Crystal Quest CQE-WH-01126 vs APEC ROES-50
Different approaches to water treatment compared side by side. Best for various water quality situations.
Crystal Quest CQE-WH-01126
Salt-Based Water Softener
$1,350
VS
APEC ROES-50
Reverse Osmosis System
$200
Crystal Quest CQE-WH-01126 and APEC ROES-50 are different types of water treatment systems. The Crystal Quest CQE-WH-01126 costs $1,150 more. The right choice depends on your water data, household size, and which features matter most to you. Check your city's water quality first to understand what you are treating.
Price Difference: $1,150
The Crystal Quest CQE-WH-01126 costs $1,150 more. The question is whether the differences justify the cost for your situation.
Full Spec Comparison
| Specification | Crystal Quest CQE-WH-01126 | APEC ROES-50 |
|---|---|---|
| Grain Capacity | 48,000 | — |
| Flow Rate (GPM) | 10 | — |
| Bathrooms Supported | 1–5 | — |
| Regeneration Type | Metered on-demand | — |
| Resin Crosslink | 10% | — |
| Valve Type | Digital metered | — |
| Salt Usage | Standard | — |
| Warranty | Lifetime | — |
| Certifications | NSF-certified components | NSF 58 |
| Dimensions | 10" x 54" tank + brine tank | — |
| Installation | Professional recommended | Under-sink, DIY |
| Water Source | City & Well | — |
| Hardness Removal | Up to 75 GPG | — |
| Iron Removal | Up to 6 PPM | — |
| Stages | — | 5-stage |
| TDS Removal | — | 99% |
| PFAS Removal | — | 95%+ |
| Lead Removal | — | 99% |
| Arsenic Removal | — | 99% |
| Fluoride Removal | — | 97% |
| Flow Rate | — | 50 GPD |
| Tank Size | — | 4 gallons |
| Waste Ratio | — | 3:1 |
| Filter Replacement | — | 0-50/year |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Crystal Quest CQE-WH-01126 or APEC ROES-50 better?
It depends on your situation. APEC ROES-50 ($200) is the better value for most homes. Crystal Quest CQE-WH-01126 ($1,350) offers premium features that may justify the cost for larger households or those wanting maximum convenience.
Is the APEC ROES-50 worth it at $200?
APEC ROES-50 is one of the most popular water treatment systems on the market. At $200, it offers strong performance for the price. Budget under-sink RO for lead, PFAS, arsenic, and TDS reduction.
What is the difference between a water softener and a water filter?
A water softener removes hardness minerals (calcium, magnesium) that cause scale. A filter removes contaminants (chlorine, PFAS, lead). They solve different problems. Many homes need both. See our detailed guide. Read our full guide →
Related Guides
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