Activate Charcoal & Water Softener System . . .

[bekko]

That is very slick Don. But why does the activated carbon need to be backflushed? Also, what is KD-55 and why do you need it for chlorine removal when the activated carbon is doing the same thing?

-steve

[KoiCop]

Hello Steve . . .

Good questions.

We're trying something new by using KDF-55 media (a mixture of granulated copper and zinc-based alloys) in this application; if it works out, it'll be money in the bank.

Below is some promotional KDF literature from their website.

The -55 media is for chlorine and heavy metals.

We'll be testing for trace copper residue, etc., before any water from the system enters the pond. I've been told that the AC after the KDF will remove all traces of the metals.

After all, we don't want to poison the koi.

Right now, we're just running the system to waste to break it in and get rid of any factory fines, trace mfg. chemicals, etc.

This is the Copper Test Kit we've ordered from AES:

Copper Test Kit by LaMotte®

Copper as copper sulfate is often used in fish culture as an algaecide, but it can be lethal to fish at low levels, especially with low pH and alkalinity levels. It can be very toxic to juvenile clams and other invertebrates, particularly saltwater species. Testing takes one minute. Range: .05 to .5 mg/liter.

Click image to view larger image

Don't worry: If there is any trace copper in the output, we'll dump the KDF-55 and refill with 100% AC.

PS: Regular backwashing is designed to flush sediments and precipitates to waste.
_____

What are KDF® Process Media
and how do they work?

KDF® Process Media are high-purity, granulated copper and zinc-based alloys that treat water through a process based upon the principle of redox (Oxidation-Reduction). Originally, KDF was shorthand for Kinetic Degradation Fluxion.

We can explain redox like this: KDF Fluid Treatment’s unique combination of copper and zinc creates an electro-chemical reaction. During this reaction, electrons are transferred between molecules, and new elements are created. Some harmful contaminants are changed into harmless components. Free chlorine, for instance, is changed into benign, water-soluble chloride, which is then carried harmlessly through the water supply. Similarly, some heavy metals such as copper, lead, mercury and others, react to plate out onto the medium’s surface, thus being effectively removed from the water supply.

Why use KDF Process Media?

The marketplace is filled with good water filtration/purification systems and technologies (We should know—many of those manufacturers are some of our best customers.)

So…why consider using KDF Process Media? We can give you two good reasons (See "Benefits of KDF Process Media" below).

One: Because KDF Process Media enhance the performance, extend the life, reduce the maintenance and lower the total cost of many available carbon-based systems.

Two: KDF Process Media help control microorganisms by creating an environment that’s deadly to some microorganisms and that interferes with the ability of many other microorganisms to function. Either way, the use of KDF Process Media results in the total elimination of some contaminants and a great reduction of a wide variety of others.




Benefits of KDF Process Media

• Significantly extend the life of granular activated carbon
• Are recyclable
• Effectively remove chlorine and heavy metals and control microorganisms
• Are available in four granular styles, each designed for a specific need
• Outperform silver-impregnated carbons
• Require no EPA registration, thus less red tape

Where are KDF Process Media used?
KDF Process Media are used in a variety of pretreatment, primary treatment, and wastewater applications. They are generally used in place of, or in conjunction with, granular activated carbon filters, even carbon block or inline filters. KDF Process Media extend the life of granular activated carbon (GAC) while protecting the carbon bed against fouling by bacterial growth.
Process Media vs. Activated Carbon
Source: KDF Fluid Treatment Inc.
What are KDF Process Media (Redox Filter Media) and How Do They Work in Treatment of Water and Wastewater?

[Auntiesue]

There was a company locally that was selling an inline cylinder with zinc and copper elements in it using the same priciple for koi ponds. The copper scared the dickens out of me so I passed on it. The didn't recommend any AC filter after the unit either. Interesting to hear what you find and that you are taking all precautions to ensure no copper leaches into the pond water.

Sue

[KoiCop]

Quote: Originally Posted by Auntiesue The copper scared the dickens out of me so I passed on it.

That was my initial reaction, too, Sue.

And maybe I'm a sucker. But after listening to their claims I thought we'd give it a try.

[dick benbow]

imagine lewis and clark felt the same way but after they blazed the trail a few others followed.
Keep us all informed

[gspotmc]

Don,
Can you give us a TDS reading before and after filter? I know that RO wastes a lot of water. That's my only concern with RO. But if this system can bring down the TDS reading to about 80 to 125. It would be a better buy than the RO which costs about the same.
MC

[KoiCop]

Thanks, Dick. We'll see soon enough whether it's a go -- or not.

Michael . . .

Sorry, but I don't do TDS. In my limited understanding of it, though, I think that if you add your KH and your GH together then that's the vast majority of your TDS out of the tap.

Hopefully I got that correct?

[Auntiesue]

Quote: Originally Posted by KoiCop That was my initial reaction, too, Sue. And maybe I'm a sucker. But after listening to their claims I thought we'd give it a try.

I've emailed a member here locally that purchased another filter from these same folks that are promoting the same technology. I'll see what I can find out about there use as well. If I remember correctly they installed a few of these units on local ponds without any problems.

You know, if you are testing the output before you are exposing the fish to the water, then there is no foul. And you have a plan B if it doesn't work out. You're right, might as well give it a try.

The only thought I had is once the AC is expended, and sometimes we don't know when that actually happens until there are "issues", then the fish might be exposed to the metals released by this unit right into the water. Not so sure I would take that chance. Is there someway you know in advance if the AC is starting to be "used up"?

Sue

[bekko]

Well, that is very sophisticated. You cannot argue with not having to change the carbon for sixteen years.

In the old days, two activated carbon canisters were used, but they were run in series (water going from one to the other). The first canister had the older batch of carbon followed by a batch of newer material in the second canister. This way, the old stuff would get completely used up and the new stuff in the second canister would catch any chlorine or other pollutant that leaked through. When the old batch of carbon was replaced, the flow was reversed.

-s t

[KoiCop]

Monday morning -- and I've worked my telephonic way back up the food chain to a factory techie at KDF's home office,

I was sorry to hear that he won't swear that the 2 cubic feet of AC will remove all traces of their copper product from the water passing through.

Come on test kit.