[Shrek]

Hi all , Iv got a 400GPD RO system and it’s absolutely cr@p, Iv had it 2 years and had to buy new membranes this year.
I used to get around 300 Ltrs of pure in 4hrs , now I’m getting 300 Ltrs in 12 hours. I know the temperature effects the production but it’s just a PITA now, especially because I can only run it for 4hrs at a time and have to turn it off for 30 mins before I can start it up again.

I use about 3-400 Ltrs a day , any suggestions on which RO to buy and where from please?

Cheers in advance 👍

[andyM]

Get a 4040 and you'll never reconsider a smaller RO again.
I guarantee it!

[Steve Newres]

I have a 4040, A Merlin's a good option too. Much cheaper.

[Shrek]

Cheers , Il look into these options 👍
Because at 25 Ltrs per hour at the moment, it’s driving me mad

[AuRavelling79]

I have a Merlin - or actually a clone called P.R.O. from Gardiners.

I replaced my 300GPD about two/three years ago.

I change the 2 membranes every year or so when it gets above about 16ppm output (usually starts with new membranes at about 003/5 and quickly rises and settles within a month or so to about 10ppm) and the carbon filter every six weeks or so - to be honest when flow reduces a bit. I then have a 10" resin chamber - scabbed from my old 300GPD before my storage tank - not on the van.

I have good tap water pressure at about 70/75 psi on the dial. I think if you are below about 60 you should get a pump to feed it which will increase the life of the membranes.

I also put a 10" sediment filter from my 300 gpd (you probably have some from your 400GPD which will do) before the carbon block which I change regularly too.

I use it to "feed" me and Dan the Man water and it is more than enough.

But ... I have rates not a water charge so you might find that there are better on water usage (1 to pure/2 to drain) out there if that is a factor. 

[Shrek]

Thank GG ,I’m not on a water meter but I think the pressure is low.
 on average - whilst the temperatures are below 10 degrees everyday, how much can the Gardiners RO  produce for you?
And can you leave it on all day to fill an ibc?

[AuRavelling79]

I'm not sure Shrek. I just know it's plenty enough as long as the carbon filter isn't choked.

I think it's about a litre of pure every 25 seconds. Give us a mo' it's running now I'll fill a litre jug and see how long it takes ...

Stick the kettle on. I'll be - as Arnie says - back.

 

[AuRavelling79]

OK - multiple results.

8 degrees at the mo' in Bristol.

Mrs Gold has been showering and using the washing machine while I have been checking my flow ... 

Three results ...

40psi while appliances running. 1.3L of pure in two minutes
60psi while shower off. 2.0L of pure in two minutes.
70psi all appliances off. 2.1 L of pure in two minutes.

This is with membranes seven months old and carbon filter two weeks in to a six week life cycle. (approx) I seem to remember that Merlins are not recommended when pressure is constantly below about 50 psi and would then benefit from a booster pump.

In the dead of night with the neighbourhood refraining from kettle, shower and washing machine use I usually get 75psi.

[Steve Newres]

With low pressure you’d probably need a pump with a 4040. For a one man or even two man band a Merlin with a pump is perfectly adequate and a Merlin with a pump would probably cost less than a 4040 without.

Re waste, I’m not sure a 4040 has less waste that a Merlin in spite of what you may have heard.

[windowswashed]

Axeon 4040 ro very good

[Matt.]

I had a Merlin, not sure of tap pressure but I would get 1 lpm from it there was quite a bit of waste.

Am double di at the moment but am looking to fit 4040 into van

[Frankybadboy]

get a 40/40 fro, daqua for £600 and you can get a low pressure membrane which will running at 40psi no problems i have done this for years and normally i change my membrane every 2-3 years  my tap 360 and membrane takes it down to less than 10 on 40psi and make about 800 ltrs in 5-6 hours in winter

but the last couple of weeks ive added a pump and now doing 70psi and still less than 10 tds

merlin are crap and useless with out a pump and the out tds seems to allways be higher than a 40/40

[Frankybadboy]

With low pressure you’d probably need a pump with a 4040. For a one man or even two man band a Merlin with a pump is perfectly adequate and a Merlin with a pump would probably cost less than a 4040 without.

Re waste, I’m not sure a 4040 has less waste that a Merlin in spite of what you may have heard.

wrong there 8 weekly you can run a low pressure membrane at 40 psi and less and still get less than 10tds out of it

[Steve Newres]

get a 40/40 fro, daqua for £600 and you can get a low pressure membrane which will running at 40psi no problems i have done this for years and normally i change my membrane every 2-3 years  my tap 360 and membrane takes it down to less than 10 on 40psi and make about 800 ltrs in 5-6 hours in winter

but the last couple of weeks ive added a pump and now doing 70psi and still less than 10 tds

merlin are crap and useless with out a pump and the out tds seems to allways be higher than a 40/40

You obviously don’t clean many windows as ours goes south within months. 

[martinw]

Merlins ro pros : cheaper initial outlay, built in pressure switch combined with float valve automatic shut off,compact design, takes same prefilters. Cons: needs ideal pressures of 80 psi may need to be booster pump,higher running costs  - resin, waste ratio if you on meter. Ppm in hardwater area 350 up, 20 upwards after membrane. Slower production rate but a lot faster than your current setup.

4040 higher initial outlay, bulky, more economical to run, less frequent resin changes, you will get away without a pump on low pressure version. 300 litres an hours plus achievable if pumped. 120-180l/hr non boosted rates achievable depending on pressure and temperature.
Both need resin vessels 11lts min not to mess around too often with changes.
Choice is down to  personal preference, ppm, funds and space available.
I have boosted 4040 with twin resin vessels and 20inch prefilter on auto shut off valve.

[Slash]

I got the 4040  20 inch pre filters with booster pump from Pure Freedom around  3 years ago,my tap pressure is around 35 and it boosts it up to 80 psi and fills a 400 litre tank in about 1 hour 20mins

[Shrek]

Wow there really are a lot better RO’s out there!
My tap pressure is 3.5 or 50 psi I think.

[dd]

I have a 300gpd Ro-man ro (3 x 100gpd membranes) which has served me well for years. My tap pressure is around 55psi. Puts significantly more in to my static tank than I use in a day. Probably does around 600 litres a day.

[andyM]

This is the one I've got used with a Clarke cbm 240e booster pump:
http://gapswater.co.uk/acatalog/Fibredyne-Reverse-Osmosis-Kit--4040--6181.html#SID=643

4 1/2 years old now and still on original membrane giving output of 10ppm.   

[Frankybadboy]

http://www.daqua.co.uk/ro_systems.htm


40/40 set up  £533 includes vat and delivery

[Shrek]

http://www.daqua.co.uk/ro_systems.htm


40/40 set up  £533 includes vat and delivery

Cheers franky - I think I’d need a booster too as my water is 50 psi

[Don Kee]

I’ve got the Daqua RO, good bit of kit and Daqua are pretty reputable.

With a HF5 (low pressure membrane), you might find that 50psi is ample.

Give Doug @ daqua a ring, he’s always been pretty helpful when I’ve had questions with anything to do with water filtration, even when I haven’t bought said products from him.

[Frankybadboy]

http://www.daqua.co.uk/ro_systems.htm


40/40 set up  £533 includes vat and delivery

Cheers franky - I think I’d need a booster too as my water is 50 psi

with a low pressure membrane your be ok with 50psi so no pump needed,i was get 300+ down to less than 10 tds @40psi and thats how ive done it for a number of years, i just added a booster cause i felt like a changed,yes i do get pure more quickly, but without you still get a good amount

[Shrek]

http://www.daqua.co.uk/ro_systems.htm


40/40 set up  £533 includes vat and delivery

Cheers franky - I think I’d need a booster too as my water is 50 psi

with a low pressure membrane your be ok with 50psi so no pump needed,i was get 300+ down to less than 10 tds @40psi and thats how ive done it for a number of years, i just added a booster cause i felt like a changed,yes i do get pure more quickly, but without you still get a good amount

Cheers pal , much appreciated 👍

[Steve Newres]

Have you noticed how everyone recommended what THEY have.

I have a 4040 and had a Merlin. Personally, if on my own I’d get the Merlin with a pump. Waste isn’t an issue for you. I know I’m the exception but producing around 1,000 litres a day I’ve just installed my third membrane in 16 months of use.

[johnny bravo]

my pressure is very low, around 25, any ideas what my best ro would be,    i use around 400 litres a day,  having to have my 300 ro  on every day, from 9 / 4pm,  with purefreedom booster pump,      i will need to invest in a bigger ro after new year,    any ideas  , i know ill need a big booster pump.

[Frankybadboy]

Have you noticed how everyone recommended what THEY have.

I have a 4040 and had a Merlin. Personally, if on my own I’d get the Merlin with a pump. Waste isn’t an issue for you. I know I’m the exception but producing around 1,000 litres a day I’ve just installed my third membrane in 16 months of use.

if thats reference what i wrote,then the reason i say it is that a mate i helped years a go set up as a merlin and actually i sold him a booster pump for it,so have  a good knowledge of the two systems and also i had a 450 ro system and the best for tds in to tds out is  a 40/40 and is more cost effective than a merlin as having to replace memebranes every 2-3years and produce enough water for two guys working every day

if you didnt get on with a 40;40 and if i remember right you said you replaced the membrane after 6months then you was doing somthing wrong 

[Steve Newres]

Have you noticed how everyone recommended what THEY have.

I have a 4040 and had a Merlin. Personally, if on my own I’d get the Merlin with a pump. Waste isn’t an issue for you. I know I’m the exception but producing around 1,000 litres a day I’ve just installed my third membrane in 16 months of use.

if thats reference what i wrote,then the reason i say it is that a mate i helped years a go set up as a merlin and actually i sold him a booster pump for it,so have  a good knowledge of the two systems and also i had a 450 ro system and the best for tds in to tds out is  a 40/40 and is more cost effective than a merlin as having to replace memebranes every 2-3years and produce enough water for two guys working every day

if you didnt get on with a 40;40 and if i remember right you said you replaced the membrane after 6months then you was doing somthing wrong 

If you can suggest what I might have been doing wrong I'd be glad to hear. Incidentally I got some duff advice from someone who is often recommended on here. One was to only change prefilters when I see a noticeable drop in pressure between prefilters and the other was that a single bang is required to get the 4040 end cap in.

[Don Kee]

my pressure is very low, around 25, any ideas what my best ro would be,    i use around 400 litres a day,  having to have my 300 ro  on every day, from 9 / 4pm,  with purefreedom booster pump,      i will need to invest in a bigger ro after new year,    any ideas  , i know ill need a big booster pump.

You have the aquatec 8800?

Stick another 150gpd membrane on and use the aquatec 8800 at around 80psi to boost your (what would be) 450gpd RO

You’d produce the 400litres yiu need in a day pretty easily. The merlin and 4040 would be a bit overkill for you at the moment imo, save your money for now and upgrade when you need to (I’ve used all 3 ‘versions’)

[Don Kee]

Have you noticed how everyone recommended what THEY have.

I have a 4040 and had a Merlin. Personally, if on my own I’d get the Merlin with a pump. Waste isn’t an issue for you. I know I’m the exception but producing around 1,000 litres a day I’ve just installed my third membrane in 16 months of use.

if thats reference what i wrote,then the reason i say it is that a mate i helped years a go set up as a merlin and actually i sold him a booster pump for it,so have  a good knowledge of the two systems and also i had a 450 ro system and the best for tds in to tds out is  a 40/40 and is more cost effective than a merlin as having to replace memebranes every 2-3years and produce enough water for two guys working every day

if you didnt get on with a 40;40 and if i remember right you said you replaced the membrane after 6months then you was doing somthing wrong 

If you can suggest what I might have been doing wrong I'd be glad to hear. Incidentally I got some duff advice from someone who is often recommended on here. One was to only change prefilters when I see a noticeable drop in pressure between prefilters and the other was that a single bang is required to get the 4040 end cap in.

How do you judge the pressure between your prefilters, do you have a guage in between each filter...?
Are you sure that ‘duff’ advice actually meant inbetween prefilters and membrane...?

I dont tend to see a pressure drop at all, the pumps keeps the pressure pretty constant, I just find I produce pure less quickly when the prefilter/s need changing...

Have you tried a water softener before your RO? What actual prefilters do you have?(i.e is it just a carbon block and chlorine filter?)how high is your tds and do you flush the mebrane much? I’m no RO specialist mind, but I have to agree it is odd you’ve changed your membrane so much...
I would suggest that there’s something in your water content that is killing off the membrane and maybe you need a more content specific prefilter?

Why didn’t you save your money and buy a merlin instead of membranes if they’re that good? I’d have chucked in the bin if I’d had to spend £600 in 18months on membranes.

[Steve Newres]

Have you noticed how everyone recommended what THEY have.

I have a 4040 and had a Merlin. Personally, if on my own I’d get the Merlin with a pump. Waste isn’t an issue for you. I know I’m the exception but producing around 1,000 litres a day I’ve just installed my third membrane in 16 months of use.

if thats reference what i wrote,then the reason i say it is that a mate i helped years a go set up as a merlin and actually i sold him a booster pump for it,so have  a good knowledge of the two systems and also i had a 450 ro system and the best for tds in to tds out is  a 40/40 and is more cost effective than a merlin as having to replace memebranes every 2-3years and produce enough water for two guys working every day

if you didnt get on with a 40;40 and if i remember right you said you replaced the membrane after 6months then you was doing somthing wrong 

If you can suggest what I might have been doing wrong I'd be glad to hear. Incidentally I got some duff advice from someone who is often recommended on here. One was to only change prefilters when I see a noticeable drop in pressure between prefilters and the other was that a single bang is required to get the 4040 end cap in.

How do you judge the pressure between your prefilters, do you have a guage in between each filter...?
Are you sure that ‘duff’ advice actually meant inbetween prefilters and membrane...?

I dont tend to see a pressure drop at all, the pumps keeps the pressure pretty constant, I just find I produce pure less quickly when the prefilter/s need changing...

Have you tried a water softener before your RO? What actual prefilters do you have?(i.e is it just a carbon block and chlorine filter?)how high is your tds and do you flush the mebrane much? I’m no RO specialist mind, but I have to agree it is odd you’ve changed your membrane so much...
I would suggest that there’s something in your water content that is killing off the membrane and maybe you need a more content specific prefilter?

Why didn’t you save your money and buy a merlin instead of membranes if they’re that good? I’d have chucked in the bin if I’d had to spend £600 in 18months on membranes.

The system I got came with a gauge before the first prefilter and after the second.

After the first one went so quickly the advice I got from the supplier was that I wasn’t sending enough to waste and that the pressure was too high out of the second filter as a result of not enough waste.

We produce around 1,000 litres a day I guess on average.

Any suggestions appreciated.

[Steve Newres]

Never flush. Chlorine and carbon filter. Input TDS 280 ish.

[Simon Trapani]

I would guess you’re referring to Gaps Water as I have same sounding setup. Great setup. Membrane has lasted me 7 years. Have switched to a single fibredyne pre filter a couple of years back. Tds in is around 300ppm from memory. Tds out is 14ppm lately due to the colder weather I’m guessing as my production has slowed also. I have an automatic water softener with large vessel & large brine tank also as I managed to send salt through my original membrane when it was only a couple of months old. That was an expensive mistake due to my not switching hoses over on a manual softener.

I regenerate the softener every 1000 litres of pure made. I flush for 3-5 mins or so BEFORE making pure as initial high tds comes down quicker. I also teed off to drain before di resin the first few minutes of pure made as tds is still high.

Also I replaced the John Guest waste valve with a regular gate valve for greater waste control. You gotta find your waste sweet spot. The lowest tds but still giving you enough waste flow over your membrane to keep it from clogging up. I tend to make water at night as water pressure is higher & I marked my sweet spot on the gate valve. Change my pre-filter every 4-6 weeks roughly when tds starts to rise pre di. Roughly use 40-50m3 water a month.

I’m probably due a new membrane soon but not reached that point yet imo. But as mentioned on here on other threads, you can end up spending a lot on pre-filters & salt if too religious with it when it may be better to just buy a new membrane. A new membrane for me though may still not beat my current output.

[Terry A]

Have a look at purefreedom or ring them up.
Always helpful and they sell decent kit.I bought mine from them earlier this year with large booster pump.very pleased.
Regards

Terry