Replacement RO/DI filter advice

[Tonynlo]

Re-Post from the lighting and filtration section.

I have a 4 stage unit and I need to change my filters for the first time. I am confused about which are the most beneficial. Can anybody explain the 1 micron and 5 micron filter difference? Using the BRS build your own unit as a guide to which filters I need... What are the most beneficial filters to use in conjunction with a 4 stage unit?

The options are:

Stage 1:
1 Micron Sediment Filter
5 Micron Sediment Filter

Stage 2:
1 Micron Sediment Filter
5 Micron Sediment Filter
1 Micron Carbon Block (cto/2)
1 Micron Carbon Block (+1)
Catalytic Carbon Cartridge
Chlorplus 1 Micron Carbon Block

Stage 3:
1 Micron Carbon Block (cto/2)
1 Micron Carbon Block (+1)
Deionization Resin (color changing)
Chlorplus 1 Micron Carbon Block

Stage 4 (membrane):
Different gallon per day selections

 

[teamdulski]

I think when i did BRS last I did...

1 micron sediment
1 micron carbon block(I think)
color changing DI
75gpd membrane

You must do the DI if you go past 50gpd on the membrane, because the flow is too fast and the prior stages don't catch as much as they normally do at the lower flows.

 

[block head]

brs has a decent video explaining it all on there site. i'm about to place an order for there replacement pkg deal. the di is your 5th stage

 

[Srixon]

All depends on your incoming water quality and pressure. Example if your on a well I would only recommend a 1 micron filter as the last stage before your RO membrane. If your on municipal water then you could all 1 micron just understand that they will plug up faster than if you went from a 5 micron to a 1 micron to a carbon block to remove Chloramine.
Just my 2cents

 

[Newreeflady]

My understanding is:

If you pass large particles to your carbon block you will begin to block it up and decrease its effectiveness. So, you should use a sediment filter that blocks particles that are too big to go through your carbon block.

If you don't take enough particulate out before the RO membrane I would assume that might also leave a bunch of residue in there and decrease its lifespan.

If you don't remove all of the chlorine and chloramine (if added) from your water
you will decrease the effectiveness of the RO membrane over time.

If your water contains high particulate, you might benefit from a pre-prefilter. i.e. use a 5 or 1 micron sediment filter as your first stage, before your 0.5 or 0.2 sediment filter.

If your water has high chlorine, you might benefit from a second carbon block.

-A

 

[Tonynlo]

Hmm... I thought I had an understanding, now I am more confused. How can I find out the specifics of my tap water in Spencerport? I just want 0 TDS =D

 

[Srixon]

Measure the TDS of your tap

 

[Newreeflady]

Most places that sell filters also sell TDS meters.

Hopefully your county posts its water specifics somewhere online. Mine sends me info yearly by mail that tells me about chlorine conc, etc.

Is your water well or city?

-A

 

[Tonynlo]

I will be using city water.

 

[Newreeflady]

Then they should be able to provide this documentation to you- give city utils a call or try to find it online.

You should still have a handheld tds meter at home to check the real tds coming from your tap, from your RO and from your DI.