Kit Includes:
- 1x Media Vessel
- 1x Runxin 1" Multiport Backwash Valve & Lateral Drop Tube
- 1x 20kg Bag Filter Sand/Gravel
- 4x 20kg Bags Calcite Filter Media
- Instruction/Warranty Sheet
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This kit has been put together to meet the demands of customers using tank water to address the issues of pH correction (remineralise the water and prevent copper pipe leaching), improved water aesthetics (clarity, tastes & odours), and the sanitation of water to kill bacteria, parasites, and viruses. The issue of acidity is of particular concern for customers with the poly/steel tank + copper pipes combo - this must be addressed in order to prevent copper pipe corrosion and pinhole leaks in your pipework later down the track (which is very costly to fix)!
Diagram of the Twin Whole House Rain Water Treatment System Installed on a Home
(Note: Tank, Pump, Weatherproof UV Enclosure, Single Socket Surge Protector & Bypass Valves not included).
Rain Tank water will always require filtration as it isn't treated like municipal water supplies. In our experience, the most cost-effective and total solution is to use UV Sterilisation, which will ensure 99.9% eradication of all Bacteria, Parasites, and Viruses from your house water supply.
This system is designed to handle high flow with an average household pressure pump system up to 500 kPa (72 psi), so you should not notice any significant reduction in pressure during regular water usage for an average household with a decent pump. Please note: around 344kPa (50 psi) is the ideal minimum pressure required for use with this system - pump pressures lower than 275kPa (40 psi) may cause excessive pressure drop if installed alongside a whole house filtration system (i.e. low water pressure in showers). Please note: Pump not included in kit.
This system is WaterMark Certified to Australian Plumbing Standards (AS/NZS 3497), and will need to be installed by a licensed plumber. Simply order online with free shipping to your home, and once it arrives any local licensed plumber will be able to do the installation (the system also comes with instructions)! When calling around for quotes, be sure to ask about installing a "bypass" so you can still get water into your home when the time comes for filter changes! Normally, a whole house system will be installed after the pump and before the main water line goes into your property. Your plumber will need to source fittings to install the system to your required specifications - because all setups are different, we do not supply fittings with this kit. Please refer to the description for items supplied with this kit. As the blue housing is UV resistant it can be installed in direct sunlight, however, installing the system in the shade or under cover can help prolong the life of the housings. Please note that the UV System (including the Stainless Steel Chamber + Power Supply) is not waterproof and should be protected from the weather/rain/water/moisture at all times. The UV System must also be installed directly into a single socket surge protector before being connected to a 240V 10A General Power Outlet (Power Point). It must be a surge protector - Circuit Breakers and Residual Current Devices (RCDs) are not suitable substitutes as they do not protect the unit from power surges. All aspects of this Water Filtration + UV System Kit must be protected from freezing temperatures at all times.
All Water Filtration Systems included in this package are certified to WaterMark Standards AS/NZS 3497 under Certificate number 23247. WaterMark is the standard that is required by law for a qualified plumber in Australia to install any item on municipal town water. All products used under this certification will give you peace of mind knowing that your water filter complies with Australian plumbing codes. Our WaterMark filtration systems are hand assembled here in Australia and are batch tested to ensure quality and workmanship for your filtration products.
If you have any questions at all regarding the compatibility, installation, items included with each kit, or the added extras, please contact us prior to purchasing.
This media vessel will require a 1-way valve (check valve) installed behind it to avoid negative pressure in the system caused by a sudden backflow of water. It is also recommended that you include an isolation valve for easy maintenance when re-filling the vessel.
GT36-83N - Neoprene UV-Resistant FRP Tank Cover (Recommended)
Constructed with UV-resistant neoprene, this tank cover ensures optimal performance even in the most demanding environments. Whether you need protection against sunlight, extreme temperatures, or other exposure, this cover has got you covered. It effectively shields your tanks from harmful UV rays, preventing degradation and extending their lifespan.
The specially-designed Media Funnel helps you fill the vessel without spilling expensive media, or getting the media stuck inside the drop tube! Use this funnel to save yourself from the hassle of having to try and push the drop tube back down into the dense media (because you've accidentally dropped media inside the tube, and had to pull the tube out to empty it)!
Why do you need a calcite filter for rainwater?
The issue of tank water acidity is of particular concern for customers with the poly/steel tank + copper pipes combo - this must be addressed in order to prevent copper pipe corrosion and pinhole leaks in your pipework later down the track (which is very costly to fix)!
Rain water is commonly known to be in a very acidic state (around a pH of 5) naturally, and it is only when it comes into contact with earth or other organic material that the pH rises to neutral and even alkaline levels. However when you have clean gutters and a new clean poly tank (or a poly-lined steel tank), there is no organic or inorganic matter to dissolve into the water to raise the pH, thus you are left with highly acidic water sitting in your tank. This can cause extensive health issues in the long term, but it may also affect your plumbing work throughout your house. Copper is easily corroded by acidic water - if this is happening in your home, you will notice a blue/green tinge which is a signal that copper is dissolving into your water. Acidic water works its way from the inside out and if left long enough untreated, may cause your entire copper pipework to fail and need replacing.
Have you checked for signs of copper pipe corrosion in your home? Above are some examples of copper pipe corrosion, which is easily detected by the presence of blue-green staining around drains, fixtures and faucets. In the worst-case scenario, copper pipe corrosion will start with pinhole leaks, progress to multiple holes, and will eventually require you to replace the entirety of the copper pipework of your home!
This brings us to the solution to acidic water - the Calcite Filter. The GT1-18 Calcite Vessel filter features two stages of filtration:
The drop tube is pre-cut to length and fits snugly in the centre hole of the vessel (there is a port at the bottom of the vessel that the drop tube will sit in snugly). There will be no need to cut the drop tube. The system is also fitted with a Manual Multi-Port Valve for easy and efficient backwashing of the system, again, saving you time and effort in maintaining the system.
Do I need Magnesium pH Booster Filter Media?Please contact us prior to ordering pH Booster Filter Media. This will ensure that you are receiving the correct product for your intended purpose.
If you are considering a Calcite Vessel as part of your tank filtration set up AND the pH of your tank water is below pH. 5, you may need to add pH Booster Filter Media (Magnesium) to get the correct final pH. Adding pH Booster Filter Media to water with a pH below 5 alters the water chemistry to enable the uptake of Calcite (Calcium). For this intended use you will see the pH range anywhere from ph. 7-8 or higher depending on the pH of the incoming water. Note: when using magnesium as a pH booster, the pH will likely be above 8 when the media is new and will gradually lower over time. We recommend that you buy a spare bag of Magnesium pH Booster with your order so you have it on hand for when you need to top up the filter.
Please note that magnesium can leave a slight residual metallic taste in the water. This taste is easily removed by carbon post-filtration (included in this kit) which will produce clean, sweet-tasting water.
Using Magnesium & Calcite Together + Maintenance/Refill Instructions
Calcite and Magnesium are two common types of filter media used for pH adjustments in Rain or Bore Water. These types of media will slowly dissolve into the water over time which will mean that they require replenishment to maintain high flow rate capacity.
Customise your filter system set up to suit your unique needs. Please read the below for a full breakdown of which filters to choose, and why*.
Tank and bore** water are often contaminated with sticks, leaves, and rock sediment. In some cases, finely dissolved matter can even cause visible discolouration, build-up and staining, along with a foul taste and odour - and even a gritty texture in some rare cases! Installing a sediment filter also helps protect your pipes and carbon filters from getting blocked up with ultra-fine silt, whilst also preventing damage to the glass internals of the UV system.
Pleated filters carry a much larger surface area than polyspun filters, and therefore they are able to catch a lot more debris. Simply remove the filter, clean, and re-use! Very popular for tank water when you have a lot of debris like leaves and dirt, particularly after a fresh rain. Pleated filters are also useful for bore water when you have a small amount of iron or manganese present, as pleated filters are easy and quick to clean. The washable pleats on this filter are designed to be washed and reinstalled. However, please consider that if this is drinking water you need to be careful not to overuse a pleated filter, because it will eventually gather bacterial contaminants and incur micro-tears. If the water isn't all that bad you might want to consider using a polyspun disposable filter and replace it when dirty.
Pleated Filter Options:
Poly Spun filters produce a high flow and low pressure drop, and do not accumulate bacteria as much as other materials. They are highly cost-effective and disposable. All of our poly spun filters are made of 100% Virgin Polypropylene. Polyspun filters are manufactured to create a gradient density that allows for excellent sediment-holding capacity and filtration efficiency.
Polyspun Filter Options:
The perfect carbon block filter is made from 100% Coconut Shell Carbon, which creates what many believe to be the sweetest tasting water. The unique pore structure of this carbon is well suited for chemical absorption, including VOC's, while reducing chlorine and chemicals that contribute to taste and odour. Coconut Carbon provides a much higher volume of micropores than coal, wood, or lignite-based carbon, thus, resulting in a more effective removal of chemical contaminants such as trihalomethanes (THMs) in Chlorinated sources. The larger surface area provides a more effective method of filtering common contaminants such as chlorine, tastes and odour molecules. The unique raw material of the coconut shell and the carbon manufacturing process ensures exceptional hardness and low ash content.
Pure Brand's 100% Coconut Carbon Block Filters are made from a combination of high-performance coconut shell carbon, unique binders, and industry-leading manufacturing processes to deliver supreme-quality filtration. Expertly designed and manufactured, these filters deliver exceptionally low-pressure drop, resistance to sediment build-up, and excellent contaminant-reduction capabilities. Pure Carbon Blocks are registered in compliance with NSF/ANSI 42, 53, and 61 for several things, including VOCs, THMs, Lead & Heavy Metal Reduction, Chloramine Reduction & Chlorine Taste & Odour reduction. This also includes meeting incredibly high standards of purity and safety in the materials used.
Please see below for a full comparison of our range of Carbon Filters:
Chlorine is generally the biggest concern for those on municipal water or those who use chlorine to disinfect their tanks, due to the offensive chemical smell and taste it produces, along with potential health effects resulting from topical exposure or consumption. Whilst Chlorine is effective at sanitising bacteria and viruses, Volatile Organic Compounds and Disinfection By-Products such as Trihalomethanes (THM) and Chloroform can form when chlorine reacts with oxygen and other chemicals in solution. The Chlorine, Taste, and Odour cartridge will provide you with clean, great-tasting water free from nasty chemicals and remove or reduce any chemical smells in the water caused by free chlorine.
Bore/Tank Water** Filter Combo Example*:
Filter 1: 5 Micron Pleated OR 5 Micron Poly Spun Sediment Filter
Filter 2: 5 Micron CTO Carbon
Filter 3: Ultraviolet Treatment
So, how does Silver Impregnation inhibit the growth of bacteria in a carbon filter? When bacteria come into contact with silver, the silver ions puncture the bacteria's cell membrane and wreak havoc by binding to and denaturing the bacteria's DNA. The sulphydryl group already within the bacterial cell also reacts with the silver, producing a silver sulphur complex that immobilises the respiratory and reproductive activity of the bacterial cell. Interestingly, Silver Impregnation has an incredibly long-lasting effect, as the dead bacteria then leach the silver molecules back into their environment, effectively killing neighbouring live bacteria as they die.
Dead bacteria store the microscopic silver particles within their cells (see above image of dead bacteria with silver nanoparticles (white spots)), making them deadly to live bacteria.
(Source: "Antibacterial Activity of Silver-Killed Bacteria: The "Zombie" Effect" (2015), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25906433/).
Tank Water/BoreWater** Filter Combo Example* (Only Recommended Over 50 psi/344 kPa Pump Pressure):
Filter 1: 5 Micron Pleated OR 5 Micron Poly Spun Sediment Filter
Filter 3: 0.5 Micron Silver Impregnated Carbon
Filter 3: Ultraviolet Treatment
OR
Bore/Tank Water** Filter Combo Example*:
Filter 1: 5 Micron Pleated OR 5 Micron Poly Spun Sediment Filter
Filter 2: 5 Micron Silver Impregnated Carbon
Filter 3: Ultraviolet Treatment
On the basis of local and atmospheric contamination, it is not uncommon to have elevated heavy metal levels in rainwater supplies.
Constant exposure to heavy metals combined with the different chemicals being used to treat our water supplies can have serious health effects, and can also cause severe plumbing problems within our homes. Rainwater (acidic pH) and chlorine/chloramine treated water (basic pH) both tend to be quite corrosive, and this can wreak havoc on the internal plumbing and fixtures within old municipalities and even the copper and brass fixtures in your home (which fittings may contain traces of lead)! The chemical quality of rainwater can also be negatively impacted for those living near heavy industry or in areas with heavy traffic emissions. For example, rainwater samples in Port Pirie, South Australia, (which has one of the world’s largest lead smelters), have been found to contain levels of heavy metals such as lead that exceed Australian Drinking Water Guidelines by up to ten times! (Even bushfire can contaminate rainwater, in which case you'll need to have your tanks cleaned out!)
This cartridge is perfectly suited to reducing trace heavy metals that may be present in your water. The technologically-advanced Lead Reduction Cartridge is impregnated with BASF ATS Lead and Heavy Metals Adsorbent Media, which features a high capacity for the reduction of Lead and other heavy metals such as Arsenic, Chrome, Copper etc., along with the usual benefits of carbon in the reduction of Chlorine, Volatile Organic Compounds, and Trihalomethanes.
Tank Water/BoreWater** Filter Combo Example* (Only Recommended Over 50 psi/344 kPa Pump Pressure):
Filter 1: 5 Micron Pleated OR 5 Micron Poly Spun Sediment Filter
Filter 2: 0.5 Micron Lead Reduction Carbon Block
Filter 3: Ultraviolet Treatment
Surface Modification Carbon uses a unique blend of highly reactive catalytic coconut carbon with the highest performance reduction technology. SMC filters are the best type of cartridges to reduce water discolouration, including rust and most tannins. Surface Modification Filters are commonly referred to as ‘Tannin Removal Filters’. Also filters Chlorine.
A Note on Treating Tannin:
Tannin removal can be a bit hit and miss - usually carbon will remove most of the tannin, but sometimes it doesn’t. Because of this, we normally recommend doing a small scale “litmus test” with a cheap carbon filter to see if this makes a difference to the colour. If it works, then we can be more certain that you will get a good result with a standard carbon filter, and a great result with this 0.5 Micron SMC Tannin Reduction filter! Please contact us before purchasing this filter if you are unsure about the source of colour in your water, so that we can help you with the right recommendation to get the best result!
Tannin Reduction Filter Combo Example* (For Tank/Bore**) (Recommended Over 50 psi/344 kPa Pump Pressure):
Filter 1: 5 Micron Pleated OR 5 Micron Poly Spun Sediment Filter
Filter 2: 0.5 Micron Tannin Reduction Carbon Block
Filter 3: Ultraviolet Treatment
Whilst many people enjoy the sweet taste of rainwater, we cannot stress enough that drinking raw, untreated water from a tank is a very bad idea! Scarily, in Australia the general public perception is that rainwater is pure, clean, and safe to drink - but according to the Australian Environmental Health committee’s Guidance of the Use of Rainwater tanks, the fact is that the microbial quality of tank-collected rainwater is typically WORSE than regular urban tap water!
Raw, untreated water contains a microbiologically sickening soup of bacteria, viruses & parasites that inevitably make their way into your tank from disease-spreading insects such as blood-sucking mosquitoes, the excrement and decaying carcasses of frogs, snakes, rodents, and possums that commonly live in and around tanks, and the droppings from bats and birds flying overhead! Also consider that bacteria tend to proliferate in moist and warm environments - meaning that warmer weather, in particular, has the tendency to turn your tank into a putrified bacterial breeding ground. E.Coli, Salmonella, Legionella & P. Aeruginosa are some of the more common pathogenic bacteria found in rainwater tanks, whilst Cryptosporidium and Giardia Cysts are the most common rainwater tank parasites. All of these pathogens are a common cause of Gastro!
Cryptosporidiosis & Giardiasis are common causes of gastro illness in humans and animals!
(Image Sources: Shutterstock.com)
Thus, whilst rainwater may smell odourless, taste great, and look clean and clear to the naked eye, with the human senses alone, you simply cannot tell what potentially harmful microscopic contaminants could be lurking in your tank water (even after filtering the water with carbon) – and you certainly don’t want to be drinking it!
UV Water Sanitation is by far the most important filtration process when it comes to rainwater treatment. Ultraviolet sanitation works by breaking down the cell wall of micro-organisms (bacteria, parasites, viruses, fungi & yeast), allowing oxidation to occur which in turn prevents the microbe from multiplying until it is finally eradicated. Ultraviolet filtration is a chemical-free solution to water sanitation, creating no by-products in the water, and is recommended by the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines as a safe, effective and chemical-free water disinfection technique:
A comparison of Drinking Water Disinfection Methods approved for use in Australia under the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (Version 3.7, 2022))
(Source: NRMMC (2011) Australian Drinking Water Guidelines Paper 6 National Water Quality Management Strategy. National Health and Medical Research Council, National Resource Management Ministerial Council, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra, pp. 214.)
How can you tell if a 50 Litres Per Minute UV System is suitable for your needs? Please see the below infographic:
Installation Requirements
Ultraviolet systems are rated based on a dosage level of UV-C radiation into the water (mJ/cm²), with 30mJ/cm² being the standard level of disinfection and a minimum dose of 40mJ/cm² required to comply with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. Our lamps are rated with a 9000 hour (1 year) lifespan, after which point the lamp will naturally degrade and the level of radiation produced by the lamp cannot be guaranteed.
The UV lamp sits inside a quartz thimble, which protects the electrical components of the lamp from making contact with the water. We specifically use quartz (fused silica) for this application because it is strong, exhibits thermal resistance, and has excellent UV transmission properties. However, over time, metal ions fused within the silica structure of the quartz thimble interfere with the UV-C radiation produced by the lamp, which reduces the UV transparency of the glass and causes it to become fragile. This process is called solarization. Tannin, bio-film, algae, and scale can also build up on the outside of the glass thimble, further preventing ultraviolet light produced by the lamp from penetrating through the thimble, and impairing the system's ability to sanitise the water passing through. It is recommended to clean the thimble periodically (every 3-6 months with alcohol or a mild detergent.
Thus, we recommend replacing the lamp every 12 months, and the thimble every 1-2 years.
GT7-9K UV System Replacement Parts:
As UV is a point of use (non-residual) form of water sanitation, we strongly recommend dosing your tank with a product such as Hydrosil Ultra 7.5% Water Sanitiser upon installation of your Whole House UV System, to ensure full protection against bacterial and fungal contamination/biofouling/biofilm build-up in your pipework and/or filter system.
HydroSil is a food-grade silver and hydrogen-peroxide based water sanitiser, which acts to oxidise bacteria and fungi without leaving any dangerous residues behind. HydroSil sanitizes and protects your tanks and filtration devices to help make your tank water safe for human consumption. HydroSil is not a chlorine-based chemical like most sterilizers on the market today. It is non-toxic, and safe to use around your home and family.
Dosage Instructions for the Initial Treatment Immediately Prior to System Installation:
About Bore Water
Bore water will always require filtration, as whilst you would think it is “naturally purified” to some extent as the water seeps through the aquifer via various layers of bedrock, this water is highly susceptible to contamination by bacteria, viruses, parasites (see: Brain-Eating Parasites), sewerage (think human excrement, cleaning and bathing products), chemicals, fertilisers, pesticides, minerals, heavy metals (such as lead, zinc, chromium, copper, cadmium, arsenic and nickel), and sometimes even radioactive elements (such as uranium) from both natural sources and human activity. As with rainwater treatment, the most cost-effective solution is typically to use 5 Micron Carbon Filtration in combination with UV Sterilisation to ensure 99.9% eradication of all parasites, bacteria, viruses. However, this system is not always a "total fix", as bore water chemistry is incredibly complex, and sometimes may not even be treatable. Yet another common misconception we often encounter is that carbon can filter out anything and everything – but unfortunately, carbon doesn’t kill bacteria or remove minerals, salts and other such dissolved inorganic substances!
We STRONGLY recommend that you get your bore water tested to determine if there are any underlying issues in the water chemistry of your bore, before you make any purchases or try to filter it. If you have not had your water tested yet and would like to get this done, please contact us to have your bore water analysed.
Suits:Bore, Tank, Dam or Town water
Size: 20" x 4.5"
Ports:1" Ports
Max Flow:60 Ltrs/min (tested to 120 Ltrs/min)
Suits: Bore, Tank, Dam Water
Size: 52" x 12"
Ports: 1"
Functions: Filter, Fast Rinse, Backwash
Working Range: 5.4 - 6.8 pH
(Supplementary Filter media is required for water less than 5.4 pH - Please contact us for details)
Max Flow 50L/Min (For 30mJ/cm² EOL)
Voltage 230-240V
Chamber 316 SS
Ports Size 1” BSP
Max Pressure 125 psi
Working Pressure Up To 70psi
UV Lamp GT7-9K-Lamp
Lamp Power 40W
Lamp Length 840mm
Thimble Length 895mm
Thimble OD 23mm
Thimble GT7-9K-Thimble
Ballast GT7-8K-PS
Length 900mm (Without Plug)
Between Ports 780mm
Earthing: Before operating this unit, it must be earthed. Simply attach the supplied earthing cable connected to the chamber to an earthing rod.
UV systems are not designed to be turned on and off. Doing this may shorten your lamp life. Lamps should be changed every year. The lamp may still be working, but after 1 year, the power may not be able to kill all bacteria. The Quartz thimble should be replaced every 2 years. If hardness is high it is recommended to service and clean the UV thimble every 6 months or as required to remove and scale that may build up.
General Disinfection (Common) 30mJ/cm²
Flow Rate Maximum (EOL) 50L/min
Recommended for Drinking Water 40mJ/cm²
Flow Rate Maximum (EOL) 37L/min
UV System Maintenence Notes:
Ultraviolet systems are rated based on a dosage level of UV-C radiation into the water (mJ/cm²), with 30mJ/cm² being the standard level of disinfection and a minimum dose of 40mJ/cm² required to comply with Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. Our lamps are rated with a 9000 hour (1 year) lifespan, after which point the lamp will naturally degrade and the level of radiation produced by the lamp cannot be guaranteed.
The UV lamp sits inside a quartz thimble, which protects the electrical components of the lamp from making contact with the water. We specifically use quartz (fused silica) for this application because it is strong, exhibits thermal resistance, and has excellent UV transmission properties.
However, over time, metal ions fused within the silica structure of the quartz thimble interfere with the UV-C radiation produced by the lamp, which reduces the UV transparency of the glass and causes it to become fragile. This process is called solarization.
Tannin, bio-film, algae, and scale can also build up on the outside of the glass thimble, further preventing ultraviolet light produced by the lamp from penetrating through the thimble, and impairing the system's ability to sanitize the water passing through.
Thus, we recommend replacing the lamp every 12 months, and the thimble every 1-2 years.
Due to the nature of the products we sell, a strict return policy is in place. We work with food grade certified materials that must be un-opened and un-used as to be able to be re-sold.
You may receive a refund or credit of equal amount, less the restocking fee if applicable and any other deductions that are relevant.
If you have any questions about our return policy, please contact us before purchase. This will also help to ensure you purchase the correct product that suits your requirements.
Other than pH testing, what warning signs do I look for if I suspect that my rain water tank is acidic?
Acidic water can have a few different warning signs. The main offender is any green or bluish staining around fixtures or discoloration in the water itself. This green residue is the copper that was once present in your plumbing (or fixture) that has been dissolved into your water due to a low pH. In some cases, some people have actually had their hair turn green due to the high levels of copper in the water. At the high end of this, people have become sick due to the levels of copper that they are drinking in their water. A pH test is highly important, especially if you have copper plumbing or fixtures.
How do I test my rain water pH?
pH test strips are the best way of determining an accurate pH. When testing this, you must ensure that your pH test strips are high range i.e. they go from at least 4-10 pH. People will commonly go to a pool shop or use pool test equipment which is handy, however the pH range is usually 6.2 and up.
It is vital that you have an accurate pH reading to determine whether or not Calcite alone is enough to treat the water. If your pH is lower than 6.2 it is highly important you treat the water to avoid damage to your plumbing and also your health.
What is the maintenance with a Calcite Filter?
The calcite filter will slowly over time introduce trace amounts of calcium into your water (5-20ppm) which is enough to elevate your pH from acidic to a neutral state.
In doing this, the filter media itself literally dissolves so will need to be topped up eventually.
To determine when you need to top up the filter, simply test your pH, if you get a reading of 7pH or more, the filter is working fine. However, if the pH drops under 6.8 pH, you will require a top up of calcite into the filter. Usually an average house will go through anywhere between half, to 1 ½ bags of calcite per 12 months, obviously this can vary due to water usage and pH. When you top up the calcite filter, you will need to give it a quick backwash to remove any calcite dust. Flush the filter until the water runs clear then the filter is ready for use.
Do I require any other filtration in conjunction with a calcite filter?
As the calcite filter already includes a manual backwash head, you will not require a sediment filter after it as you can wash the filter until the water runs clear. However, if you are on tank water, we strongly advise that you have standard filtration accompanied with Ultraviolet Sanitation. All tank water should be filtered.
Is everything supplied with the system, or do I need to purchase anything extra?
The Calcite Filter is supplied with filter gravel, and Calcite marble for the filtration. Usually a plumber will conduct the installation, in which case the plumber should supply any additional fittings or pipe needed for your specific installation.
There is 1 Key item you will need to ensure is purchased/installed.
1. One-way Check Valve (Non Return Valve): This is to ensure that no back flow occurs in the event that the water somehow vacuums backwards through the vessel. If this occurs, there may be enough negative pressure to cave in the filter vessel.
Will a Calcite Filter work on pH lower than 6?
Calcite filter media has an effective pH range between 5.2 and 6.8 pH. This pH range is the most common that you will find in domestic tank water.
However if you have very clean tanks and gutters, you may have a pH that is below 5.2 in which case Calcite on its own will not work. The solution to this is to use a Magnesium Oxide media which dissolves in all acidic pH ranges, giving the pH a “Jump Start” so that the calcite can take over. This is the same media we use in our “High Alkaline” Water filters.
What is the recommended dosage rate of HydroSil-ULTRA for different applications?
As an initial treatment for bacteria and viruses you will need 200mL / 1000L. To put that into perspective for rain water tanks.
1L HydroSil-ULTRA = 5000L Water
5L HydroSil-ULTRA = 25,000L Water
20L HydroSil-ULTRA = 100,000L Water
This dosage rate will give the tank a high initial dosage to saturate the tank and oxygenate the water. It is enough to kill 99.99% of harmful bacteria and viruses in the water.
HydroSil-ULTRA will remain in the water as a residual for a period of 30-90 Days (depending on the water quality). Once the residual clears, it is time to re-dose the tank at ½” the initial rate (i.e. 100mL / 1000L) to ensure that your water tank stays oxygenated and free from harmful bacteria and viruses.
Can I test the water accurately to know when I need to re-dose?
We have Peroxide Test Strips in stock that accurately measure the concentration of peroxide (ppm) in the water. As a general rule, once there is no colour change in the strips (<0.5 ppm) you are due to re-dose the tank at 100mL / 1000L.
There are similar products on the market that recommend a much lower dosage rate compared to HydroSil-ULTRA, why is this?
Other Hydrogen Peroxide sanitisers (7.8%) on the market recommend a lower dosage rate mainly due to cost. Silver Stabilised Hydrogen Peroxide is a fairly expensive compound to manufacture correctly and requires the highest quality materials and base ingredients. Due to the expense of the product, to make it more attractive to customers, a lower dosage is recommended to lessen the expense to the customer. In reality, this can be dangerous as you may not be protected from harmful bacteria which require a minimum dosage of 100mL/1000L. As we are the Australian Distributor for HydroSil-ULTRA, we have a much more affordable price to offer to the consumer to keep costs down without endangering customers due to under dosage.
Will HydroSil-ULTRA Kill Giardia?
Giardia is a serious issue in tank water and is something that needs to be addressed urgently, especially for the elderly or young children.
To kill Giardia using HydroSil-ULTRA you will require a concentrated dosage of 400mL/1000L of water (double the recommended dosage). As Giardia is not a bacteria or virus (it’s a parasite) it takes longer for the peroxide to penetrate the protective outer layer. Once the layer is breached the parasite will die in the oxygenated water. Ideally, we recommend that you
How do I know what size UV system I need?
Ultraviolet Sanitation Systems are commonly graded based on a pre-requisite water assessment (TDS, Turbidity and Pre-Filtration), and a Peak Flow Rate. There are 4 Main types of UV Systems for domestic use. Firstly, there is Undersink or Drinking Water applications; These systems tend to be quite compact which is convenient due to space requirements. The flow rate on these systems range from 3-6L per minute which is suitable for use with a Drinking Water Faucet Tap. Next, you have the Small Home or Caravan/Granny Flat Size UV which is capable of up to 30L/Min (Or 2-3 Outlets running simultaneously). While this sized system is a great way to help budget your water filtration & Sanitation, you need to ensure that your flow rate does not exceed 30L/Min. The most common UV system you will come across is the Whole House Water Sanitation System which utilises a 40W globe to run up to 50L/Min. This system is enough to cover most domestic applications on houses with 2 bathrooms and kitchen. When a more commercial type application is needed, say for a block of Cabins or multiple houses, a Semi-Commercial Sanitation Unit Is required to achieve the peak flow rate between 90 and 200L/Min.
Does UV require Power to run?
Yes, the UV systems will require standard Australian 240V power supply to run. The ballast is a multi-level unit capable of powering systems from 10W up to 40W. It is recommended to leave the UV running at all times, when the UV light is turned off repeatedly, the life of the lamp may be reduced and rendered ineffective. It is also required that the UV is connected to the power via a surge protector.
What is the UV Filter made from?
Our UV systems are made from Industrial Grade, Certified 316 Stainless Steel. Many Australian suppliers elect for the cheaper 304 grade to minimise their cost, and still charge a premium price.
Does the UV system require servicing and is it DIY?
The UV lamp itself has an effective lamp life of 12 months or 9000 Hours. Replacing the lamp is a few simple steps: Firstly, turn off the power. Remove the rubber boot and slide out the UV tube, replace with the new tube, re-insert into the UV system then turn the power back on. Ensure that the lamp does fire correctly then the system is ready for service once more. The Quartz Thimble which encases the UV lamp and seals the water does require servicing also. We recommend that a licenced plumber conducts this as it involved un-installing the glass thimble. Over time, you may get Scale & Sediment build up on the quarts which can inhibit the effectiveness of the UV lamp. Clean this thimble using mentholated spirits and a new microfiber cloth, then rinse with water. NOTE: try not to get water inside the tube during this process. The UV Thimble is recommended to be replaced every 2 Years.
Does the UV system go BEFORE or AFTER standard filtration?
The UV system must be installed AFTER standard filtration. This helps to ensure that the prerequisite water parameters are met for the UV lamp to work effectively.
Is there anything else I need to do when installing a UV water filter for Whole House?
Ultraviolet Sanitation Systems will only be effective at treating the water that passes through the chamber. It is possible that there are traces of bacteria and viruses that are already present within your house and plumbing, mainly around fixtures and anywhere close to open air. We recommend as a precautionary measure to dose your water tank with HydroSil Water sanitiser and then opening up numerous taps around the house to allow the HydroSil to flow to all areas of the house, killing any residual bacteria and viruses that can be found in the house. You can then safely install your UV system, knowing full well that your water will now be 100% Bacteria and Virus Free.