Defender iGen C
Tank: Multi-layer
The most straightforward of the three C-series combination systems: same media and valve, with a fiberglass-wrapped tank.
Defender iGen C detailsSystems
Four systems, organized by what your home needs
Three whole-house softener and filter combinations that share the same treatment and differ in tank construction, and one five-stage reverse-osmosis drinking-water system. No online checkout; every system is matched to a water test.
Whole house
Softener and filter combinations (point of entry)
For municipal water with hardness and chlorine or chloramine. ChloroShield Clearess filtration media, high-capacity softening resin and a clarifier layer in one tank, managed by the iGen smart valve. Certified by WQA to NSF/ANSI 42, 44 and 372. The treatment is the same across the three; the tank is the difference.
Hydronex iGen C
Tank: Three-piece
Same treatment as the Defender; the stainless-steel outer cover is a finish and durability choice for the mechanical room.
Hydronex iGen C details
Terminator iGen C
Tank: Food-grade 316L stainless-steel media
Solid stainless-steel tank construction. Puronics states the complete system carries a limited lifetime warranty; written terms to be confirmed.
Terminator iGen C detailsDrinking water
Reverse osmosis (point of use)
For the water you drink and cook with. Installed under the kitchen sink with its own faucet. Certified by WQA to NSF/ANSI 58, 42, 53, 401 and 372 for specific contaminant-reduction claims.
Micromax 8500
The Micromax 8500 is a point-of-use drinking-water system installed under the kitchen sink. Water passes through sediment filtration, activated carbon, ultrafiltration, a reverse-osmosis membrane, and a final carbon-block polish before reaching a dedicated faucet. It operates on household water pressure and uses no electricity.
Micromax 8500 detailsWhole house plus drinking water
The most common pairing in our area: a C-series combination system on the main line, and a Micromax 8500 at the kitchen sink. Softened, dechlorinated feed water is easier on the RO membrane, and the RO removes the small amount of sodium that softening adds at the one faucet where it matters.
Which combination fitsQuick comparison
| Defender iGen C | Hydronex iGen C | Terminator iGen C | Micromax 8500 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Where it goes | Main line (whole house) | Main line (whole house) | Main line (whole house) | Under kitchen sink |
| What it treats | Hardness, chlorine, chloramine | Hardness, chlorine, chloramine | Hardness, chlorine, chloramine | Drinking water: certified list of dissolved contaminants |
| Tank | Polyethylene-lined fiberglass | Lined composite with stainless-steel cover | Food-grade 316L stainless steel | Sealed storage tank |
| Control | iGen smart valve | iGen smart valve | iGen smart valve | None; runs on water pressure |
| Certified (NSF/ANSI) | 42, 44, 372 | 42, 44, 372 | 42, 44, 372 | 58, 42, 53, 401, 372 |
| Consumables | Salt or potassium | Salt or potassium | Salt or potassium | Easy Change cartridges, membrane |
Full comparison with certifications, warranty notes and selection guidance
Questions about the systems
Why is there no price on these pages?
Because the right configuration, and therefore the price, depends on your water, your plumbing and your household. After the in-home assessment you receive a written quote. See cost and ownership.
Are these the only systems you install?
They are the ones we feature because they fit most homes in our area. Other Puronics configurations, including base versions for undisinfected wells and filtration-only or softening-only systems, may be recommended based on your water test.
Where can I see the product photos and brochures?
Each product page shows the manufacturer photograph and cutaway for that model and has a download link for the Puronics brochure (PDF). The photos are Puronics product photography; we do not present stock images as our own installations.
Start with your water, not a catalog
Every recommendation begins with an in-home water test and a conversation about how your household uses water. Tell us about your home and we will be in touch to arrange a visit.