Reverse Osmosis Systems - From Poly Bio Marine, Inc.

[1brent1]

Anyone hear about the new Reverse Osmosis Systems that Poly Bio Marine, Inc. has or is coming out with.

LFS said its going to be more cost effective and recommend looking into it instead of the one they had on their shelve for $250.

Anyone? Need to purchase one soon, not sure what to get?

 

[tecwzrd]

I assume you’re talking about the Kold Ster-il which costs around $350
http://aquarium-supply.biz/ordering/aquarium_ro_PBM.html

While it is a nice filter have you considered getting one from ebay? They run a lot cheaper and work just as well. The two stores I’d recommend on ebay are:
http://stores.ebay.com/The-Aqua-Safe-Pure-Water-Shop
http://stores.ebay.com/Filter-Direct-store

Both have really nice filters in the $120 range and they work great. I ordered from the top one and got the one on the 4th page for $119.50 + shipping which includes the TDS meter & PSI meters.

Nice to see a lfs not going for a sale for once

 

[1brent1]

I assume you’re talking about the Kold Ster-il which costs around $350
http://aquarium-supply.biz/ordering/aquarium_ro_PBM.html

While it is a nice filter have you considered getting one from ebay? They run a lot cheaper and work just as well. The two stores I’d recommend on ebay are:
http://stores.ebay.com/The-Aqua-Safe-Pure-Water-Shop
http://stores.ebay.com/Filter-Direct-store

Both have really nice filters in the $120 range and they work great. I ordered from the top one and got the one on the 4th page for $119.50 + shipping which includes the TDS meter & PSI meters.

Nice to see a lfs not going for a sale for once

This one?-
http://cgi.ebay.com/AQUA-SAFE-MAXIM...itemZ4414974227QQcategoryZ20684QQcmdZViewItem

Is it cost effective to use? Looking for something that pretty cost effective over time.

 

[Phyl]

I bought from Filter Direct. I like my unit. Cost effective? Is there anything cost effective to throwing out 2/3 of the water that's produced by the unit? I'm not so sure there's any way around it though.

Could you tell us a little about the one you're looking at and why you think it would be more cost effective? I'm curious!

 

[tecwzrd]

That’s the one I use. Either way you can’t go wrong, both sellers have excellent reviews.

As Phyl said they do waste a lot of water while producing the RO\DI water but as long as your water bills aren’t too high it’s really not that big of a deal imo.

The Kold Ster-il doesn’t waste water and kicks out 3.8 gpm but unless your water bills are outrageous it’s still not worth the $350.

I assume you are talking about filter/membrane/DI resins replacement costs more than water though and yes they are comparable to most systems out there. You shouldn’t have to replace them for 6-12 months (or more) depending on the tap water quality in your area and cost of replacing should run around $20-$30 per year.

 

[runway1]

My unit from filterdirect (ebay) was $117.50 shipped. I love it, works great.

 

[1brent1]

OK, do I need to buy the one with the tank?-
http://cgi.ebay.com/USA-110GPD-RO-DI-REVERSE-OSMOSIS-water-purification_W0QQitemZ7722266103

or the one without the tank for a little less?-
http://cgi.ebay.com/AQUARIUM-2-110GPD-RO-2DI-REVERSE-OSMOSIS-water-system_W0QQitemZ7722266100

Also, for a little more money eBay seller "aquasafesystems" looks like they have pretty much the same unit but theirs comes with both a free TDS and PSI Meter and holding tank. Here-
http://cgi.ebay.com/AQUA-SAFE-MAXIMUS-PLUS-REVERSE-OSMOSIS-WATER-FILTER_W0QQitemZ4415461593

Which one should I get?? Only going to be used for my reef tank and going to install it in my basement right next to my washer/wash tub. I was thinking the one from "aquasafesystems" that comes with the meters.

 

[Phyl]

The holding tank is only necessary if you want to pour drinking water out of it. Regardless of how fast 100gpd sounds it is dreadfully slow. You wouldn't want to take the 5m it would take to pour a glass of drinking water from it if that was your need. I am only using mine for my tank and so I don't care how slow those first few gallons come out (the pressure tank would keep 5g or so on tap so the first 5 would come out fast).

You'll want a TDS meter in the long run to keep an eye on your water quality but the PSI meter is not necessary. Can you get the TDS add on for the FD unit for less than the other unit? I'd let that be my deciding factor (that and replacement costs).

 

[greenmaji]

the PSI meter is just there to let you know its time to change the filters.. If you get on a scedual of changeing them the PSI meter isnt nessisary, just nice.

 

[runway1]

Yeah, the tank version has a bypass valve so you can bypass the DI filters and also have drinking water. Like Phyl, I only use mine for my tank so I negated that tank version.

No need for a pressure meter but what's your input? Hose? Sink? You'll need the appropriate adapter if you choose not to plumb directly in-line (hard, fixed plumbing). The clear DI's on top are very cool. You don't have to guess, or TDS, your water because you can get a good visual. As for the membrane, I think you can count on a certain amount of output, and then replace. Same for the three primary sediment filters - just time them by output

 

[seaham358]

Poly Bio Marine makes the Kold Steril units, they are nice because there is no waste water and if you want water in a hurry all you do is turn it on. The down side is if you have any phosphates, silicates in your water you will need the alumina media and you will need to run the water through slower. The alumina media does not last that long if you have high PO4 and Silicates. I have a KS and RO/DI and I switched my reef over to KS and ran with that water for about 6 months and I did not change out the alumina media when i should have and I got cyno real bad. I also noticed my corals were not growing much. Which PO4 can effect coral growth. So I switched back to ro/di and got a phosban reactor for the cyno issue and what a difference. IMO there is no better water then ro/di, if your going to run a fowlr that a KS would be great, I use the KS on my fowlr with no issues.
Check your water before you buy the ro/di unit and if you have PO4 or Nitrates get the duel DI unit. I run a duel DI on my unit and it has helped out with my PO4 issue. A TDS meter is a good investment, do not go by color change alone and buying non color change resin is cheaper at most places.