Reverse Osmosis for Koi Ponds Explained
What is a Reverse Osmosis System?
The Koi Carp Reverse Osmosis System for koi ponds will remove 95-99% of all the contaminants from raw tap water. With a Reverse Osmosis System you can simply create your own water make up for your koi pond!
How does Reverse Osmosis work
Reverse Osmosis Systems employ a semi permeable membrane that removes not only particles but also an extremely high percentage of dissolved contaminants-molecule by molecule- from raw tap water.
What is the Membrane and how does it work?
The membrane consists of several thin layers or sheets of film that are bonded together and rolled in a spiral configuration around a plastic tube (This is also known as a thin film composite or TFC membrane.) The material of the membrane is semi permeable: which means it allows water molecules to pass through while acting as a barrier to dissolved solids (i.e.: mineral and chemical contaminants). When the feed water stream passes across the surface of the membrane, the molecules penetrate the membrane surface, working their way around the spiral and collecting in the centre tube. The remaining contaminants are concentrated and washed from the surface of the membrane down the drain.
What is Osmosis?
Assume a membrane is semi permeable, allowing water to pass through while being closed to dissolved salts. Place a membrane between two compartments in a container then place a salt solution in one half of the container and pure water in the other half. Now a fundamental scientific principle comes into play. That is, two different concentrations of liquids within the same system will try to reach equilibrium (i.e. the same concentration of contaminants) on both sides of the membrane. Of course the only way for this to happen is for pure water to pass through the membrane to the salt water side in an attempt to reach equilibrium this is called Osmosis.
What is Reverse Osmosis?
Reverse Osmosis is the reversal of the natural flow of osmosis. In a water purification system, the goal is not to dilute the salt solution, but to separate the pure water from the salt and other contaminants. When the natural osmotic flow is reversed, water from the salt solution is forced through the membrane in the opposite direction by application of pressure-thus the term Reverse Osmosis. Through this process, we are able to produce pure water by screening out the salts and other contaminants.
What is the actual process of a Reverse Osmosis System?
The raw tap water first flows through a 5 micron polypropylene sediment filter, to remove dirt, rust and other sediment. The water then flows into a granular activated carbon cartridge filter, which takes out 98% of the chlorine and organic chemicals. The next stage of the process is the carbon block filter, to filter multi-chemical compounds and suspension out of the water. The next process is the reverse osmosis membrane (TFC), which separates 95-99% of the dissolved contaminants from the water molecules. The contaminants are then washed down the drain. The final stage of the RO series process is a small carbon filter; this removes the remaining traces of chemicals
What factors affect the quantity and the quality of the water produced?
There are four major variables to consider:
1. PRESSURE. The greater the water pressure, the better the quantity and quality of the water produced. Water pressure of 80 psi is ideal; we supply systems with and without booster pumps for both adequate and low-pressure installations.
2. TEMPERATURE. 24 degree centigrade is the ideal water temperature for R.O. systems, any reduction in water temperature will cause the production of purified water to fall. The maximum water temperature recommended is 29 degree centigrade.
3. TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS (TDS). The higher the amount of dissolved contaminants in the water, the lower the quantity of water produced. A high level of *TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS can be overcome with additional water pressure.
4. MEMBRANES. These are rated at various flow rates.
What Warranty do I get with my R O System?
The RO System (excluding filters) is guaranteed for 1 year for material and workmanship defects. All defective parts will be replaced free within the first year.
What is the maintenance schedule for the RO System?
The three pre-filter cartridges should be changed every 6 months. The first is a 5 Micron Polypropylene Sediment Filter. The second is a Granular Activated Carbon Filter. The third is an Extruded Carbon Block Filter. Failure to change the Filters every 6 months may allow chlorine to destroy the membrane. Depending upon the water it is treating, the Thin Film Composite membrane has a life expectancy of 2 to 3 years. The Post Carbon Filter should be changed every 12 months.
When should the membrane be changed?
One indication is a gradual reduction in water production caused by a layering of minerals and salts on the membrane surface. Another is a gradual deterioration in the quality of water being produced. This might mean the R.O. membrane is disintegrating and requires replacement.
(Note: Our Total Dissolved Water Quality Tester can test the water and tell you when you should change the R.O. membrane).
What contaminants does Reverse Osmosis Remove?
The Koi Carp RO System contains a combination of filters which between them remove more than 98% of organic chemicals from the water.
These include THMs(chloroform), DBCP, lindane, TCEs(trichloroethylene), PCEs(tetrachloroethylene), carbon tetrachloride chlorine, In addition to these organic chemicals, below is a partial list of other contaminants removed by the F.C.S. TFC membrane. The percentage of removal shown below is a conservative estimate.