First RODI system purchase. Advice?

[PowChickaPowPow]

Hi, I'm looking to purchase my first RODI system. I will use the water for my 15 gallon reef tank water changes and ATO. I am considering the 4 Stage Value Plus 100GPD RO/DI System from BRS. Any recommendations or concerns with this system? Do I need to test the RODI water after using the system? I live in the mountain of Colorado.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Are you able to pull up how much TDS your water has (usually you can find this by searching your counties water levels or something similar to that)? That will help you decide if a 4 stage is fine or if you need something stronger. 4 Stage is good for most people, and I'm sure that will be fine for you as well.

 

[PowChickaPowPow]

Are you able to pull up how much TDS your water has (usually you can find this by searching your counties water levels or something similar to that)? That will help you decide if a 4 stage is fine or if you need something stronger. 4 Stage is good for most people, and I'm sure that will be fine for you as well.

I found the local water report but not sure I'm seeing anything for TDS. Here is a link to the report. https://dillonvalleymetro.colorado.gov/sites/dillonvalleymetro/files/documents/2025 CCR.doc (1).pdf

 

[dorsalmeat]

AQUATIC LIFE RODI bundle on Amazon. It’s $70. Works great. Makes 0ppm RODI water with ease. I have a 20 gallon. Yours is 15. This would work great. Make your RODI water and store it in a 5-7 gallon jug, mix in salt. Easy water changes. Immediately cleaned my tank sand bed and water clarity it’s been a dream. Corals are doing so much better. You can get a handheld PPM tester for $9 on Amazon as well to check PPM. Also test your water with a test kit. I know you’ll be happy. For a 15 gallon tank you could go all year before you have to replace cartridges in the unit. Amazon sells all the replacements.

 

[cdbean]

I have used the Aquatic Life RODI unit for my 15 cube for 2 years. I have 3 7 gallon storage containers that I keep filled and it's been great. I would get a BRS unit if you have other bigger tanks but for the 15 the Aquatic Life on Amazon is perfect.

 

[landlubber]

I think the one you chose will be perfect.
Yes you can get away with a smaller one but the day you need water quickly is the day you'll wish you had that 100 gallons per day of production available to you.

 

[exnisstech]

I really don't see much difference between systems. I mean they're canisters and tubing. People can choose what brand filters and membranes they want to run. The RO buddies are a bit different because you can't replace filter cartridges. I started with one and it worked great I just needed more water so I moved to a traditional canister system.

 

[cdbean]

I think the one you chose will be perfect.
Yes you can get away with a smaller one but the day you need water quickly is the day you'll wish you had that 100 gallons per day of production available to you.

I agree with you but the little system is portable and doesn't need permanent mounting and it is less expensive if that's a consideration. I take mine out when needed and put it in the kitchen sink and I always have 20+ gallons in storage which is basically two full water changes for that tank. If you have the space the bigger units are great, if you want something small and portable, the AL has worked great. That said, I'm getting a six stage 150 gpd from BRS since I have 5 tanks up now so the little unit is a pain for that.

 

[landlubber]

I agree with you but the little system is portable and doesn't need permanent mounting and it is less expensive if that's a consideration. I take mine out when needed and put it in the kitchen sink and I always have 20+ gallons in storage which is basically two full water changes for that tank. If you have the space the bigger units are great, if you want something small and portable, the AL has worked great. That said, I'm getting a six stage 150 gpd from BRS since I have 5 tanks up now so the little unit is a pain for that.

My goal was to have a tank with no support equipment showing... just the display.
I run a 4 stage 100gpd that is parked out of the way under my kitchen sink. I bought RO line and have lines run to valves so I can switch between filling my mixing container, top off container or in a pinch have a line I can fill buckets with and have lined the discard water straight to the drain.
The only time I really ever look at the RODI system is to check if the filters are still running clean and change them if they aren't.

 

[cdbean]

My goal was to have a tank with no support equipment showing... just the display.
I run a 4 stage 100gpd that is parked out of the way under my kitchen sink. I bought RO line and have lines run to valves so I can switch between filling my mixing container, top off container or in a pinch have a line I can fill buckets with and have lined the discard water straight to the drain.
The only time I really ever look at the RODI system is to check if the filters are still running clean and change them if they aren't.

Understood. I’m trying to do the same for my 50 in my bedroom to make it look as clean as possible. I wish i could do an AWC system but I live in an apartment so it’s RO in the kitchen and water jugs for me.

 

[landlubber]

Understood. I’m trying to do the same for my 50 in my bedroom to make it look as clean as possible. I wish i could do an AWC system but I live in an apartment so it’s RO in the kitchen and water jugs for me.

It was the same reasoning for me as well. I live in a condo so limited space and decided i'd like to minimize ever having to lift pails if at all possible.