Revers Osmosis System Advice Needed

[Becca]

I couldn't remember where I should post this thread...so here it goes. I am looking into a reverse osmosis water system. I can rent one from Culligan for $34.00 a month and it will hold up to 3 gallons and I couldn't remember if they told me I could draw 10 gallons or 30 gallons a day on it, but either way I would have to have something to store the additional water in, because I use the s/h culture I go through probably in between 5 to 10 gallons of water on watering day. To refill the tank I would have to wait an hour, so I would start drawing from the tank the night before since waiting for water to filter is what I am trying to avoid since I am currently using a Britta water pitcher to filter my water while watering the 'chids. I wonder if a RO system will be as big of a pain and as slow as the Britta? I have roughly 30 plants and it is taking me about 2 to 3 hours to water my plants because I am waiting on the water to filter. I under stand the RO system will remove more then the Britta does....but would it really save me time and be worth it? Any users have any input? TIA!

[Ross]

Sounds like mine only more expensive! I use gallon milk jugs. You can draw a gallon an hour or more. So if you have a 5-gallon container, you could draw up to 1 or 2 gallons per hour up to 30 gallons per day (24 hours). I can draw enough from mine (Culligen) to fill a 2.5 gallon container and 4 gallon jugs in a day easily. Forget the Britta.

[Becca]

Ok, that is what I wanted to hear Thanks Ross! I just didn't want to put the money into it if it was going to be as slow as the Britta. I will start saving my milk jugs and buy some RO fertalizer for my 'chids! Unfortunately I cannot control their pricing, I wish my rental was as cheap as yours! I do also have the option of lease to own as well in 90 days with the rental money applying towards the purchase....tempting!

[flhiker]

Hi Becca, I have installed RO systems under the sink for a couple of customers. Not sure of the price because they bought it them selfs. We only installed to a spout at the sink and to the ice maker. If I remember correctly it take 12 to 24 hours to make 3 gallons. If it takes more the 3 gallons to water your plants I would say no it is not worth it. I definitely would not rent it thats 400.00 a year for water. Oh by the way does that include new filter's when needed, It take's 3, two membranes and 1 carbon filter.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by RPfeiffer

Ok, that is what I wanted to hear Thanks Ross! I just didn't want to put the money into it if it was going to be as slow as the Britta. I will start saving my milk jugs and buy some RO fertalizer for my 'chids! Unfortunately I cannot control their pricing, I wish my rental was as cheap as yours! I do also have the option of lease to own as well in 90 days with the rental money applying towards the purchase....tempting!

Becca, go for cheapest. Culligen will service what they rent or sell. So get best deal you can. Units are the same. I really push mine and get tons of water.

[flhiker]

Originally Posted by rsfrid

Sounds like mine only more expensive! I use gallon milk jugs. You can draw a gallon an hour or more. So if you have a 5-gallon container, you could draw up to 1 or 2 gallons per hour up to 30 gallons per day (24 hours). I can draw enough from mine (Culligen) to fill a 2.5 gallon container and 4 gallon jugs in a day easily. Forget the Britta.

Sound's like a better system then the one I mentioned.

[Becca]

Yes the rental includes the filters and all! I remember asking the sales guy how fast the tank would refill and he said about an hour....so more then likely it is the same system as what Ross has....his is from Culligans as well. If it took 24 hours to make 3 gallons....there is no way I would do it....my Britta pitcher is faster then that!

[flhiker]

Originally Posted by rsfrid

Becca, go for cheapest. Culligen will service what they rent or sell. So get best deal you can. Units are the same. I really push mine and get tons of water.

How many gallon's before you need to change filters? If you really push the system doesn't that defeat the purpose of pure water the contaminate's collect to the point that in no longer is filtering it? Just asking I don't claim to be a water quality expert.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by RPfeiffer

Yes the rental includes the filters and all! I remember asking the sales guy how fast the tank would refill and he said about an hour....so more then likely it is the same system as what Ross has....his is from Culligans as well. If it took 24 hours to make 3 gallons....there is no way I would do it....my Britta pitcher is faster then that!

Trust me, if from Culligen, it won't take 24 hours for 3 gallons! There's is rated at 30 gallons for 24 hours.

[Becca]

Well there is no contract so I think I will give it a try...the worst that can happen is I have a faucet in my sink that wouldn't be in use if I decided to cancel the service. I like the no contract part...and the first 3 months is only $5.00 each plus the installation which is $35.00. It is about $400 a year....but look how much I have already put into the orchid collection and orchidarium! I guess I could do the lease to own and own it in about 2 years as well!

Ross, on the rental system....do they ever upgrade the unit or do you get stuck with the same system for ever and ever even if they start using a better system....or do they stay pretty much the same?