Beginner RODI Questions

Reefing102 · Mar 9, 2023

Hey guys,

So first time changing my RO filters and cartridges (bought it used) and running into some issues and questions.

First, is there a special tool to loosen the RO membrane? I can’t get that thing loose for the life of me. By hand or with vice grips. Perhaps I’m turning it the wrong direction? Turning left as it would sit on top? All the YouTube videos show it as a simple hand tighten (but I’m guessing the prior owner did not so this)

Second, is there a place to buy bulk DI resin? Or is the BRS brand about as cheap as it’s gonna get?

Saltyreef · Mar 9, 2023

Reefing102 said:
Hey guys,

So first time changing my RO filters and cartridges (bought it used) and running into some issues and questions.

First, is there a special tool to loosen the RO membrane? I can’t get that thing loose for the life of me. By hand or with vice grips. Perhaps I’m turning it the wrong direction? Turning left as it would sit on top? All the YouTube videos show it as a simple hand tighten (but I’m guessing the prior owner did not so this)

Second, is there a place to buy bulk DI resin? Or is the BRS brand about as cheap as it’s gonna get?

Yes the RO housing just unscrews normally. Try a set of channel lock tongue and groove pliers.
Get yourself some molykote 111 and keep the orings greased with it.

As far as bulk resins go, im sure there are other companies besides brs that sell it.
You should know what type you really need... if not both types if you go this route.

I use a mixed bed and silicabuster from spectrapure that works very very well.

bushdoc · Mar 9, 2023

Yes, there’s a tool for it, but if oring was never greased with silicone, it might be difficult to open, even with the tool.
Unscrewing is Clockwise.

Reefing102 · Mar 9, 2023

Thanks for the replies! I’ll give it another try

Saltyreef · Mar 9, 2023

bushdoc said:
Yes, there’s a tool for it, but if oring was never greased with silicone, it might be difficult to open, even with the tool.
Unscrewing is Clockwise.

Righty tighty, lefty loosey on brs and spectrapure housings.

KStatefan · Mar 9, 2023

A strap wrench is a good tool to use

Saltyreef · Mar 9, 2023

KStatefan said:
A strap wrench is a good tool to use

I love my rubber strap wrench.
Kind of an odd tool to have laying around unless you are weird like me

The fabric strap rigid brand doesnt grip as good.

Reefing102 · Mar 9, 2023

Well I apparently don’t have channel locks either so gonna be running to harbor freight to see what they got. And mine a spectrapure brand so keeping it lefty loosey