What part do I replace? RODI water creating diatoms.

[Anonymous]

Well all, my RO/DI unit is not purifying the water enough. After almost 3 years with the same three stage unit, I have noticed that adding RO/DI water to my tank now causes a subsequent diatom bloom. Obviously, silicates and maybe even some small nitrates and phosphates are getting in the water.

Do I replace the Micron filter?

Do I replace the Carbon filter?

or do I replace the Osmosis chamber filter?


I have noticed no real tarnishing of the micron filter and I'm guessing its the Osmosis membrane that needs changing?

If you know what will solve my problem, please advise me.

And, I've got it hooked to the cold faucet that feeds a washing machine. Is this a higher pressure hookup than a sink faucet? Because I've noticed the drip rate is more of a steady and quick stream. I'm wondering if washing machine hookups have higher pressure, thereby ruining my osmosis membrane because of too high pressure. Any ideas?

Thanks all,
Brian

 

[danmhippo]

Sounds to me like your DI chamber need replacement of membrane. Have you had it tested for silicate? Could it be the food you are adding to the water causing diatom bloom?

 

[monkeyboy]

When was the last time you changed each filter? Maybe it would be time to upgrade to a "Hi-S" membrane that is better at removing silicates. Also adding a post DI with a Hi-S DI cartridge will catch any nasties that get thru. HTH

 

[EmilyB]

Have you checked the output with a TDS meter ?

 

[bowfront]

Depends on your tap water quality and the amount of usage but I had to change my RO membrane at the 3 year mark. The other cartridges including DI are changed about every 6 months acording to my TDS meter. Sure sounds like a diatom bloom so I would suggest some immediate action.

 

[Anonymous]

Okay, what is the DI part?

Now that I think about it, it just has the carbon filter, then a micron filter, then the osmosis chamber on top in the white tube. I don't think it really has a de-ionizing part. Doesn't deionization require electricity to fuel the exchange?

I think I probably just need to replace the osmosis part?

 

[Anonymous]

Okay guys.

Here's what I got. http://www.kentmarine.com/ro10cta.html

It has no deionization stage.

The RO10CTA is a full sized 10 gallon per day CTA RO unit with blue or clear canisters. Full size units provide better pre-filtration and less chance of membrane fouling. This unit will remove an average 90-94% of tap water contaminants. The RO10CTA includes a 10 gallon per day CTA membrane, a CF1M 1 micron sediment pre filter, a CFC1 post granulated carbon filter, a 3/4 inch garden hose adapter and 6 feet of yellow, blue and orange tubing.



Question::::::::

Can I replace my 10 gallon per day CTA membrane with a Hi-S one?

Thanks,
Brian

 

[oranje]

I've been having issues with diatoms lately, too. The only thing I have to add is that I just got my RO/DI unit in January, and this is already happening. I also have the Hi-S model...

I'm going to replace everything but the RO membrane soon... If the issue is with the RO membrane, that means that my membrane lasted under 5 months, instead of the 3 years expected... hopefully this isn't the case. In conclusion, Boston water is foul.

 

[DRT]

I typically replace my cartridges once per year and the osmonic membrane every 2 years. My system has 4 stages;
1 - particle filter, captures any crude from water system
2- Carbon filter - primarily removes clorine as that can damage the RO membrane
3 - RO
4 - Deionizing filter (DI) - scrubs last bit out.

If you only have a 3 stage and want to add DI an easy way to do this is to attache a tap water purifier to your system. The DI resin changes colors as it is used up so you can see when to change it.