This replaced a failing Merlin unit used as a whole house RO unit. Had it for 10 years. Feeds a 300 gallon poly tank that is stuffed in a closet. Float valve. Keeps up and is much quieter than the Merlin unit was. The Merlin unit mostly kept up, but could use the reserve up faster than it could keep up in some cases -ie multiple showers, washer loads and dishes. Poly tank is only 2/3's full because of the mounting of the float valve. TheEx1000-T keeps up.
Like the Merlin unit - sucker sweats when it is really humid out. Have to account this - or you'll have mildew issues. I wrapped all of the lines, so only the unit sweats. I am looking forward to the less maintenance this will be going forward because of the extra large pre-filters. They are 4 time larger than the one filter on the Merlin unit, and 2 of them (ie 8 times larger). This is true also of the Evolution - 8 times more. The Merlin came with a refrigerator type pre-filter as well - which is not useable when using it heavily. Clogs fast.
More - this is built with components that are user replaceable. When the Merlin finally gave it up - there was no fixing it.
This units wastes much less water, than the Merlin - however many of the new ones also are more efficient.
I am cleaning well water, about 1000 ppm, mostly NaCl. 65 to 70 psi, from a 3/4Hp deep well submersible.
So - a little more money than the Evolution unit, but because I use a lot of water, it is worth it. I found it the best value in its class (the class above the Evolution), and it will be the last one I will need to buy because it has customer replaceable parts.
If I was using it for lighter duty applications, like making aquarium water, or home hydroponic growing - I would have gotten the cheaper Evolution, which is a direct replacement and an upgrade for the Merlin. They both have a place. I use 50000 gallons plus a year of RO water using it for all water needs, including watering the garden.
