An RO/DI would have at least 4 stages.
A prefilter, a carbon block, a RO membrane and a DI filter.
Along with that you need an inline pressure gauge and a TDS meter to monitor filter condition and water quality.
The lower the micron rating of the prefilter and carbon block, the better job they do of protecting the expensive RO membrane.
I did a quick build on BRS and it came out to $166 for the above with a 1 micron prefilter, 1 micron carbon block, 75 GPD membrane, single DI, dual inline TDS meter, liquid filled pressure gauge and a hose bib or garden hose type connector. The smallest filter micron range they offer is 1 micron and I much prefer 0.5 microns for a prefilter and 0.5 or 0.6 microns for a carbon block.
For a quick comparison, look at the CSPDI in this sale flyer: Untitled Document
Its $199 but you get a .5 micron absolute rated not nominal rated prefilter, a 0.5 micron 20,000 gallon carbon block rather than a 9,000 gallon 1 micron version, a specially treated and batch tested high rejection rate 90 GPD RO membrane, 20 oz of fresh specially blended SilicaBuster reef specific DI resin, a capillary tube type flow restrictor you trim to fit your exact conditions instead of a fixed non adjustable type and the same dual inline TDS meter and pressure gauge.
The difference in initial cost is soon returned in cost savings on membrane and DI replacements and you save from then on. the SilicaBuster should last 2030% longer than other resins and the membrane could last up to 10 years or more due to the better prefilter and carbon block if you stick with the recommended maintenance all vendors suggest. I would rather spend a little more up front and have lower operational costs from day one myself.
Either way, you are on the right track with getting your own RO/DI system so you alone control your water quality.
WOW AZ! You went all out on this one for me, thank you so much.
I'm thinking that with me using only 5g's a week, I won't be changing any filters for quit some time. That along with Marquette having some of the best water in Michigan, well lets just say I may have to start putting stuff back into the water to make it actual water, lol.
You change prefilters and carbons every 6 months like clockwork regardless of hwo much water you have made. This is important to the life of the membrane and while it is down it is suggested you disinfect the system to keep the membrane and housingsbacteria and virus free.
Tap water is tap water and I hear people claiming theirs is pristine all the time, unfortunately thats not usually the case. While it may meet EPA drinking water regs its still not reef quality.
Hey there, I received an email from BRS this morning. Their 5 stage RO/DI Standard unit is on sale right now for $144.00. Doesn't have the bells and whistles, like the TDS meters, pressure gauge, but a great price, nonethless.
Hey there, I received an email from BRS this morning. Their 5 stage RO/DI Standard unit is on sale right now for $144.00. Doesn't have the bells and whistles, like the TDS meters, pressure gauge, but a great price, nonethless.
Who needs bells and whistles~I need cheapest I can get~lol~thanks for the info!
The bells and whistles are needed to even know if its functioning or not. How will you know your water pressure or TDS without them?
If price is the issue look at the BFS161 75 GPD for $169 here: www.buckeyefieldsupply.com
It comes with a 1 micron prefilter, 0.5 micron carbon block, same membrane and probably same DI but gets you a inline pressure gauge, thermometer, handheld TDS-3 TDS meter with temperature readout too and a DI bypass so you can use RO only water too.
You won't get the treated and tested high rejection rate RO membrane or the custom blended DI resins, both of which save much more than the aditional cost but its a good value.
Its hard convincing someone to look past the initial cost and look at how much it costs to operate a unit over time, especially if they have never owned a RO/DI before but it is important.