AquaZamp
Hello!
System cost can depend on how many stages you'd like in your system. Each stage acts as a step to get the water cleaner. There is a trade off, more filters to change, more cost, but more filters means a cleaner product and longer lasting membrane.
So for example, if you have just a carbon filter prefiltering the RO membrane, you'll be changing the membrane more often because only one filter is working to 'protect' the membrane. A single 1micron filter will clog up easily, restricting flow and becoming less effective. Where as if you have a sediment filter for debris, then a similar sized micron carbon and than another carbon block, you'd have more chemical absorption and debris absorption before the membrane has to deal with it, making the membrane do less work, lasting longer. Now, these days membranes are cheaper, they are still the most expensive part of the system, but depending on your use, might only need changing once a year even if it only has one carbon filter before it.
If all you plan to do is make RO water for your chameleon, and thats it, a simple system is all you need. If you want to provide water at your sink for drinking, and connect to your fridge/ice maker, you will want a more robust system.
If you'd like price specifics, feel free to PM me on the site. But you are looking anywhere from $120-350. This allll depends on your needs.
Factors that make the price go up are things like, low water pressure in your house, you'll need a booster pump in order to make water effectively. Or if you think you'll have high demand, maybe you'll want a larger water reservoir and a larger capacity membrane.
Thanks,
Kevin Zamp