I'm looking to install a RO system.

[KillerKl0wnFish]

I'm looking to install a RO system for a 75 gallon and a 30 gallon tank. About 5-15 gallon water change a week and I also have an ATO.

What stage is good?
Any good brands to look into?

I'm in NJ if that helps. I have good water pressure.
I have access to water in my basement not far from my tanks.

Any and all info suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

 

[fishywishy]

I use the 4 stage RODI buddy from amazon. It’s cheap and works pretty good.

 

[Uncle99]

Same as above

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I use the AquaFX 4 stage RODI system. I have mine mounted underneath my bathroom sink and it has worked great so far!

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

I use Spectrapure with a pressure pump.

 

[B&CinB.C.]

I use the Aqua FX Barracuda 4 stage system . Uses standard filters available pretty much everywhere . I highly recommend a system with an inline tds meter that measures at 2 points in the system

 

[redfishbluefish]

Not quite sure how they count stages these days, but I'm also in NJ....city water....and have the following filters.....

Sediment
Carbon Block 1
Carbon Block 2
Membrane
DI

As far as membrane size, I'd suggest a 50 or 75 gpd membrane with a minimum of 98% ejection.

It's an antique and in my unfinished basement, so not the prettiest thing, but here's what I have:

Additional suggestions
1. get an inline TDS reader that measures post RO membrane and post DI resin
2. Install a flush valve to flush the membrane

3. Install a three way valve to flush the first couple minutes to waste to save DI resin.

When you first start the unit you get break through TDS from the membrane sitting. The first few minutes your TDS will shoot up to 50, 60, 70 TDS that would then be removed by your DI resin....this eats DI resin. By bypassing your DI on startup you minimize/eliminate the breakthrough TDS going through your DI. This will greatly increase the life of your DI. What I've done is to install a threeway valve right before DI. I flip this valve to run water to waste for the first 8-10 minutes or so. By then my TDS is down to 1-3, and I then flip the valve to run water through the DI. Here is the valve on my system:

 

[themcnertney]

Spectrapure. Hands down the best. I have the 90 gallon / day RODI. Been going strong for over 15 years.

 

[JTP424]

I use RO Buddy but looking into upgrading. It's great due to it simplicity.
Cost is kind of 50/50, it's cost effective to first install, but replacement filters and whatnot are only slightly less than buying a new unit on it's own. You save maybe $5-10 by getting filters only.
I've had mine for 3 years and have only replaced the filters once or twice.

 

[Snoopy 67]

The RO Buddy is filter specific so I do NOT recommend it.
You want at least 5 stage unit, 2 pre-filters, a membrane and a DI.
I have a 6 stage from Spectrapure. But really, Buckeye Hydro, a sponsor here, or BRS units are all standard, it's just what cartridges you use that make some difference.

 

[KillerKl0wnFish]

I use the 4 stage RODI buddy from amazon. It’s cheap and works pretty good.

Awesome thanks...what brand did you use or does it not matter?

 

[fishywishy]

Awesome thanks...what brand did you use or does it not matter?

Rodi buddy is the brand.

 

[slogan315]

I had an rodi buddy but ended up getting one of the canister units. Echoing someone else, it’s cheaper at first, but filters are more expensive and less customizable. And when filters are “expensive” you’re less likely to change them as often as you should, leading to bigger issues.

 

[Homewrecker]

I use the AquaFX 4 stage RODI system. I have mine mounted underneath my bathroom sink and it has worked great so far!

Same here but I added the RODI smart buddy booster pump and it’s amazing!

 

[phillyb614]

Aquatic Life 4 stage 100 GPD. Hooked up to an old washer water supply/drain in my basement. Feeds into a brute trash can with a float switch inside so it doesn’t overflow. Can has a spigot on bottom and sits on a stand so I can get my buckets filled by it. I am able to maintain a 20 gallon, 40 gallon, and 90 gallon tank with this system. Lots of ways to skin this cat, as you’re finding out lol. Good luck!

 

[JTP424]

Also. Recommend an inline 3 way tds checker.... that will help you know which filter has gone bad when. Rather than swapping all out you can focus on problem areas.

 

[KillerKl0wnFish]

Aquatic Life 4 stage 100 GPD. Hooked up to an old washer water supply/drain in my basement. Feeds into a brute trash can with a float switch inside so it doesn’t overflow. Can has a spigot on bottom and sits on a stand so I can get my buckets filled by it. I am able to maintain a 20 gallon, 40 gallon, and 90 gallon tank with this system. Lots of ways to skin this cat, as you’re finding out lol. Good luck!

Nice

 

[KillerKl0wnFish]

I ordered 1 from BRS comes with tds. 75gpd Stage 4 and I can add on if I need. Should last a long time. I don’t go through much with my ATO and now with 2 tanks going it should be good for a long time.
Thanks for the help guys… next up is sand. Probably stick w Fiji pink.

 

[Buckeye Hydro Verified Sponsor]

First off, pay less attention to the number of stages. More stages are not necessarily better.

Consider this configuration your default:
1 mic sediment filter-> 0.5 mic carbon block->Filmtec RO membrane->Mixed bed DI.

For max value out of your system, make changes to that configuration only if there are specific water quality issues you need to address. For example: If you have chloramine in your water, and a Chloraguard carbon block right after the sediment filter.

With your aquarium size I'd shoot for a 75 gpd membrane. Get a system with a pressure gauge and a TDS meter. Stick with R2R Sponsors. https://www.buckeyehydro.com/premium-rodi-system/

 

[Freenow54]

I'm looking to install a RO system for a 75 gallon and a 30 gallon tank. About 5-15 gallon water change a week and I also have an ATO.

What stage is good?
Any good brands to look into?

I'm in NJ if that helps. I have goo

d water pressure.
I have access to water in my basement not far from my tanks.

Any and all info suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

I love my no waste by Watts who have been around well over 80 years. Need to have room by a storage water heater, But probably could install your own tank. It is $500 Canadian so about 30 cents US. Added an after market DI filter with resin from Amazon. Left tank is just RO to keep up with evaporated water. Left is salt mix with 2 heaters in it that I plug in a couple of days before a water change. I use a 1/4 hp submersible pump to move the water to my tanks, as well as for mixing the salt