9 Best Reverse Osmosis System for Hydroponics
Here’s the thing. Just because your tap water is good enough to drink, that does not mean you can use it for your plants. You see, hard water can hit your plants where it hurts right from the get-go. So, if you suspect you have one at home, no questions asked. Get yourself the best reverse osmosis system for your hydroponics!
But how would you know if you have hard water at home? Well, there are lots of ways you can test this.
I’d start with the simplest trick first. Try to use an Electric Conductivity (EC) and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) meter. Vivosun has an awesome TDS, pH, and EC meter that you may want to check out. If you get at least 120 ppm and higher than 10 EC, then chances are you have hard water at home.
Hard water has sodium, sulfide, and other heavy metals, thus harmful to your plant health and hydroponics system. But your biggest enemy here is the buildup of Calcium Carbonate in your water. The more this mineral builds, the less chance for your plants to absorb other nutrients.
Good thing, you can always solve this with a reverse osmosis water system! RO systems may reduce your ppm to 10 and your EC to zero. And another thing I like is that it also reduces the pH level of my water to at least 7.0. Awesome right?
So, what are you waiting for? Scroll on to find the best reverse osmosis system for your hydroponics!
Table of Contents
Quick Overview of the
Best Reverse Osmosis System for Hydroponic
(in no particular order)
iSpring RCS5T 500 GPD Grade Commercial Tankless Reverse Osmosis RO Water Filter System with 1:1 Drain Ratio, Pressure Gauge
Waterdrop G2 Tankless Reverse Osmosis System, TDS Reduction, 400 GPD Fast Flow, FCC Listed, 1:1 Pure to Drain
iSpring RO500 Tankless RO Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System, 500 GPD Fast Flow
Brio G20-U Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System – 700 GPD Fast Flow, 2:1 Pure to Drain – TDS Meter
KFLOW Reverse Osmosis Water Purifier, RO Tankless Water Filtration System, 400GPD High Flow
Our Buying Guide for the Best RO System for Hydroponics
I hate to break this to you, but not all reverse osmosis systems are the same. There are two types of RO systems you can buy: tank and tankless. Based on the names alone, I’m pretty sure you’d know by now the main difference between the two. The traditional one uses a reservoir while the other doesn’t. I know what you’re thinking. So, which one’s better for growing? To make things easier for you, I’ve rounded up the aspects I like and dislike about the two through a simple diagram below.
Tankless Versus Tank: Which is better for Hydroponics?
I find that tankless RO systems are the best choice for hydroponics growers. Based on experience, it’s so easy to set up and use. Moreover, you don’t have to waste your money buying filters all the time. It also ticks off all my priorities in growing. As a hydroponics grower, I want an RO system that can give me clean and fresh water within seconds. I also need a system that will solve secondary pollutant issues. Thankfully, tankless RO systems are just what I need. It’s a good investment, especially if you value convenience and top-notch quality RO water for your plants. Luckily for you, the ones I featured here are the best tankless RO systems you’ll ever find on the market.
In my in-depth review, I also listed the essential features you have to look for in a reverse osmosis system.
- System Components – Are the wire tubings reliable?
- Max Daily Output – How many gallons per day can it produce?
- Filter Quality – Are the filters of top-notch quality? How many filtration stages does it have? The more filters your system has, the better. But the standard for tankless options is at two filters, Composite filter (CF) and Reverse Osmosis Membrane (MRO). In case you’re wondering, most composite filters are combinations of sediment and carbon.
- Wastewater Ratio – I suggest choosing a system with at least a 1:1 wastewater ratio.
If you’re curious to know how tankless Ro systems fare in action, then I suggest you check out my video below. I featured my own Frizzlife RO System and shared tips on how you can set up one in your grow room. Happy growing!
In-Depth Reviews of the
Best Reverse Osmosis System for Hydroponics
Interested in knowing why they landed on the best reverse osmosis system for hydroponics? Great! This part discusses each of their unique characteristics. Besides that, I also included the downsides and upsides when using them. Hence, it’s easier to find one that’ll fit your growing needs.
Frizzlife PD400 Reverse Osmosis System
The Frizzlife Tankless RO System is by far my favorite reverse osmosis system ever. It’s been my partner in filtering the tap water at home. If you’re wondering, my water was up in the 180 ppm range. Then after using this, it went down to 9 PPM, which is considered soft water. Cool, right?
You’ll also love that it is so easy to install. Everything you need is in the package. No need to call a plumber!
Features
- System Components – It comes with all the things you need. You get a faucet, drain saddle, feed water valve, blade, and plumber tape. The RO system also features water tubings for wastewater, incoming water, and faucet. But here comes my favorite. It comes with a TDS meter, so you can always check your water quality anytime!
- Max Daily Output – The system has a high yield capacity of 400 gallons a day.
- Filter Quality – You get two filters, CF and MRO. Hence, you’re sure that it eliminates 99.9% of harmful pollutants in your water. As for the filters, you only need a second to change them, thanks to the twist-in cartridge design. It also has a built-in filter life indicator. So, when it’s time to change them, you’ll know for sure!
- Wastewater Ratio – You’ll love that this has a low drain ratio of 1.5:1 (pure: drain). This is great because you get to save so much water.
Pros
- Reliable system components
- Comes with a TDS meter
- Has a high yield capacity of 400 gallons/day
- Features two filters: composite filter and MRO filter
- Has a reliable low drain ratio of 1.5:
Con
- Some might find that it has a relatively slow water flow. It might take around 12 seconds to fill up a cup.
Waterdrop G2P600 RO Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
If you’re looking for a tankless RO system that’s incredibly quiet and compact, then the Waterdrop G2P600 RO System is for you!
I can’t get over the fact that it just produces a slight humming sound when running. You’ll also love that it has a high yield capacity and gets your TDS levels down to 10 or lower. Installation is also a breeze with this.
The only downside I can think of is that it takes a bit slow to get to its full filtering effect. So, I suggest you run your faucet for at least a minute before use. If you don’t do this, you might be shocked to find your water doesn’t get to the ideal TDS level.
Features
- System Components – It comes with a faucet, two replacement filters, three water tubings, T-fitting, and a waste-water clip.
- Max Daily Output – The system has a high yield capacity of 600 gallons a day.
- Filter Quality – Similar to the Frizzlife PD400, this system also has two filters, CF and MRO. Hence, you’re sure that it eliminates 99.9% of harmful pollutants in your water. As for the filters, you only need a second to change them, thanks to the twist-in cartridge design. It also has a built-in filter life indicator. So, when it’s time to change them, you’ll know for sure!
- Wastewater Ratio – You’ll love that it has a remarkable low drain ratio of 2:1 (pure: drain). This is great because you get to save so much water.
Pros
- Reliable system components
- Has a high yield capacity of 600 gallons/day
- Two filters: CF and MRO
- Has a reliable low drain ratio of 2:1
- Compact and quiet
- It has a relatively quick water flow. You only need 8 seconds to fill up a cup of water.
Con
- You need to run the faucet for one minute to get to its full filtering effect.
iSpring RCS5T 500 GPD Grade Commercial Tankless Reverse Osmosis RO Water Filter System
This is the perfect reverse osmosis system for growers with relatively low water pressure at home. I kid you not, you’ll never have to worry about running out of water with the Spring RCS5T Commercial Tankless Reverse Osmosis System. This is all thanks to the built-in booster pump!
Features
- System Components – It comes with a faucet, housings, filters, parts and tubing, and mounting bracket.
- Max Daily Output – The system has a high yield capacity of 500 gallons a day.
- Filter Quality – The system features 5 filter stages. Hence, you’re sure that it eliminates 99.9% of harmful pollutants in your water. But unlike the ones on the list, this has no filter life indicator. So, be sure to set the alarm when it’s time to change your filters!
- Wastewater Ratio – Compared to the previous products on the list, this has a pretty standard drain ratio of 1:1 (pure: drain).
Pros
- Reliable system components
- Has a high yield capacity of 500 gallons/day
- Five filter stages
- Has a standard low drain ratio of 1:1
- Features a built-in booster pump for stronger water pressure
Con
- No filter life indicator
Waterdrop G2 Tankless Reverse Osmosis System, 400 GPD Fast Flow, FCC Listed, 1:1 Pure to Drain
Are you a huge fan of the Waterdrop G2P600 RO System, but not of the price? Fret not! The Waterdrop G2 RO System is the closest you can get to the G2P600. As if that’s not enough, it’s also one of the most affordable RO systems on my list!
It’s as compact and quiet as the G2P600. Installation is also a breeze with this one.
Features
- System Components – It comes with a faucet, two replacement filters, three water tubings, T-fitting, and a waste-water clip.
- Max Daily Output – The system has a high yield capacity of 400 gallons a day.
- Filter Quality – The system boasts two filters, CF and MRO. Hence, you’re sure that it eliminates 99.9% of harmful pollutants in your water. As for the filters, you only need a second to change them, thanks to the twist-in cartridge design. It also has a built-in filter life indicator. So, when it’s time to change them, you’ll know for sure!
- Wastewater Ratio – Similar to the iSpring RCS5T, this has a standard drain ratio of 1:1 (pure: drain).
Pros
- Reliable system components
- Has a high yield capacity of 400 gallons/day
- Two filters: CF and MRO
- Has a reliable low drain ratio of 1:1
- Compact and quiet
Con
- You need to run the faucet for one minute to get to its full filtering effect.
iSpring RO500 Tankless RO Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
It’s true what they say. iSpring RO500 is the next-generation reverse osmosis filtration system you surely don’t want to miss!
Similar to the iSpring RCS5T, this has a strong built-in pump to increase water pressure. But here comes my favorite: it features a high-quality smart faucet. This pops up the TDS level of your water as it comes out of the faucet. So cool!
Features
- System Components – It comes with a smart faucet, housings, filters, parts and tubing, and mounting bracket.
- Max Daily Output – The system has a high yield capacity of 500 gallons a day.
- Filter Quality – The system features three filter stages. You’ve got an additional Carbon Filter. Hence, you’re sure that it can eliminate 99.9% of harmful pollutants in your water. As for the filters, you only need a second to change them, thanks to the twist-in cartridge design. It also has a built-in filter life indicator. So, when it’s time to change them, you’ll know for sure!
- Wastewater Ratio – You’ll love that it has a remarkable low drain ratio of 2:1 (pure: drain). This is great because you get to save so much water.
Pros
- Reliable system components
- Has a high yield capacity of 500 gallons/day
- Three filter stages
- Has a reliable low drain ratio of 2:1
- Features a smart faucet that shows up real-time TDS level of your water
Con
- Pricey replacement filters
Frizzlife PD600 RO Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
When it comes to reverse osmosis systems, there’s no other brand that can put up products as innovative as Frizzlife. Don’t believe me yet?
Take the Frizzlife PD600 as an example. It is the only reverse osmosis system that has an alkaline mineralization filter (TAM3). So, aside from filtering your water from pollutants, it can also bring back essential minerals and balance the pH level of your water.
You’ll also love that it features a smart display panel that shows the real-time TDS level of your water.
Features
- System Components – It comes with all the things you need. You get a system cover, nickel faucet, CP filter, 600G RO membrane, TAM3 Alkaline Remineralization filter, tubings, wastewater clamp, fittings, and screws.
- Max Daily Output – The system has a high yield capacity of 600 gallons a day.
- Filter Quality – The system boasts three filters: CF, MRO, and TAM3. Hence, you’re sure that it can eliminate 99.9% of harmful pollutants in your water. The alkaline remineralization filter or TAM3 allows your water to increase the pH level. As for the filters, you only need a second to change them, thanks to the twist-in cartridge design. It also has a built-in filter life indicator. So, when it’s time to change them, you’ll know for sure!
- Wastewater Ratio – Similar to the PD400, this has a low drain ratio of 1.5:1 (pure: drain). This is great because you get to save so much water.
Pros
- Reliable system components
- Has a high yield capacity of 600 gallons/day
- Three filters: CF, MRO, TAM3
- The only system with alkaline remineralization filter
- Has a reliable low drain ratio of 1.5:1
- Features a smart display panel that shows the real-time TDS level of your water.
Con
- Some might find the TAM3 filter prone to leakage. If this happens, you can always buy a new filter to replace it.
Brio G20-U Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
Cheers to all growers who love everything sleek and stylish! The Brio G20-U has just what you want.
It has a compact, revolutionary design, and awesome filtration power. As if that’s not enough, it is the only system that can provide you two types of water: filtered or purified. You’ll also love that it features a smart display panel on the faucet to show the real-time TDS level of your water.
Features
- System Components – It comes with all the things you need. You get a faucet, two filters, tubings, wastewater clamp, fittings, and screws.
- Max Daily Output – The system has a high yield capacity of 700 gallons a day.
- Filter Quality – The system boasts tw0 filters: CF and MRO. Hence, you’re sure that it can eliminate 99.9% of harmful pollutants in your water. As for the filters, you only need a second to change them, thanks to the twist-in cartridge design. It also has a built-in filter life indicator. So, when it’s time to change them, you’ll know for sure!
- Wastewater Ratio – You’ll love that this has a remarkable low drain ratio of 2:1 (pure: drain). This is great because you get to save so much water.
Pros
- Reliable system components
- Has a high yield capacity of 700 gallons/day
- Two filters: CF, MRO
- The only system that can provide two types of water: purified and filtered
- Has a reliable low drain ratio of 2:1
- Features a smart display panel on the faucet to show real-time TDS level of your water.
Con
- Pricey replacement filters
OASIS OASIS HOME RO Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
OASIS OASIS HOME RO Reverse Osmosis System doesn’t like to complicate things. It has simple functions and designs. But it works and will last you a long time!
Features
- System Components – It comes with all the things you need. You get a faucet, two filters, tubings, wastewater clamp, fittings, and screws.
- Max Daily Output – The system has a high yield capacity of 600 gallons a day.
- Filter Quality – The system boasts two filters: CF and MRO. Hence, you’re sure that it can eliminate 99.9% of harmful pollutants in your water. As for the filters, you only need a second to change them, thanks to the twist-in cartridge design. It also has a built-in filter life indicator. So, when it’s time to change them, you’ll know for sure!
- Wastewater Ratio – You’ll love that this has a low drain ratio of 1.5:1 (pure: drain). This is great because you get to save so much water.
Pros
- Reliable system components
- Has a high yield capacity of 600 gallons/day
- Two filters: CF, MRO
- Has a reliable low drain ratio of 1.5:1
Con
- Pricey replacement filters
KFLOW Reverse Osmosis Water Purifier
Nothing is more disappointing than a leaking system. Luckily for us, KFLOW Reverse Osmosis System has a built-in leakage indicator that beeps when leakage happens. Cool, right?
Features
- System Components – It comes with all the things you need. You get a faucet, feed water adapter, 1/2”-3/8” converter set, 3/8” and 1/4” water tube, drain saddle set, and power adapter.
- Max Daily Output – The system has a high yield capacity of 400 gallons a day.
- Filter Quality – The system boasts three filters: CF, MRO, and PCP. Hence, you’re sure that it can eliminate 99.9% of harmful pollutants in your water. It also has a built-in filter life indicator. So, when it’s time to change them, you’ll know for sure!
- Wastewater Ratio – You’ll love that this has a remarkable low drain ratio of 2:1 (pure: drain). This is great because you get to save so much water.
Pros
- Reliable system components
- Has a high yield capacity of 400 gallons/day
- Three filters: CF, MRO, PCP
- Has a reliable low drain ratio of 2:1
- Comes with a built-in leakage buzzer
Con
- Vague instruction manual
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best RO System for Hydroponics
Haven’t figured out what to get? No worries, I’ve answered some of your most sought-out questions about reverse osmosis systems to help you out!
Q1. What is the best reverse osmosis system for hydroponics?
The answer to this entirely lies in your preferences and budget. Are you the kind of grower that values budget over convenience, or vice versa?
If you are on a tight budget, then I suggest you check out tank reverse osmosis systems. I’ve seen affordable tank options on the market. But, be sure to check out my buying guide to see the downsides of using them.
On the other hand, if you value convenience more, then tankless options are your best bet. As mentioned in our buying guide, tankless options are the best choice for growers. For one, they are easy to prepare and use. You’ll also love that they’re smaller and more compact. The only downside with them, though, is that they’re pricey. But considering the benefits and the convenience you get with these, I’d suggest you buy one.
Just take me as an example. I have been using the Frizzlife tankless RO system in my grow room for a while now. But, I find that it still works like brand new. And here’s my favorite: it’s one of the most affordable ones on the list.
Q2. Why use RO water for hydroponics?
There are two reasons why you should use RO water for your system. For one, it helps to maintain better plant health and hydroponics system.
As mentioned, hard water is a big no-no when it comes to our plants. You do not want your plants to get near heavy metals, bacteria, and contaminants, do you? When you use a reverse osmosis system, you get water free of these impurities.
Another thing to love about RO water is that you get total control over your plant nutrients. You see, RO water usually yields 0.0 EC, which means that the water is free of trace elements like magnesium and calcium. Thus, you get a clean slate on your feeding routine. With this, you get to decide on what to feed your plants and when to do it.
Q3. Can I install the RO system by myself?
Definitely! In case you’re wondering, I installed my Frizzlife RO system by myself, too. What’s great about Frizzlife is that it includes a thorough, easy-to-read manual. But in case you’re curious, here’s a little breakdown of what I did.
As you can see, my Frizzlife RO system has three water tubings at the back. Each of these tubes has a function.
The red tube is for wastewater. So, I just opted to place the end of the tube into my basement drain.
Meanwhile, the biggest tube is for incoming water. This part is easy to set up because most of the connectors you need are included in the set.
Lastly, the remaining tube is attached to the faucet.
I kid you not. Setting up an RO system would take you just a few minutes.
Q4. Do I need a water softener with my RO system?
It depends on your personal preference. Some growers can get away without a water softener, while others find that they need one. But to make it easier for you, here are the benefits of having a water softener with your RO system.
Firstly, they protect your RO systems from overworking. As you know, water softeners are there to remove traces of magnesium and chloride from your water. By doing that, you protect your RO system and give it a longer life span since the water softener has done half of the work. Secondly, they have different functions and benefits for your water.
With a water softener, you only get to soften your water. Unfortunately, contaminants and impurities will still be there. Meanwhile, the reverse osmosis system filters out these impurities. In retrospect, it’s safe to say they do complement each other!
So, if you have a few more bucks to spare, I suggest you invest in a softening system alongside your RO system.
Conclusion
Finding the best reverse osmosis system can be a bit confusing. But, I hope this article has helped you. Luckily for you, the reverse osmosis systems that I featured here are great on their own.
Now that you have solved your hard water issues in your hydroponics garden, it’s time for you to fix and prevent nasty root rots. If you’re curious to know about the best product against root rots, then check my experiment here!
So, which one’s your favorite reverse osmosis system? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section.
Also, don’t forget to check other blogs from Rudd’s Home Farm to learn more tips and tricks on hydroponics gardening.
