RO membrane loaded with sediment

[Bloom]

If I don't have an inline Sediment filter will it kill my RO filter with sediment, Stupid question im sure, but I would just like to know before I spend the money, I have asked this similar question with alot of help but would like to know for sure... thank you all really appreciate it!

EDIT:

• Membrane life depends on the quality of the incoming water supply, how often the pre-filters are changed, the filter waste ratio, and how often the RO membrane gets flushed. Overly dirty incoming water can tax the pre-filters and allow more pollutants to reach the RO membrane. Changing pre-filters in a timely fashion will help extend membrane life significantly.
• Reduced waste ratios, as seen in all GrowoniX filters, put more stress on the RO membrane than high waste ratios. This is why we offer membrane flush valves. Flush valves allow users to literally flush out standing pollutants that would otherwise shorten membrane life. If the RO membrane gets flushed after each use, membrane life can be extended by 100%. Even weekly membrane flushes will significantly extend the lifespan and functionality of the RO membrane(s).

Found an answer!

 

[Cali MedPatient]

Usually an RO setup will have 3 prefilters to remove the sediment before the membrane. Without those prefilters you might have a pretty short lifespan on the membrane.

 

[Hammerhead]

1 micron sediment filter, 1 micron carbon filter, color-changing mixed-bed DI filter ,100 GPD RO membrane .......This was a 4 stage unit.. 140$

Yes it will shorten the life of the membrain. The crap will clog up the RO and wont pass water through it..

 

[Bloom]

This is for a small grow, so I was considering the GX 100 by Growonix and instead of having waste water all the time I would just shut if off after the 55 gallons are full.
Eh?

 

[Hammerhead]

does not matter what unit you get. It has to have a sediment filter first before anything. If you get one of those units that have 1 stage ro it wont last as long as it would if you had a sediment before it..I have seen those they will work but you wont get the full life out of it and thsoe ro membrains are not cheap @40$ ea

I di the same. I used 5 gal jugs 5 of them I kept them full of RO all the time. The unit did not run 24/7..You will waste 3 to 4 x the water using one.. I would test my water before getting one. If your 150ppm or below IMO you dont need a ro unit..

 

[Bloom]

Tested at like 350ish..Well water

 

[FlowerFarmer]

I know the last time I changed my Merlin sediment filter there was so much clay like muck both in the filter and the housing that I actually had to take the housing outside and use the hose and stick to get it to break free and rinse out.

My membranes certainly wouldn't have lasted very long with any of that making it to them.

Sediment filters are cheap...membranes are damn near the price of new RO units. 420ppm on my well around here loads the sediment filter up .. very thick stuff.

 

[Hammerhead]

ya that's to high.. You both need them..Bloom you need to add at least 1 sediment filter..

 

[Bloom]

Ok thank you, I wonder what the most common filters most people use for well water?

 

[Hammerhead]

there all pretty much the same. This is what I bought. Plus you need the canister to put them in
http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Sediment...all_Kitchen_Appliances_US&hash=item337d183afd

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kent-Marine...801?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f19e57151

 

[FlowerFarmer]

If your using this well water for other purposes other then the grow you might want to look into a larger size inlet/outlet unit then the pre-filter Hammerhead linked to.

Rather then (or better yet in addition to) having a sediment filter before your RO membranes you might want to install one on your main line right in from the well to filter any sediment there.. so your not showering, brushing your teeth with it as well.

 

[Hammerhead]

if your going to do the house then none of what I posted will work..

 

[Bloom]

Think I will do just the ro.... I dont think i will find a better deal, how often do you change the filters?

 

[Hammerhead]

you will notice the flow decrease. Everyone's is a bit different. Thats something you will need to find out running it over a few months.

 

[FlowerFarmer]

Bloom,

I run a FlowMaster little thing on my clean RO line that lets me know how many purified gallons have passed through it so that I can change the appropriate filters as recommended. Its 3/8" however for high flow units and I'm pretty sure you'll be dealing in 1/4" lines with your smaller RO units. Maybe you can find something similar in 1/4".


Otherwise for my friends running 100GPD units like the stealth or eliminator they normally change their sediment filter every 3 months and their carbon filter (if your using one) every 6 months....

But like Hammerhead said.. its all going to depend on how much water your running through..and the quality of the water. Just keep and eye on it visually and your flow and change when you think its getting bad. Mine will muck up orange/brown rather quickly so I've been changing my sediment filter out more often then not. They are cheap enough.

 

[Bloom]

Great, thanks very much!