RO Unit

[wmu2007]

Looking to get a R/O unit that is not deionization. I have heard that Kent is the best but when I was looking at some there were multiple kinds. Which is best and how does each model performance wise from one another? http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_AquariumPage~PageAlias~reverse-osmosis-deionization_kent_marine_ro.html

[DanInSD]

Most of these units use the same parts, same membranes, etc. The differences are in things like the fittings, whether they have pressure gauges or TDS meters, clear or opaque containers, etc.

Why not get RO/DI? The DI will give you about 20x cleaner water than the RO alone. My RO gives about 15ppm TDS, and this reads zero (so below 1) after DI.

Remember that there are lots of ions that are not stopped by RO.

Dan

[AZDesertRat]

Skip the Kent.
If you are looking for the best as you indicated then look at the MaxCap from www.spectrapure.com , its is unquestionably the best.
If you have pretty normal tap water conditions you could also consider units from othe Reef Central Sponsors too like:
www.thefilterguys.biz
www.buckeyefieldsupply.com
www.melevsreef.com
www.airwaterice.com
www.purelyh2o.com


You really should get a RO/DI in the beginning but you can always add DI to an existing system for about $40-$45 later.

Dans statement about all the units being basicaly the same is not correct. Visibly an e-bay drinking water quality system looks similar to a $350 reef quality system. The biggest differences are what is inside the housings, the cartridges and membranes themselves. You cannot tell by looking. High quality filters cost money and will have a useful lifespan much longer than cheap filters. Same goes for membranes, some use no name clones of imported knock offs that appear to be the same, that is until you start testing them with a TDS meter.