Need help with reverse osmosis

[Ann Oaks]

I wrote a reply on the orchid board a few days ago when I joined, but have not had a reply. I imagine I put it in the wrong place.

So I'll try again.

I have been growing orchids around 10 years (actually, I killed them for 3 and am now doing much better). I have been collecting rain water in three 60 gal barrels to water my 100+ plants, but have begun to run out before the things thaw in the spring. We have a water softener to make our very hard water usable, but,of course, I can't use treated water on orchids.

So I'm looking for a reverse osmosis system and would sure like some advice.

Ann

[Ross]

Why not contact Ray (a board member?) I have one of his and they are darned good. Category Listing - RO

[Ann Oaks]

Thanks-- I'll look into it. I am concerned that we don't have adequate water pressure ( we have a well and pump).

[Ross]

I'm sure that will work. Check with Ray.

[cb977]

Hi Ann

I do the same thing when my rain barrels are empty but I really don't have any details to help you

All I know is there's an RO system under the sink

[Ray]

Ann,

I have a well pump too, and I am running my RO system off of a 100-foot (or more) line run underground from the house the the GH, so my pressure there is much lower.

With lower pressure water, you'll get less output from a system, but it will still work. (RO system capacities are usually rated at "X" gpd @ 70°F and 60 psi. Lower temperatures and less pressure decreases the output.) However, if you run your softened water to the RO system, it will actually work more efficiently, as Na ions are easy to block, and don't clog the membrane as quickly and Ca, Mg, and Fe.

Keep in mind that RO is not an "on-demand" system; you'll still want to use it to refill your tanks, just like the rainwater.

[Ann Oaks]

Thanks, Ray. I may purchase a booster pump any way.

[lapis12]

Originally Posted by Ann Oaks

Thanks-- I'll look into it. I am concerned that we don't have adequate water pressure ( we have a well and pump).

What's the minimum water pressure required for reverse osmosis system home

[Ray]

There is no minimum for the water to be purified, but the lower the pressure (and temperature), the slower the output. I have one customer in Maine whose water pressure was from a rooftop tank, so a 60 gpd membrane only put out about 3 gallons a day, especially when it was cold.

As was stated (incorrectly, I see), residential membranes are typically rated at 65 psi and 77F at the membrane inlet, but CSM makes a low-pressure 50 gpd membrane rated at 25 psi.