@Perry since you’ve done some research can you explain the difference between catalytic carbon and the other type? What do I want to run in my RO system to combat cloramines?
Hey bud,
Based on what I can gather, I am not a chemist, scientist, biologist, nothing at all like that :) That said, I have concerns with my water based on something non reef related. In our home, we do not drink tap water, we do not drink bottled water, we use a gravity filter made by Berkey Systems, which is designed to take out everything bad in our drinking water, and capable of being used with water from a pond, rainwater, dysentery water, essentially a filter that takes out all the that we do not want to drink in our home. We upgraded our filters to include sodium flouride attachments which remove that as well. So, not a water expert by any means, but as it pertains to my drinking water, as well as reef water, obviously I go to great efforts to understand the importance of quality, purified water.
So, to understand the recent efforts to know more, I look back in my memory bank, and try and remember anything significant that would allow chlorine past my reef water. I do recall a few times per year where the water seems very carbonated while filling the vessel(1 gallon pitcher) that we use to fill the Berkey system, also, a very heavy smell of chlorine during these times. The pitcher we use to fill would look cloudy, like massive micro bubbling, really weird, my wife would always come and get me and ask what is this each time it occurred. We would always laugh it off like, "glad we have a Berkey". Understanding the way the local water works, is not something I ever gave tons of thought too, I always thought that my 4 stage filter would handle anything, and so long as TDS registered 0.00, no harm no foul. I am certain regular carbon, in most cases can handle chlorine or chloramines. However, I have come to realize that municipalities usually do blasts as well, periods or events where they send larger than normal amounts of chlorine's and chloramine's to counter anything in the water supply. However, if for whatever reason, you happen to be making water during these times, it would be possible to expire these filters quickly, thus making them susceptible to leaching in later use, prior to changing out these carbon filters. From my understanding, catalytic carbon is more efficient at chloramines, but also works well on chlorines.
I know this is long winded, and I apologize, for that. These signs were in front of me, and maybe this is the nudge I need to call the municipality and ask that before blasts are made, could they contact or message me accordingly. Also, reading the report thoroughly provided by our local municipality is as important as the ICP analysis we do so often as reef keepers. I am amazed at the quality of our tap, that said, I also understand the need to use chemicals for safe consumption. The main thing to consider, as to why I do not drink or choose to use tap for myself or reef, is by and large based on what happens from the plant, to my house.
Cheers
