RO filter system from Costco - Orchid Board

ladyslipper · #1 (**permalink**) 08-14-2007, 12:03 AM

Hi guys, would this RO system be good enough to filter the water for my 'chids? Its a pretty good price (its in CDN for you south of the border folks)...Its from Costco.

Costco Watts Premier 4-stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System

Oscarman · #2 (**permalink**) 08-14-2007, 01:06 AM

That sounds like a great deal and great for your plants (wish I had one!). How easy will it be to get replacement cartriges and RO membrane for it? Does it have to be the Watts brand or can they use others?

The ratio of wastewater to the pure water produced by a RO unit is 4 to 1, based on incoming water temperature and pressure. Something to consider also.

ladyslipper · #3 (**permalink**) 08-14-2007, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oscarman

That sounds like a great deal and great for your plants (wish I had one!). How easy will it be to get replacement cartriges and RO membrane for it? Does it have to be the Watts brand or can they use others?

The ratio of wastewater to the pure water produced by a RO unit is 4 to 1, based on incoming water temperature and pressure. Something to consider also.

Hi Dave, I am really unsure about the workings of RO systems. What do you mean by "The ratio of wastewater to the pure water produced by a RO unit is 4 to 1, based on incoming water temperature and pressure"? The other part about ease of replacement parts is something I have yet to look into. I was mainly concerned with it being such a good price, if maybe the price was TOO good if you get my meaning. I have seen prices of around $400 most places I have looked at. I don't know if I want to consider ebay on a purchase like this?

Regards, mary

Lagoon · #4 (**permalink**) 08-14-2007, 06:50 AM

I personally find these RO's are over priced and little GPD rating unless your buying these from petshops, perferable online pet supplies outlets.

This is the brand I use for my fish hobby and breeding ..

Mail Order Pet Supplies - CAD Category Product List - RO units

You don't have to go for the larger membrane, smaller one will be great and you can get all the refills you need from the same place. RO units, hook up to your faucet - 1 line goes into a draining area ( for waste water) the other line goes into a bucket of sort for storage until usage.
Their easy to use, pretty much plug & play.

Becca · #5 (**permalink**) 08-14-2007, 11:19 AM

On this topic....has anyone compared the cost of RO systems and filter replacements compared to say a 5 gallon jug of water with the dispenser if you purchased your own dispenser (about $60 - $80) and just paid for the 5 gallon jugs ($ unknown) as needed? I know for larger collections of say 100 it maynot be enough, but it has been something I have been contemplating for a while since the water would always be at room temperature for watering and my collection is around 50 orchids.

Ross · #6 (**permalink**) 08-14-2007, 12:08 PM

The cheapest system I know of is the rental units from Culligen. They replace the filters once a year on their own. The membrane should last a long time and probably never need replacement. Mine cost $19.50 per month with service and I can draw 30 gallons per 24 hour period. It stores 2-3 gallons. I use it to fill my own jugs.

Becca · #7 (**permalink**) 08-14-2007, 12:25 PM

Ross, you might get a good laugh out of this one....I have been using my Britta Water pitcher to filter my water for my orchids....lol. I don't use it anymore since I by bottled water at Costco now but I still have a ton of replacement filters for it. It makes my watering a very long process...lol. Now I need to get into fertilizers, such as the proper amount to add to the water I am using but I just haven't had the time so I have just been guessing, which I know isn't the best thing to do!

Ross · #8 (**permalink**) 08-14-2007, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RPfeiffer

Ross, you might get a good laugh out of this one....I have been using my Britta Water pitcher to filter my water for my orchids....lol. I don't use it anymore since I by bottled water at Costco now but I still have a ton of replacement filters for it. It makes my watering a very long process...lol. Now I need to get into fertilizers, such as the proper amount to add to the water I am using but I just haven't had the time so I have just been guessing, which I know isn't the best thing to do!

Becca I don't laugh because I've probably tried everything over the years (not necessarily on orchids.)

If you don't have an RO unit, give Culligen a call and see what they charge to rent one. The RO water is great for coffee and tea as the well or city water minerals are gone.

ladyslipper · #9 (**permalink**) 08-14-2007, 12:47 PM

Hi Gloria, thanks for the website, I bookmarked it for later reading. Thanks everyone for this really great dialog on RO systems and where to get cheap, cheaper! I am also going to check out Culligan.

mary

Marty · #10 (**permalink**) 08-14-2007, 03:00 PM

Not sure what the GPD on this filter is, but I'm a big fan of Costco. I will sometimes buy at costco even at a higher price, simply because I know that if there's a defect or a problem with the product, I can bring it back a year later and I won't be hassled.

I have 2 RO systems, one in the kitchen and one in the basement to service my vivarium addiction. I didn't get them from Costco though.