Tap Water Filter?

[eianson]

Hi all,

I just saw an add for this online. Is this a bogus item or does it really work. I'm thinking this might be easier than fooling with declorinators. Here is the product description:

"A single-cartridge tap water purifying system that makes ultra-pure, organic-free deionized water. Attaches to your faucet in seconds. Removes sediments, chlorine, chloramine, heavy metals, organic chemicals and inorganic ions from tap water. Includes 4-oz. bottles of pH Adjuster and Electro-Right, faucet adapter and kink-free tubing. Replacement cartridges are available. For fresh and saltwater aquariums!"

What do you think?

Eric

[BrianH]

While the tap water purifier does work, it is not worth buying IMHO. The DI cartridge in mine only lasted for 25 - 30 gallons. If I remember correctly the replacement cartridges cost about $13.00. If your looking for DI quality water, I would buy a RO/DI filter. AIrWaterIce (http://www.airwaterice.com) sells 100gpd units sstarting @ $150.00. While this sounds like a substantial amount, the TWP will cost you at least as much(probablt more) over the 1st year.

Brian

[CHughes]

Eric:
I have to agree with BrianH. I purchased one of these units in my early days in keeping discus. They are hidiously (sp?) expensive when compared to either purchasing a R/O unit or R/O water from a supplier. My tap water is very hard and full of numerous minerals so the cartridge was only filter about the same amount as Brian's (20 gals.)

Just my 2 cents!, Chris

[eianson]

OK. Thanks for the info. I'll probably just use a good dechlorinator in my tap water to start and move up to an RO/DI unit down the road.

Eric

[eianson]

BrainH - I checked out the link you listed above. Looks like some decent stuff at good prices. Have you used their products? They look custom made.

I am trying to figure out if I really need an RODI unit. Any insight folks can provide is appreciated.

Thanks,
Eric

[BrianH]

eianson,

I've had the Typhoon 100 gpd unit for about a year now and am very pleased. Please take note that you can actually expect to get about 50% of the units rating(50 gpd), this is true for all RO/DI systems(not just airwaterice). This is due to the temperature and the amount of dissolved solids in your water. You may get a little better performance but don't count on it.

If you want some more info on airwaterice check out their supplier/sponsor threads over at reefcentral (http://www.reefcentral.com)

Brian