RO/DI Units

[yannifish]

Hello, everyone.
I'm currently comparing two RO/DI units, and would like some input from you.
I'm looking at the 75 GPD Typhoon unit made by AWI, and the units made by BRS. The reviews are excellent on both, so I'm curious as to whether there is a large difference in quality.
For the BRS unit, I'm looking at the build your own option. What filters should I get? I was thinking a 5 micron sediment filter, followed by a 5 micron carbon filter, then a 1 micron carbon filter, then the 75 gpd membrane (the BRS membrane is a Dow membrane. I've only heard of FilmTec membranes, but is the Dow membrane fine?), and finally a DI canister.
So, what unit will be better? I'd get a pressure gauge, dual TDS meter, and flush kit with either unit. BRS unit is about $40 cheaper than the AWI.
Thanks!

 

[nikesb]

difference in quality, barely anything. with the brs unit, you get to customize more to what you need.
for a brs unit id get their package that includes chloramine removals

• 
  5 Micron Purtex sediment filter
• 
  1 Micron Chlorplus 10 Carbon Block
  Catalytic Activated Carbon Refill
  Color Changing DI Cartridge Refill

the membrane from brs is dow filmtec, its still the same filmtec others use

 

[yannifish]

Well, I'm on a well, so what would you recommend for well water?
Thats the other thing, I have to make sure I have enough pressure. What is the target psi for RODI units?
So, after what you said I have this:

• 
  5 Micron Sediment Filter
• 
  5 Micron Carbon Block
• 
  Chlorplus 1 Micron Carbon Block
  75 GPH Membrane (thanks for clearing that up about Dow FilmTec membrane)
  Single DI Cansiter

Do you know if BFS includes everything you need in the build your own systems, like the filters and DI resin?

 

[nikesb]

for well water, i wouldnt worry about chloramines then.
i would do 5 micron sediment, 1 micron sediment, 1 micron carbon, 75gpd filmtec, and dual di canisters just to make sure it doesnt get worn out too fast. youd have to call them up to verify whats included

 

[yannifish]

Okay. I was pretty sure I didn't have to worry about chloramines.
What PSI do I need?

 

[nikesb]

at least 65 psi

 

[yannifish]

Okay. What if my pressure is less?
How does the BRS 5 Stage Plus system look?

 

[nikesb]

looks good. you can always add a 2nd di canister later on if you feel that the DI expires too quickly

 

[yannifish]

Okay, then that's the one I'll probably get.
If my PSI is less than 65, can I still run the unit and just make water slower, or will the unit not work under 65 PSI?

 

[nikesb]

depends how low it is. too low, and it wont push through. low but still has good pressure, slow water.
they sell boosters too

 

[yannifish]

Okay. The sink I would be hooking the unit up to seems to have pretty decent pressure, as it is right by where the pipe from the well is. I think it should be fine, but I'll double check with a gauge before I order the unit.

 

[yannifish]

As far as installation goes, the unit I'm looking at comes with this part that allows you to install the unit directly into the water supply in the house, and it installs just above the shut off valve under a sink. I would like to do this, but am curious of a couple of things. First of all, do you hook it up to the cold or hot water supply? Also, how do you turn the unit off with this type of installation? Would I need to get a ball valve?