RO system becoming airbound

[Geoffkx25081]

I have two mako RO systems each with two TFMs (100 GPD ea), both of which have been getting airbound at the resins. Thinking that I must be lacking water pressure on the outlet sides of the TFMs I decided to change the membranes hoping that one of them or both were clogged. It only made a difference for a few days until I had the problem again. I contacted the manufactor about the problem, explained to them that I changed just about every filter with no results. They told me that the membranes are rated to filter water that is preferably 75 degrees F, which I know is not the temperature of the water I have supplying my ROs. SO I made a clever little heat exchanger, installed a booster pump, and managed to warm my tap water from 55 to 70. I was disappointed to still see empty DI cartridges. I am still getting a bit of of water to my vats, just about enough to cover evap make up and do my partials on schedule (just barely). Well I told the boss that we need a new system and he said that were out of money due to the many chiller failures we had, and to wait until next school year to purchase them. Well my Sailfin and Blue Damsel have developed head and lateral line corrosion, my Chocolate Chip Seastars have not been as active, and I lost a Decorator Crab and a Domino. My water quality is great and I have never had this problem before. I beleive that because these RO systems of mine are producing less than perfect RO water, I have introduced heavy metals to my aquariums. So my questions to you reading this is... have you experienced a problem like this with your RO system? If so did it result in sick fish and inverts?

[ajx22]

:welcome2:

Impressive list of systems to say the least! :)

You can relax regarding the air in the DI stages - that is 100% normal, and causes no problem at all. The system only has pressure from the TFC membrane - and that is before the DI stages...so these stages will not fill-up completely most of the time. You will see 100% filled housings in the sediment and the carbon - and within the TFC housing (if it was clear) - but not the DI's.

The Mako units (AquaFX) are one of the best on the market by far - and you can rest assured that they are made right. This model normally comes with a dual inline TDS monitor...what is the TDS reading for your source water, and what is the post DI reading? From these units - you should be very, very close to zero even if your source water is over 500ppm.

IMEO - I would be looking for some other culprit other then the RO/DI units.

You can always contact Marianne @ AquaFX - she will tell you the same. :)


HTH ,

[Geoffkx25081]

Thanks AJX about my tanks
Im surprised of all the people I spoke to about this "problem" nobody has mentioned that, lol. But it does make sense. The unit I have does not have a TDS on it, nor a pressure gauge (broken).

[Continental]

Show us some pics of your tanks .

[Geoffkx25081]

The tanks I have acually belong to Raymond Hill School. I consider them to be my tanks because im the soul caretaker for them, and I have all say as to what fish goes in them. RHS hired me one year ago as the Maritime Coordinator. Unfortunetly one of the students decided to pocket my digital camera, but my girlfriend is going to lend me hers to take pictures of all my tanks as well as the mechanical rooms housing all my filters.

[Mugster]

The tanks I have acually belong to Raymond Hill School. I consider them to be my tanks because im the soul caretaker for them, and I have all say as to what fish goes in them. RHS hired me one year ago as the Maritime Coordinator. Unfortunetly one of the students decided to pocket my digital camera, but my girlfriend is going to lend me hers to take pictures of all my tanks as well as the mechanical rooms housing all my filters.



I'm looking forward to seeing the pics. :woohoo:



:hi1:

[RonPeter]

I'm looking forward to seeing the pics. :woohoo:
:hi1:

:iagree::pompom::pompom::pompom: