No problem!
I don't have any guide really, but I'll provide my personal experience:
In terms of carafes, you'll want to buy 1-3 extra ones. I like to keep one in the fridge and one at room temp on the counter. Another reason to keep extras is based on family vs solo consumption (children don't like or need as much of the trace minerals in their water; web search suggests 1 drop of trace mineral for every 5 lbs for children). You'll also see that you fill the pitchers A LOT, so having multiple in fridge is never a bad idea. I have 3-4 filled at most times, then just re-filter each individual pitcher when it runs out and that creates a nice cycle of filtered water.
I bought my carafes from here: https://www.amazon.com/Bluevua-Reverse-Replacement-Tankless-Purifier-1700ML/dp/B09VY6PC45
As far as trace minerals go, you'll find your own personal preference in terms of the taste of the water. The pure filtered water on its own is unique and some like it that way. There are two ways to re-mineralize the filtered water. 1) With the bluevua remineralization filter which attaches to the carafe (I don't like this method because you cannot customize the amount of minerals added) or 2) with liquid minerals added to the carafe before running the filter cycle. This method allows to choose how much you'd like to remineralize. Just squeeze some drops from the bottle into the bottom of the carafe and the filtered water will help mix the minerals into the water as it is "brewed".
Method one filters can be found here (I think the machine even comes with one, but not 100% sure there): https://www.amazon.com/Bluevua-Remineralization-RO100ROPOT-Alkaline-Remineralize/dp/B0B3MQ9N5D?th=1
The second method (which I use) is probably the way to go. If you choose this method, I'd suggest 10-15 drops per carafe/pitcher for the first few days, then you can increase as desired. I personally find that 20-25 drops is my sweet spot*, but the manufacturer says you can go up to 80 drops daily. The minerals I use are these: https://www.amazon.com/Trace-Minerals-Research-Concentrace-Mineral/dp/B077Y1M2DM?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1
*For context on minerals: I drink about 1-1.5 pitchers of this remineralized water daily so its about 20-35 drops of remineralization for me each day. I also take additional electrolytes via SOTE (Salt of the earth) daily depending on how much I've worked out. This will be where you have to just gauge it personally and modify as you see fit.
Let me know if you have any other questions or want any other suggestions! Have a great day and welcome to the world of RO filtered water!
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