New RO Unit - Orchid Board

goodgollymissmolly · #1 01-08-2008, 09:10 AM

I want to brag on Ray for a second. I received my RO unit (100 GPD) yesterday. It was promptly delivered, well packaged, and when inspected seemed to be of very good construction. The most important thing is that Ray's prices are unbelievably fair versus what you see from local sources.

It took about 5 hours to install because I had to run piping all over my greenhouse to my two water storage tanks. I have about 500 gal of storage capacity. Of course I had to make the two obligatory trips to Lowes for parts. (The RO unit is fully complete. I had to get parts for my piping.)

I am now in the process of flushing the system. I cut some corners on the directions because I assumed they were overly cautious in recommending flushing...they were not! I'm not sure what biocides are in the unit but they raise the initial pH to about 9. The only advice I would give anyone is to flush the unit thoroughly before starting it up. It will save you time in the long run.

I still intend to collect rain off the greenhouse roof as my prime water source but this will eliminate my dependence on rain and above freezing weather. Overall I'm impressed with Ray's offering. If you are interested in an RO unit, I can recommend this one.

Becca · #2 01-08-2008, 12:01 PM

I too purchased a 100gpd with an upgraded faucet from Ray, and so far I love it! My hubby installed it for me after Culligan took their unit out and they left behind some of the tubing for us and other parts. I was nervous at first, becuase we had a lot of questions when installing it so I wasn't sure how I would know if the system was working as I have no meters, but I tasted the water after about a billion flushes and it seems fine and doesn't taste like our normal city water, so I am satisfied! Not only was the price great like Jim mentioned previously, the replacement filters and membranes are a decent price as well! I am so glad I made the decision to purchase through Ray!

Jim, my question for you is, the instructions said to flush the membrane under pressure before using this, I was unsure of how to do this, did you do this and if so how? Also, their was not any instructions on installing the air gap faucet, well there was a quick part on it, but it did not label the parts shown in the picture and didn't have a description on the steps of installing it, so my hubby winged it. I guess I am just a very technical person when it comes to installing something I am unfamiliar with. I watered some of my plants on Sunday and so far none of my plants have killed over on me yet...lol.

goodgollymissmolly · #3 01-08-2008, 01:35 PM

Becca, I wasn't quite sure what they meant by flushing the membrane under pressure either, but I assumed they meant flushing it in place as it is to be used. That's what I'm doing now. I'm not yet sending water to my tanks because the pH is about 9 (it's down to 8 now. That's higher than my tap water) and the dissolved solids are about 130ppm. That is about half my inlet TDS, but I expect to get better than 130, way less.

They mentioned that the membrane is treated with some biocide to prevent organisms from growing in it. I assume that the flush is to remove that material.

The part I skipped was to flush the sink tank (which I also have hooked up) with regular water prior to initial use. I had to unhook some stuff and do that.

I wish you had a pH meter so you could see what you are getting. When this thing lines out I'll let you know what it produces.

BTW, you are correct in your latest note.

J

Becca · #4 01-08-2008, 01:51 PM

Well I think I might look into getting a pH meter and perhaps a TDS meter as well so I know what I am really getting with my water. I would hate to be harming my plants when it could have been avoided with a couple of simple tests. Like I said, I flushed my tank and entire system out at least 6 times if not more before I used the water on my orchids and before I gave it a taste test so I will keep my fingers crossed!

goodgollymissmolly · #5 01-08-2008, 04:00 PM

Becca, my pH out of the tank is now in the 6-6.5 range and the TDS is about 10ppm so I guess I'm all flushed out. If it holds this way over night I'll declare a success.

Just in time for it to rain like Hades meaning I don't need any RO water. I assume my getting this will lead to a 100 year flood!

Ray · #6 01-09-2008, 12:02 AM

WOW! First of all, thanks for the compliments. I'm SO glad you both were pleased.

I just replaced the "guts" of my system, and while I did rinse the charcoal filters under the kitchen sink tap, I did a final flush by installing one piece at a time in line, then turned the water on and let it run:

Installed the sediment and carbon cartridges, but the membrane was out, so I ran it, letting the water spill out to flush the carbon bits. When it was clear,
Install the RO membrane and flow restrictor, but let the output fall to the GH floor for a while to flush the membrane. After some time,
Install the carbon polishing filter, and let it spill also to make sure it's clean.

After a while connect the output line to the tank and away we go!