Countertop RO/DI systems.

[schgr.cube]

I tried searching, but couldn't find anything of value. I'm trying to get a countertop RO system as we live in an apartment, and the wife doesn't want something huge out or being stored. I REALLY like the idea of continuing to make my own water, and having something this compact is perfect. I don't mind spending extra money to buy different filters if that is necessary either.

 

I was looking at this one:

http://www.airwaterice.com/c=0jbDKcL5ETv1U...2/product/1MMDI

 

Or this one on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com.my/Portable-4-Stage-Re...8#ht_1300wt_939

 

Are these any good, or is there something like them that will achieve decent results? I have a ~9 gallon system total, so I do NOT need a lot of water per week.

 

Also looking to spend around / under $100 for reference.

[seabass]

Here are some threads discussing the Mighty Mite. Most seem fairly positive.

[AZDesertRat]

You really don't save much room with the compact systems and you give up many thing by going that way. yes the Mighty Mite uses the same Dow Filmtec RO membrane as the larger systems but it uses smaller non standard throw away filters other than that. Disadvantages are they cost more to replace, do not filter as much water per cartridge, do not come in as many desirable micron sizes and carbon styles and are harder to find when you need them.

The Mighty Mite uses the same bracket as the normal systems so the footprint is the same, only a little shorter, but not much. Notice how the horizontal cartidges are stacked on top of the membrane housing.

Now look at a normal RO/DI that uses 10" vertical canisters and you see there is nothing on top of the membrane housing and it uses the same top bracket to hold everything together. The cansiters hold standard 10" replacement filters which are less expensive, last longer and come in smal micron sizes and 20,000 gallon carbons.

With the Mighty Mite you also give up the inline pressure gauge and TDS meter which are a must for troubleshooting the system and water quality.

 

Compare those you pointed out to the Pro Plus found here:

http://www.spectrapure.com/email/customer-...eciation.html#1

Only $40 more and it includes an inline pressure gauge, dual inline TDS meter, full size 20 oz DI, capillary tube flow restrictor and comes with a hose bib adapter which can be screwed on to a hose bib or a faucet adapter.

Or the 75GPD Premium found here:

http://www.buckeyefieldsupply.com/showprod...168&Sub=166

Its $60 more but you get the same things as above except the TDS meter is a nice handheld instead of an inline. Both are much better systems with about the same footprint and have the things you will end up buying to go along with the Mighty Mite anyway.

[jfarabaugh]

check out

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com

They rock!

[MitchReef]

The AirWaterIce units are outstanding and they are sponsors for our reef club and offer great deals to members. Another reason to join! They are local and offer excellent customer support. They use the good membranes as well.

[schgr.cube]

The AirWaterIce units are outstanding and they are sponsors for our reef club and offer great deals to members. Another reason to join! They are local and offer excellent customer support. They use the good membranes as well.

 

Good to know Mitch, do you know anyone who has the mighty might?

[justinT]

I just got the mighty mite ro/di unit off of amazon ( I had a GC) about a month ago. Works great, definitely gives me enough water. Connects (screws) right to the faucet so there was no fancy plumbing to work up. Fairly straightforward and small enough so it doesn't look out of place in the kitchen either.

[AZDesertRat]

Spectrapure is a sponosr of this forum and is offering $100 off, you can't beat that and the quality is much better.

[schgr.cube]

Spectrapure is a sponosr of this forum and is offering $100 off, you can't beat that and the quality is much better.

 

Yeah, I had been looking into the spectrapure stuff, but the wife REALLY likes the idea of a countertop unit. We will be buying a full (probably 5 stage) RO unit when we get our condo in 18 months, because we will be getting a 90 gallon when we move in. I think that I can eat the cost of $10 filters for the mighty mite and make the wife happy with it.

 

Now I just need to sell my current unit...

[kv2wr1]

check out

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com

They rock!

 

 

+1 They do rock! I built my own 5 stage 150 gpd RO/DI and just store it in a plastic rubbermade container when I'm not using it. The reason I got a 150 gpd is that it will come in handy when I upgrade to a 100+ gallon tank and also it makes more water in less time which saves me money on my water bill. It costs less to run that a day than an inground sprinkler system.