No RO waste H2O

I think I read in my units paperwork that if you're getting more than 10% tds in the RO product it's time for filter change. For example TDS 154 from the tap should be less than 15 after it goes through the unit... and 15 would be old filters.. New ones should be 0 or very close to it.

 

Guess I'll have to give Kent a call to check on the gpd and order a new membrane. Does anyone know how often they recommend replacing each of the filtering components?

 

I've heard from every 6 months to every year or something like that...but the best way to know when is when your TDS's are off

 

That totally depends on how much evaporation you have and if you do frequent water changes. That all consumes membranes and if you have dirty or low pressure water that kills membranes fast. You really need to get a TDS meter and that will tell when you are ready for a change. I use one of those inline TDS meters that tells you what the incoming is and outgoing.

 

Where can you get one of those meters?

 

Plus it is a 3reef sponsor.

Inline TDS Monitor: Premium Aquatics

 

My RO unit actually has an inline meter, I just haven't bothered turning the thing on in a few months. Oops.
I'm confused. Are you saying that the 3 filter media (membrane, micron and carbon) should ALL be replaced at the same time when the TDS's get high? Seems like the different materials should have different lifetimes.
So I'm guessing the combination of new T5's and TDS's in the water might explain the algae I'm starting to see pop up in the tank.

 

Membranes are suppose to last a couple years but it really depends on water quality and quantity. More water you produce the fast the filters get used up. How long has it been since you replaced anything and how old is the unit.

 

Contact Russ at Buckeye Field Supply instead. The membrane(s) that you get from him will cost alot less than any that you would purchase from Kent.

 

Excellent! Thanks much for the info!
I just called Kent Marine and flow rate is determined by the color of the flow restrictor on the waste line. Of course, the woman I was speaking to needed to check on what color was what and I ended up having to leave a voicemail. I'll update this post when I figure out what's what.......