RO/DI Carbon

[fishgate]

I replaced my DI resin today using my do-it-yourself plastic holder from BRS. When I ordered it I ordered two by mistake so I've always had the extra one. So I figured I should go ahead and replace the carbon filter as well. I did not have a carbon cartridge but I do have a big bag of activated carbon and the spare plastic holder. I just filled it up with carbon and put it in. It seems to work great. Is this a valid way for doing carbon?

 

[dkeller_nc]

Depends on what sort of carbon you filled it with, whether you're on well water or municipal tap water, and also the flow order of the cartridges. Carbon intended for removal of chloramines is different than carbon intended for filtration of aquarium water. Both kinds will work to an extent, but the stuff specifically intended for the purpose has good deal more capacity for removal of chloramine.

The other purpose for a solid carbon block is particulate retention. Loose carbon can work, but one concern is whether you've completely removed the fines by rinsing. If your system has the typical order of cartridges, which is particulate>carbon>RO>DI, then it's possible to plug up your RO membrane with fine particles of carbon over time.

If you intend to run your system this way over the long term, I'd change the order to: carbon>particulate>RO>DI.

 

[fishgate]

Thanks! I am on city water and regular chlorine. I rinsed the carbon thoroughly before using it.