Compare Iron Filters
Selection of an iron treatment system is based on a number of factors, including:
Contaminants Present
Certain iron treatment systems are able to remove not only iron, but also manganese and hydrogen sulfide which can be often found in the same waters. Hydrogen sulfide is responsible for an unpleasant rotten egg or sulfur odor. If you have manganese and hydrogen sulfide in your water in addition to iron, you should select a treatment method that can remove these contaminants at the same time.
Level of Contaminants Present
Our smaller WH5 and WH6 systems contain less treatment media than our larger backwashable systems - accordingly, they are unable to treat high contamination levels. Furthermore, certain types of treatment media are more powerful catalysts or oxidizers and can treat higher contaminant levels. This is particularly true of Filox-R.
pH Level
Many treatment media are sensitive to the pH conditions of your water, particularly if it is acidic. Select a treatment option that is suitable for your pH conditions, or use an acid neutralizer filter to raise the pH level ahead of your iron filter.
Flow Rates and Backwash Capacity
Be aware that due to the volume and type of media present in each treatment system, the flow rate capabilities of all systems are not equal. Select a model that will meet your flow rate needs. The cartridge-based systems are capable of acceptable flow rates for most small homes, but for higher flow applications, a backwashable system will be necessary. If a backwashable system is selected, it is critical to ensure that sufficient flow rates will be available for backwash.
Long Term Operating Cost
While cartridge based systems are very economical at the start, they do require the periodic replacement of their filter cartridges to maintain performance. Backwashable systems cost more initially but the media can last a very log time, sometimes indefinitely, resulting in a lower overall cost in the long-run. For low flow applications where contaminant levels are generally low, especially cabins and recreational properties, cartridge based systems can have a long-life and are often preferred.
The following charts lists our most popular iron treatment options. Using the above criteria, consider how each model addresses your situation. If you require assistance in selecting or sizing a model for your needs, please call us toll free at 1-866-376-2690.
WH5 Series Iron Filter |
WH6 Series Iron Filter |
|
---|---|---|
Type of Filter: | Replaceable Cartridge |
Replaceable Cartridge |
Method of Treatment: | oxidation / filtration | redox / filtration |
Media: | Manganese Activated Zeolite | KDF 85 / GAC |
Max Recommended Iron Removal: | 3 ppm | 3 ppm |
Max Manganese Removal: | 0.5 ppm* | 0.5 ppm |
Max Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Removal: | 1 ppm | 1 ppm |
Effective pH Range: |
7.0 to 9.0 | 6.5 to 8.5 |
Service Flow Rate***: | 3 GPM | 3 GPM |
Max (Peak) Flow Rate: | 6 GPM | 4 GPM |
Recommended Backwash Frequency: | no backwash required | no backwash required |
Recommended Applications: | removal of low level iron and hydrogen sulfide especially for lower flow rate applications including small homes, cabins, and recreational properties where the pH level is 7.0 or higher | removal of low level iron and hydrogen sulfide especially for lower flow rate applications including small homes, cabins, and recreational properties where the pH level is 6.5 to 6.9 or higher - use the WH5 Series if pH is 7.0+ |
More Info | More Info |
Iron Rival w/ Birm |
Iron Rival w/ Filox-R |
|
---|---|---|
Type of Filter: | Backwashable Filter |
Backwashable Filter |
Method of Treatment: | aeration / oxidation w/ catalyst / filtration | aeration / oxidation w/ catalyst / filtration |
Media: | BIRM w/ pre-oxidation via captive air charge | FILOX-R w/ pre-oxidation via captive air charge |
Max Recommended Iron Removal: | 10 ppm | 20 ppm |
Max Manganese Removal: | 1 ppm* | 5 ppm |
Max Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Removal: | do not use this system if H2S is present | 10 ppm |
Effective pH Range: |
6.8 to 9.0 | 5.0** to 9.0 |
Service Flow Rate***: | 8 GPM | 8.5 GPM |
Max (Peak) Flow Rate: | 11 GPM | 12 GPM |
Recommended Backwash Frequency: | every 3 days | daily |
Recommended Applications: | iron reduction for whole house and light commercial applications where the pH is 6.8 to 9.0 and hydrogen sulfide is not present | removal of high levels of iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide in all environments |
More Info | More Info |
WH5 Series Iron Filter |
WH6 Series Iron Filter |
Iron Rival w/ Birm |
Iron Rival w/ Filox-R |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
Type of Filter: | Replaceable Cartridge |
Replaceable Cartridge |
Backwashable Filter |
Backwashable Filter |
Method of Treatment: | oxidation / filtration | redox / filtration | aeration / oxidation w/ catalyst / filtration | aeration / oxidation w/ catalyst / filtration |
Media: | Manganese Activated Zeolite | KDF 85 / GAC | BIRM w/ pre-oxidation via captive air charge | FILOX-R w/ pre-oxidation via captive air charge |
Max Recommended Iron Removal: | 3 ppm | 3 ppm | 10 ppm | 20 ppm |
Max Manganese Removal: | 0.5 ppm* | 0.5 ppm | 1 ppm* | 5 ppm |
Max Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Removal: | 1 ppm | 1 ppm | do not use this system if H2S is present | 10 ppm |
Effective pH Range: |
7.0 to 9.0 | 6.5 to 8.5 | 6.8 to 9.0 | 5.0** to 9.0 |
Service Flow Rate***: | 3 GPM | 3 GPM | 8 GPM | 8.5 GPM |
Max (Peak) Flow Rate: | 6 GPM | 4 GPM | 11 GPM | 12 GPM |
Recommended Backwash Frequency: | no backwash required | no backwash required | every 3 days | daily |
Recommended Applications: | removal of low level iron and hydrogen sulfide especially for lower flow rate applications including small homes, cabins, and recreational properties where the pH level is 7.0 or higher | removal of low level iron and hydrogen sulfide especially for lower flow rate applications including small homes, cabins, and recreational properties where the pH level is 6.5 to 6.9 or higher - use the WH5 Series if pH is 7.0+ | iron reduction for whole house and light commercial applications where the pH is 6.8 to 9.0 and hydrogen sulfide is not present | removal of high levels of iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide in all environments |
More Info | More Info | More Info | More Info |
Please consult us for recommendations where contaminant levels exceed the above thresholds or if your situation does not meet the above criteria. Custom units are available.
* Use of this system for manganese reduction is acceptable but only if pH is 8.0 to 8.5 and iron to manganese ratio is 10:1 or higher
** pH correction is recommended where pH levels are less than 6.5 to prevent damage to your plumbing system and potential leaching of metals from solder as well as copper and brass plumbing components.
*** Service flow rates expectations should be reduced where contaminant levels are approaching the maximum stated levels above, particularly if multiple contaminants are near these levels.