Does my DI resin need to be changed?

[zero26]

I've had my unit BRS 75 gallon a day unit for almost 2 years and make up approx. 20 gallons a week. But my DI resin has only changed to brown on the very top maybe 1/4" on top and bottom. The rest is still black.

Is it still good?

[reefergeorge]

Only way to know is to buy a tds meter, but either way you should change filters, and di every six months. BRS has instructions on how to staralize the unit on their site.

[radicaltimes]

You should get the dual inline TDS meter and check your TDS before the DI and after. If you DI media is saturated it will leach what it has already removed from your Ro water back in. The color change won't always be a good indication.

[Toddrtrex]

The pre-filter and carbon should be changed every 6 months; there is no time table for the DI resin. I prefer a hand-held TDS meter -- should measure the TDS, post DI to get an idea of the DI resin needs to be changed.

Test your tap's TDS, then the TDS post RO membrane (( but before the DI resin )), to make sure your RO membrane is still operating within its rated rejection rate. Finally measure the post DI TDS -- that should be 0, any higher then that time to replace.

[needmore-reef]

wow my resin changes in a few months. I need to look into BRS.

[Toddrtrex]

wow my resin changes in a few months. I need to look into BRS.

Changes color or the TDS gets above 0? I, personally, wouldn't trust the color change, go by the TDS readings. If you are going through it fast (( by TDS readings )), either your RO membrane is trashed, or you have very high starting TDS (( 600 or above )).

[bigdoug]

+1 on reefergeorge comment, only way tol know for sure is with a tds meter.

[Korrine]

fwiw, here is my unit with the added dual in-line tds meter (stuck to wall on the left) and the new pressure gauge behind the old crappy one. Love this tds meter. So easy to install (matter of a couple minutes) and very easy to monitor your levels.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg200/kj23502/021.jpg

I have read that a pressure gauge before the membrane can also let you know when your sediment filters are becoming saturated as pressure will drop when you turn the unit on. Anyone chime in on this?

[zero26]

My TDS meter is reading 1. So I guess I'll change it.

[Buckeye Hydro]

I have read that a pressure gauge before the membrane can also let you know when your sediment filters are becoming saturated as pressure will drop when you turn the unit on. Anyone chime in on this?

That's right. The correct placement of the pressure gauge is right before the membrane. In this location it will read the same pressure the membrane is getting.

When the prefilters clog, you'll see reduced pressure on the gauge.

[solitude127]

Here's a great thread on when to change what filter.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1415770

[Buckeye Hydro]

Remember that microbes love to grow in the non-chlorinated water in DI resin beds. After 2 years, 0 tds or not, I'd change it. When't the last time you sanitized your entire system?

Russ

[zigzag1]

Remember that microbes love to grow in the non-chlorinated water in DI resin beds. After 2 years, 0 tds or not, I'd change it. When't the last time you sanitized your entire system?

Russ

Hi Russ,
I looked around a bit on the BFS web site and FAQS and was unable to locate any instructions or tips on sanatizing the entire system. I just purchased a new RO membrane and other carts, and would like to do this as part of the change-out as I have not done a 'sanitization' in the 6+ years of using my RO/DI system so far.

Can you please enlighten us or provide a link that describes proper methods of sanitization of an RO/DI unit?

Thanks in advance!

[TheFishMan65]

reefergeorge, Do you by chance have a link to those directions? I looked and can't seem to find them. Thanks

[Buckeye Hydro]

Here you go:
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd293/BuckeyeFS/SanitizeyourRODI.jpg

Russ

[TheFishMan65]

No I am looking for the Bulk Reef Supply Direction - those will never do :)
BRS has instructions on how to staralize the unit on their site.
Thanks

[Buckeye Hydro]

:spin1:

[Korrine]

I have never heard of sanitizing it. Thanks :)

[Buckeye Hydro]

You're welcome!

[zigzag1]

Just had a chance to check back before changing out my filters, good to find it here. Thanks Russ!