Choose a reverse osmosis system

[SaskBrewer306]

Hi all. I don't see any recent equipment recommendations regarding specific RO systems. I'm in Canada, so I can order most of the same models that are available in the USA as well. The most recent I see is the iSpring RCC7, although that was from 2020.

I would be using it for drinking water for only part of the year. I want my family to get minerals and flouride etc, but spring to early summer my tap water is awful tasting. Other than that it would be for brewing a couple 5 gallon (final volume) batches at a time, maximum 2 batches in a single day.

What systems are you guys using that you'd purchase again, and do you have a TDS meter to decide when to replace filters? Is that worth while, or are new filters cheap enough to just be liberal with them?

Thanks

 

[SFC Rudy]

I use a RO buddie and a DUMSAMKER DU-TDSW tds meter, from Amazon.

 

[SaskBrewer306]

I use a RO buddie and a DUMSAMKER DU-TDSW tds meter, from Amazon.

Like this one? What size?

 

[SFC Rudy]

I use the 50 gallon 4 stage filter. I also use an rv water filter, they’re cheap and just another level of filtration.

 

[micraftbeer]

I've also been considering an RO system, but the GPD/instantaneous flow rate holds me back. I fill my brew vessels with water the night before as part of prep so I can have it start heating in the wee hours of the morning via a programmed start timer. But sometimes I don't decide I'm brewing until the night before. If I had to spend 3 hours to collect enough water for my 5 gallon batch, that wouldn't work very well for me.

So I was interested to see if anyone had a recommendation of an RO system that also contained like a 8-10 gallon holding tank?

 

[SFC Rudy]

I've also been considering an RO system, but the GPD/instantaneous flow rate holds me back. I fill my brew vessels with water the night before as part of prep so I can have it start heating in the wee hours of the morning via a programmed start timer. But sometimes I don't decide I'm brewing until the night before. If I had to spend 3 hours to collect enough water for my 5 gallon batch, that wouldn't work very well for me.

So I was interested to see if anyone had a recommendation of an RO system that also contained like a 8-10 gallon holding tank?

I use my old keggle to store RO water when planning my brew day. I also use 1 gallon water jugs, fill enough for a batch and let them sit until I'm ready to brew.

 

[Deadalus]

I've also been considering an RO system, but the GPD/instantaneous flow rate holds me back. I fill my brew vessels with water the night before as part of prep so I can have it start heating in the wee hours of the morning via a programmed start timer. But sometimes I don't decide I'm brewing until the night before. If I had to spend 3 hours to collect enough water for my 5 gallon batch, that wouldn't work very well for me.

So I was interested to see if anyone had a recommendation of an RO system that also contained like a 8-10 gallon holding tank?

Another option is to put a float valve on the vessel and let it fill on its own. I also collect gallon jugs of water while my HLT keggle is filling the day before. That's for just in case. I do use that water sometimes for fermenting veggies.

 

[JJFlash]

Been using iSpring for years and give it the thumbs up - 5-star rating.
Recommend you buy their system with water pump.
Takes less time to produce RO water and less water waste since under pressure.
Also, recommend buying larger collection tank.
Came with 3-gallon tank, I bought separate 9-gallon tank.

 

[day_trippr]

Whatever one chooses I recommend it uses industry standard "2.5 x 10" inch filter housings and not some proprietary or single use type. This provides the broad purchase flexibility that helps keep element costs down as the standard size filter market has a crapton of players.

Also, a DI stage is completely unnecessary for brewing liquor. Save the cost for more ingredients

Cheers!

 

[micraftbeer]

Based on @JJFlash tip on iSpring, I looked up their offerings. Aside from the price tag of $563, anyone have any experience with this tankless system from iSpring? Or thoughts on it?

The flow rate is impressive (0.4 gpm), as is the low waste water ratio (2 gal purified to 1 gal waste).

https://www.ispringfilter.com/ac/index.php?rt=product/product&product_id=768

 

[Buckeye_Hydro]

Based on @JJFlash tip on iSpring, I looked up their offerings. Aside from the price tag of $563, anyone have any experience with this tankless system from iSpring? Or thoughts on it?

The flow rate is impressive (0.4 gpm), as is the low waste water ratio (2 gal purified to 1 gal waste).

https://www.ispringfilter.com/ac/index.php?rt=product/product&product_id=768

Beware of the proprietary replacement filters.

Also - any RO system can be configured to produce just about whatever concentrate to permeate ratio you'd like. There is a small $4 part that sets that ratio, and you can change that out to modify the ratio. Membrane manufacturers specify their membrane performance at a specific water temperature, water pressure, and recovery (i.e., waste water to purified water ratio). Note that none of that information is provided by that vendor. Filmtec, widely considered the best membranes on the globe, spec's their residential membranes at about 5.5:1 (or a 15% recovery). Can you run it with less concentrate flow? Sure. But don't plan on meeting the rejection spec. (another data point not provided by that vendor).

Russ

 

[Bobby_M]

I've also been considering an RO system, but the GPD/instantaneous flow rate holds me back. I fill my brew vessels with water the night before as part of prep so I can have it start heating in the wee hours of the morning via a programmed start timer. But sometimes I don't decide I'm brewing until the night before. If I had to spend 3 hours to collect enough water for my 5 gallon batch, that wouldn't work very well for me.

So I was interested to see if anyone had a recommendation of an RO system that also contained like a 8-10 gallon holding tank?

What you need is a float valve for your brew kettle, which is already a "holding tank" and where the water is going to go anyway.
https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/overboardfloat.htm

 

[Bobby_M]

Based on @JJFlash tip on iSpring, I looked up their offerings. Aside from the price tag of $563, anyone have any experience with this tankless system from iSpring? Or thoughts on it?

The flow rate is impressive (0.4 gpm), as is the low waste water ratio (2 gal purified to 1 gal waste).

https://www.ispringfilter.com/ac/index.php?rt=product/product&product_id=768

Once you have a setup with a simple float valve, spending several hundred dollars more to have on demand flow rates seems silly.

 

[Bobby_M]

If you have reasonable tap water pressure (higher than 50psi) go with this:
https://www.amazon.com/Geekpure-5-S...id=1738166575&sprefix=geekpure,aps,257&sr=8-9

If your pressure is lower, this one has a booster pump that will increase your production rate and lower your waste water percentage:
https://www.amazon.com/Geekpure-5-S...4&sprefix=geekpure+ro+with+pump,aps,95&sr=8-4

 

[Dog House Brew]

Or Call Russ at Buckeye Hydro and get what you need.

 

[SaskBrewer306]

Whatever one chooses I recommend it uses industry standard "2.5 x 10" inch filter housings and not some proprietary or single use type. This provides the broad purchase flexibility that helps keep element costs down as the standard size filter market has a crapton of players.

Also, a DI stage is completely unnecessary for brewing liquor. Save the cost for more ingredients

Cheers!

Ah - thank you, i didn't know there was a standard filter size! That's excellent information - I've been worried about installing a system then not being able to find filters down the road. Thank you!

 

[SaskBrewer306]

If you have reasonable tap water pressure (higher than 50psi) go with this:
https://www.amazon.com/Geekpure-5-Stage-Reverse-Drinking-System-75GPD/dp/B0787ML9YC/ref=sr_1_9?crid=6VHNX6IGZ7S&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.hlfKAR8jW8TTwiAOET51K28p6GrZQX2JPORdIAXeAyF6FlofqRWw_5OYgQc7aqncdp7ZxZGzVtRjFwHXRn-bX6bHWr0oEk8K6hSq9uTA8WW45xt-Z6PK_hmDnOcvCmLsEOKYpN_AxPC3XetJ2cebkk-ZhJKGJ9CPgiu0XuKI7Pg3816wQqpLGexpkJQZmp2elHJIw6d8gau2qxuowqDlIGiHi24VFXw5VYcx1hCvajM.8Sx9CcpFP1t4c8EZuq3kf3ZBTtmnGAMpwV8ezaDoLFs&dib_tag=se&keywords=geekpure&qid=1738166575&sprefix=geekpure,aps,257&sr=8-9

If your pressure is lower, this one has a booster pump that will increase your production rate and lower your waste water percentage:
https://www.amazon.com/Geekpure-5-Stage-Reverse-Drinking-Filters-75GPD/dp/B07KJ1BC3H/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2ASXVU8WMYXHC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.I1G2gqwhUPUxhxxjV8OtHlaQS8UojwVZBe9Gl-drMuItGEIBmMAuiB3yHwCArbiiSf4_yrG-oLTKqDJGylknwcNOpqe9KZpQacYUjm8syl2znKve1wvxU0OCTDMG8nEN.h_9HsvzwbBFvkJjYubO16AKeVO2O7Br8nAIzEyCYyBo&dib_tag=se&keywords=geekpure+ro+with+pump&qid=1738166654&sprefix=geekpure+ro+with+pump,aps,95&sr=8-4

My pressure feels good, but I have no way to measure it. I'd rather spend a couple bucks on a pump that a pressure gauge! Thanks!

 

[SaskBrewer306]

Once you have a setup with a simple float valve, spending several hundred dollars more to have on demand flow rates seems silly.

Could you elaborate on this a little more? Have you come up with a way to fill a different container via float valve? This sounds optimal.
*EDIT: Just saw your other post. Thanks for that tip, I love the idea. I could just have it filling my brewzilla the night before!

 

[jwintersteller]

If you have reasonable tap water pressure (higher than 50psi) go with this:
https://www.amazon.com/Geekpure-5-Stage-Reverse-Drinking-System-75GPD/dp/B0787ML9YC/ref=sr_1_9?crid=6VHNX6IGZ7S&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.hlfKAR8jW8TTwiAOET51K28p6GrZQX2JPORdIAXeAyF6FlofqRWw_5OYgQc7aqncdp7ZxZGzVtRjFwHXRn-bX6bHWr0oEk8K6hSq9uTA8WW45xt-Z6PK_hmDnOcvCmLsEOKYpN_AxPC3XetJ2cebkk-ZhJKGJ9CPgiu0XuKI7Pg3816wQqpLGexpkJQZmp2elHJIw6d8gau2qxuowqDlIGiHi24VFXw5VYcx1hCvajM.8Sx9CcpFP1t4c8EZuq3kf3ZBTtmnGAMpwV8ezaDoLFs&dib_tag=se&keywords=geekpure&qid=1738166575&sprefix=geekpure,aps,257&sr=8-9

If your pressure is lower, this one has a booster pump that will increase your production rate and lower your waste water percentage:
https://www.amazon.com/Geekpure-5-Stage-Reverse-Drinking-Filters-75GPD/dp/B07KJ1BC3H/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2ASXVU8WMYXHC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.I1G2gqwhUPUxhxxjV8OtHlaQS8UojwVZBe9Gl-drMuItGEIBmMAuiB3yHwCArbiiSf4_yrG-oLTKqDJGylknwcNOpqe9KZpQacYUjm8syl2znKve1wvxU0OCTDMG8nEN.h_9HsvzwbBFvkJjYubO16AKeVO2O7Br8nAIzEyCYyBo&dib_tag=se&keywords=geekpure+ro+with+pump&qid=1738166654&sprefix=geekpure+ro+with+pump,aps,95&sr=8-4

Any RO system recommendations for a non-fixed setup-- in garage attaching to garden hose bib only when needed?

 

[Buckeye_Hydro]

Any RO system (of the type we're talking about here) can be hooked up to a garden hose. See the "hose bib adapters" here: https://www.buckeyehydro.com/feedwater-fittings/

 

[JohnDBrewer]

Just trip across this unit at Petco. Bare bones, hooks straight to the hose, no holding tank, faucet, etc. Same 75GPD as other and standard filters. Not what I have but hard to beat price.

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/aquaready-3-stage-75-gpd-ro-system-3966062?store_code=&mr:device=m&mr:adType=plaonline&cm_mmc=PSH|GGL|CCY|CCO|PM|0|qNPWM3ncwRZ3dTDidjcAiM|||0|0|||21467355786&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4-y8BhC3ARIsAHmjC_EKjGYrIEMgD1Kok_zoiiaMMUtBhnYRd0NI2lFELqzjl7_uet1bfpIaAuEbEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Buckeye_Hydro]

Ah - thank you, i didn't know there was a standard filter size! That's excellent information - I've been worried about installing a system then not being able to find filters down the road. Thank you!

There are four "standard sizes" of filter cartridges. Two different diameters (2.5" and 4.5"), and two different lengths (10" and 20"). The smallest of the four, 10" long and 2.5" in diameter, is what people are accustomed to seeing in the RO systems used in home brewing.

That means there are also four standard-sized housings widely available.

To complicate things a bit, if you actually measured a 10" x 2.5" filter for example, in most cases it will not be exactly 10" x 2.5". Consider these sizes "nominal" (approximate).

 

[MaxStout]

If you want to keep some RO water on hand for those spur-of-the-moment decisions to brew, get a few of those plastic 5 gallon water jugs from the grocery store. Fill 'em up from your system and store them for later.

 

[kevin58]

Here is what I am considering. https://www.hbrewo.com/shop-1

 

[SaskBrewer306]

Here is what I am considering. https://www.hbrewo.com/shop-1

Interesting.. it looks like it's just an easier to store RO system, but it's pretty expensive. I can understand a use case for that for sure. In my case I think I'll plumb it into my home and use it for drinking/cooking/ice machine water as well.

 

[MaxStout]

Interesting.. it looks like it's just an easier to store RO system, but it's pretty expensive. I can understand a use case for that for sure. In my case I think I'll plumb it into my home and use it for drinking/cooking/ice machine water as well.

$400? Woof. You could get this for less than 1/2 that much. I don't know what shipping to Canada would be but you could call or email Russ to find out.

 

[IslandLizard]

Here is what I am considering. https://www.hbrewo.com/shop-1

(Fixed error in quotation)

$400? Woof.

Plus it uses small, proprietary "single use" filters that won't last as long and will cost more too when you need to replace them... Avoid that kind of setup!

 

[Dog House Brew]

When I buy mine. I’ll just call Russ and ditch anything I don’t understand. Why guess when you have someone here. Just saying, easy..

 

[rlrohan]

My pressure feels good, but I have no way to measure it. I'd rather spend a couple bucks on a pump that a pressure gauge! Thanks!

Pressure gauges are cheap. If you have a tap that has a garden hose thread you can test the pressure from there. Plenty of them on amazon.

 

[JohnDBrewer]

$400? Woof. You could get this for less than 1/2 that much.

Woof again, this one is twice the price as the PetCo, version. Plus free shipping.

 

[RyPA]

I bought an RO kit from PureWaterClub (now out of business) which came with a 1.5/2 gallon storage tank, which eventually failed. I replaced it with a larger tank linked below that I found on Amazon. The day/night before brew day it takes me around 2/3 storage tanks full to fill my Foundry with 8 gallons. So I spend a few hours waiting for water, but it’s no biggie if you plan for this ahead of time.

iSpring T32M Pressurized Water... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00439MYYE?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

[SaskBrewer306]

$400? Woof. You could get this for less than 1/2 that much. I don't know what shipping to Canada would be but you could call or email Russ to find out.

I won't be getting that one, it was another posted interested in it. I want a permanent one installed in the hous.. my water is terrible in the spring.

 

[SaskBrewer306]

I bought an RO kit from PureWaterClub (now out of business) which came with a 1.5/2 gallon storage tank, which eventually failed. I replaced it with a larger tank linked below that I found on Amazon. The day/night before brew day it takes me around 2/3 storage tanks full to fill my Foundry with 8 gallons. So I spend a few hours waiting for water, but it’s no biggie if you plan for this ahead of time.

iSpring T32M Pressurized Water... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00439MYYE?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I'm pretty good at planning ahead. Another poster put up a flow control output that I'm pretty sure I'll be using.. I'll keep a few water jugs available all the time. It beats a run over to the grocery store to get brewing..

 

[Bobby_M]

Here is what I am considering. https://www.hbrewo.com/shop-1

My question would be; what do you think that system has that one at 25% of the cost doesn't? Other than being stuffed into plastic case and having a "brew" in the name, it's nothing special.

 

[Bobby_M]

Could you elaborate on this a little more? Have you come up with a way to fill a different container via float valve? This sounds optimal.
*EDIT: Just saw your other post. Thanks for that tip, I love the idea. I could just have it filling my brewzilla the night before!

I see a lot of people that have 3 vessel brewing systems sitting there and they have a 30 gallon tank on the side to collect water. It's a real head scratcher having empty vessels where the water has to go anyway and they wait until brew day to fill them up. The cool thing about dropping an adjustable float into any tank is that you can double the collected amount just by jumping drain valves together. If you have a float at the 15 gallon mark in a 20 gallon kettle, it will collect 15 gallons. If you jump the drain of the kettle to say the mash tun's drain with a hose and open both valves, they'll both fill to 15 gallons (30 total). Basically you can collect as much water as all your kettles can handle.

 

[kevin58]

My question would be; what do you think that system has that one at 25% of the cost doesn't? Other than being stuffed into plastic case and having a "brew" in the name, it's nothing special.

I brew outside in the garage or I brew in the basement in my laundry room. The garage has no water service and the laundry room is very cramped. There is no room for even a small holding tank. I thought with the portability of that unit I could carry it to either location and ut it away when not needed.

 

[mabrungard]

Beware of the proprietary replacement filters.

Also - any RO system can be configured to produce just about whatever concentrate to permeate ratio you'd like. There is a small $4 part that sets that ratio, and you can change that out to modify the ratio. Membrane manufacturers specify their membrane performance at a specific water temperature, water pressure, and recovery (i.e., waste water to purified water ratio). Note that none of that information is provided by that vendor. Filmtec, widely considered the best membranes on the globe, spec's their residential membranes at about 5.5:1 (or a 15% recovery). Can you run it with less concentrate flow? Sure. But don't plan on meeting the rejection spec. (another data point not provided by that vendor.

Russ

Russ won't steer you wrong.

To help brewers with this important decision and purchase, read this article: What RO System should I buy

 

[day_trippr]

I see a lot of people that have 3 vessel brewing systems sitting there and they have a 30 gallon tank on the side to collect water.

I go straight from my RO system to my BK which has its drain coupled through its pump over to my HLT's drain port. If I set my controller to put 20 gallons in the rig, 10.5 of it will be in the BK and the rest in the HLT. As I need 11 gallons in the HLT and typically 9 gallons for strike liquor I run the BK's pump just long enough to shift a gallon and a half over to the HLT and I'm good to go

My RO system has the typical "4 gallon" pressure tank - which is good for around 2.5 gallons. I have that connected to its faucet on my brewery's sink and use it for rinsing off pH meters and refractometers, so the tank doesn't do a lot. Which means I have to drain it a couple of times a month so it doesn't get weird...

Cheers!

 

[Bobby_M]

I brew outside in the garage or I brew in the basement in my laundry room. The garage has no water service and the laundry room is very cramped. There is no room for even a small holding tank. I thought with the portability of that unit I could carry it to either location and ut it away when not needed.

You can install a permanent RO unit under your kitchen sink ($140) , put a valve on the output hose with a few extra feet of tubing coiled up and then set up a float in a couple buckets. Make your water, collect in two buckets, shut the valve and put the hose back under the sink until next time.

 

[kevin58]

You can install a permanent RO unit under your kitchen sink ($140) , put a valve on the output hose with a few extra feet of tubing coiled up and then set up a float in a couple buckets. Make your water, collect in two buckets, shut the valve and put the hose back under the sink until next time.

Thanks Bobby. That is helpful. Could you point me to the valves and floats needed?