How do you handle chloramine?

[cardiffgiant]

I have a 4 stage RODI and use a single cheap 5 micron carbon block, which was fine when I lived in NY. I notice that my DI exhausts quickly and sometimes my TDS is 1-2. I was told that there is chloramine in the water here that may be problematic.

What do you guys do to address chloramine? Anyone using better carbon, 1 micron carbon, 2 DI canisters, etc?

 

[notenoughtanks]

I have a lot of Chloramines and I have 2 stages of carbon blocks (brs or pentek) and have to change the first one 2-3 times a year. This is with a 24 gallon tank so pretty low throughout. I may upgrade to a big blue Chloramines monster when I upgrade tanks.

 

[risin]

I have a lot of Chloramines and I have 2 stages of carbon blocks (brs or pentek) and have to change the first one 2-3 times a year. This is with a 24 gallon tank so pretty low throughout. I may upgrade to a big blue Chloramines monster when I upgrade tanks.

I use the brs granular and pentek chloramine+ and they last a year. I don't have a really precise test kit, but the test shows for my tap water and not for the filter water so I assume it's working.

This is on a 250 and drinking water for family of 4.5 in Clearwater.

 

[AdamAquatic]

Make sure your pressure is high enough. You may need a booster pump.

 

[rogergolf66]

I use dual universal brs carbon block, a booster pump and a 5 stage di unit. I have about 700 galls of water

 

[CREATIVE AQ TMP]

Multiple catalytic carbon helps. You can always add a little bit of decholor in your RO water.

 

[ReefKeeper64]

Are you guys able to detect chloramine using a chlorine test kit? Or do you have to use a chloramine specific test kit?

 

[risin]

I have a pool test kit that tests chlorine and chloramine. It's not great for detecting low levels, but if I don't get the slightest bit of color change I assume it's ok.

 

[Ted_C]

any chlorine test kit should work. You should have zero chlorine in your RO wastewater. If you get any - this means the carbon is exhausted and it's starting to blow through to your ro membrane / DI resin.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1486770

as for OP's question: High quality carbon block(s) in your RO/DI system should be sufficient to remove chloramines. You dont need to spend the extra money on what marketers call "catalytic carbon" or chloramine removal blocks - but you should be buying high quality blocks. I dont buy anything but Spectrapure 0.5 micron carbon blocks: http://spectrapure.com/FILTERS-MEMB...RIDGES/0.5-Micron-Carbon-Block-Filter-10-inch

 

[cardiffgiant]

If oyu had two carbon blocks, would you just do two 0.5 micron blocks? Or would you do a higher micron followed by a lower micron?

 

[notenoughtanks]

Are you guys able to detect chloramine using a chlorine test kit? Or do you have to use a chloramine specific test kit?

I use a Hach kit. It wasn't cheap but its very accurate at low levels.

Hach 1454200 Chlorine (Free and Total) Test Kit, Model CN-70 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N3YPTJC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_1soKybK29CYAC

 

[ReefKeeper64]

I have a pool test kit that tests chlorine and chloramine. It's not great for detecting low levels, but if I don't get the slightest bit of color change I assume it's ok.

I've never checked before but that is what I was hoping the answer is. I'll be testing soon. Thanks risin.

 

[ReefKeeper64]

any chlorine test kit should work. You should have zero chlorine in your RO wastewater. If you get any - this means the carbon is exhausted and it's starting to blow through to your ro membrane / DI resin.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1486770

as for OP's question: High quality carbon block(s) in your RO/DI system should be sufficient to remove chloramines. You dont need to spend the extra money on what marketers call "catalytic carbon" or chloramine removal blocks - but you should be buying high quality blocks. I dont buy anything but Spectrapure 0.5 micron carbon blocks: http://spectrapure.com/FILTERS-MEMB...RIDGES/0.5-Micron-Carbon-Block-Filter-10-inch

Good idea about testing the wastewater. I'll do that. Thanks Ted.

 

[ReefKeeper64]

I use a Hach kit. It wasn't cheap but its very accurate at low levels.

Hach 1454200 Chlorine (Free and Total) Test Kit, Model CN-70 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N3YPTJC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_1soKybK29CYAC

From the stories I've been reading, it is almost as though chloramines are the one variable that the take out tank inhabitants in the shortest period of time. I may splurge and get one of those test kits. I also saw Randy Holmes recommend them in one of his articles so that pattern is there.

By chance has your high end test kit shown Chloramine while a simple test kit didn't detect any?

Thanks notenoughtanks.