(Thanks, all. :)

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Reader K.:

Assuming you or other readers may not have a Big Berkey budget, here's what I use. It's a 4 gallon gravity filter by Zenwater.

https://zenwatersystems.com/

They make a bigger and smaller size. It has a ceramic filter on top, a 5-stage earth based main filter and mineral rocks on the bottom to reintroduce minerals. Probably around the $100 range on Amazon. The replacement maintenance parts are not terribly expensive and readily available.

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Reader CT:

Hey Hobie!

I've been using zero water filters for a few years now. They come with this little PPM reader which is quite nifty for testing other water sources with as well. I bought mine from Wal Mart in Canada and highly recommend it! The filters are really good and last quite a long time (3 months or so for how my water consumption).

Best of luck!

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Reader R:

If you live in an apartment you can still install a more useful under sink RO, which is what I did until I bought a condo, prior to my own freestanding home. You can drill a hole in the back of the sink near the faucets and install a separate spigot that comes with a kit. Specifically designed plugs are available to cover the hole when you move. Next, just attach a hook inside the cabinet door to hang the RO faucet and connect longer tubing long enough to reach over the sink to whatever container you use to collect water. You might find DIY videos on You Tube, or contact iSpring. They sell through Amazon, great customer service! They can probably connect you to a DIY PDF

hth

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Agent Lymerick:

Hi Hobie!

We have used an Aqua Tru reverse osmosis filter for years. You do have to add minerals back into the water from a dropper bottle OR take a mineral supplement. HOWEVER, I just looked up Aqua Tru and the price has gone up SO MUCH since we last replaced our unit!!!!!!!
Link https://aquatruwater.com/product/countertop-reverse-osmosis-water-purifier/

The water is wonderful, it is easy to use, but you do have to replace the filters every year, depending on how much water you filter. During hummer months, we really amp up our usage! It is such a great unit, but the price has, I fear, surpassed many people's budget - hope ours hangs in there for a LONG time. It looks like the filters have gone up a LOT too!

Hope you find something you like that doesn't bankrupt you!
Thanks, Hobie, for ALL you do to man the helm at RMN!!

Lymerick

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Reader Giorgio:

Hello hobie-

I use a distiller for drinking water. You can find a good one on Amazon/Ebay. I does 4 liters at a time. I store in glass bottles. Water filters can miss microbes and remnants of prescription drugs. Distilling removes EVERYTHING bad for you, since it turns water into pure clean vapor then condenses it. You just need CLR to help clean up the crud in the bottom of the boiler. (YUCK!)

Good Luck!
~Giorgio

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Reader (no name):

This is my understanding of these models. I have used both and am currently using ProOne.

ProOne: Gets it all, including fluoride. Change filters\1x year depending on use.

Berkey: Gets it all with addition of available fluoride filters. Big plus, 6000 gallons on the 2 main black Berkey filters. Not sure about how often to change the fluoride filters.

That's it.

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MORE COMING IN SUBSEQUENT POSTS. :)

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