I found this on craigslist. The person says it's a $700 system form PURETECH that just needs two new housings for the filter... Check out the link http://baltimore.craigslist.org/app/1466954928.html Would it be worth it if I could get this for $50 or is there something that could be seriously wrong with it? Any idea how much a cartridge would cost? or how long it would last? I have a BC 14 and only need like 3 gallons a week at most..

somehow i was able to edit that listing, now says $20 and works like crap

I'm no expert, but that doesn't look like a $600 system. Even if you could get it for $50, you'll probably need to spend $100+ just to be sure everything is in tip-top shape. There's no telling what condition it is in. For that price ($150), you could get a brand spankin' new SpectraPure ProPLUS System >>LINK<<

I think it was because the publisher sent me the link that I posted, its not the one directly from craigslist...IDK though, I'll probably stay away

edited again this is fun

Hahahaha!

I wouldn't buy it. I bought an ebay RO/DI once, and regretted it till I replaced all the parts with spectrapure stuff. Could have saved me some money in the long run just buying a nice one in the first place.

Original price also edited

lol good job HD, I wish I could see the look on this sorry sap's face when he sees his listing

Yeah, I just got mine (spectrapure for 150.00) and works like magic. Couldn't be happier!!!!

When buying a used RO or RO/DI system you are basically buying the housings. You have no idea the condition of the filters so must assume they all need replacing. This is going to set you back somewhere around $50 for low grade filters and membrane to maybe $100 for high end filters which is what most aquarists should be using. This includes a Dow Filmtec or Spectrapure membrane, a low micron prefilter, a low micron carbon block, or two in some cases although two are rarely if ever needed, and either a DI refill or DI cartridge as the case may be.
Looking at that unit I do not see a pressure gauge or a TDS meter, both of which you will want and need to determine if its working or not. I also do not see a full sized vertical DI filter which is by far the preferred DI filter arrangement. It also uses the old style compression fittings rather than the newer John Guest style speed fittings.

I would pass if it were me unless you want some filter housings for one thing or another. Used RO or RO/DI units end up costing you more in almost every case by the time you get them performing right.
A brand new top of the line RO/DI only costs $150 with a warranty so to me its not worth it to take a chance on used unless you know the person and unit personally and know its usage and maintenance history.

The system pictured in that listing sells for about $89 to $129 every day on ebay and is a pretty low end system, certainly not anywhere close to the Spectrapure units.

Cool thanks for your help. So if I'm looking for a small system (2-3 gallon water changes biweekly for my BC14) what is the best bang for my buck (taking into account that I'm a broke college student)

in that case your better off buying rodi water from the LFS

what scarfish just said... 2 or 3 gallons every other week, that's only 25 or 30 bucks a year. You can probably find a good LFS that sells low TDS water for 50 cents a gallon.

Find a good LFS that will test the TDS of their RO/DI water in front of you if you request it. That way you know what you are getting.

lol no more fun

post.craigslist.org/manage/1466954928/9mkd4