How often do you have to replace the filter on RO/DI units

[bmkj02]

I have a 125g tank. Thinking of purchasing a ro/di unit to avoid going so much to the LFS for water. How often do these filters have to be replaced and whats a good not so expensive brand. I have seen unit for $160 to like $400. I know you get what you pay for but sometimes its just name brands. Thanks

 

[florida joe]

Generally speaking prefilters should be changed every six months or 2500 gallons of produced water which ever comes first. Membrane replacement about 2-3 years or 12000-18000 gallons of produced water whichever comes first.
I use a Prue-Flo II and like it

 

[donald]

Buy a TDS meter, it is the best way to tell when its time to change the filters. My filters last a little over a year. The DI filter is suposed to last for somewhere near five years. I bought a unit that cost 200$, it came with a little hand held TDS meter, i got mine from a big site, all they do is filters. I dont know if i can mention then on here, but the "AIR" is clean, the "WATER" is pure and the "ICE" is always cold.

 

[aztec reef]

I second the Tds meter..
Dont worry about ro name brands, just get a decent 4stage ro/di unit..

 

[scrapman]

Where to buy a TDS meter?
I have never seen one.
What exactly does it measure?
What does it cost?
Thanks

 

[aztec reef]

$50-500bucks.
It measures Total dissolved solids..(impure compounds)..

 

[pete159]

i paid 40$ plus shipping for a TDS. It measures everything thats in the water and gives you a reading from 0.00 and up. my tap water reads .345 but after my RO/DI it reads 0.00 which is perfect. After awhile it starts going up, right now its reading 0.03 but thats still fine for a fish tank, when it gets to 0.07 i will order new filters for it. Yo can get a dect ro/di for less then $200

 

[florida joe]

First TDS meters do NOT read everything in your water and it only reads a percentage of your total dissolved solids

 

[rmeaux]

I just bought one from a bulk reef supply company and very pleased with it. Came with the pressure gauge, TDS meter, Auto shut off valve, float switch and, a new set of filters. Couldn't go wrong for under 200.

 

[bmkj02]

Anyone know if Melevsreef brand is any good. Seems to be. $169 plus $25 s&h. I believe its a 5 stage.