DI filter cartrides

Hooked · 02-04-2004, 10:56 AM

Wondering how often you're replacing your DI filter cartridges? I have a 100 gpd system and I think I average about 4-5 gpd through the DI cartridges and have to replace roughly one cartridge a month. This is more than I expected when I installed the unit. Because I'm on a well and don't have the best water pressure, I can only get my TDS down to 24 ppm out of the RO without creating a lot of wastewater. Would I be better off spending money on a pump to increase the pressure and lower my TDS out of the RO? Or do I need to look for a better quality DI cartridge?

TIA

Pro_builder · 02-04-2004, 11:31 AM

I would talk to Joe at InReef or someone that you bought the system from.
It seems strange that you can only get your TDS down to 24.

Scooterman · 02-04-2004, 11:40 AM

Well water can be havoc on a RO/Di unit. I lived on well water for most of my first 15 years at home. I would suggest making a few calls at one of the tech supports due to the low pressure but also I would think a pre filter will be needed, this may cost up front but will save you on the long run, I'm thinking if you talk to the right person they will help you set up as to get more from your system.

Hooked · 02-04-2004, 02:06 PM

Troy and Scott--thanks for the reply

Troy, I can get my TDS lower, but the amount of waste water generated is unacceptable. At 24 I'm generating over 5 gal waste to make 1 gal RO. The DI cartridges reduce this to 0, but at $20 a pop, I'm concerned about how frequently I have to change them.

Scott, what does a pre-filter consist of? Is it placed before or after the RO unit? My water goes through a softner first--does that make it better or worse?

I feel like the vendor of the unit has provided good customer service; however, because of the $$ I'm spending on DI cartridges, I feel like I need a second opinion.

I think I'll check with Joe at Inreef. I see he offers DI media? I'd like to know more about that.

Scooterman · 02-04-2004, 02:35 PM

A prefilter can consist of some type of media in a canister & salt like the ones use for homes. You would back flush the unit ever so often & add more salt. This unit would produce water close to processed city water, without the chlorine & ammonia! The only other question would be pressure, which in some cases I've seen where a small air-compressor is hooked up to a storage tank and pressurized. The initial cost would be high for this system but in the long run would benefit your entire house, plumbing, washing machine, clothes, food etc.

ReefLady · 02-05-2004, 10:18 PM

Quote:

The DI cartridges reduce this to 0, but at $20 a pop, I'm concerned about how frequently I have to change them.

Definitely talk with Joe (InReef). He's selling the refillable DI resin by the pound for $7.99/lb (RS members get a discount on top of that) - and to the best of my knowledge, one pound will fill a cartridge.

We have an artesian well here - our TDS is close to 300 pre-filtration. We run a double DI on the end of our RO unit, and replace the initial DI about every 6-8 weeks (this is on a system with approx. 250g/water, and approx. 5g/day evap.). TDS is consistently at 0 post DI.

I'm not 100% sure what we're putting out for waste water, the waste water line is plumbed directly to the sump pump hole in the basement, so when it fills, it gets pumped out onto the back lawn. :-)

NUGIO · 02-06-2004, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ReefLady
Definitely talk with Joe (InReef). He's selling the refillable DI resin by the pound for $7.99/lb (RS members get a discount on top of that) - and to the best of my knowledge, one pound will fill a cartridge.

Thats great to know!!!

Hooked · 02-06-2004, 10:36 AM

RL--thanks for the info. I was sure that the life of the DI cartridges should be longer and your information supports that. I'd be happy with the 6 to 8 weeks your getting.

I did talk to Joe at Inreef. He suggested (as did Scott) that I put a pre-filter before the RO. He also said a pump to get my pressure up to 60 to 70 psi would help. He also suggested frequent changing of the carbon block and sediment filters to prolong the life of the RO membrane as well as the DI cartridge.

His prices for the carbon block and sediment filters are excellent. I don't have refillable DI cartridges, but as soon as I can find some, I'll start using his resin.

Thanks to all who responded

Scooterman · 02-06-2004, 10:45 AM

Oh yea, if your not already set up, add a flush kit, this is said to extend the life of your RO membrane.

Hooked · 02-06-2004, 10:49 AM

Well Scott that just raises another question

The vendor said I didn't need a flush kit (can't remember the reason), and he tried to explain to me how to flush it without and I just don't get it. I learn visually--I need someone to draw me a picture!

Scooterman · 02-06-2004, 11:12 AM

LOL, well he may be right on that part, it bypasses the restriction and forces the wast out. You can download a PDF the shows pictures on the installation. Even though this is Kent, it is basically the same for all RO/DI units.

http://www.kentmarine.com/fk.html

http://www.kentmarine.com/maxximain.html

Pro_builder · 02-06-2004, 11:39 AM

I bought another RO/DI setup, used, for a friend. When he buys the new membrane and filters, will the new restrictors come with the Membrane? Or do you have to buy that separate?
The one he has is only a 35 GPD setup and he wants to go to 100GPD setup.

Scooterman · 02-06-2004, 11:55 AM

To go 100gpd they usually use two membranes in parallel, the restrictor is fitted inline & comes separate.

Scooterman · 02-06-2004, 12:01 PM

http://www.kentmarine.com/RO100120pg1.pdf

Troy look at this link.

UnresistibleBlu · 03-12-2004, 07:00 AM

Buckeye Field Supply has flush kits that include an adjustable flow restictor

HTH
Blue

02-04-2004, 10:56 AM	#1 (permalink)
Hooked Tuxedo Urchin Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 287 View Gallery Karma Komment	DI filter cartrides Wondering how often you're replacing your DI filter cartridges? I have a 100 gpd system and I think I average about 4-5 gpd through the DI cartridges and have to replace roughly one cartridge a month. This is more than I expected when I installed the unit. Because I'm on a well and don't have the best water pressure, I can only get my TDS down to 24 ppm out of the RO without creating a lot of wastewater. Would I be better off spending money on a pump to increase the pressure and lower my TDS out of the RO? Or do I need to look for a better quality DI cartridge? TIA __________________ Katrina 90 Gal AGA with 2-250W 10k AB DE MH, 220W VHO, Turboflotor 1000, GEO calcium reactor, Pacific Coast chiller, DIY phosphate reactor and nilsen kalk reactor, sps, clams, zoanthids, rose BTA, ocellaris clown, 2 green mandarins, royal gramma, purple tang, sargassum trigger, flame hawkfish, coral beauty, neon dottyback, purple and blue linckia star, brittlestars, snails, snails, snails Last edited by Hooked : 02-04-2004 at 10:59 AM.

02-04-2004, 11:31 AM	#2 (permalink)
Pro_builder DIY Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Oxford, Iowa Posts: 1,746 View Gallery Karma Komment	I would talk to Joe at InReef or someone that you bought the system from. It seems strange that you can only get your TDS down to 24. __________________ -Troy 180 gallon Reef, 3- 250 XM 15K MH Electronic ballast, 380 watts VHO Actinics, 2- 5 watt LED Moon lights, 100 gal rubbermaid sump, 75 gallon Fuge, ETSS 600 Skimmer, 4700-5400 gph pump for return, Octopus 3000 controller, Iwaki 40 RL skimmer pump, 2- 65w PC 10K fuge lights, 2 55 gallon barrels, Custom light oak stand and hood, misc pumps, extra 600 gallon rated tank size protein skimmer. Purple tang, yellow tang, pacific blue tang, 2 green chromis, 1 Sand sifting star, snails, hermit crabs, 2 mated perculas, pulsing Xenia, Anenome, mushrooms, ricordia, zoanthids, kenya tree 1 1/2" tall, misc other hitchhiker stuff. DIY is my dream... ...well OK the only way I can afford this Addiction!! Just as the light goes on in my head... ... I break the bulb!!

02-04-2004, 11:40 AM	#3 (permalink)
Scooterman Elegance coral Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lafayette, Louisiana Posts: 1,239 View Gallery Karma Komment	Well water can be havoc on a RO/Di unit. I lived on well water for most of my first 15 years at home. I would suggest making a few calls at one of the tech supports due to the low pressure but also I would think a pre filter will be needed, this may cost up front but will save you on the long run, I'm thinking if you talk to the right person they will help you set up as to get more from your system. __________________ Scott Ardoin (Ard-Dwan)

02-04-2004, 02:06 PM	#4 (permalink)
Hooked Tuxedo Urchin Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 287 View Gallery Karma Komment	Troy and Scott--thanks for the reply Troy, I can get my TDS lower, but the amount of waste water generated is unacceptable. At 24 I'm generating over 5 gal waste to make 1 gal RO. The DI cartridges reduce this to 0, but at $20 a pop, I'm concerned about how frequently I have to change them. Scott, what does a pre-filter consist of? Is it placed before or after the RO unit? My water goes through a softner first--does that make it better or worse? I feel like the vendor of the unit has provided good customer service; however, because of the $$ I'm spending on DI cartridges, I feel like I need a second opinion. I think I'll check with Joe at Inreef. I see he offers DI media? I'd like to know more about that. __________________ Katrina 90 Gal AGA with 2-250W 10k AB DE MH, 220W VHO, Turboflotor 1000, GEO calcium reactor, Pacific Coast chiller, DIY phosphate reactor and nilsen kalk reactor, sps, clams, zoanthids, rose BTA, ocellaris clown, 2 green mandarins, royal gramma, purple tang, sargassum trigger, flame hawkfish, coral beauty, neon dottyback, purple and blue linckia star, brittlestars, snails, snails, snails

02-04-2004, 02:35 PM	#5 (permalink)
Scooterman Elegance coral Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lafayette, Louisiana Posts: 1,239 View Gallery Karma Komment	A prefilter can consist of some type of media in a canister & salt like the ones use for homes. You would back flush the unit ever so often & add more salt. This unit would produce water close to processed city water, without the chlorine & ammonia! The only other question would be pressure, which in some cases I've seen where a small air-compressor is hooked up to a storage tank and pressurized. The initial cost would be high for this system but in the long run would benefit your entire house, plumbing, washing machine, clothes, food etc. __________________ Scott Ardoin (Ard-Dwan)

02-06-2004, 10:36 AM	#8 (permalink)
Hooked Tuxedo Urchin Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 287 View Gallery Karma Komment	RL--thanks for the info. I was sure that the life of the DI cartridges should be longer and your information supports that. I'd be happy with the 6 to 8 weeks your getting. I did talk to Joe at Inreef. He suggested (as did Scott) that I put a pre-filter before the RO. He also said a pump to get my pressure up to 60 to 70 psi would help. He also suggested frequent changing of the carbon block and sediment filters to prolong the life of the RO membrane as well as the DI cartridge. His prices for the carbon block and sediment filters are excellent. I don't have refillable DI cartridges, but as soon as I can find some, I'll start using his resin. Thanks to all who responded __________________ Katrina 90 Gal AGA with 2-250W 10k AB DE MH, 220W VHO, Turboflotor 1000, GEO calcium reactor, Pacific Coast chiller, DIY phosphate reactor and nilsen kalk reactor, sps, clams, zoanthids, rose BTA, ocellaris clown, 2 green mandarins, royal gramma, purple tang, sargassum trigger, flame hawkfish, coral beauty, neon dottyback, purple and blue linckia star, brittlestars, snails, snails, snails

02-06-2004, 10:45 AM	#9 (permalink)
Scooterman Elegance coral Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lafayette, Louisiana Posts: 1,239 View Gallery Karma Komment	Oh yea, if your not already set up, add a flush kit, this is said to extend the life of your RO membrane. __________________ Scott Ardoin (Ard-Dwan)

02-06-2004, 10:49 AM	#10 (permalink)
Hooked Tuxedo Urchin Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 287 View Gallery Karma Komment	Well Scott that just raises another question The vendor said I didn't need a flush kit (can't remember the reason), and he tried to explain to me how to flush it without and I just don't get it. I learn visually--I need someone to draw me a picture! __________________ Katrina 90 Gal AGA with 2-250W 10k AB DE MH, 220W VHO, Turboflotor 1000, GEO calcium reactor, Pacific Coast chiller, DIY phosphate reactor and nilsen kalk reactor, sps, clams, zoanthids, rose BTA, ocellaris clown, 2 green mandarins, royal gramma, purple tang, sargassum trigger, flame hawkfish, coral beauty, neon dottyback, purple and blue linckia star, brittlestars, snails, snails, snails

02-06-2004, 11:12 AM	#11 (permalink)
Scooterman Elegance coral Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lafayette, Louisiana Posts: 1,239 View Gallery Karma Komment	LOL, well he may be right on that part, it bypasses the restriction and forces the wast out. You can download a PDF the shows pictures on the installation. Even though this is Kent, it is basically the same for all RO/DI units. http://www.kentmarine.com/fk.html http://www.kentmarine.com/maxximain.html __________________ Scott Ardoin (Ard-Dwan)

02-06-2004, 11:39 AM	#12 (permalink)
Pro_builder DIY Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Oxford, Iowa Posts: 1,746 View Gallery Karma Komment	I bought another RO/DI setup, used, for a friend. When he buys the new membrane and filters, will the new restrictors come with the Membrane? Or do you have to buy that separate? The one he has is only a 35 GPD setup and he wants to go to 100GPD setup. __________________ -Troy 180 gallon Reef, 3- 250 XM 15K MH Electronic ballast, 380 watts VHO Actinics, 2- 5 watt LED Moon lights, 100 gal rubbermaid sump, 75 gallon Fuge, ETSS 600 Skimmer, 4700-5400 gph pump for return, Octopus 3000 controller, Iwaki 40 RL skimmer pump, 2- 65w PC 10K fuge lights, 2 55 gallon barrels, Custom light oak stand and hood, misc pumps, extra 600 gallon rated tank size protein skimmer. Purple tang, yellow tang, pacific blue tang, 2 green chromis, 1 Sand sifting star, snails, hermit crabs, 2 mated perculas, pulsing Xenia, Anenome, mushrooms, ricordia, zoanthids, kenya tree 1 1/2" tall, misc other hitchhiker stuff. DIY is my dream... ...well OK the only way I can afford this Addiction!! Just as the light goes on in my head... ... I break the bulb!!

02-06-2004, 11:55 AM	#13 (permalink)
Scooterman Elegance coral Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lafayette, Louisiana Posts: 1,239 View Gallery Karma Komment	To go 100gpd they usually use two membranes in parallel, the restrictor is fitted inline & comes separate. __________________ Scott Ardoin (Ard-Dwan)

02-06-2004, 12:01 PM	#14 (permalink)
Scooterman Elegance coral Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lafayette, Louisiana Posts: 1,239 View Gallery Karma Komment	http://www.kentmarine.com/RO100120pg1.pdf Troy look at this link. __________________ Scott Ardoin (Ard-Dwan)

03-12-2004, 07:00 AM	#15 (permalink)
UnresistibleBlu Tubeworm Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 27 View Gallery Karma Komment	Buckeye Field Supply has flush kits that include an adjustable flow restictor HTH Blue __________________ www.BuckeyeFieldSupply.com 200g tank w/ SD dsb, ~150 lbs LR, 2 Maxijet 1200, 2 x 400w MH, 2 x 165w act blue; 55g refug. w/ dsb, grape and razor, NO 40w on 12 hrs, Minijet 404; 44g rubbermaid sump.

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