RO/DI Questions

Mizu · Apr 17, 2024

Hello, so Im getting into the hobby and my local store recommended me to get an RO/DI system at some point, so I figured it might be best to start from now so the amount of salt in the water stays consistent.

For context: My tank is going to be 32 gallons and mostly a fish tank, I don't plan on any corals currently.

Is there an RO/DI system that is recommended for beginners? Also, after I buy the RO/DI system, do I just need to purchase salt and the occasional replacement filters?

I found one online that is pretty cheap and was wondering if this is acceptable (I also found what appears to be the same model on another website for 5x the price so just wondering if these are the same):

1. https://www.ataquariums.com/shop/p/puratek-100-gpd-rodi-filter-system-aquamaxx

2. https://premiumaquatics.com/products/puratek-deluxe-100-gpd-rodi-filter-system-aquamaxx.html

Lastly, I found this upgrade filter kit, im assuming these would be replacement filters?

AquaMaxx 4 Stage Upgrade Filter Kit - With Refillable DI

Keep your Aquamaxx Puratek RO/DI System running efficiently with this drop-in replacement filter kit. Regularly replacing your filter elements ensures proper pre-treatment of your tap water, removing harsh chemicals and sediments that can damage the RO membrane, thereby ensuring that you are...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Thank you in advance for any help!

Troylee · Apr 17, 2024

That’s a decent unit but I think that first link is a scam! The only unit in that price range is a ro buddy on Amazon..

fishywishy · Apr 17, 2024

I use the ro buddy from Amazon and I’ve never had any issues with it. The only thing is that in the long run it’s going to be cheaper to get one of the more expensive ones because every 6 months to a year you have to change all the cartridges which cost 30 bucks.

Opus · Apr 17, 2024

First one says they are open box. They offer no warranty so it sounds like if you get it and something is wrong, you will get no help/refund from them. It is up to you if the savings is worth the risk.

You are correct. The BRS link is just replacement filters.

You really should check your water supply and see if they use chlorine or chloramines. If they use chloramines, then you want a unit with 2 carbon filters or 1 filter made for chloramines.

Uncle99 · Apr 17, 2024

I’ve used the simple Amazon buddy for years along with a standard refillable 10” canister for DI resin producing 40 gallons a week used in my 250g system.

It’s cheap, works well and produces 0 TDS.

I have to change the sediment at 6 months, Carbon at 3 months and the membrane at 18 months.

Great water for the price.

ZachariahBeanz · Apr 17, 2024

fishywishy said:
I use the ro buddy from Amazon and I’ve never had any issues with it. The only thing is that in the long run it’s going to be cheaper to get one of the more expensive ones because every 6 months to a year you have to change all the cartridges which cost 30 bucks.

Yeah, I use the RO Buddy too. It’s pretty cheap to start, and it’s easy to use. But, having to replace the cartridges will eventually make it more expensive. So, I would just go for the more expensive option, it will most likely cost you less in the long run.