Acid Neutralizing Media. ( Cross reference 7161912 North Star Water Neutralizer )
Calcite ( crushed marble ), 50 lbs. Bag, 1/2 cubic foot.
Currently shipping Fine Calcite from Oldcastle Industrial Minerals.
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ALSO see:
Note the high FedEx ground shipping charge has been figured into the cost, as we only charge a flat Standard S & H fee on our orders in lower 48 States of USA.
9" x 48" tanks = 1.0 cu.ft. plus gravel
10" x 54" tanks = 1.5 cu.ft. plus gravel.Acidic waters on contact with Calcite slowly dissolve the calcium carbonate media to raise the pH which reduces the potential leaching of copper, lead and other metals found in typical plumbing systems. Periodic backwashing will prevent packing and maintain high service rates. Depending on pH and service flow, the Calcite bed will have to be periodically added to as the dissolved calcite depletes. The lower your pH, and the more water you use, the faster it will be "dissolved".
If the Calcite is not backwashed often enough ( once every 200 - 400 gallons of use ), it will slowly begin to harden at the bottom of the tank, and you'll notice a large reduction in flow through the tank.
The tank will need be to completely emptied, and
"REBEDDED".
As the Calcite's calcium carbonate neutralizes the water, it will increase hardness and a softener may become necessary after the neutralizing filter.
And this depends on the starting hardness ( which is typically low on "acid" water ), and the pH ( the lower the pH, the more Calcite will dissolve, and the hardness increased ).
Typically hardness after treatment with Calcite is 10 grains hardness. And a water softener can also help when low levels are Iron on present in the water.
For information on the "size" or "capacity" of the water softener required,
see:
Water_Softener_Size_System_RecommendationsPhysical Properties:- Color.......................................Near white
- Density....................................100 lbs/cu. ft. ( sold in 50 lbs. 1/2 cu.ft. bags )
- Composition............................CaCO3, 95% Minimum
MgCO3, 3.0% Maximum
Conditions for Operation
- pH.............................................5-6 ( if below 5.5, the
addition of Corosex may be necessary to help raise the pH )
- Bed Depth................................24-30 in.
- Backwash Rate ........................8-12 gpm/ft2 ( Residential size tanks ( 9 or 10 inches diameter ) typically backwash at 5 or 7 gpm )
- Backwash Bed Expansion.......35% of bed depth ( so never FILL the tank more than 65% full )
- Service Flow Rate....................3-6 gpm/sq. ft
