RO vs RO/DI Opinions

[OCCFan023]

Well I know to avoid unwanted and preventable issues down the road that could (and probably would) happen down the road, most notably unwanted algale.

Anyway I have been looking into RO and RO/DI units and have come across two that I am contemplating buying (both are bought from people not stores)

FIrst is just an RO option:
Kent Marine 35 GPD Hi-S RO System - Marine Depot - Marine and Reef Aquarium Super Store
Now I wanted to avoid RO units because from my understanding they can leave quite a bit of silica behind and I really want to avoid that. However with this RO unit (the Kent High-S silicate remover) I dont have to worry about that.

or just to be safe (wit silica and other things the DI takes care of)
Kent Marine Maxxima 50 GPD RO/DI System - Marine Depot - Marine and Reef Aquarium Super Store
This is a really nice unit but its more expensive and the filters need to be replaced sooner than the other option.

Now would I be gaining significant benefits from the DI and thus just shell out the money now or could I do the RO unit with little problems (as my water is clean but would the RO be enough)

 

[kevin4052002]

RO/DI is definitely the way to go, if you can afford it. I've heard not to go past ~30gpd, as the filtration begins to slack at the higher gpd rates. If you feel satisfied with the RO unit, go with it. I use tap water and just aerate it to remove chlorine.

 

[Lorna]

Why not have your water tested for silcates? then if they are high in your sample you would then know to go with the more expensive unit. I can't see paying for the higher filtration if it isn't necessary. I think a tds meter is a must when you have a unit that way you will know exactly when to change the filter.......

 

[dbacksrat]

What's your price range? You can always find great deals on Ebay for RO/DI systems.

 

[OCCFan023]

yea ebay has alot of 100 gpd day ros on there for good prices. I wanted to stick to a kent model but am now interetsed in a typhoon 3 RO/DI.

The price range is I just want to save as much money as possible. With live rock, return pump, and cleaners in the future I need to save up a bit.