Ro/di question.

[camfish]

I am looking into getting an ro/di unit, but I am concerned about something. It costs like a ton of money and time to keep up with changing those filter pads. Is there any way of getting around this, how do you guys make it pay off in the end?

 

[mr_x]

i change my R.O.D.I. filters about every 8 months.
i spent 100 dollars shipped on mine.
my R.O.D.I. is the difference between an algae covered, problematic, pain in the butt, and a stress relieving hobby.

 

[niskyvaulter]

i know what your talking about. I just ordered an ro tuesday and it seems like a lot of work. I dont think it will be as bad as it seems b/c it will probably save some time in the long run because the tank wont need as much maintainence.

 

[nereef]

maintenace on an rodi system is very minimal. if you compare this to buying water from somewhere and lugging it around, there is no comparison. your own rodi is a must, imo. if you buy an in line tds meter, you will know exactly when to change your filters also.

 

[th3third]

When you get a tds meter there should be a switch which can test your TDS going "IN" or "OUT". Depending on how good/bad your water quality is will show what your tds is after it goes through the initial filtration (my tds meter is connected before and after the DI filter). When you switch it to the "out" it should always read 0. When it hits 1 or 2 then its time to replace your filter. When you switch it to the "in" mine reads 4. Yours might read more or less depending on your water quality. It will also have a higher reading when you first buy it until it get broken in or when the water soaks in the filters for a day or 2. Also do not use the first 50-100 gallons the first time you ever use it......just dump it. Once it gets broken in....it will always have a high reading on the "in" side for the first few minutes but it will rapidly decline and should stay at the proper tds ....and mine always goes to 4. Hope that helps....I may be new at this hobby but I asked alot of questions from my supplier and its pretty easy when you get it going.

 

[nycustomsumps]

i change my sediment , carbon block , and DI every six mos.
i check it with a TDS meter and it shows they need to be changed.
everyones tap water is differant , it may last longer/less then 6 mos.
it costs me about $35-$40 every change