FAQs

Can I upgrade my RO membrane to a higher GPH flow rate by just putting in a larger size?

No. In each RO unit there is a flow restrictor specific to the RO membrane that is comes with. This restrictor determines an RO unit???s gallon per day production and prevents overburdening the membrane. To increase your gallon per day production, a larger rated membrane along with the correct size of flow restrictor must be installed.

Do I have to always use the same amount of KENT Marine Tech CB Parts A and B or can I dose more of one than the other?

No. Although Parts A and B are ionically balanced to compliment each other when used together equally, there are times when the aquarium water chemistry does not require as much of the A as it does the B and vice versa so they can be added at differing ratios. An example would be if the calcium level was at 450 ppm but the alkalinity was only at 8 dKH. Then it would be beneficial to add the Part B without the Part A.

How does the RO booster pump work and do I really need one?

For optimal RO filtration efficiency, supply water pressures should be at least 60 psi. In some areas household water pressures can drop below the required 60 psi and a booster pump can be used to increase the membrane pressure and allow the unit to work at peak efficiency. A booster pump is not necessary if the household water pressure is maintained at 60 psi or higher.

How often should I replace the cartridges in my KENT Marine RO filter and how do I know when they need to be replaced?

It is a good idea to replace the sediment prefilter and carbon block every 6 months or 500-1000 gallons of product (good) water. The membrane should be replaced every 3000 gallons of product water. A TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) meter can be used to determine elevated TDS levels indicating when the membrane is beginning to fail. Resin cartridges will last longer than the sediment or carbon block filters since it is the final filtration step being located after the RO membrane. It will change color completely when exhausted.

I hooked up my KENT Marine RO filter system and I am getting a lot of product water and almost no waste. What is wrong?

The most likely explanation is that the membrane is not inserted fully into the housing. This will allow water to bypass the membrane and drain out through the good water line. Unscrew the cap to the membrane housing and push firmly on the membrane until it will not go in any further.

It is also possible that the product and waste water lines have been crisscrossed. Simply switching the lines will correct this. The good water line will be the line centered on the rounded end of the of the membrane housing. The wastewater line will be on the same end but comes out through a fitting offset the center.

I installed the KENT Marine Shutoff Kit but why does my waste water still run after the float valve cuts off my product water?

Depending on how full the resin cartridge is with water and how much pressure is in the good water line, it may take 1-2 minutes for the solenoid to completely shut off feed water to the RO unit once the float valve has closed. It may take another minute for the remaining pressure in the membrane to relieve itself through the wastewater line.

This could also happen if the float valve is not completely cutting off the product water. A hardening of the rubber gasket or build up of mineral and salt deposits on the float valve water outlet will prevent the total shutoff of the water. In order for the solenoid to work properly, back pressure must be built up equal to the household water pressure to shut off the feed water. The float may be cleaned by soaking it in an acidic liquid such as vinegar.

I put KENT Marine Nitrogen Sponge in my filter but my nitrates are still high. Why isn???t it absorbing the nitrates?

KENT Marine Nitrogen Sponge does not actively adsorb nitrate from the water. In freshwater environments it does directly adsorb ammonia. However the same can not be said for marine habitats. The main function of the zeolitic media is to provide a suitable habitat for denitrifying bacteria. These bacteria consume nitrate and turn it into insoluble nitrogen gas. Depending on the maturity of the aquarium, water flow rate, oxygen level, and thickness of the filter bed, will determine the amount of beneficial bacteria present affecting the rate of nitrate removal. Mature aquariums with thick filter beds and slower water flow rates are the most efficient.

My KENT Marine Nautilus TE protein skimmer has been running for about a year and all of a sudden it quit making bubbles and continually overflowed the collection cup. What has happened to my skimmer and what can I do to fix it?

The air inlet tube has become clogged with salt and/or calcium deposits. These deposits restrict the air that would normally flow into the pump inlet. This air creates bubbles that displace water in the unit. When air flow is restricted, fewer (if any) bubbles are created and the velocity and volume of water flowing into the skimmer increases causing the collection cup to overflow. Cleaning out the air inlet with a pipe cleaner and soaking in an acidic solution like vinegar will remove deposits and restore the air inlet back to working condition.

What is the difference between R/O Right and Super Buffer dKH?

KENT Marine R/O Right contains salts of sodium, calcium, magnesium, and potassium with a small amount of carbonate buffer. It adds positively charged electrolytes naturally found in freshwater and marine environments and will have a very small effect on pH and alkalinity. Superbuffer dKH contains a blend of negatively charged carbonate and bicarbonate buffers which raise alkalinity and help stabilize pH.

When I regenerate the KENT Marine Toxic Metal Sponge it did not turn back to its original color. Is there something wrong with it?

No. Ion exchange resins will rarely go back to their original color after being recharged. This is normal and resin will still adsorb water pollutants after regeneration. The level of color restoration can be attributed to the resin moisture content, degree of resin exhaustion, and thoroughness of resin regeneration.

Why did my pH drop suddenly after using KENT Marine Pro-Clear?

The flocculant used in Pro Clear will cause organic molecules to clump together. If the alkalinity is low, this can result in a sudden drop in pH and dissolved oxygen levels. Aquatic life requires a stable environment and a sudden change in pH will have a negative affect. Monitoring an adequate alkalinity level before use is important to preventing pH drop.