When to replace RO membrane and where to purchase one from?

[faztaz]

How often are people replacing their RO membranes in their units? IÂ’ve had my membrane for about 3 years and Im planning on replacing it (my reading is 40 ppm after replacing the carbon and 5 micron filter with a 1.5 month old DI cartridge). Where is the best place to purchase these, and which one should I get.


The best I found was a 100 gpd @ aquafx for $50.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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Mercedes 600

 

[Aquadude]

Try these guys:http://www.stores.ebay.com/theaquasafepurewatershop

I just bought a complete 6 stage 100GPD RO/DI with storage tank and faucet from them for $102 U.S + shipping and it's great. I would bet they use the same membranes. The manufacturer of the membrane is http://www.appliedmembranes.com
they will have a replacement for you. While you are at it you better replace your pre-filters too. You should change your pre-filters every six months to be safe. Chlorine kills the RO membrane. If you have to replace all the filters you might be better off with a whole new unit.

 

[cdeakle]

Do you have a flush kit? You can clean your membrane and probably get better results. Why change a membrane if it just needs to be flushed? It will also expand the life of your membrane. I believe most membranes should last around 5 years or so depending on your local water.

 

[faztaz]

Yeah 420 I have a flush kit, and I've flushed he hell outta it. Its been on my system for close to 3 years now!
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make personal budget

 

[cdeakle]

Sounds like you have got your use out of it.

Try this place:

http://www.aquariumwaterfilters.com/

 

[Deadhead1450]

But when do you replace the membrane? I thought it was when the phosphate level is above .5 and the hair algea starts to grow. Is this correct?

 

[Aquadude]

When the membrane has had it the TDS (total disolved solids) in the output will start increasing and the output will start dropping off even after back-flushing it. A new membrane will give between 10 and 0 TDS. Once it starts getting over 25 TDS, I'd replace the membrane. If you have really BAD tap water (500+TDS) you may already be getting 20 TDS out. Get yourself a TDS meter. They are about $25 U.S and will take the guesswork out. A better one is an inline TDS meter with dual inputs. You can compare the TDS of the water going into the membrane vs. the output. That way you can keep an eye on your pre-filters condition as well and replace them before membrane damage can occur. If you have run your RO system for three years without changing the pre-filters your RO membrane is dead and your pre-filters are exhausted. If this is the case I would get a price on the cost of replacement filters and compare that against buying a new system.

 

[Unresistible Blue]

www.BuckeyeFieldSupply.com

 

[EmilyB]

Oops, yes ditto 420puff

http://www.aquariumwaterfilters.com

 

[Anonymous]

Try these guys:http://www.stores.ebay.com/theaquasafepurewatershop

I just bought a complete 6 stage 100GPD RO/DI with storage tank and faucet from them for $102 U.S + shipping and it's great. I would bet they use the same membranes. The manufacturer of the membrane is http://www.appliedmembranes.com
they will have a replacement for you. While you are at it you better replace your pre-filters too. You should change your pre-filters every six months to be safe. Chlorine kills the RO membrane. If you have to replace all the filters you might be better off with a whole new unit.

there's a bargain 8)

 

[Unresistible Blue]

If you have run your RO system for three years without changing the pre-filters your RO membrane is dead and your pre-filters are exhausted. If this is the case I would get a price on the cost of replacement filters and compare that against buying a new system.

Whoa Nelly. You can replace all the cartridges with high quality replacements for much less than the cost of a new unit!

You need to make sure you're comparing apples to apples here. Don't compare the cost of high quality replacement cartridges/membranes with what comes as original equipment in "blue light special" systems.