Review: Vertex PuraTek 100 GPD RO/DI

[Flipside]

Since I've been in the hobby I've owned a total of 5 RO/DI units.  I've only been in the hobby for about 3 years, so that should speak tons in itself.

I figured it was time to spoil myself a bit.  I wanted an inline TDS meter, inline pump, a pressure guage, and backflushing system already installed.  These were criteria I wanted, and that was just my baseline.

So, browsing around the internet (as we all do) I ran into THIS unit.  This one had all I wanted, and more; so, I bought it.

First thing that comes to mind when unveiling was the size of the booster pump!  It is clear that it should last awhile!  I'm getting 100psi with it, and water gushes while keeping 0 TDS readings.  Very happy with that!

I have a guage on my emergency backup RO/DI under the sink, but it's water based.  The oil guage on the Vertex is an added plus!  Those with water based ones switching to oil will see what I mean.  There's no "needle jiggling" effect with this thing!  Just a nice, steady reading that doesn't spawn an epileptic attack.  Who would have thunk that something so minute would be such a big deal in the end?

Now, here's the fun one... I didn't understand it all too well until I set the thing up last night.  It has a "processor controlled digital output TDS meter" already attached to it.  This unit not only measures your TDS, but it also conducts automatic backflushes to prevent "TDS creep."  Great news for the longetivity of my unit and filters, and less "things" that I have to remember to do.  Did I mention that it's commercial grade, too?

Another fantastic additive is that this unit only creates waste water at a 1:1 ratio to the pure water you create.  All of my previous units were 3:1 or 4:1 (waste:pure), at least.  More water came out of my waste line than that of my "clean" line.  As a beginner hobbyist, that was a bit unnerving, but something I learned to deal with.  Now, I'm feeling a little "greener," and I'm sure my water bill will thank me in the long run.

So, that being said, I'm very happy with this purchase.  Scott and Kelly, over at Aquarium Specialty, are always pleasant to deal with and I'm sure this will be another one of those transactions that will keep me going back to them for my aquarium needs.

Pictures:


Packed up very well.


Bottle in there for size reference (and my treat after 15mins of work). :lol:


Mounted to the wall.


The test run.  No leaks thanks to excellent fittings.


Up close.  0 PPM readings off the cuff.


100 psi!




Water just spews out!  I started the water this morning at 8:30AM and my bucket is over half full already. (It's a 32 or 33g Brute).

I did this review because a buddy of mine was interested in this unit.  I hope this helps bro!  Also, I hope it helps anyone else out there looking for a nice RO/DI unit.  If you have any questions please don't hesitate.

[Frogfish]

I am curious about the RO ratio.  I have never heard of one that is 1:1.  Everything I have ever seen has been at least 2:1.  How are they doing things different?

Is it their own membrane or is it the standard GE or Fujitec membranes?

[Hosser]

Could be his water isnt too bad from the get go as well. Id like to see the TDS read out on the regular water. Very nice read and not a bad price for the unit either.

[Flipside]

I think that getting 1:1 has a lot to do with the pump.  It's a pretty powerful pump for me to be getting 100psi.  Standard, for me, is 45psi.

No, the RO Membrane is not generic.  It's a GE-100.

My standard TDS, right out of the faucet, is 231 ppm.  Just measured it for this post on a freshly calibrated handheld.

[Frogfish]

I have 100 psi house pressure, cut down to 65 and I think I have the GE-100 as well... will double check that.

Buckeye Field Supply who does RODI units told me that this membrane is not rated for 100 psi.  I want to say it was rated to 80 psi or so.

I'll try to find the email that he sent me regarding the pressure.

[Flipside]

How did you tune it down to 65psi?  Did you place another guage on your unit then tune it down with some type of valve or something?  I'm going to call Scott/Aquarium Specialty to see what he suggests.  I hope 100psi isn't too much.  I thought it was a little on the "high side" at first, though...

[oldsaint]

I was thinking the psi was high also but not sure. Use to have a link saved that had all the recomended psi for all the membranes but it's gone.
I ran a aquatec pump on my 75 GPD RO/DI but it sprang a leak. They have a allan head screw on the face to adjust the pressure.
I'd just check with Puratek to be safe.

[Frogfish]

I am not sure if you can moderate the pressure with your pump. 
But most places that sell RODI sell regulators.

part way down this page you will see what I mean.

http://www.buckeyefieldsupply.com/showproducts.asp?Category=205&Sub=109

[Flipside]

I am not sure if you can moderate the pressure with your pump. 
But most places that sell RODI sell regulators.

part way down this page you will see what I mean.

http://www.buckeyefieldsupply.com/showproducts.asp?Category=205&Sub=109

Good stuff, man.  I'll definitely buy that as soon as I get word from Scott/AS.  He's off 'til tomorrow... Should get something back from him, then.

[Frogfish]

you can probably pick one of these up at a local Grainger store as well.  Home Depot or Lowes may have them I am not sure.  They are used to regulate air pressures with an air compressor.  And yes, they are rated for water as well so long as the pressure is below 125 psi.

[Flipside]

Well, Scott finally got back with me, as he had to get with the Mfg on the question... he said that it's good to 150psi so no worries here.  It really moves some water, too!  I've been really happy with it, but time will tell.