Buying used spectrapure ro di

[Steamreefer]

Hey all, I'm on the market for my 1st ro di unit. My lfs only sells the aquatic life units that seem to use proprietary filter cartridges which I'm guessing are more expensive than others. (I'm not actually sure)

I have come across a used spectrapure mc 90-10 unit which i read is a high quality unit. I'm in Canada but he's asking $210 usd or 300 canadian. He claims the filters and membrane were replaced 18 months ago and taken out of service like a month ago. Unit was put in service in 2018

What I'm wondering is 1st, what's a reasonable price for this? Once I mentioned that once I replace all filters (he claims they're all still good) I would be at or over the cost of a new 1. He replied and offered it for $50 cheaper.

2nd concern is, can I replace the filters on this with any brand, or better yet bulk media? I'd just like to have options as what we can get in canada is usually pretty limited.

Thanks!

 

[KStatefan]

If the membrane has been allowed to dry out it will not be good.

Yes standard filters will fit

 

[Steamreefer]

If the membrane has been allowed to dry out it will not be bad.

Yes standard filters will fit

Not be bad? That's good news I read that them drying out can ruin them?

Any comment on the pricing?

 

[56longroof]

To be honest I'd get this unit. Cheaper and will accept other brand filters. I have the same one going on 4 years now. Never any issues other than changing out the filters when needed.
https://liquagen.com/products/copy-of-6-stage-elementary-75-gpd-ro-di-water-filter-system

 

[Steamreefer]

To be honest I'd get this unit. Cheaper and will accept other brand filters. I have the same one going on 4 years now. Never any issues other than changing out the filters when needed.
https://liquagen.com/products/copy-of-6-stage-elementary-75-gpd-ro-di-water-filter-system

Appreciate the info but like I said, I'm in Canada. By the time that got to me and with tarriffs it would likely be double or triple that price.

 

[KStatefan]

Not be bad? That's good news I read that them drying out can ruin them?

Any comment on the pricing?

Not be good

Look at what it will cost to replace all the filters and compare to new.

 

[BryanM]

Definitely would be replacing all filters buynig this used unit. So the cost has to make sense, otherwise you're better off buying something new.

My rule for this would be 50% of new cost minus the cost of replacing all filters and the membrane.

 

[Steamreefer]

Definitely would be replacing all filters buynig this used unit. So the cost has to make sense, otherwise you're better off buying something new.

My rule for this would be 50% of new cost minus the cost of replacing all filters and the membrane.

Kinda what i was thinking too, $250 cad is about half of new and I think the membrane is $100

Problem is he keeps saying the filters have 2/3rds of life left in em.

$100 for the membrane and it appears $140 for the filter cartridge kit.

Leaves him selling it for free essentially

 

[BryanM]

Kinda what i was thinking too, $250 cad is about half of new and I think the membrane is $100

Problem is he keeps saying the filters have 2/3rds of life left in em.

$100 for the membrane and it appears $140 for the filter cartridge kit.

Leaves him selling it for free essentially

My take on this is our water is the heartbeat of what we're doing.

I bought a used RODI unit and replaced everything.

You could certainly try it, test for TDS, and if its producing zero, awesome. But I think you should be mentally prepared to replace all of the filters/etc.

 

[Steamreefer]

Well he won't budge off $250 cad so maybe like 180ish usd.

I think I'm going to take my chances with it and hope for the best as I already purchased an i.m 100 int and 2 hydra 32s I'm trying to go cheaper on some other stuff.

Is there anything special about the spectra pure replacement filters or membranes? Or should I just look at cheaper options

 

[braaap]

Well he won't budge off $250 cad so maybe like 180ish usd.

I think I'm going to take my chances with it and hope for the best as I already purchased an i.m 100 int and 2 hydra 32s I'm trying to go cheaper on some other stuff.

Is there anything special about the spectra pure replacement filters or membranes? Or should I just look at cheaper options

The spectrpure membrane is supposedly the best in the market. They have them made custom. They last for ever. I had one for 10 years and it put out zero tds water every time.

But no you could toss everything and just use the canisters and with all new filters.

At that point I’d buy a cheaper basic unit if you are having to replace all the filters. Their canisters are nothing special.

 

[Steamreefer]

The spectrpure membrane is supposedly the best in the market. They have them made custom. They last for ever. I had one for 10 years and it put out zero tds water every time.

But no you could toss everything and just use the canisters and with all new filters.

At that point I’d buy a cheaper basic unit if you are having to replace all the filters. Their canisters are nothing special.

I checked my water report and it did list chloramines as an additive so as I understood from brs videos that I should use a 5 stage that has 2 carbon blocks. Excuse my ignorance as I'm brand new to this but have 10 years in the freshwater hobby.

Anything that looks decent quality that I can find on canadian websites comparable to this are $500

This is the picture from the sale ad
If it looked crusty I'd definitely not be considering it, but it does look clean.

 

[rtparty]

Add in the cost to replace every filter and see if it’s still worth it. You will also want to sanitize it before use IMO

I’ve never found used RO units to be worth it personally.

 

[braaap]

Add in the cost to replace every filter and see if it’s still worth it. You will also want to sanitize it before use IMO

I’ve never found used RO units to be worth it personally.

This.

I got a used one awhile back for $60. 5 stage BRS. But I mainly wanted it for the canisters and the 2nd membrane to add to my unit.