Robert White

[ad_1]

Here are some tap water facts that I believe you will find interesting. Everyone needs freshwater for drinking, cooking, showering and other daily uses. But, our fresh sources are being harmed. We all need to take steps to conserve, whenever we can.

We know that there are contaminants in publicly treated supplies, but that does not mean we should switch to bottled. Bottled water is not any better than tap-water. In fact, if you live near a bottling company, you might just be buying your own tap-water in a plastic bottle. If you are going to drink bottled, you should check the label carefully to see where it comes from and how it is purified.

Tap Water Facts: Usage

According to a study conducted by the American Water Works Association, the average single family homeowner uses 69.3 gallons of freshwater per day. Of that, only about 1%, or less than a gallon, is used for drinking.

The rest goes to washing clothes, flushing the towels, showering, bathing, washing the dishes and other domestic uses. But, about 9.5 gallons per day is lost to leaking. So, the first conservation step that you can take is to repair your leaky plumbing and make sure that the taps are tuned completely off, after using them.

In 2004, the bottled water industry used as much as 561 million gallons per day. Of that, only one fifth was for drinking. They waste 3-5 times more water than they bottle and sell. If you can, stop buying bottled. Install a home purifier instead.

Tap Water Facts: Contaminants

According to a study conducted by the University of Cincinnati, everyone in the US has at least some level of contaminants in their tap water and would benefit from a home purifier. The major concern is, of course, consuming them, through drinking, but some of these contaminants become airborne in the shower, so we inhale them. Many can be absorbed directly through the skin and enter the bloodstream. Researchers have conducted testing to prove this, since the EPA still denies that it is true.

The contaminants that are of major concern include chlorine and THMs (chlorination byproducts). In some areas, lead is a major concern, although, it is not present in all homes. Cysts are a major concern, particularly for at-risk individuals, because they can enter the water supply at any time and can not be removed through public purification methods. Waterborne illnesses are the result of cyst consumption. Severe and chronic health problems are the result of lead consumption. Cancer is the result of THM exposure. Chlorine is reliably benign when compared to these other things.

Tap Water Facts: Purification Methods

To reduce chlorine and THMS, you need granular carbon and special resins that will trap them through adsorption. To remove cysts, you need a submicron particle filter. To remove lead, you need ion exchange. Luckily, you can get all of those things in one neat little package that sits on your kitchen counter and only costs about $ 100. Hope you enjoyed these tap water facts and I hope you buy a good filter.

[ad_2]

Source by Dana Lakes

[ad_1]

The reverse osmosis water dispenser has been developed in the past few years to provide homes and other private institutions reliable methods to acquire clean water for human use and consumption. The device follows a series of procedures and uses different tools that cleanse water effectively by removing known contaminants that are invisible to the naked eye.

RO Main Components

A whole house reverse osmosis water dispenser is usually made up of 4 major components previously the pre-treatment equipment, the reverse osmosis unit, the storage tank and the re-pressurization system. The pre-treatment equipment may not be required depending on the quality and source of water.

Before reverse osmosis or RO treatment, excess mineral hardness should be removed from the water to keep the membrane from fouling prematurely. Water softeners, activated carbon filters or anti-scalant injections work Best for this since the membrane deteriorates quickly upon making contact with chlorine.

Storage and Water Supply

The reverse reverse osmosis unit is used to produce the water requirements of a household everyday. About 20 gallons of purified water per hour is produced by a 500-gallon-per-day system. A supplementary storage system is required to provide more water as needed if 20 gallons are not enough to supply household function demands.

The storage tank is atmospheric or non-pressurized to provide sufficient water for daily activities. As water is taken from the tank, the reverse osmosis unit refills it with more. The re-pressurization system is made of a simple pump that automatically turns on and provides pressurized water whenever it is required. A smaller bladder or diaphragm tank filled to the house pressure via a pump provides more water during periods of high demand.

When Choosing a System

When considering a reverse osmosis water dispenser for the entire house, there are a few factors that you need to observe. Determine how much water is needed and consumed everyday. The average person uses about 50 to 75 gallons of water per day for drinking, cooking, toilet, washing, etc. Underdeveloped countries may require much less. Multiply the maximum amount by the number of individuals in the household.

Next, consider how much water storage is needed. The process takes time so reverse osmosis water dispensers usually produce water at a slower pace compared to consumption. The system however, continues to work even if there is little or no consumption. An auxiliary storage tank comes in useful to keep the water for future use. Ideally, choose tanks that can keep about one-half of the total daily consumption.

Also consider the daily reverse osmosis water production. Undersized systems running nonstop are at risk for premature wear while oversized units can hurt your budget. Size the reverse osmosis system properly in a way that it produces enough to supply your home's water requirements at at least an 8-hour period. This will help prevent damage and provide supply during high water demand periods.

Aside from the Dispenser

A reverse osmosis water dispenser will cleanse the water it takes in by as much as 90% to 95%. You may want to compliment or alternate it with other systems incorporating and storage components for added safety measure and extra source during cases of emergency. Experts recommended devices that feature a multimedia filter and activated granular carbon. Dangerous biological material, pathogens, chlorine and other chemicals will be removed as well as a number of healthy minerals.

Is Reverse Osmosis Really Right For You

Before seeking out a reverse osmosis unit, there is something that you should know about. Reverse osmosis removals mineral content. While there is no way to stop this, there are other water purification systems on the market that you can review. Fortunately, you can find ones that provide clean water, and also retain minerals that can be beneficial for your health as well.

[ad_2]

Source by Peter Patterson

[ad_1]

The home filtration of tap water is essential today. There are too many risks involved to not have a system that removes harmful contaminants from the water we use for a variety of things from drinking to bathing. Here are the top eight reasons why you should have a filtration system for your home.

1) Taste – The filtration system will make your water taste much better which is a key element to drinking the water. No one wants to drink water that tastes bad and we do need to drink more water to keep our bodies healthy.

2) Beneficial to hair and skin – Our hair and skin will be much healthier is it is not stripped of the essential oil that it needs. Often chlorine that is used for removing bacteria from the water is the culprit when it comes to stripping our hair and skin of these oils.

3) Safety – Filtering our water is one way we can make sure contaminants such as lead, chlorine and bacteria are removed. These contaminants cause serious illness and should be removed from the water we drink.

4) Air Quality – Not only does a carbon block or granular water filter help the water but it improves the air quality in your home. The home filtration system will prevent chemical from tap wateer being transported into your home through steam. This steam can be responsible for respiratory problems.

5) Less expense – Using a home filtering system is much less expensive than drinking bottled water. Plus you are not positive about what is in the bottled water either. Some bottled water is nothing more than tap water. The filtration system can be very economic when you consider it rates out to less than 10 cents per gallon. Compare this to what you pay for bottled water and you will see the alternative is not only healthy but more economic.

6) Convenience – Filtering your tap water is convenient. Much more so than running out every couple of days to get bottled water. The installation is not difficult and the choices are up to you. The filter can be only for the drinking water or it can be a whole house filtering system. The filter can be an under-the-sink model so it is not taking up space elsewhere.

7) Laundry – The laundry you do with filtered water will keep your clothes fresher and not allow chemicals to become trapped in the fabric. The rinsing will actually help to keep the clothes free of any harmful contaminants that could have been in plain water that was used prior to installing the filtering system.

8) Disease – The filtering of water will keep your family healthy and less the risk of serious illness and disease. The risk of certain types of cancers is evident from chlorine being ingested in the water we drink. This is a risk that can be avoided by installing a filtering system in your home.

By following a few simple procedures and installing a home filtration of tap water you can reduce the incidence of illness and disease. In all actuality you may be saving the lives of yourself and your family.

[ad_2]

Source by Venkata Krishnan Rajagopalan

[ad_1]

Tank Placement

Choose exactly where you would like to place your fish tank; as it will determine what size you purchase, and if you'll have to have a stand to go with it. 20 gallons and up will require a stand no matter what. As appealing as it is to purchase a small fish tank they actually are not as easy to maintain beneficial water quality. Purchase a 20 gallon fish tank for your starter tank and keep only a few fish. This will help you decide if you enjoy the hobby. Contemplate not subjecting any fish to a "fishbowl". They have a tendency to suffocate the fish either by insufficient oxygen or by their own waste materials. The main things to make note of when selecting the position for your fish tank:

• A lot of sun light will result in substantive algae growth and a upkeep problem. An interior wall, clear of bright light, is advisable.
• It's also critical that you take into account the ability of the floor to support the load of your fully loaded fish tank. Ensure that there's sufficient structural support under the floor.
• Select a position close to a power outlet, and bear in mind how far you'll have to carry water for your weekly fish tank maintenance!

Choosing a Fish Tank

Choose a fish tank that will fit the area you've decided on. This is the identical for whatever size aquarium you choose. Also take into account the kind of fish you want to keep, you'll need a fish tank large enough for their adult size. Thinking about live plants? Consider a higher fish tank which will give them the height to grow, but take into account that suitable lighting for various kinds of plants may be pricey (particularly if the fish tank is tall).

• Get a fish tank stand that is made for the size of your tank. Search for complete aquarium kits at those big pet retailers. Utilized setups from internet sites like Craigslist tend to be readily available for great prices, be sure that you check for leaks and clean it very well before use. Do not underestimate the load of a full aquarium! Ensure that the stand is either rated for the dimensions of your fish tank or that it's been custom made to be very sturdy. Such things as dressers or TV stands are not robust enough.
• If you do not purchase a complete setup, be sure the equipment you pick is rated for the size of your fish tank.

Filtering the tank

Determine which filtration system you intend to use, the most typical and least complicated are either under gravel filters or power filters that hang on the rear of the fish tank. Do not get swept up in technology. Penguin and Whisper power filters provide both mechanized and biological filtration and are simple to clean and use.

• Should you decide on an under gravel filter, be sure that the air-pump or powerhead you purchase with it is strong enough for the size of the fish tank. In cases like this, bigger is far better. Remember that in case you do not consistently vacuum the gravel it is going to clog up the under gravel filter and transform it into a killing zone. Remember that you can not make use of an under gravel filter if you are considering having sand or some other fine substrates. The substrates that you use, will be determined by the fish you will keep, and this in turn will help determine the filtration system.
• If you opt to go with a power filter, choose one which will move sufficient water for the size of your fish tank. Preferably, itought to move five gallons of water per hour, per gallon of your fish tank capacity. As an example: a ten gallon. fish tank will need a filtration system that circulates at the very least 50 gallons per hour.

Heating the tank

Make sure you get a heater if one does not already come with your fish tank, the fully-submersible types are definitely the simplest to utilize. Look for one with a variable thermostat, given that different fish prefer different temperature ranges. An excellent rule of thumb is 3-5 watts of heat for every gallon of water.

Get Substrate

Pick gravel or sand for the bottom; This is essential for a healthy fish tank (approximately 2-3 inches). Cheap gravel and sand can be bought from home improvement stores. Sand is ideal for fish that like to dig but it must be stirred regularly to stop dead spots that will create havoc on your fish tank.

Search for leaks

Fill the fish tank with about two inches of water, and then wait for thirty minutes. If there are actually any leaks, it is far better they show up now, instead of when you've filled the whole thing.

Basic Setup

If all is well, open your bags of gravel, and give them a very good wash under running water in a colander. The less dirt in the water, the quicker it'll clear once the filtration system is started up. This phase is particularly critical if you're using sand rather than gravel.

• For undergravel filters, position the filter plate in, and ensure the lift tubes are fitted. (For those who have a submersible power-head, you should only need one; using a traditional air pump, two are ideal for most fish tanks less than 40 gals, one at each end.)
• Distribute the rinsed gravel in an even covering over the top of the filter.
• Fill the fish tank with water to just underneath the rim of the fish tank, usually a gap of 1 "will do.
• If you've decided on an external power filter, arrange it on the back of the fish tank in a location in which theflow will even disperse the water. Some aquarium lids have spaces designed for you to place your equipment.
• Fill the reservoir of the filtration system with water, and turn it on! Water should smoothly circulate after a few minutes.
• Connect your pump air-lines or power-head to the appropriate lift tube (s) now, if you've got an undergravel filter.
• Turn on the powerhead / pump. Water should begin moving vertically within the lift tube (s).
• Mount your heater on the inside of the fish tank. The majority of the thermostats on new heaters now come pre-set at a suitable temperature range of 70-77 degrees Fahrenheit (21-25 degrees Celsius). Turn on the heater and install your thermometer.
• Put in place any plants or decorations. Plants are practical decorations. It is not easy to get mechanical filter handle plankton or algae bloom. Vegetation makes it easy. For a few fish, plants are compulsory. With tall aquariums, position plants with the fish tank only half full, so that you do not have to immerse your whole arm.
• Wait for an hour or so, and check that the temperature is still within the safe range, that you have no leaks, and that the water is circulating correctly.
• Add the water dechlorinator, in accordance with the directions on the bottle (in case you have not used purified drinking water)

Cycle Your Aquarium The cycling of the aquarium can be done in various ways. One way is to add one or two inexpensive fish, suitable for the water conditions, to the tank, and watch for the amonia and nitrite levels to ensure they do not spike.

Choose Fish

Talk about what sort of fresh water, tropical fish you want to have with the sales person. Enlighten yourself in fish forums on the web about your favorite kind of fish. They bought to give you tips on who can and can not get along, and so forth. Watch out though, some sales staff may not have experience with aquariums and as a result can provide very poor advice. See if there is a locally-owned fish store in the region, they have a tendency to offer the most accurate information and facts as well as high-quality fish.

Adding Fish

Start out with two or three fish the first ten days, then get two or three more, wait another ten days, and so on. If you place too many fish at one time into a new fish tank, the water will not be able to properly cycle, and will quickly turn harmful. Patience is the key for the first six to eight weeks. That mentioned, a significant error people make is to purchase schooling fish but only get 1 or 2 of them. This is stressful and cruel for the fish. A school implies that a group of 5 is the bare minimum.

Tips

• Always research the requirements of any living thing (fish, plant, or invertebrate) going into your fish tank. Make sure they are suitable with what you currently have and that you can satisfy their maintenance needs. It is best to get your information and facts from many sources, do not instantly rely on what the store staff tells you!
• Under gravel filters are becoming less and less preferred for a number of factors; they do not perform as effectively as a Hang on back / power filter, they can be noisy, and they will need more upkeep.
• If you decide on an under gravel filter, the gravel will need to be vacuumed regularly to get rid of built up organic material. Failure to do this thoroughly can result in excessive ammonia or nitrite levels and fish death.
• Over time, valuable microorganisms develop on the surfaces within the aquarium that assist to process ammonia and nitrite. Introducing a large quantity of fish at once can overcome these microorganisms, challenging your filtration system heavily. An aquarium with only a few fish will typically cycle in approximately 30 days, which means the microorganisms will become nicely established and can "keep up" with the fish waste products. Introducing more fish does not speed up this process.
• If you are having a challenging time keeping the fish tank clear, think about making use of live plants. They keep the fish tank from getting murky and look good. Just make sure that you purchase them from a pet store so that they will not harm the fish.
• 5 gallons of water weighs in at nearly 42 lbs. This should help you determine whether or not you have anything that the fish tank will safely sit on. Anything over 15 gallons will almost certainly require a special stand.
• If you have a choice of light bulb in the light fixture, go with fluorescent – it shows off fish colors much better, and yields much less heat.
• Research, research, research !! Try to find out what the conditions of your municipal water are. There are different kinds of fish qualified to live in "hard" or "soft" water, and fish living in the correct water conditions will live longer and be more healthy. Unless you are willing to treat all the water going into the tank (can be expensive and / or time consuming), choosing a setup adapted for your local water can really make your life easier!

Warnings

• Do not put the tank in or close to a window as this will cause the water to overheat, and also encourage algae to grow. This is not a problem for a fishless tank.
• Resist the urge to buy a lot of fish as soon as you set up your tank! The conditions in a recently established aquarium can vary a great deal, which can be fatal to fish.
• Real sea shells that you discovered on the beach could have poisonous to your fish – remember this is a fresh water aquarium.
• Never clean the tank sides with a spray bottle, and certainly not ammonia.
• Compare the rate of staff turnover at the shops available inalls with stores in which you can actually get to know the owners. As that rate descends, the level of quality of information and facts from your staff ascends.
• Try to avoid lifting an empty aquarium by its rim – the rim might break or come off, which will endanger the structural integrity of the aquarium. Large aquariums typically require a compression pad underneath.
• Some models of heater will become dangerous when they are dry and on.
• Under NO Circumstance should you buy fish by how cute they are. That sweet little fish may well be the terror of the seas when it gets bigger.
• Think about breeding feeders and danios before you purchase carnivores like cichlids, sharks or oscars.
• Pay attention to staff with regards to liveliness. By no means buy fish if they have any sores, spots or other defects.
• Do not tap on the glass. The fish will become scared and irritated.
• Ammonia, nitrate, and phosphate build-up in a fish tank should tell you to change your water and plant your aquarium. pH (alkalinity) testing is pretty much required. Take in a water sample when you go to the pet store.

[ad_2]

Source by Ven Grollmus