In the long run RO is going to be the cheapest and most convenient option. You could get away with something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Aquatic-Life-Changing-Deionization-Cartridge/dp/B00204CQF6/?tag=fishforums-20 And of course prices go up from there.
In the past when I bothered with it (for breeding purposes and reef tanks) GE made a $30 2 stage system with inexpensive replacement filters but I see in searching for it now it was discontinued a couple of years ago. APEC makes quality units but you're in the $250+ range there and I understand that's a lot when you're on a budget and everything else is so expensive too. Even at that price range they're still slow to produce for many tanks requiring many water changes but in your case they'd be fine. And they really aren't difficult to install yourself. If you go with the pillows pick up a refractometer to keep an eye on salinity levels.
If you're anxious to get going you could start with the CPO and a mystery snail while you save for an RO setup. It is always better to add fish to a mature tank anyway and since you're going planted you'll be blowing wads trying to figure out which ones will actually survive. (Consider reseller's descriptions as general guidelines rather than absolutes. You know, like speed limits)
In the past when I bothered with it (for breeding purposes and reef tanks) GE made a $30 2 stage system with inexpensive replacement filters but I see in searching for it now it was discontinued a couple of years ago. APEC makes quality units but you're in the $250+ range there and I understand that's a lot when you're on a budget and everything else is so expensive too. Even at that price range they're still slow to produce for many tanks requiring many water changes but in your case they'd be fine. And they really aren't difficult to install yourself. If you go with the pillows pick up a refractometer to keep an eye on salinity levels.
If you're anxious to get going you could start with the CPO and a mystery snail while you save for an RO setup. It is always better to add fish to a mature tank anyway and since you're going planted you'll be blowing wads trying to figure out which ones will actually survive. (Consider reseller's descriptions as general guidelines rather than absolutes. You know, like speed limits)
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If you do get more than one make sure you get 2 females for every male. Not due to territorial reasons (the whole tank is THEIR territory!) but because the males are randy little buggers and hard on the females.
