RO/DI unit

[TekCat]

Greetings seasoned reefers, I just signed myself up for reef adventures by
purchasing 55G tank and have been reading megabytes of info on
reefcentral.com. I suppose my first purchase (after the tank) in this
endless adventure will be RO/DI unit. Yes, I know that I'll be using it
alot, and should get the best there is, but I am, like most of us, is short
on money... So, the question is what you gurus would recommend to get and
where, so it will accommodate 55gallon tank needs, but wont force me into
bankruptcy?

[Pszemol]

"TekCat" > wrote in message ...
> Greetings seasoned reefers, I just signed myself up for reef adventures by
> purchasing 55G tank and have been reading megabytes of info on
> reefcentral.com. I suppose my first purchase (after the tank) in this
> endless adventure will be RO/DI unit. Yes, I know that I'll be using it
> alot, and should get the best there is, but I am, like most of us, is short
> on money... So, the question is what you gurus would recommend to get and
> where, so it will accommodate 55gallon tank needs, but wont force me into
> bankruptcy?

I do not understand how one could be forced into bankruptcy paying
about $100 for a complete 6-stage filter (including deionizer "DI" stage).

Check for that example eBay.com, Item# 4398719599 and others.
You could spend a little more and get the system with the pressurized
tank for drinking water storage under the kitchen sink...
This way you would have pure water for your reef and your drinking.

p.s.
Not affiliated with the seller - just run a quick search and his auction turned up.

[Billy]

"Pszemol" > wrote in message
...

>
> I do not understand how one could be forced into bankruptcy paying
> about $100 for a complete 6-stage filter (including deionizer "DI"
> stage).
>


Stop by www.melevsreef.com

We are "somewhat" affiliated with Marc, as he's a regular here, and
very knowledgable. I bought my init from him, and have been very
happy with it.

bv

[Pszemol]

"Billy" > wrote in message ...
> "Pszemol" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>>
>> I do not understand how one could be forced into bankruptcy paying
>> about $100 for a complete 6-stage filter (including deionizer "DI"
>> stage).
>
> Stop by www.melevsreef.com
>
> We are "somewhat" affiliated with Marc, as he's a regular here, and
> very knowledgable. I bought my init from him, and have been very
> happy with it.

His unit costs $174 (when you add the shipping cost).
OP was asking for an option not forcing him into bankruptcy.

You do the math.

[Billy]

"Pszemol" > wrote in message
...
> You do the math.

Don't have to get snippy, friend. Just offering my suggestion. I've
found, that by and large, a cheap anything generally turns out to be
worth what you paid for it.

b

[Pszemol]

"Billy" > wrote in message ...
> "Pszemol" > wrote in message
> ...
>> You do the math.
>
> Don't have to get snippy, friend.

Not ment to be snippy, my friend.
I just understand he asked a serious question here.
Do you seriously suggest this other filter is better ?
Is it really worth its much bigger price in your opinion ?

> Just offering my suggestion. I've found, that by and large, a cheap
> anything generally turns out to be worth what you paid for it.

Well, paying 74% more for the same product does not need to be
a smart idea... Assuming that a product is better just based on the price
comparison is silly. I would be happy to hear from Marc what makes
his filter better than any other filters available on eBay for ~$100.
I would really like to know what in his filter is worth this extra $74...
For now, I have read his filter descriprion and I cannot find anything
special there which is worth this extra $74. How about you ?

BTW - Who is the manufacturer of the membrane in Marcs filter ?
Have you found this info on his website? I have hard time to do so...

[Ray Martini]

Well consider the Kent Marine 60gpd unit runs around $249 without shipping.
Marc's units are 100gpd so at $149 + I think it's a good deal. Starting a
reef tank is a huge expense and I think we've all knocked on the door of the
poor house when getting started.

A guy at work offered me a great deal on a 72 bow front with stand, light,
glass top for under $200. I thought I was getting a great deal (which I
was). $2500.00 later I have an awesome reef tank. Oh well, hobbies are
expensive. An RO/DI unit is a must. It's not like freshwater aquariums where
you can drop tap water in no problem.

My next RO/DI unit will come from Marc.


"Pszemol" > wrote in message
...
> "Billy" > wrote in message
> ...
>> "Pszemol" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> You do the math.
>>
>> Don't have to get snippy, friend.
>
> Not ment to be snippy, my friend.
> I just understand he asked a serious question here.
> Do you seriously suggest this other filter is better ?
> Is it really worth its much bigger price in your opinion ?
>
>> Just offering my suggestion. I've found, that by and large, a cheap
>> anything generally turns out to be worth what you paid for it.
>
> Well, paying 74% more for the same product does not need to be
> a smart idea... Assuming that a product is better just based on the price
> comparison is silly. I would be happy to hear from Marc what makes
> his filter better than any other filters available on eBay for ~$100.
> I would really like to know what in his filter is worth this extra $74...
> For now, I have read his filter descriprion and I cannot find anything
> special there which is worth this extra $74. How about you ?
>
> BTW - Who is the manufacturer of the membrane in Marcs filter ?
> Have you found this info on his website? I have hard time to do so...

[Pszemol]

"Ray Martini" > wrote in message ...
> Well consider the Kent Marine 60gpd unit runs around $249 without shipping.

What point are you trying to make here ?
Why do you ask me to compare one rip-off to a bigger rip-off ?

Are you trying to convince me that Marcs filter is not the most expensive one?
Sure, maybe it is not... If you buy a RO unit from a door-to-door salesman you
would pay about $500. But what does it mean ? KENTs filter sounds like a good
deal compared to an offer from a door-to-door filters salesman...

If these dozens of eBay guys can sell similar products for average $100
in retail and make a profit, than the wholesale price must be much smaller...
Paying $174 instead $100 does not necessarily mean you pay more
for a better product. It could mean simply you are paying much,
much bigger markups for a quite similar (or even worse?) product.

Think about it... What makes this or that filter better from any other ?
Clear housings? Maybe... Quality of the membrane ? Sure... but what is the
membrane manufacturer in KENTs or Marcs filter? Do you know this ? Without
knowing manufacturer/model numbers how are you going to compare them ?
Is it a "noname" product ? Or maybe non-conforming reject from factory ?
Who knows ? There are people on eBay selling their filters since 1999
and they at least list the membrane manufacturer so you know some
manufacturer has put his name on the product and you can look up the specs.
Chcek other eBay item 4404596254: same 5-stage filter, clear housings, total:
$71+S&H. Brand name, 100 GPD Applied Membranes AUTO FLUSH RO Membrane.

> Marc's units are 100gpd so at $149 + I think it's a good deal.

Why do you compare this "deal" to KENTs and not to the filter from eBay guy?

> Starting a reef tank is a huge expense and I think we've all knocked
> on the door of the poor house when getting started.

Then again: why would you want to pay $174 instead of $100 ?

> My next RO/DI unit will come from Marc.

But why ?
Because it just "must be better if it is more expensive" ? :-)
Or you just simply like to be taken advantage of... :-)

[David Zopf]

"Pszemol" > wrote in message
...
> "Ray Martini" > wrote in message
> ...
>> Well consider the Kent Marine 60gpd unit runs around $249 without
>> shipping.
>
> What point are you trying to make here ?
> Why do you ask me to compare one rip-off to a bigger rip-off ?
>
> Are you trying to convince me that Marcs filter is not the most expensive
> one?
> Sure, maybe it is not... If you buy a RO unit from a door-to-door salesman
> you
> would pay about $500. But what does it mean ? KENTs filter sounds like a
> good
> deal compared to an offer from a door-to-door filters salesman...
>
> If these dozens of eBay guys can sell similar products for average $100
> in retail and make a profit, than the wholesale price must be much
> smaller...
> Paying $174 instead $100 does not necessarily mean you pay more
> for a better product. It could mean simply you are paying much,
> much bigger markups for a quite similar (or even worse?) product.
>
Agreed. But those lower prices come from being able to move larger volumes
of products. Your Ebay auction cited essentially a "big-box" store...
(Ebay power seller with over 4000 feedback. Note: their most recent
negative feedback was in regards to the exact RO/DI filter you recommended.
Negative feedback for the vendor is otherwise quite infrequent).
Billy proposed the online equivalent of the "small local retailer" whose
margins are of course worse, but whose referrals, service, and support are
unparalleled. If a buyer prefers the service angle, the extra $75 might be
worth it to them, if it guarantees a happy resolution in the event of a
problem. I can _very_ safely bet that Marc values his repuation on this
newsgroup highly, given his prolific posting, and that you would likely
never have an unresolved issue with purchasing one of his RO/DI units. Can
you say for certain that your big-box store will have the same care for your
patronage? I can also respect the choice those who wish to support those
who offer them endless hours of advice by giving them a bit of business now
and then, even if the absolute best price might be found elsewhere.

Your questions about membrane source are entirely valid, but are easily
answered with an email to Marc, if TekCat were inclined to make that
inquiry. I don't think Marc is trying to hide anything by omitting the
source on his website.

It is always up to the solicitor of the advice to decide where to put his
business, but frankly I find your aggresive voice towards other posters
simply offering different options distasteful. They aren't out to "get"
anyone by simply offering more options than yours...

> Think about it... What makes this or that filter better from any other ?
> Clear housings? Maybe... Quality of the membrane ? Sure... but what is the
> membrane manufacturer in KENTs or Marcs filter? Do you know this ? Without
> knowing manufacturer/model numbers how are you going to compare them ? Is
> it a "noname" product ? Or maybe non-conforming reject from factory ?
> Who knows ? There are people on eBay selling their filters since 1999
> and they at least list the membrane manufacturer so you know some
> manufacturer has put his name on the product and you can look up the
> specs.
> Chcek other eBay item 4404596254: same 5-stage filter, clear housings,
> total:
> $71+S&H. Brand name, 100 GPD Applied Membranes AUTO FLUSH RO Membrane.
>
>> Marc's units are 100gpd so at $149 + I think it's a good deal.
>
> Why do you compare this "deal" to KENTs and not to the filter from eBay
> guy?

There is no conspiracy theory here. Your KENT numbers were present in the
thread, and obvious to all... Ray merely gave a fuller view of the total
range of prices at whic hRO/DI units are sold.

>
>> Starting a reef tank is a huge expense and I think we've all knocked
>> on the door of the poor house when getting started.
>
> Then again: why would you want to pay $174 instead of $100 ?
>
>> My next RO/DI unit will come from Marc.
>
> But why ?
> Because it just "must be better if it is more expensive" ? :-)

Because price isn't everything in a sale, even when one is
price-conscious...

> Or you just simply like to be taken advantage of... :-)

Be cautious with the ad hominems, sir... They never make you look smart.

Regards,
DaveZ
Atom Weaver

[Pszemol]

"David Zopf" > wrote in message m...
> If a buyer prefers the service angle, the extra $75 might be
> worth it to them, if it guarantees a happy resolution in the
> event of a problem.

Our buyer, the OP, clearly is on the low price angle. Agree ?

> I can _very_ safely bet that Marc values his repuation on this
> newsgroup highly, given his prolific posting, and that you would likely
> never have an unresolved issue with purchasing one of his RO/DI units.

Agree.
But still, if you are looking for best priced unit
you would feel the difference between $100 and $174.

> Can you say for certain that your big-box store will have the same
> care for your patronage?

No, I do not know this eBay seller better than you or anybody
reading his/her feedback. I can only assume he/she knows his
stuff if selling RO/DI units is bread and butter for that person.

One Negative feedback?
I sell on eBay too (from time to time) and I know how easy is
to get one negative feedback from a "problem custommer" who
never seems to be satisfied with any resolution you offer to him.
So one negative compared to over 4000 positives would almost
guarantee positive care for the custommer IMHO.

> I can also respect the choice those who wish to support those
> who offer them endless hours of advice by giving them a bit of business
> now and then, even if the absolute best price might be found elsewhere.

Sure, if you do it on purpose, when you know about the other offers...
But OP come to this group with his question and the understanding
RO/DI filters are very expensive. I take from this he just checked
retail outlets and found DO/DI systems for $300-400. This is why
I suggested eBay.com as an alternative. Melev with his filter is
somewhere in the middle princed units and it is worth to know this
option is available. To make a smart decision you need to have
a lot of information. I am not making a decission for anybody here.

> Your questions about membrane source are entirely valid, but are easily
> answered with an email to Marc, if TekCat were inclined to make that
> inquiry. I don't think Marc is trying to hide anything by omitting the
> source on his website.

I am not saying he is trying to hide. I am saying we know LESS
about his filter quality/specs than about cheaper filter from eBay...
Also, the difference in cost of noname membrane and brand name membrane
is probably significant, so you could guess if Marc was offering
brand name product he would proudly state this in his filter description.
It is simple marketing issue. But I will let Marc to fill us with this info.

> It is always up to the solicitor of the advice to decide where to put his
> business, but frankly I find your aggresive voice towards other posters
> simply offering different options distasteful. They aren't out to "get"
> anyone by simply offering more options than yours...

Why do you interprete me asking questions like "why?" as aggressive?
I am just asking for a reason, for an information, and I am not
attacking anybody here. If somebody states "I will buy next filter
from Marc" - what is wrong in asking "WHY WOULD YOU DO IT" ?

>> But why ?
>> Because it just "must be better if it is more expensive" ? :-)
>
> Because price isn't everything in a sale, even when one is
> price-conscious...

I would rather pay lower price and deal with the risk myself.
But it is just me :-)

Please nocice, OP clearly had the low price as his highest priority.
This is the only reason I throw eBay.com offers at him.

I have no business in selling RO/DI, I do not compete with Marc in any way.
I even forgot Marc is offering filter at the time I wrote my 1st response.

>> Or you just simply like to be taken advantage of... :-)
>
> Be cautious with the ad hominems, sir...
> They never make you look smart.

I will, thank you for your friendly warning :-)

[Billy]

"TekCat" > wrote in message
...
> Thanks guys for all your help, since I am trying to save a buck or
> two, I
> went with the eBay source. I've looked up everywhere (well, maybe
> not
> everywhere) but the prices for the RO units were around $200 and
> up, $150 at
> best.
> So, getting RO/DI for $100 is surely sweeeeeet :)))))
>
>

Glad you found what you need. If you need any help with it, we'll be
around. :)

billy

[Pszemol]

"TekCat" > wrote in message ...
> Thanks guys for all your help, since I am trying to save a buck or two, I
> went with the eBay source. I've looked up everywhere (well, maybe not
> everywhere) but the prices for the RO units were around $200 and up, $150 at
> best.
> So, getting RO/DI for $100 is surely sweeeeeet :)))))

Always happy to help :->

Are you going with a reef only option or you get the storage tank for drinking water ?

Also, consider spending money you will save on RO for the 'level switch' - it saved
my kitchen from water spilling out of overflowing bucket full of RO/DI water...
I use this one: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4533
It is called "float valve kit" and consist of a float valve, pressure cut-off switch
and some plumbing to add it to your system. It works this way that the floating
switch closes the clean water *outlet* from the filter, this in consequence build
up the pressure in the outlet line, this is acting on the pressure switch which
is cutting off the tap water supply. I used a regular Instant Ocean plastic bucket
for my water collection container. I drilled small hole at the top of the wall
to install the float switch and my kitchen floor is dry since that day ;-)
Of course the price is way over what it should costs, again, but this time I was
not able to find a cheaper source. If you find something similar cheper - let me know!

If you opt for a filter option with a storage tank you will have the pressure
cut-off switch in the filter assembly. You will just need a tee, float switch
and probably a check valve to prevent water from the steel storage tank backing
into your DI stage and your reef tank collecting bucket.

[David Zopf]

"Pszemol" > wrote in message
...
> "David Zopf" > wrote in message
> m...
>> If a buyer prefers the service angle, the extra $75 might be worth it to
>> them, if it guarantees a happy resolution in the
>> event of a problem.
>
> Our buyer, the OP, clearly is on the low price angle. Agree ?
>
Clearly, for some unspecified value of 'low'...

>> I can _very_ safely bet that Marc values his repuation on this newsgroup
>> highly, given his prolific posting, and that you would likely never have
>> an unresolved issue with purchasing one of his RO/DI units.
>
> Agree.
> But still, if you are looking for best priced unit
> you would feel the difference between $100 and $174.
>
>> Can you say for certain that your big-box store will have the same
>> care for your patronage?
>
> No, I do not know this eBay seller better than you or anybody
> reading his/her feedback. I can only assume he/she knows his
> stuff if selling RO/DI units is bread and butter for that person.
>
"Bread and Butter"? No. The majority of his business is electronics
products; IR cameras for automobiles, suveillance equipment, batteries, AV
cables and accessories, computer parts, musical keyboards, flashlights,
motors, watches, network IT equipment, etc etc etc. There are no other
water conditioning or filtration products, and (other than a single TDS
tester) no other aquaria-related items in his ebay store. I think its safer
to assume that this seller knows next to nothing about what he is selling,
other than vital statistics borrowed in total from the manufacturer's
brochure, and is merely offering a good price (and a mediocre warrantee, 15
day Dead on Arrival, replacement only) based on wholesale volume purchases
and the ability to push a lot of product. Problems with installation?
Problems with operation? Problems crop up after the 15 day tiral period?
This seller will not be able (or interested in) helping you...

> One Negative feedback?
> I sell on eBay too (from time to time) and I know how easy is
> to get one negative feedback from a "problem custommer" who
> never seems to be satisfied with any resolution you offer to him.
> So one negative compared to over 4000 positives would almost
> guarantee positive care for the custommer IMHO.
>
I agree, and I did recognize this in my parenthetical comment "Negative
feedback for the vendor is otherwise quite infrequent", although his total
negative is more accurately 23 negative (not 1) vs. 4106 positive,
lifetime. Still, an excellent record.

>> It is always up to the solicitor of the advice to decide where to put
>> his business, but frankly I find your aggresive voice towards other
>> posters simply offering different options distasteful. They aren't out
>> to "get" anyone by simply offering more options than yours...
>
> Why do you interprete me asking questions like "why?" as aggressive?

That "Why" iterated _so_ many times in a single post is an aggresive mode
communication, just as it would be in regular conversation, were you not to
give the other person an opportunity to respond. Like when a lawyer shoots
off too many questions in a row for a witness to answer... it is the Usenet
equivalent of "browbeating the witness", especially when combined
with/preceded by snappy rejoinders like "do the math" etc... You may not be
familiar with Usenet's "old-timer" history of Netiquitte, since it is
largely absent from more modern, web-based, forums (Curses upon phpBB!!!
:-). Or, it may be that English isn't your native language (did I see a .pl
on your email?). Sorry for the history lesson. I hope it clarifies others
responses to your posts, since it seems to have been confusing to you.

> I am just asking for a reason, for an information, and I am not
> attacking anybody here. If somebody states "I will buy next filter
> from Marc" - what is wrong in asking "WHY WOULD YOU DO IT" ?
>
>>> But why ?
>>> Because it just "must be better if it is more expensive" ? :-)
>>
>> Because price isn't everything in a sale, even when one is
>> price-conscious...
>
> I would rather pay lower price and deal with the risk myself.
> But it is just me :-)
>
> Please nocice, OP clearly had the low price as his highest priority.

Agreed. But that is no reason to think it was his _sole_ priority.

Thread's done, I think. TekCat made his/her purchase by now... I'd like to
hear how you find the purchase, TekCat. Please keep us informed...

Regards,
DaveZ
Atom Weaver

[TekCat]

> Always happy to help :->

Thanks man :)

> Are you going with a reef only option or you get the storage tank for
> drinking water ?

Though it's appealing to have the same quality of water as the fish will
have :) But for now I am just doing reef thing,... Also I am in the market
for protein skimmer that'll fit in my 10Gallon sump with cabinet hight
restriction total of 18.2 inches :( I was looking at Urchin skimmer, it
is quite compact, and I belive it'll be the perfect match for 55G tank and
10G sump application, but comparing to other, less compact models it's a bit
pricy... If you could advise me on should I just bite the bullet, and get
the damn thing, or there are alternatives available.

Thanks a lot

[Pszemol]

"David Zopf" > wrote in message m...
>> Why do you interprete me asking questions like "why?" as aggressive?
>
> That "Why" iterated _so_ many times in a single post
> is an aggresive mode communication,

Man, you must be new in usenet if you take this as aggressive mode...
Better grow a thicker skin before you will get eaten alive ;-)

Believe me, there was nothing aggressive in my intend - I was just
honestly surprised with a reasons for buying $174 instead $100.

[Pszemol]

"TekCat" > wrote in message ...
[Urchin skimmer]
> If you could advise me on should I just bite the bullet,
> and get the damn thing, or there are alternatives available.

Sorry, no experience with this skimmer.

[Billy]

"Pszemol" > wrote in message
...
>
> Man, you must be new in usenet if you take this as aggressive
> mode...
> Better grow a thicker skin before you will get eaten alive ;-)
>


/me shakes head sadly.

C'mon man, I'll buy you a beer.


b

[Tidepool Geek]

Pszemol wrote:
> "David Zopf" > wrote in message m...
> >> Why do you interprete me asking questions like "why?" as aggressive?
> >
> > That "Why" iterated _so_ many times in a single post
> > is an aggresive mode communication,
>
> Man, you must be new in usenet if you take this as aggressive mode...
> Better grow a thicker skin before you will get eaten alive ;-)
>
Gentlemen,

I just looked over the chronology of this thread; it went like this:
1. Tekcat asked for a recommendation about reasonably priced RO/DI
units.
2. Pszemol recommended one source.
3. Billy recommended another source (with no comparison made to
Pszemol's recommendation).
4. Pszemol immediately started arguing about the validity of Billy's
post and even went so far as to question the quality of the product
mentioned in that post.

So, who really needs to grow a thicker skin?

A few months ago we had a discussion here about why so many folks have
moved away from R.A.M.R. and into the various web based forums such as
Reef Central. IMHO: Part of the reason is illustrated by this thread.
People don't like having their input denigrated for no good reason. New
people (especially lurkers) are intimidated by rude responses. A few
years ago that wouldn't have mattered too much since R.A.M.R. was
basically the only game in town. That's no longer the case. Further,
the web forums have something that R.A.M.R. doesn't - supervision. I've
seen discussions shut down on other forums because of posts that were
arguably less confrontational than some of what we've seen on this
thread.

This is not to suggest that there's anything wrong with discussing the
comparative advantages of different products or vendors - that's
probably one of the most valuable aspects of any public discussion
forum. OTOH: There is a qualitative difference between
discussion/debate and argument and if people are interested in keeping
groups such as this viable they would be well advised to consider those
differences BEFORE posting.

Debatably yours,

TPG

[Pszemol]

"Tidepool Geek" > wrote in message ups.com...
> I've seen discussions shut down on other forums because of posts that
> were arguably less confrontational than some of what we've seen on this
> thread.

I bet you could not give me even one such example in a form of a link/url.

> Debatably yours,

Don't you have enough of this ?
Can't you find anything better to do during your weekend ?

[Billy]

"Pszemol" > wrote in message
...

Shall we move on?

/me passes out beers all around.

[Marc Levenson]

Wait a minute. LOL I never got to chime in. Sorry guys, I've been
busy with our club's message board, ReefCentral, email, driving around
town picking up frags for our meeting this week, getting my snails from
a Group Buy that arrived in Dallas 45 minutes away....

The question was asked why the units on Ebay are cheaper compared to my
own. My units are built in America by Americans (NAFTA). The *cost* of
my unit is higher than the unit sold on ebay, before profit is even
figured in. I've been selling my RO/DI unit for the same price for
three years. I don't go out of my way to sell them either. No ebay, no
massive advertising campaigns, just my little website. And if people
want to save money and purchase elsewhere, I totally understand.

The Ebay units are often times built in China, and shipped ready to
sell. The laborers are paid far less - although I don't know if we are
talking about sweat shops or child labor or if the minimum wage over
there is cheap as dirt - I don't have a clue. There was some rumors
going around that the one Ebay vendor was going to be shut down but I
guess it was just rumor.

While the question arises from time to time what all the components are
in the RO/DI I sell, I always have to look it up just to provide the
answer. When I bought my unit from h20fix.com, I never thought or cared
to ask - all I cared about was gallons per hour output, and lower TDS
readings. Filters have to be replaced at 6 months on average, and the
DI at one year. The membrane lasts 3 to 5 years. That is all I needed
to know, and that has proven true with my personal set up. Mine is now
3 years old and still going strong. And with my 280g reef, the 2g pico,
my son's 29g and the 28g frag tank, I make a bunch of water every couple
of days. Today I made 10g, yesterday 10g more, and over the past couple
of weeks I changed over 200g of sal****er in the tanks. Ugh!!!!

So here are the facts about the filters:

5 micron sediment filter
10 micron carbon block
98% rejection rate GE Osmonic TFC membrane
Color changing DI resin

The acrylic clear housings do cost more, and aren't quite so easy to
come by.

Here is the link to the webpage talking about the unit. The
installation instructions and trouble shooting pages are linked off this
page: http://www.melevsreef.com/ro_di.html

What matters most is that your tank get pure water, as this avoids
nuisance algae. Where you buy that water makes no difference to me.

Happy reefing! :)

Marc


Billy wrote:
> "Pszemol" > wrote in message
> ...
>
> Shall we move on?
>
> /me passes out beers all around.
>
>

--
Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com

[Pszemol]

"Billy" > wrote in message ...
> "Pszemol" > wrote in message
> ...
>
> Shall we move on?
>
> /me passes out beers all around.

This is exactly what I suggest to Tidepool Geek...
....at least before Marc joined us.

[Pszemol]

"Marc Levenson" > wrote in message t...
> Wait a minute. LOL I never got to chime in. Sorry guys, I've been
> busy with our club's message board, ReefCentral, email, driving around
> town picking up frags for our meeting this week, getting my snails from
> a Group Buy that arrived in Dallas 45 minutes away....

You are too busy... you neglect your newsgroup... ;-)

> My units are built in America by Americans (NAFTA).

Well... the same stands for many eBay units going for $70-80+S&H :-)
They have "Made in USA" stickers and sellers are posting
American manufacturers as for the membrane and prefilters.
You are not unique, Marc, in this particular detail, so lets not
jump on the high horse...

> The Ebay units are often times built in China, and shipped ready to
> sell. The laborers are paid far less - although I don't know if we are
> talking about sweat shops or child labor or if the minimum wage over
> there is cheap as dirt - I don't have a clue. There was some rumors
> going around that the one Ebay vendor was going to be shut down but I
> guess it was just rumor.

:-)))
Rumor, but you still mention it here... make sure such rumors live forever.
Rumors like that suit you very well because eBay units being dirrect
competition to your units.

> While the question arises from time to time what all the components are
> in the RO/DI I sell, I always have to look it up just to provide the
> answer. When I bought my unit from h20fix.com, I never thought or cared
> to ask - all I cared about was gallons per hour output, and lower TDS
> readings.

Maybe the unit from h20fix.com was from China and you did not care ? ;-)

> So here are the facts about the filters:
>
> 5 micron sediment filter
> 10 micron carbon block
> 98% rejection rate GE Osmonic TFC membrane
> Color changing DI resin

Very good Marc, I would suggest adding this info to your website filter
description would help differentiate your units from "noname" ones...

> What matters most is that your tank get pure water, as this avoids
> nuisance algae. Where you buy that water makes no difference to me.

You could say this honestly only if you were not in business selling filters, but you are...
It makes FINANCIAL difference to you if somebody gets his filter from you and
not from some other place.


p.s. this beer from Billy tastes very good, thanks Billy! have some more ? ;-)

[[email protected]]

Pszemol wrote:
> "David Zopf" > wrote in message m...
> >> Why do you interprete me asking questions like "why?" as aggressive?
> >
> > That "Why" iterated _so_ many times in a single post
> > is an aggresive mode communication,
>
> Man, you must be new in usenet if you take this as aggressive mode...

In fact, I'm incredibly ancient by Usenet standards (1991 to date.
First access from a DEC VT220 tied to a university mainframe!!!), which
is probably why I recall an era when usenet was populated by those with
an abundance of manners. Yah Well. You asked why the interpretation,
and I answered. Apparently, I'm not in the minority with that
interpretation, either.

> Better grow a thicker skin before you will get eaten alive ;-)
>
To say i find it distasteful says nothing about whether bothers me, or
not. Ultimately, your comments hold zero emotional value for me. How
does one get "eaten alive" with words, anyways..?

Meh. Again, I think the thread is done...

Regards,
DaveZ
Atom Weaver

[Marc Levenson]

Hi again Pszemol,

Comments interwoven below...

Pszemol wrote:
> "Marc Levenson" > wrote in message
> t...
>
>> Wait a minute. LOL I never got to chime in. Sorry guys, I've been
>> busy with our club's message board, ReefCentral, email, driving around
>> town picking up frags for our meeting this week, getting my snails
>> from a Group Buy that arrived in Dallas 45 minutes away....
>
>
> You are too busy... you neglect your newsgroup... ;-)

It isn't mine. LOL

>
>> My units are built in America by Americans (NAFTA).
>
>
> Well... the same stands for many eBay units going for $70-80+S&H :-)
> They have "Made in USA" stickers and sellers are posting
> American manufacturers as for the membrane and prefilters.
> You are not unique, Marc, in this particular detail, so lets not
> jump on the high horse...

It isn't a high horse, simply a fact.
>
>> The Ebay units are often times built in China, and shipped ready to
>> sell. The laborers are paid far less - although I don't know if we
>> are talking about sweat shops or child labor or if the minimum wage
>> over there is cheap as dirt - I don't have a clue. There was some
>> rumors going around that the one Ebay vendor was going to be shut down
>> but I guess it was just rumor.
>
>
> :-)))
> Rumor, but you still mention it here... make sure such rumors live forever.
> Rumors like that suit you very well because eBay units being dirrect
> competition to your units.

That is part of the reason I thought the rumor to be true. If they are
stating it is made in America and sticking american flags on the units
when in fact they are being assembled in China, that would be unethical,
correct? I thought they'd be gone by now, if some type of law was
actually be enforced.

It isn't competition. Not to me anyway.

>
>> While the question arises from time to time what all the components
>> are in the RO/DI I sell, I always have to look it up just to provide
>> the answer. When I bought my unit from h20fix.com, I never thought or
>> cared to ask - all I cared about was gallons per hour output, and
>> lower TDS readings.
>
>
> Maybe the unit from h20fix.com was from China and you did not care ? ;-)

Nope, the place where my units are assembled is the same place h20fix
used to use. When they moved on to pool heating systems, I contacted
them and found out what I needed to do to sell the same units via my site.

>
>> So here are the facts about the filters:
>>
>> 5 micron sediment filter
>> 10 micron carbon block
>> 98% rejection rate GE Osmonic TFC membrane
>> Color changing DI resin
>
>
> Very good Marc, I would suggest adding this info to your website filter
> description would help differentiate your units from "noname" ones...

Yes, I need to add that so it will be there forever. Maybe I'll get
that done today.


>
>> What matters most is that your tank get pure water, as this avoids
>> nuisance algae. Where you buy that water makes no difference to me.
>
>
> You could say this honestly only if you were not in business selling
> filters, but you are...
> It makes FINANCIAL difference to you if somebody gets his filter from
> you and
> not from some other place.

Since I'm actually a professional stripper by trade, the RO filters
aren't a big deal to me. If I can help someone with a good RO/DI unit,
great. If they want to get it elsewhere, so be it. I really honestly
do not lose sleep over those kinds of decisions.
>
>
> p.s. this beer from Billy tastes very good, thanks Billy! have some more
> ? ;-)

I'm still working on my 'morning' coffee.

Marc


--
Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com

[Billy]

"Marc Levenson" > wrote in message
.. .
> Since I'm actually a professional stripper by trade, the RO filters


LOL!! Perhaps you should clarify that one, Marc. :)

billy