Aquasafe RO taste/odor filter
 

Just wondering if anyone else is using this filter with their unit. It is the smallest one on the top. Use it or lose it? Thanks!

Use it.

Is it just another carbon filter?

I ditched mine.

I believe it's another carbon filter. We use our filter to supply drinking water, so I keep it in line. A line tees off and goes through the DI canister for aquarium water.

You only need it if you are using the Aquasafe to make drinking water. It shouldn't really be called a "filter" because it re-mineralizes the water post-DI - Aquasafe calls it the "taste cartridge" because pure DI water tastes like crap. What's inside is dried coconut husks.

If you are not making drinking water do not use it since it will increase your TDS because that's its job.

I believe it's coconut shell carbon.

OK I will definately toss it, Im glad I asked. Thanks everyone

found it raises your TDS back up

does anybody know the replacement interval on this filter? cant find anything on google. The only results I have found are saying replace it every couple months ? ?

from a old e-mail from Aqua-safe:

When to change the filters:
PRE FILTERS: We recommend changing the Pre filters every 6 or 12 months depending on use. If your average use is approx 2-3 gallons a day then you would change them every 12 months, if your average use is approx 5-6 gallons a day then you would change them every 6 months. or Adjust accordingly for a higher average use ie. for 300 gallons a month you would need to change the filters every 3 months.

POST FILTER: The Post Carbon Final filter for taste and odor only needs to be changed ever other time from the Pre filters.

DI FILTER (Maximus and Aquarium model only): If you have a DI filter (Refillable Clear Canister with DI Resin beads) you change it when the DI completely exhausts (changes color), how long it lasts varies from system to system depending on your use and TDS. If you have the older style white disposable DI filter you change it when the water starts tasting funny or the TDS goes up.
The 6oz DI canister lasts the average family approx 3-4 months.

RO MEMBRANE: The membrane generally lasts 2-5 years. We recommend manually flushing the membrane once a month along with changing the filters every 6-12 months to prolong the life of the membrane.

That depends on how much water you're making and the initial quality of the tap water. In Vancouver where the TDS hovers around 10 ppm people can get away with not changing filters for many months. Calgary has a much higher TDS so you would definitely have to change filters at least every couple of months to maintain the best results.

Having a TDS meter gives you an idea of how clogged things are.