Very low RO water production from new filter

[bundybass]

Hello

I hooked up a Coralife Pure-Flo II #76002 plus extra canister, so 5 stage filtration, yesterday and have some problems I'd appreciate some help with. First off, I have a well with high TDS, 600+, pre filter. So a friend suggested that I install the following cartridges in the following order:

1 - 6 Micron filter cartridge
2 - 5 Micron Carbon Block
3 - 5 Micron filter cartridge
4 - 1 Micron Carbon Block
And a 75 gpd DOW Filmtec Membrane

I was told this cartridge set-up was best for my well water situation. And I think I have the microns listed correctly, but I'm at work and forget exactly, but this is very close.

So I hooked it up and let it run. At first the RO produced was running pretty good. And the waste was dripping out the waste line. Then it all changed and RO was produced very slowly and waste at a much faster flow. Checking the TDS with a hand left monitor, my RO is down to 011 TDS. Not zero, but much better than 600+. But for every 5 gallons of waste I produce I only produce about 1/2 gallong of RO water.

Is this normal?
Any other suggestions on how to get to 0 TDS?
Any other filter cartridge set-up suggestions?

Note: I have well water with a lot of metals in it.

Thanks for your help.

[Sweeper13]

HI..Ill try to throw my 2 cents in. I dont know all , just my experience. Im sure other members will chime in.


1. Ro water will be created slower then waste water. Waste water should flow out.

2. Scince it was new filters you may have had air pushing out the intial high Ro water flow.

3. If your water is that bad , looks like its doing its job in getting rid of the bad water. You could try a pump for more RO water.

4. You will need a DI Resin. Thats what will get to zero tds.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/...-di-resin.html

5. You will have to change the micron filters more because of the well water. Other wise you will trash the membrane fast.

6. Membrane flush kit.
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/...lush-kit.html#


My setup for Chicago water.
1.Micron filter
2. Carbon
3. Carbon
4.Membrane
5. Water Polisher,Drinking water Tank( 5tds)
6. Di Resin ( zero tds) This goes to Brute container for fish.


Hope it helped

[bundybass]

I appreciate any help! I always bought my RO water at local reef store, but it closed, so now I have to make my own. So this is all new for me. I never expected to get that much waste water for so little RO. I'll run it a little more tonight and see if I notice any more differences. I downloaded the manual today and it says to dump the first 10 gallons or RO, at the rate I am making it, that will take 2 weeks and 100 gallons waste water too. I thought this would be easier than hauling buckets every week. IDK

[Sweeper13]

There is alot of info on this forum. You will probably get a headache and break your search button from all the looking.

Two things effect RO..The pressure and the temp of the water coming thru. Not to mention clean filters.

Good Luck