are all RO units the same?

sjfishguy · #1 09/07/2007, 12:10 PM

With respect to brands, is one brand better than another. I am looking to get my first RO unit when I get a 30cube in about a month, so I basically need the smallest RO unit they make. I have been looking at the Pure-Flo by Coralife (24gpd TFC). Is this fine? Remember, I don't need much water (<20gals a month).

jsr · #2 09/07/2007, 12:32 PM

I have a Pure-Flo 50GPD and had issues with the flow restrictor. I also hear they have poor quality membrane housings. Check out some of the sponsor pages before you commit to the CoraLife RO/DI unit. Oh yeah, be sure to get an RO/DI, not just an RO.

sjfishguy · #3 09/07/2007, 12:39 PM

Was wondering opinions on that too, is the DI really nessasary? I am sure it is ideal, but is it nessasary?

asm481 · #4 09/07/2007, 12:41 PM

Give the Filter guys a call. They are straight shooters and will not screw you for the quick buck. They will ask you about your tap water and what you need and set you up right the first time. Ask for Jim he is a hobbiest also so he knows what we deal with.

RichConley · #5 09/07/2007, 01:01 PM

Just buy a 75gpd. The 24gpd type ones aren't any cheaper, and they take longer to make water. Who wants to sit around when you dont have to?

HDAlien · #6 09/07/2007, 01:04 PM

There's a difference in build quality. My next unit will be a Spectrapure.

sjfishguy · #7 09/07/2007, 01:30 PM

So spectrapure is a good product? Do others agree? Is it worth spending a little extra on the spectrapure? I can get the Coralife RO 24gpd for $84 and the Spectrapure RO 60gpd for $98, or the Spectrapure RO/DI 60gpd for $140. I guess I should go with the spectrapure and I really don't want to spend over $100. Keep the opinions coming, thanks

PSam · #8 09/07/2007, 01:35 PM

I have a spectrapure maxcap. Not only is the build quality, it makes great water, and customer service with those guys is rock solid. They take care of business. Have also heard great things about the filter guys units, as well as buckeye field supply.

BeanAnimal · #9 09/07/2007, 01:35 PM

Yes the spectrapure is a GREAT product.

buckeyefieldsupply
thefilterguys
purelyh20
melevsreef

also provide great units and honesty in sales and support.

seldin · #10 09/08/2007, 10:35 AM

I bought a Pureflo and it leaked right out of the box. Also, all of the tubing hangs out and the unit just does not look like it was made well. I returned it and bought a SprectraPure. Awesome unit. However, I noticed that some units have an auto top off shut off valve built in. That sounds kind of neat. I installed a manual float top off in my bucket.

I can tell you that the SpectraPure is awesome. No leaks and has the quick disconnect. Tech support is great. They were very patient and had no problem hand holding me, to help me install a auto shut off for my tub.

Awesome company tech support and quality product.

PS. Be careful of getting a small unit. The output can be very slow and take hours just to fill a bucket. So you may want to bite the bullet and get a larger powered unit, so a bucket of water does not take hours to produce.

Couple of things to remember. If you use cold water as an input, the output can be much slower. In addition, you need enough water pressure to make sure the unit works properly.

Hope this help...

sjfishguy · #11 09/14/2007, 11:39 AM

Is there a significant difference between Spectrapure's classic RO/DI unit and thier MaxCap unit? (significant being the keyword)

seldin · #12 09/14/2007, 01:15 PM

Sfishguy,

Sorry, off the top of my head, don't know the answer. Here is their phone number (800) 685-2783

and here is their website:

www.spectrapure.com

Hope this helps.

Rcpilet · #13 09/14/2007, 02:57 PM

Seams to me that most RO/DI units are drastically overpriced.

Check these out:
http://www.purewaterclub.com/

http://www.filterdirect.com/catalog/index.php

I just bought a 6 stage RO/2DI unit from Filter Direct on Ebay for $129 shipped to my front door. It's scheduled to arrive today. Should be here in the next couple hours. I'll post pics if you want to see how it looks.

It's got a sediment trap, then carbon, more carbon, then the RO membrane, then a DI filter and finally another DI filter. 6 stages. Hope it works.

No, I'm not affiliated with either of these companies. I'm just a bargain hunter, like everyone else.

sjfishguy · #14 09/26/2007, 01:03 PM

Does anyone have experience with the small units that Purley H2O sell like this one http://www.purelyh2o.com/product.php...cat=249&page=1 Or does anyone have a Purley H2O filter in general? I am not getting the spectrapure and I am leaning now towards the filterguys or purley h2O. All opinions are appreciated!

AZDesertRat · #15 09/26/2007, 02:11 PM

Yes there is a difference. The Spectrapure MaxCap is the cadillac of the industry by far. If you know your tap water conditions ahead of time it really helps when shopping for an RO/DI unit.
I own the MaxCap andwould recommend it to anyone with water that is poorer than normal.
Don't waste money on compact type units, you want full sized vertical filters for best filter life, performance and water quality. Stay away from 100 GPD units or those that advertise wierd GPDSs like 110 or 125 GPD. No manufacturer makes membranes in that size and they are making up numbers.

frags75 · #16 09/26/2007, 10:13 PM

I have a Purely H2O Optima Vision series 75 RODI and am very happy with its quality and performance. I agree to go with a full size unit.

HDAlien · #17 09/27/2007, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rcpilet
Seams to me that most RO/DI units are drastically overpriced.

Check these out:
http://www.purewaterclub.com/

http://www.filterdirect.com/catalog/index.php

I just bought a 6 stage RO/2DI unit from Filter Direct on Ebay for $129 shipped to my front door. It's scheduled to arrive today. Should be here in the next couple hours. I'll post pics if you want to see how it looks.

It's got a sediment trap, then carbon, more carbon, then the RO membrane, then a DI filter and finally another DI filter. 6 stages. Hope it works.

No, I'm not affiliated with either of these companies. I'm just a bargain hunter, like everyone else.

What Azdesert said, this is exactly the unit I am replacing with a Maxcap this afternoon. You'll more than pay for the Spectrapure just in the filter replacements on that Filterdirect unit, trust me, been there, not doing that any more.

Coralfreak · #18 09/27/2007, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sjfishguy
Does anyone have experience with the small units that Purley H2O sell like this one http://www.purelyh2o.com/product.php...cat=249&page=1 Or does anyone have a Purley H2O filter in general? I am not getting the spectrapure and I am leaning now towards the filterguys or purley h2O. All opinions are appreciated!

Personally, I'd go with the Filterguys, I've had issues with Purely H2O, not getting into it here. On the other hand, I've had nothing but top notch service from the Filterguys.

sjfishguy · #19 10/15/2007, 08:57 AM

Wanted to give everyone that helped me out an update. I went with The Filter Guys and so far I am very happy. They set me up with exactly what I needed and steered me away from things I didn't need. They are indeed very helpful and the unit appears to be of great quality. It was pushing out 0 TDS water after the first couple of gallons. I spent a little more than I wanted to, but I have learned in this hobby that its better to spend the money now, than spend a lot more trying to fix problems down the road. Thank you all so much for your help, I would have never found The Filter Guys without this great resource!

chinzman93 · #20 10/17/2007, 12:22 AM

A wise decision. What model did you get? I will be making a purchase soon with Filterguyz.

30reef · #21 10/17/2007, 02:03 AM

I hate waiting for my 35gpd to make water drop by drop. 75gpd is much better. Spectrapure Maxcap is my recommendation.

sjfishguy · #22 10/17/2007, 09:40 AM

Ocean Wave 5 stage 75gpd. Very well built (seems it so far, only had it a week) and their service is excellent.

Ewan · #23 10/17/2007, 09:58 AM

Congrats on an informed decision.

A quality RO/DI unit is far most cost effective than replacing a cheap one down the road. Plus, the extra value of top-notch customer service should be factored in to your price. Sounds like you found an excellent unit.