Replacing RO/DI prefilter

buerk212 · 12/03/2008, 11:06 PM

I want to replace the first filter on my RO/DI because it is getting to be a rusty color. Should the new filter be rinsed first or just put right in? Kind of a dumb question but its always nice to have a second opinion...

reefnetworth · 12/03/2008, 11:27 PM

rise for about 10 minutes unpluged from the unit, and then connect it for use. i use a .5 micron filter and its changed every 6 months, no matter how much it has been used. if i were you i would invest in a good (Hanna) TDS meter for future testing. JMO!

Flipper62 · 12/03/2008, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by buerk212
I want to replace the first filter on my RO/DI because it is getting to be a rusty color. Should the new filter be rinsed first or just put right in? Kind of a dumb question but its always nice to have a second opinion...

My question to you would be .......What did you do when the RO/DI unit was first new. Did you take them all apart & rince them ???

Most likely NOT.....Just ran the water for about a few minuets before you used it.

When ever I change the filters, I just run the water for a few minuets.......Test the TDS with a COM-100 TDS meter, if the TDS is good...all is good

the great · 12/04/2008, 02:22 AM

Thats what I do too

crvz · 12/04/2008, 07:48 AM

You don't need to rinse the filter before putting it in the setup, but anytime you change the filters it's a good idea to run the unit for say 30-60 minutes. Should be fine after that.

AZDesertRat · 12/04/2008, 08:01 AM

The odds are if the prefilter is dirty the carbon block is worse, always change them both. What you don't see is the carbon is made up of billions of tiny pores and the things smallert than the micron rating of your prefilter plug or foul those pores and render it useless.
get on a regular schedule of raplacing the prefilter and carbon block every 6 months like clockwork. Write the dats on the RO unit with a Sharpie so you don't forget. Remember to disinfect the system at the same time too, all that crud has bacteria and possibly viruses in it too so kill them before they have a chance to breed inside the filter housings.

Prefilters don't normally need much if any rinsing but carbons, membranes and DI do. To rinse the prefilter and carbon , disconnect the 1/4" line leading from the carbon canister up to the membrane housing at the membrane end and flush to a bucket of sink for a couple of minutes so you don't get carbon fines or dust on the membrane, never flush through the membrane. Same with flushing a new membrane, always disconnect or remove the DI cartridge when flush a membrane for the first time, this is true of brand new systems as well as replacements.

Flipper, bad advice, always flush in proper order so you do not contaminate the downstream components. Good RO vesdors will give you flushing instructions as well as disinfection instructions.

12/03/2008, 11:06 PM	#1
buerk212 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: North Central PA Posts: 31	Replacing RO/DI prefilter I want to replace the first filter on my RO/DI because it is getting to be a rusty color. Should the new filter be rinsed first or just put right in? Kind of a dumb question but its always nice to have a second opinion...

12/03/2008, 11:27 PM	#2
reefnetworth Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 3,810	rise for about 10 minutes unpluged from the unit, and then connect it for use. i use a .5 micron filter and its changed every 6 months, no matter how much it has been used. if i were you i would invest in a good (Hanna) TDS meter for future testing. JMO! __________________ GIVE A MAN A FISH, YOU FEED HIM FOR A DAY. TEACH A MAN TO FISH, HE FEEDS HIMSELF FOR LIFE. (NEVER, underestimate another man's greed) Current Tank Info: SPS dominated barebottom display with BB sump since 2005, most consistant parameters in 19+ years of reefkeeping.

12/04/2008, 02:22 AM	#4
the great Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Elyria, Ohio Posts: 134	Thats what I do too __________________ Snozzwangers? Vermicious Knids? What kind of rubbish is that? Violet, you're turning violet, Violet! Current Tank Info: 55gal, reef tank. ; (2) 150w Metal Halide, HOB Octopus Skimmer, Percula Clown

12/04/2008, 07:48 AM	#5
crvz Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: houstonia Posts: 7,989	You don't need to rinse the filter before putting it in the setup, but anytime you change the filters it's a good idea to run the unit for say 30-60 minutes. Should be fine after that. __________________ -Chris- You don't win friends with salad. "Look! They're trying to learn for free!" ... "Use your phony guns as clubs!" Current Tank Info: rectangluar? wet?

12/04/2008, 08:01 AM	#6
AZDesertRat Moved On Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: NW Phoenix Posts: 16,621	The odds are if the prefilter is dirty the carbon block is worse, always change them both. What you don't see is the carbon is made up of billions of tiny pores and the things smallert than the micron rating of your prefilter plug or foul those pores and render it useless. get on a regular schedule of raplacing the prefilter and carbon block every 6 months like clockwork. Write the dats on the RO unit with a Sharpie so you don't forget. Remember to disinfect the system at the same time too, all that crud has bacteria and possibly viruses in it too so kill them before they have a chance to breed inside the filter housings. Prefilters don't normally need much if any rinsing but carbons, membranes and DI do. To rinse the prefilter and carbon , disconnect the 1/4" line leading from the carbon canister up to the membrane housing at the membrane end and flush to a bucket of sink for a couple of minutes so you don't get carbon fines or dust on the membrane, never flush through the membrane. Same with flushing a new membrane, always disconnect or remove the DI cartridge when flush a membrane for the first time, this is true of brand new systems as well as replacements. Flipper, bad advice, always flush in proper order so you do not contaminate the downstream components. Good RO vesdors will give you flushing instructions as well as disinfection instructions.