RO Buddie

[ndz98]

I came across the RO buddie online and I like how small it is and the price is cheap too. What I want to know is how many of you have one and have no issues with it? Are the filters just as much to replace as the bigger ro systems or do they cost less?

 

[AZDesertRat]

Replacement filters cost more, need to be replaced more often, do not filter as well and do not come in the micron ranges reefers prefer. You will have much more invested very quickly and from then on versus buying a real reef quality RO/DI to begin with for only $125 that uses standard 10" replacements and has a full size 10" vertical 20 oz refillable DI.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I just looked up the RO Buddie with DI on Marine Depot, and the 50GPD sells for $100, while the 100GPD sells for $130. For that price, I'd get a "full sized" unit, such as THIS Spectrapure 90GPD unit....for $125.

 

[Saltine]

I came across the RO buddie online and I like how small it is and the price is cheap too. What I want to know is how many of you have one and have no issues with it? Are the filters just as much to replace as the bigger ro systems or do they cost less?

I had the RO Buddie with DI for the past 10 months. I have exhausted all of the filters, and it's just as expensive to buy all new filters as it is to buy another entire unit. I'm sure I should have replaced the sediment and carbon filters at some point, but never knew when, the instructions simply say "regularly". I just invested the extra $75 to get a full unit with reasonably priced filters and a way of telling when they are going bad. (Spectrapure)

Salt

 

[ndz98]

Okay so it sounds like the ro buddie is a no go. Thanks guys! What about the pure flo II? Are those any good?

 

[joshkirkland83]

Spectrapure, "the clear choice"

 

[ndz98]

Only reason I ask that is because I could get one that was only used a few times for 45 bucks

 

[Saltine]

No telling what state the filters are in, what TDS is it currently producing? Does it include a DI resin cartridge?

 

[happyhourhero]

I have used mine for about a year. Have replaced the sediment and carbon cartridge once at 7 months. I buy bulk DI resin and each refill lasts me about 2 months. I pull about 30 gallons of RODI a week from it. I think its great for portability. My TDS Going in is 77 out is 0. All that said, buying one of the BRS units or ones suggested in this thread may be a better idea.

 

[AZDesertRat]

Don't buy a used system, especially that one. Stick with someone who specializes in RO like Spectrapure, Buckeye Hydro, Melevsreef, Purelyh2o or AWI. Others like BRS, Coralie, Kent and many more sell RO as a sideline but their stuff is average at best so you will not see the same quality or value.

 

[nano]

Filters need replaced too often. ...well I guess it depends on how much water you need to make .

 

[ndz98]

I just looked up the RO Buddie with DI on Marine Depot, and the 50GPD sells for $100, while the 100GPD sells for $130. For that price, I'd get a "full sized" unit, such as THIS Spectrapure 90GPD unit....for $125.

If I make about 10 gallons every week, how long do you think the filters will last before I have to replace them(given the water going in isn't extremely harsh)? Looks like a nice unit though.

 

[nano]

If I make about 10 gallons every week, how long do you think the filters will last before I have to replace them(given the water going in isn't extremely harsh)? Looks like a nice unit though.

It's a nice unit for the price. It's only a 2stage with no di, but could always come in handy.

 

[nano]

It's a nice unit for the price. It's only a 2stage with no di, but could always come in handy.

The filters can be flipped upside down and flushed out ,and that might get them to last a bit longer.

 

[ndz98]

It's a nice unit for the price. It's only a 2stage with no di, but could always come in handy.

I only use RO water in my tank because that's all I can get here so I don't think the DI part will be too big of a deal

 

[AZDesertRat]

How long a system lasts is dependent on water hardness, TDS, temperature, pressure, waste ratio, how much you make each time, how you store the unit after each use and a number of other factors. There is no standard answer. My Spectrapure system is 8.5 years old on the original RO membrane and still 99.4% efficient but everyone's results will vary. When I had a different name brand system I had to replace membranes every 18 months and DI lasted 150 gallons compared to today's 1000+ gallons.

 

[ndz98]

How long a system lasts is dependent on water hardness, TDS, temperature, pressure, waste ratio, how much you make each time, how you store the unit after each use and a number of other factors. There is no standard answer. My Spectrapure system is 8.5 years old on the original RO membrane and still 99.4% efficient but everyone's results will vary. When I had a different name brand system I had to replace membranes every 18 months and DI lasted 150 gallons compared to today's 1000+ gallons.

Dang 8.5 years on the same membrane?! That's crazy!

 

[AZDesertRat]

There really is a difference, use high quality low micron filters and a water softener if you can and things will last. Even though my tap TDS exceeds 560 I do have a softener so it is much easier for the membrane to process.

 

[ndz98]

There really is a difference, use high quality low micron filters and a water softener if you can and things will last. Even though my tap TDS exceeds 560 I do have a softener so it is much easier for the membrane to process.

In regards to a Tds meter, would I want to get an inline meter or a handheld one? I feel like the handheld one might be better because you can measure the Tds of the water going in too right?

 

[Chefbill]

Ro Buddy is not worth it. Over priced at 1/2 the cost. Don't waste your money.