RO/DI filter help!

Mandrew · Dec 8, 2015

I have a 5 stage RO/DI unit. The RO membrane, DI cartridge and 3 other canisters. My question here is what are the 3 best options for the 3 canister replacement filters? Obviously a sediment filter first, but what size? Then carbon block? Then..? This is my first time changing the filters and it's a cheap eBay system so I want better quality filters than the ones I can order to directly replace them. Thanks!

reefrider777 · Dec 8, 2015

I would call the Filter Guys…218-724-8000

Jim is very knowledgable, friendly and always willing to help. I have never had any issues with their products.

143MPCo · Dec 8, 2015

@AZDesertRat

redfishbluefish · Dec 8, 2015

Calling @AZDesertRat .

I can tell you what I have......Sediment filter; 0.6 micron Carbon Block (Matrikx CTO Plus); and 5 micron carbon block (Matrikx CTO)

I'm pretty sure this was the RO only Replacement Filter Kit from BRS....a couple years ago.....I purchased a bunch of these kits.

Mandrew · Dec 8, 2015

Thanks for all the advice! Redfish, where do you get your filters?

redfishbluefish · Dec 8, 2015

Mandrew said:
Thanks for all the advice! Redfish, where do you get your filters?

I just edited my post above....BRS.....and I just looked them up, HERE's the kit they are now selling.

But I'd still wait to hear from AZDesertRat.....he'll most likely send you to Spectrapure......I think he's on their payroll.

Mandrew · Dec 8, 2015

Haha okay thank you! I have all day lol. No rush!

AZDesertRat · Dec 8, 2015

One 1.0 or 0.5 micron near absolute sediment filter and one 1.0 or 0.5 micron carbon block and convert the extra carbon canister into a dual DI, or if your system has a little horizontal DI toss it and make the vertical canister your real full size DI. No need for two carbons if you are using a quality sediment and carbon block filter, total waste of money and it can even make your system less efficient.
It is very easy to convert the canister into a DI, only a few minutes time and maybe $5 in parts and the difference is huge.
I would order one of these replacement kits and I can walk you through the conversion process.
http://spectrapure.com/FILTERS-MEMB...em-Cartridge-Replacement-Kit-High-Capacity-DI
or
http://spectrapure.com/FILTERS-MEMB...rtridge-Replacement-Kit-SuperDI-High-Capacity

Note both of the above kits include a super capacity DI cartridge which holds much more resin than a normal cartridge so lasts about 30% longer than their standard SilicaBuster DI which already outlasts any other DI on the market to begin with. I don't see the standard kits on their site right now but the Super kit is only like $4 more for 30% more life so worth it.

Not on anyones payroll but I do recognize quality treatment when I see it since it has been my profession for over 40 years. I call it like I see it.

redfishbluefish · Dec 8, 2015

My guess is that he might want to know were you live (....your water source), what is the quality of your water; do they use chlorine or chloramine; are silicates in your water; hard or soft water; etc.

Mandrew · Dec 8, 2015

I thought about doing that but I wasn't sure if it was possible. Because my unit is so tightly packed together and the canisters are all attactched directly instead of with tubing. So it would run sediment to carbon to DI to RO..

Mandrew · Dec 8, 2015

If it helps this is the system I bought like two years ago.. It didn't get much use so I didn't just neglect it I promise lol. Inline tds meter reads like 2-5 tds before DI stage.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/5-STAGE-Aquar...-DI-100-GPD-MEMBRANE-/151333213144?nav=SEARCH

AZDesertRat · Dec 8, 2015

No. What you do is unscrew the nylon or plastic threaded nipple between the two carbon canisters, stick a 90 degree fitting on the middle canister so it now leads from there up to the RO inlet then turn the lid on the last canister 90 degrees so it faces front to back and plumb down from the RO treated line into the now DI filter eliminating the little horizontal or you could keep the horizontal too. If you keep the horizontal take it and mount it vertically next to the other canisters so it now fills from the bottom and exits the top so all resin and water come into contact with each other, this eliminates the channelling or short circuiting common with horizontal filters.

Note in this photo how the DI canister lid is turned so it enters from the back and exits the front. The middle canister has a 90 degree elbow so it exits out the back and goes up to the RO from the carbon block.
http://spectrapure.com/RO-RODI/RODI-SYSTEMS/Refurbished-90-GPD-RODI-System

Mandrew · Dec 8, 2015

Thanks a ton!that will save me some money as well as space!

Mandrew · Dec 8, 2015

Where would I find the 90 degree elbow that I need?

AZDesertRat · Dec 8, 2015

Any hardware store including Ace, True Value, Lowes or HD. Probably less than $3. It's probably 1/4" thread by John Guest type speed fitting. You will need one for the back side of the canister you rotate too but you might be able to use the fittings you have screwed into your horizontal DI for at least part of them.