I've looked around trying to order the contents of these bundled filter kit.
One could probably save some money buying cheaper sediment and carbon blocks from somewhere else.
One could probably buy bulk (calcite?) or find another remineralizing filter and bulk carbon for the taste filter that is cheaper.
But honestly I need one kit a year plus an extra carbon block. As I get older I don't mind a little extra price for convenience. And spectra pure has been a reliable name in the salt water aquarium industry for as long as I can remember (at least the early 2000's for myself).
Remineralizing ro water is hotly debated. I've never tested the output water to see if the remineralizing filter is leaching anything dangerous. I suppose I should? I can tell you that the post carbon filter and the remineralizing filter makes my water, ice and coffee taste great. I dislike drinking water from anywhere but home anymore.
