Buying RO / DI - I know nothing

[fkshiu]

You can pick up a 5-stage ebay unit for $100-$150 and turn it into "zero waste" by simply directing the reject water into your washing machine or outside to water the lawn.

Just make sure that it has:

1. 3-stage pre-filtering (mechanical filter, GAC, carbon block)
2. Genuine Dow Filmtec RO membrane
3. Manually refillable DI container

If you want to use it for drinking water (most come with it) then a "taste" cartridge with coconut husks for re-mineralization will be included. A holding tank is also useful.

A lot of people here (including myself) have Aquasafe ebay units which have proved very reliable. Unfortunately, that company is now DOA but there are many equivalents around. All the parts of RO systems are pretty much interchangeable and standard sizes so you can just buy new filters/parts in bulk from places like bulkreefsupply.com, for example.

While it is true that water quality in the Lower Mainland is excellent and that you really won't be improving water QUALITY by much with an RO unit, another reason to get one that is just as important is water CONSISTENCY - you know exactly what you are getting each and every time. All it takes is for a crew to be mucking outside without your knowing to turn pristine Vancouver tap water into silty run off. Also, after big storms the city will often add extra chlorine. This would all be bad news if were doing a water change or a top up.

[mike31154]

I just ordered a system from BWI Plumbing. Decided on them since to the best of my knowledge it's a Canadian company, I was able to order on their website and paid Canadian $. I had also checked out Bulk Reef Supply and Buckeye Field Supply both of whom offer similar products at similar pricing, but once I calculated US$ exchange, shipping and possible brokerage fees, BWI seemed like the best option. The unit I ordered is their 4 stage system with auto shut-off/top-off options. It doesn't come with TDS meter, pressure guage or flush kit like the ones from BRS & BFS, but at just under $200 I thought it was the best bang for the buck. I have a handheld TDS meter and the flush kit, pressure guage etc. can be purchased locally and added on.