I'm due for a filter change on my RO/DI unit and was wondering what choices people have made when chosing the micron size and composition of their pre-filtration cartridges and why; there seems to be quiet a few different possible sizes, materials and combinations of filters, and I can't really determine the best way to go -- it doesn't help that I have no idea whether the city of Houston uses chloramine to treat the water. I've tried contacting them, but haven't heard back yet. Would it be a good idea to assume the water contains chloramine and act accordingly, or would a system set up for chloramine filtration not be ideal for water with chlorine. Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Pre-Filters
- Thread starter SushiChef
- Start date
Fishbulb2
New member
Well, unfortunetly I would really keep trying to find out if you have chloramines. Keep trying to call or look online for a water report. Also what is your zip code? Perhaps someone reading this thread can find it.
For prefilters, I would just go with a reputable source. I like the Filterguys. I would start with a 1 micron sediment block and see how it works for you. Typically, go with the finest sediment filter and see if your pressure drops. If the sediment filter plugs too fast and you continue to get pressure drops, then go ahead and move up to a slightly larger prefilter or use a 5 micron and a 1 micron in consecutive housings. The carbon filters will depend if you have chloramines or not. The filter guys actually sell a chloramine test kit as well if you wanted to find out for yourself.
FB
For prefilters, I would just go with a reputable source. I like the Filterguys. I would start with a 1 micron sediment block and see how it works for you. Typically, go with the finest sediment filter and see if your pressure drops. If the sediment filter plugs too fast and you continue to get pressure drops, then go ahead and move up to a slightly larger prefilter or use a 5 micron and a 1 micron in consecutive housings. The carbon filters will depend if you have chloramines or not. The filter guys actually sell a chloramine test kit as well if you wanted to find out for yourself.
FB
crumbletop
New member
[welcome]
Looks like you have 2.1 ppm Chloramine.
http://www.publicworks.cityofhouston.gov/utilities/docs/wqr2005_eng.pdf
Looks like you have 2.1 ppm Chloramine.
http://www.publicworks.cityofhouston.gov/utilities/docs/wqr2005_eng.pdf
AZDesertRat
In Memoriam
Contact Spectrapure and ask about their brand new 0.2 micron absolute rated ZetaZorb prefilter. Combine that with a 0.5 micron Chlorine Guzzler carbon block and you have a killer combination for chloramines or chlorine either one.
crumbletop
New member
The stuff at awi or the filter guys should work fine for you. Contact either one of them and let them know your situation. Either one would set you up with the right stuff. I use awi...
AZDesertRat
In Memoriam
The quality of the Spectrapure prefilter is very different. They are the only company that I am aware of that uses true absolute rated filters rather then less expensive and less efficient nominal rated filters. There is a huge difference in how well they work and how well they protect your RO membrane which extends the life of both your membrane and your DI resin. Yes the filters cost more but if you look at it over time you actually save money in membrane and DI replacements.
I will be participating in a test of the new 0.2 micron prefilters very soon and what I am particularry interested in is how long a carbon blocks chlorine capacity and useful lifespan can last by using a better prefilter. I will be using a low range chlorine test kit to look for breaktrough or failure and monitoring my gallonage at the same time. I anticipate the 0.5 carbon block could last for years before needing replacement.
I suppose Crumbles statement that other filters will work for you is somewhat true , but then again so would a Yugo or Hyundai instead of the Mercedes or Lexus. There is a difference and companies like Spectrapure would not be in business for 22+ years if their products were not top quality. Ask Randy Holmes Farley what brand he uses and how long his membrane has lasted, its 10 years old by the way still on the original membrane!
I will be participating in a test of the new 0.2 micron prefilters very soon and what I am particularry interested in is how long a carbon blocks chlorine capacity and useful lifespan can last by using a better prefilter. I will be using a low range chlorine test kit to look for breaktrough or failure and monitoring my gallonage at the same time. I anticipate the 0.5 carbon block could last for years before needing replacement.
I suppose Crumbles statement that other filters will work for you is somewhat true , but then again so would a Yugo or Hyundai instead of the Mercedes or Lexus. There is a difference and companies like Spectrapure would not be in business for 22+ years if their products were not top quality. Ask Randy Holmes Farley what brand he uses and how long his membrane has lasted, its 10 years old by the way still on the original membrane!
crumbletop
New member
But as far as I know, you end up spending more $ overall because of the cost of the pre-filters. There is a difference between practical usefulness and "the absolute best". In healthcare the talk is about _value_ where you look at quality/cost, rather than just quality. I personally haven't seen anything to convince me that awi/filterguys/purelyh2o/etc filters and RO/DI setups don't deliver better value than spectrapure with the endpoint being good water for the reef tank.
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