Tap water filter as good as reverse osmosis system?

[chris577]

Hello,
While looking at reverse osmosis systems I noticed that there are easy to use tap water filter listed under the same catagory. They say they do the same thing. Also if so do you have to get one from marine store or will any tap water filer do? Are they just as effective? Anyone ever used one?

 

[meowzer]

Originally Posted by Chris577
http:///forum/post/3180568
Hello,
While looking at reverse osmosis systems I noticed that there are easy to use tap water filter listed under the same catagory. They say they do the same thing. Also if so do you have to get one from marine store or will any tap water filer do? Are they just as effective? Anyone ever used one?
I used this one before I bought my ro/di system
Attachment 235242
I purchased it used, and it came with 2 filters,
IMO if this is all you can afford or have room for..YES..it works, and is better than nothing.

 

[nycbob]

the tap water filter will work, but costs more $$ long-term. each cartridge lasts about 50-100 gallons depending on how bad the source water is. also, u need to make sure the flow going through it is slow to get maximum efficiency.

 

[tank a holic]

Originally Posted by Chris577
http:///forum/post/3180568
Hello,
While looking at reverse osmosis systems I noticed that there are easy to use tap water filter listed under the same catagory. They say they do the same thing. Also if so do you have to get one from marine store or will any tap water filer do? Are they just as effective? Anyone ever used one?
do your self a favor and start out with the ro/di system

 

[btldreef]

I use that Tap Water Filter that Meowzer has listed... I used one cartridge to fill a 155G. It wasn't fun, but it worked. You can more mileage out of them if your water quality is fairly decent coming out of your tap. I live on Long Island (NY) and we have some of the cleanest tap water in the in the country so it works well for me and I get a long use out of the cartridge. That being said, most people don't and it will cost you a fortune in the long run. We're buying an RO/DI unit for Christmas. If you're not looking to spend a ton of money right now or don't know which one to go with (like us) this is a good alternative for awhile.

 

[scsinet]

Originally Posted by nycbob
http:///forum/post/3180583
the tap water filter will work, but costs more $$ long-term. each cartridge lasts about 50-100 gallons depending on how bad the source water is. also, u need to make sure the flow going through it is slow to get maximum efficiency.
+1
Although those tap water filters are inexpensive to buy and are somewhat simpler, their long term operating cost will dwarf the cost of an RODI system, on a very short timeline (weeks or months depending on the quality of your source water). They are basically just a big DI system. You can save some money by buying bulk DI resin, but even then it gets expensive quickly.
Frankly, if your source water is good enough to make one of these units economical to run, then you pretty much can just skip it entirely.

 

[chrisnif]

My LFS guy told me they use tap for their system, and just run phosphate remover and nitrate remover pads in all the tanks, he said it works out as the cheapest option.
Hsa anyone tried this option?

 

[bmkj02]

Originally Posted by Chrisnif
http:///forum/post/3181609
My LFS guy told me they use tap for their system, and just run phosphate remover and nitrate remover pads in all the tanks, he said it works out as the cheapest option.
Hsa anyone tried this option?
Thats a big chance to take IMO. Best and safest way is a RO/DI system. Get one for $160 and have piece of mind. Those phosphate remover and nitrate remover pads cost a bit too so it will add up as well. An RO/DI system will save you money in the long run opposed to the others that will start costing you more money. I even use my RO/DI for drinking water and the waste water to wash my clothes. Its a useful machine

 

[btldreef]

As a user of the Tap Water Purifier listed above, I will say this:
Yes, it is more expensive in the long run, BUT the cartridges are $25 at my LFS and $25 a pop once every few months is sometimes easier than shoveling out $160+ at once. Again, my tap water quality is pristine, so I get a long use out of one cartridge.