Ryan S September 30, 2011 September 30, 2011 With the BRS group buy next week, I was thinking about buying a new RO/DI unit. No matter what tank I eventually find and setup, a good RO/DI unit will be necessary. I figure the BRS unit would also work for tanks of any size, from 40g to 150g, and down the road when I upgrade to a 500g! The question is, buy the Plus system for $180, get the Deluxe for $243, or hold off and buy a used RO/DI and just replace the membrane and filters and call it good. I am leaning towards the Plus system. I don't think I need the extras that come with the Deluxe, and when you buy a used RO/DI, by the time you replace the filters and membrane, you're usually looking at $150 invested anyway. With that said, I also looked at airwaterice, the filter guys, and spectrapure (which I've read several times is considered the best), and (with risk of sounding like the BRS fanboy that I am), I just don't think any of them compare to the BRS Plus system in features, quality, or value. I don't see why the Plus unit wouldn't/couldn't last for 20+ years if taken care of properly. Thoughts/Opinions? If I plan to keep the unit for that long, should I spend the extra $63 bucks and get the Deluxe extras?
Cliff Puckstable September 30, 2011 September 30, 2011 For me, money is an issue at the moment. So, I would spend the least amount of money possible just to get a functional and running ro/di unit. You can always upgrade in the future if needed. I was in the same situation. When I bought my tank setup, it came with a coralife pure flo ro/di unit, but it did not come with any filters or the membrane. I was thinking of just buying a whole new system, but I can buy the filters and membrane for half the price. As we all know this hobby can get very expensive. It all adds up very quick. If I can save a couple bucks here and there, I can spend that money on buying different equipment. I'm patiently waiting for next weeks group buy to begin.
Mando77 September 30, 2011 September 30, 2011 Look at WAMAS vendor air water and ice. Great customer service and RO/DI units that are better in my opinion.
Coral Hind September 30, 2011 September 30, 2011 I would buy a used one if priced right and just replace the filters.
trockafella September 30, 2011 September 30, 2011 AWI is very nice and well priced, they even have a wamas discount. As for used, membranes are good for a fairly long time, so you might need to spend around $40 for the other filters, used is great, but only at the right price....
Incredible Corals September 30, 2011 September 30, 2011 AWI is very nice and well priced, they even have a wamas discount. As for used, membranes are good for a fairly long time, so you might need to spend around $40 for the other filters, used is great, but only at the right price.... I get all my ro/di stuff from awi. Can't beat the prices.
YBeNormal September 30, 2011 September 30, 2011 Besides being a sponsor, AWI has a lifetime warranty on the stuff they sell--and they stand by their warranty!
lowsingle September 30, 2011 September 30, 2011 I think a few wamas guys are selling RODI units.....I would purchase them used to save cash and use your money to buy new filters / membranes. cheers, Darren
Origami October 1, 2011 October 1, 2011 I think a few wamas guys are selling RODI units.....I would purchase them used to save cash and use your money to buy new filters / membranes. Agreed. Here's one, for example: http://www.wamas.org/forums/topic/45636-fs-rodi-filters-filter-socks-fluidized-reactor-and-lot-of-cheap-or-free-random-accessorries/ And he's throwing in a bunch of new filters, too. So you'll be set for a year or two or three....
Ryan S October 1, 2011 Author October 1, 2011 I sent him a pm earlier. He is going to send me a photo tomorrow. If it's the unit I think it is, I will probably take it and pick it up sunday.
Origami October 1, 2011 October 1, 2011 Here's GMU's link, too: http://www.wamas.org/forums/topic/45689-few-things-left-for-sale
Ryan S October 1, 2011 Author October 1, 2011 So the consensus is there is no real advantage to buying a new unit then?
YBeNormal October 1, 2011 October 1, 2011 I think the consensus is that it is a good idea to buy an RO/DI unit and that you should consider a used one, being careful to factor in costs of replacement filters and membranes. The advantage to going that route is that you might save a few bucks. You should also consider buying a new one. Advantages to buying new are that you get exactly what you want (or are willing to pay for) and the unit is usually covered under some sort of warranty. There is no single right answer. Weigh your options and go with the route you feel most comfortable with.
zygote2k October 2, 2011 October 2, 2011 FWIW, check out the Deluxe powered versio of the Aquatic Life R/O-great R/O unit!
firecrackerbob October 3, 2011 October 3, 2011 JMHO, but I am a firm believer in RO\DI. not only for my fish but for drinking water as well for me and my family (RO Only), especially given the amount of pharmaceuticals that are present in significant trace amounts in public water. Frankly, I wouldnt set up a reef tank without one, but thats just me (others do it very successfully though) nor do I want my children drinking public water out of the tap. Also, and this is purely my experience as a chemist, but I have not been impressed with most suppliers of RODI equipment and their "expertise" ...not naming and names or anything... anyway, after alot of research, I went with aquasafe canada to buy and have not had any problems. I did replace their membrane with a dow after about 2yrs of use though... here is thier info http://aquasafecanada.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1 good luck
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