RODI Beginner Questions

[sudman]

Hi Everyone,

I recently picked up a used Spectrapure Maxcap 90GPD FOR $50. The unit has the following data:

PSI - 40
TDS IN 1 - 502
TDS OUT 1 - 5

TDS IN 2 - 0
TDS OUT 2 - 0

However in running it for 26 hours, it has only produced 40 gallons of water. Can someone please help me understand what’s wrong ?

Should I get a booster pump ? Does it have to be sold by Spectrapure ?

Should I replace the sediment and carbon filter ? Can I get this from any store ? Or does it have to be from Spectrapure ?

 

[Mikedawg]

Yeah, filters look pretty dirty and your water pressure is a little low. Might be a good idea to inspect filters closely and consider replacing; if that doesn't work consider a booster pump if you need significantly more water.

There are "universal fit" filters and you can order them on most of the usual websites, either for reefing or home water purification systems.

 

[rkpetersen]

You have very high TDS coming in, that's pretty much at the upper limit for many municipal areas. So you'll be working your rodi system hard. Your incoming PSI is low, it should be above 60 for decent water production and waste rejection. I don't know where the TDS Out meters are exactly positioned but if I had to guess I'd say the first one is after the membrane (and indicates that the membrane is working well), and the other 2 perhaps after each DI cartridge. If so then your system seems to be working ok right now, aside from the low pressure and poor water production. However, I'd still replace all of the filter cartridges since then I'd know how old they are. You can use any brand of standard sediment, carbon and DI cartridges. Replacing the sediment cartridge may improve your pressure. Booster pump definitely if pressure remains low. A flush kit is also a good idea if the system doesn't come with one. You can get all this gear at places like BRS and Marine Depot.

 

[1WildBill]

Most RO/DI filters are basically the same. Measure the inserts and buy them from Home Depot.
As far as the amount of water made, do you know your water pressure going into the house? That will determine if you need a pump.

Any booster pump should work no problem, just pay attention to in and out.

Do you have the pressure tank on your system? If not, you might think about putting one on.

 

[sudman]

Most RO/DI filters are basically the same. Measure the inserts and buy them from Home Depot.
As far as the amount of water made, do you know your water pressure going into the house? That will determine if you need a pump.

Any booster pump should work no problem, just pay attention to in and out.

Do you have the pressure tank on your system? If not, you might think about putting one on.

My system has a manual flush I believe . There is no pressure pump on it right now but I was considering getting one .

What do I look for at Home Depot ? Do you have a link or a product sku you could share with me ?
Here is what the manufacturer recommends

https://spectrapure.com/MaxCap-System-High-Capacity-Cartridge-Replacement-Kit&filter_name=fk-mcrodi

 

[sudman]

You have very high TDS coming in, that's pretty much at the upper limit for many municipal areas. So you'll be working your rodi system hard. Your incoming PSI is low, it should be above 60 for decent water production and waste rejection. I don't know where the TDS Out meters are exactly positioned but if I had to guess I'd say the first one is after the membrane (and indicates that the membrane is working well), and the other 2 perhaps after each DI cartridge. If so then your system seems to be working ok right now, aside from the low pressure and poor water production. However, I'd still replace all of the filter cartridges since then I'd know how old they are. You can use any brand of standard sediment, carbon and DI cartridges. Replacing the sediment cartridge may improve your pressure. Booster pump definitely if pressure remains low. A flush kit is also a good idea if the system doesn't come with one. You can get all this gear at places like BRS and Marine Depot.

Thank you ! My system comes with a manual flush kit . I am on well water it city and it’s pretty bad as you can see .

Is there a local store you recommend picking this up from ? The manufacturer recommended :
https://spectrapure.com/MaxCap-System-High-Capacity-Cartridge-Replacement-Kit&filter_name=fk-mcrodi

If so, what should I look for ? Is there a brand / model you recommend ? The seller said the filters / membranes are about 5 years old ! But I never changed them because the numbers on the tds meters seem to indicate they are working ?

I am looking to setup my tank today and was hoping there is a product at a local store that I could get ?

 

[sudman]

Yeah, filters look pretty dirty and your water pressure is a little low. Might be a good idea to inspect filters closely and consider replacing; if that doesn't work consider a booster pump if you need significantly more water.

There are "universal fit" filters and you can order them on most of the usual websites, either for reefing or home water purification systems.

Are they the same as the manufacturers ?

https://spectrapure.com/MaxCap-System-High-Capacity-Cartridge-Replacement-Kit&filter_name=fk-mcrodi

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

let’s correct some information here.

first, i would absolutely sanitize and replace the sediment, carbon and di cartridges. replace the membrane if the rejection rate is below 96%. right now your rejection rate is 99%, however.

these units can operate between 40-80 psi. they do have a flow restrictor that controls the waste/product ratio. typically you want 3:1-4:1.

and a major point - not all filters and membranes are the same AT ALL. use only spectrapure replacements for the best results and long term money savings. they have processes in place for quality control and testing that no other company offers. they also have proprietary processes to make membranes and filters efficient which saves us money in the long run.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/did-i-ruin-my-filter.117823/#post-1324928

 

[rkpetersen]

If so, what should I look for ? Is there a brand / model you recommend ? The seller said the filters / membranes are about 5 years old ! But I never changed them because the numbers on the tds meters seem to indicate they are working ?

If it's been 5 years, definitely get new cartridges regardless of how these seem to be performing. Virtually any brand of these type of filters will fit in your system and give you 0 TDS water if used properly. Different brands may have different longevities, etc. Also different prices. If you want to buy SpectraPure cartridges, they're great, and those at that link you posted would certainly do the job.

 

[sudman]

If it's been 5 years, definitely get new cartridges regardless of how these seem to be performing. Virtually any brand of these type of filters will fit in your system and give you 0 TDS water if used properly. Different brands may have different longevities, etc. Also different prices. If you want to buy SpectraPure cartridges, they're great, and those at that link you posted would certainly do the job.

Is there something I can buy locally without waiting ? I need this today ideally. Thank you !

 

[sudman]

let’s correct some information here.

first, i would absolutely sanitize and replace the sediment, carbon and di cartridges. replace the membrane if the rejection rate is below 96%. right now your rejection rate is 99%, however.

these units can operate between 40-80 psi. they do have a flow restrictor that controls the waste/product ratio. typically you want 3:1-4:1.

and a major point - not all filters and membranes are the same AT ALL. use only spectrapure replacements for the best results and long term money savings. they have processes in place for quality control and testing that no other company offers. they also have proprietary processes to make membranes and filters efficient which saves us money in the long run.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/did-i-ruin-my-filter.117823/#post-1324928

Thank you !!

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

Is there something I can buy locally without waiting ? I need this today ideally. Thank you !

if you’re getting 0tds for product, use it now. then review my previous post and do all that stuff.

 

[lapin]

Is there something I can buy locally without waiting ? I need this today ideally. Thank you !

Where are you located?

 

[sudman]

Where are you located?

Chicago IL

 

[rkpetersen]

Chicago IL

Ahh, that explains why you were asking two of us living in Seattle and Arizona! (Sorry, I couldn't resist!)

 

[lapin]

There are a bunch of LFS in Chicago. Call and they can hook you up with the filters you need. 10" std size. They might not have the RO cartridge but if was wet while not in use it might be ok. On my unit if I am not getting at least 50 psi I get very little water. A simple sediment filter change usually fixes that.

 

[sudman]

Thanks guys !! I found someone with them
Unopened but 1 year old for $20 . Would that work ? Made by Spectrapure

 

[lapin]

Thee had all 4?

 

[theMeat]

The psi coming in has everything to do with the size/gpd on your membrane.
Let’s back up a lil...
Are you on well water or city?
Where is unit hooked up to. Sink, hose, saddle valve etc?

 

[sudman]

Thee had all 4?

Yes indeed