Calcite Filter for RO System

Post by **bbqnut** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 7:18 pm

I went ahead and bought a calcite filter from Chris' coffee. I have an RO system, and have put this after all the RO filtration in an effort to balance the PH of the water. I am doing it as an experiment, not because I am unhappy with the current setup. Also, I heard that RO water without the calcite filter can leech certain parts of an espresso machine (copper boiler?). Not sure if it would affect my S1, but that is the background.

Directly out of the RO system, the water is very acidic (about 6.2). With the calcite filter in place, it is now very alkaline (about 8.4). I have only run about 3 gallons through the filter and maybe that is the problem, but I was hoping for water with more balanced PH (like say in the 7-ish area).

I have to say that I think the water without the calcite filter tastes a lot better as straight water. Anyhow, I am going to try to run more volume through the filter and see if anything changes.

Another issue: Carbonated fizzy result for the first few ounces.

I have run about 3 gallons through the calcite filter. If I shut it off, wait a few minutes, and pour some into a glass, it is just like a glass of Perrier! Fizzy, bubbly, water. And it fizzes for a minute or so. After about 12-24 ounces, it runs clear and non-fizzy.

How much water am I supposed to run through this thing to flush it out? What are those bubbles? They don't seem like air...

Wondered if anyone else has a similar setup, and if so what your experiences were?

Thanks,

Chris

Post by **RGoldman** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 7:39 pm

I have some questions about my water too for their service guys. I am on a well and the ph is around 6.2, alkalinity 39ppm, and hardness about 50ppm. I hope that it's not going to be a problem because I would hate to have "fizzy" water! Have you called them to ask about it yet?

Post by **bbqnut** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 9:49 pm

Havent called to ask yet. My guess is they will say that is normal, or air, or something. I am going to run about another 3 gallons through and see what happens.

Post by **RGoldman** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 10:04 pm

Hopefully it will settle down with usage. I'm sure it's being caused by the reaction of the acidity of the water and alkalinity of the calcite. Kind of like what happens when you mix baking soda with vinegar but not that extreme! Maybe you can come up with the next big thing in coffee drinks... fizzy espresso!
It will be interesting to see what happens!

Post by **bbqnut** » Thu Jan 25, 2007 1:53 am

RGoldman wrote:Hopefully it will settle down with usage. I'm sure it's being caused by the reaction of the acidity of the water and alkalinity of the calcite. Kind of like what happens when you mix baking soda with vinegar but not that extreme! Maybe you can come up with the next big thing in coffee drinks... fizzy espresso!
It will be interesting to see what happens!

That is a really good theory - very crackpot..I like it!

Post by **RGoldman** » Fri Feb 02, 2007 2:53 pm

Are you still making the fizzy shots or has that thing settled down? Inquiring minds (well one mind anyway) want to know.

Post by **bbqnut** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 11:37 pm

RGoldman wrote:Are you still making the fizzy shots or has that thing settled down? Inquiring minds (well one mind anyway) want to know.

Did not call Chris', and the calcite filter is out of my water system loop for now.

I have a 14 gallon RO tank to install once I get parts, and I figure draining the current 3 gallon tank will be a perfect opportunity to flush the calcite filter.

I will let you know when that all happens if I am still getting fizzyness. Probably in a week or so.