RODI's but the Spectrapures when operated properly will save you money in the long run and I don't think the BRS cartridges are even remotely comparable to the Spectrapure ones. I love BRS but I Spectrapure is an RODI manufacturer first and foremost. Theirs are the best hands down and when it comes to water filters/cartridges, you do get what you pay for.

Personally, I'd suggest spending more and getting the 5 stage Maxcap unit but if you can't afford to, then roll with the factory refurb you were considering.
http://spectrapure.com/AQUARIUM/RO-D...D-RO-DI-System

[ThaBeast]

Spectrapure! I've run the BRS filters and they do the job, but the Spectrapure (for me) has significantly lower tds out to the di units---which makes the di last longer and the extra cost of the Spectrapure is surpassed by the savings on di resin

[Vapour1ze]

Sweet, going SpectraPure.

Thanks!

[kga943]

SpectraPure works great and that is what my lfs uses

[electrotech]

I've never used the spectrapure or BRS so I can't comment there.

Just another option. I've only ever used 1 unit for the last 10 years, the Buckeye Reef supply (now Buckeye Hydo) value 100gpd unit and it works great, I bought a dual inline TDS. One after the RO and one after the DI that way I know whats going into and out of the DI. I get 3-5 ppm into the DI and 0 out, working on 500 gallons with this current DI re-fill and still have half left. $133 for 100gpd plus TDS meter fits me just fine.

[Vapour1ze]

I'm ordering a spectrapure.

Thanks

[vanillagorila]

+1 for SpectraPure.

[lhm nole]

Long time brs user just received by spectrapure 90 gpd 5 stage rodi...

[Kungpaoshizzi]

Spectrapure has the smallest micron filters, but buying an entire unit is a rip off.

You can save about 50% of the cost by buying your canisters and filter separately and then putting it together...

[Vapour1ze]

I picked up a refurb from SpectraPure.com 90GPD 4-stage for 125$... +25 shipping.

150$ doesn't seem too bad.

Can't wait!

[SpectraPure]

Originally Posted by Vapour1ze

I picked up a refurb from SpectraPure.com 90GPD 4-stage for 125$... +25 shipping.

150$ doesn't seem too bad.

Can't wait!

You will be happy with the refurb. Thank you for being a loyal customer.

Yes systems can be made yourself for cheaper, but who's going to warranty the work if it fails on you after 5 months. Here at Spectrapure we stand behind our product.

Also, if anyone wants to increase their DI life, you should consider getting a 99% rejection membrane.

If anyone needs any technical help please email me.

Jeremy
Spectrapure Inc

Support@spectrapure.com

[muttley101]

Just checked out the BRS website today and saw that alot of their units are NSF certified now. Im pretty sure Spectrapure is too. However, its nice to know that some sort of standardization is being implemented on these units. I went BRS from The Filter Guys because of the customer support. I've always heard good things from Spectrapure owners plus their rep is always active on the RC forums! In the end I chose BRS because if the limited lifetime warranty on their systems, but so far so good... no leaks and 0 tds at the end.

Edit - Just realized you bought the spectrapure.... Im sure its a great unit... Your fish will be happy!

[itzonlithai]

I'll be replacing my filters with Spectrapure's as I need them for my 5 Stage BRS unit.

[NTP66]

Originally Posted by SpectraPure

Yes systems can be made yourself for cheaper, but who's going to warranty the work if it fails on you after 5 months. Here at Spectrapure we stand behind our product.

Not for nothing, but comments like this would make me think twice about going with you, especially when you make it sound like BRS doesn't stand behind their products (which would be completely inaccurate).

[Bryopsis]

Agreed NTP66. I've seen a few forum users say SpectraPure is the best thing since sliced bread, and then quote all this factual information that only Spectrapure has discovered or catalogued lol.. But the fact remains they sell full units at such a ridiculous markup and even with zero warranty, it's much cheaper to build a unit yourself. Canisters are cheap, they are reliable. The filters are what counts, and I think I spent 60$ on the spectrapure filters with di resin to boot...

I really get a kick out of the silicate resin mixed with di resin. People rave about it so much, but the fact of the matter is, unless you test for silicates every time, there's no way to gauge how much silicate resin to di resin you need for everyone's individual needs.

Sorry for the rant, but there's nothing special about di resin or filters. Only size of and rating. My dad was even surprised at costs of full units, he used to be an EE, and scoffed at the price and laughed, said, "wow, rodi has been around for years and not changed very much".

[Vapour1ze]

Originally Posted by NTP66

Not for nothing, but comments like this would make me think twice about going with you, especially when you make it sound like BRS doesn't stand behind their products (which would be completely inaccurate).

FWIW, I absolutely cannot stand my experience with BRS... I've had an issue with a reactor and tried calling in about the issue. I was on hold for half an hour and ended up hanging up because I couldn't wait any longer... I then emailed them (maybe a week ago) still not one response... I'm glad this was only for a 50$ reactor. If it was a larger purchase I would surely be upset. I know a lot of people are happy with their service, but I have yet to witness that on my end. Especially being a new customer.

EDIT: Also, the SpectraPure rep was referring to this post:

Spectrapure has the smallest micron filters, but buying an entire unit is a rip off.

You can save about 50% of the cost by buying your canisters and filter separately and then putting it together...

[slief]

Originally Posted by NTP66

Not for nothing, but comments like this would make me think twice about going with you, especially when you make it sound like BRS doesn't stand behind their products (which would be completely inaccurate).

I didn't interpret it that way and he certainly didn't refer to BRS in that statement. He was clearly talking about DIY as he duly noted and I quote "Yes systems can be made yourself for cheaper". I interpret that as buying the filter housings, hanger mount, tubing, fittings, TDS meter, flush valve with solenoid if auto flush, booster pump if needed and cartridges separately and assembling it yourself as opposed to buying a complete unit from somebody like BRS which would not be a "made yourself" solution. This means that should something not work properly, who do you call to trouble shoot if you assemble yourself? Clearly we see several posts here a month about RODI filters not creating 0 TDS water and other issues and it's those kinds of issues where good support can be very helpful especially in comparison to a DIY solution.

Nobody knocked BRS's support but the bottom line is that SpectraPure happens to be the best when it comes to these filters. Not only do the make their own cartridges which happen to be the best cartridges but they also have the best support when it comes to these kinds of systems. If you have ever dealt with Spectrapure support on an RODI you will know what I have talking about. Going into my purchase, they had me download my latest TAP water quality report and went though it and analized it with me to determine what and how much was in my tap water that could shorten cartridge life and also give me a good idea of what to expect as far as filter life. All of which were important factors for me when determining if a UHE 1:1 was a good fit for my needs and if I should include any additional prefilters. They never upsold me and the unit worked exactly as it was supposed to. Some of these filters are very complex and include electronics for the auto flush system, solenoids, booster pumps and float switches. With systems like that, support is an important thing. With a basic, non boosted system, not so much but still having a knowledgeable expert to help you determine why your cartridges don't last as long as you think they should who can refer to a tap water report and determine what if any contributing factors are in your water can be very useful and save a heck of a lot of money. Lets face it, good cartridges are not exactly cheap and wasting them because you don't have your unit setup right or your water quality is worse than the TDS shows can be very frustrating without an expert to chime in on.

[NTP66]

I clearly read that too fast, so I apologize. That being said, I have a hard time believing that a filter from one major manufacturer is superior to one from another. Not for filters.