Start with The AquaFX
1 micron filter removing sediment 1 micron or larger. A human hair is
normally between 40 and 90 microns. The smallest thing the human eye can see is
generally considered to be 5 microns. Partials smaller than your eye can see
will be removed. Of course for more complex water supplies we carry a full line of sediment filters
Stage 2 or
The type of carbon you choose is based on the disinfectant in your water supply. In the USA there are predominantly
two types; Chlorine and Chloramine. Chlorine can be easily removed using a standard
carbon block. Chloramine is
replacing Chlorine in many water supplies. Chloramine is a mixture of chlorine
and ammonia gases and is much harder to remove. Using a standard carbon block
will remove the chlorine component and leave behind the ammonia. Ammonia is
very toxic to fresh and saltwater marine systems. There is an excellent article
in ReefKeeping.com. In order the remove/reduce the ammonia as well as the
chlorine we strongly suggest the NH2Cl Blaster Carbon, a carbon that is pressure
treated carbon rendering the carbon reactive. Sufficient contact time is needed for
this to occur, a single stage will not do the trick, a minimum of double
the normal stage size in average concentrations. When ammonia is high
more Blaster carbon is needed.
Stage 3
The AquaFX Reverse Osmosis Membrane is the first component
in the system that reduces Total Dissolved Solids (TDS); a common example of
dissolved solids is salt or calcium. A TDS meter is the best way to determine
if your membrane is operating properly. A properly operating membrane will give
you a TDS reduction of at least 90%. EXAMPLE: Raw water TDS is 100 ppm, after the
membrane it should be no more than 10 ppm, but normally less. Membranes
can fail by Clogging or Scaling, in which case very little or no water will be
produced. Membranes can also fail from contact with chlorine due to either
VERY high chlorine content or poor prefilter upkeep. Either way the water
quality will be very poor. So changing the carbon filter on time is essential.
Hot water will also ruin a membrane (>80 Deg. F). If your membrane produces
significantly more than it is rated for, that is an indication that something
is wrong. Call us with any questions you have.
Stage 4
The AquaFX Deionization (DI) filter is added as a final
stage. One or more DI (s) will remove Total Dissolved Solids(TDS) by itself,
but it is normally cost prohibitive. Running a RO membrane in front of the DI
will increase the DI life by 10-times. So instead of 50 gallons your DI will
produce 500 gallons. If you have chloramines in your water the DI will remove
the ammonia but it is much more expensive method. AquaFX DI uses a virgin nuclear grade color indicating resin. We strongly
feel there is not a better resin available on the Market or we would use it.