9 replies to this topic

[mikebrad]

When I drink water at home it is filtered water from the fridge. After drinking that, I find that I can really taste my tap water and I don't like it. I'd like to put a filter on my garage sink that I can use just for brewing so I don't have to stand at the fridge and fill up kettles. Does anyone have something on that scale that works well? Are there things I should avoid or seek out specifically? Thanks.ETA - It is really the odor and chlorine that turn me off...is it just a carbon filter that I need?

Edited by mikebrad, 24 June 2009 - 06:02 AM.

[stangbat]

I bought a carbon filter that I use for brewing. It was one of the GE filters from Home Depot that use the FXULC series of filters. I don't remember the cost, but I don't think it was too expensive. I have it set up with quick disconnects so I can attach it to the hose and remove it easily. My water is good without filtering, but I think it tastes better after being filtered.

[NWPines]

Similar setup here. Got the filter housing at home depot (about $15) and the filter cartridge on ebay (about $15). It's a 0.5 micron carbon block filter. QDs on the in/out as well.Sorry the picture quality isn't very good.

[Zulu]

Yep just need Carbon filter. Like others have said 10" housing from Lowes or Home Depot runs around $30 , and actual cartridge can be as cheap as $5 if you shop around - Aquarium stores always carry them.

[mikebrad]

thanks for the input. i'll check out the hd tonight.

[NWPines]

OT Pines..But Ive always read that mounting a march pump in that direction wears the bearings out quicker. Seems like i read it on the March website awhile back, not for sure that's where tho.

Thanks for the heads up Blktre. Yep, it's not the recommended mounting orientation. The shaft should be mounted in the horizonatal position (the head can be rotated however you want). I actually contacted March about this (I posted their response on the green board about a year ago). They basically said that in continuous operation, it could wear out the bearings quicker. Running it for an hour or two per month, they said don't worry about it.Remounting the pump is on my to-do list, I just haven't gotten around to it yet. I can get pretty lazy sometimes!

[stellarbrew]

Do these carbon filters only remove chlorine, chloramines, and metals? Or do they also effect your levels of minerals? If my water typically has 50 ppm of bicarbonates unfiltered, for example, could I still expect such a number after filtration?

[stangbat]

Do these carbon filters only remove chlorine, chloramines, and metals? Or do they also effect your levels of minerals? If my water typically has 50 ppm of bicarbonates unfiltered, for example, could I still expect such a number after filtration?

They won't effect the minerals that we are concerned with when brewing. John Palmer has stated this in an article about residual alkalinity that was in Zymurgy last year.

[stellarbrew]

They won't effect the minerals that we are concerned with when brewing. John Palmer has stated this in an article about residual alkalinity that was in Zymurgy last year.

Good to know, thanks.