(Part 3) Reddit mentions: The best water filtration & softeners

Kombucha is fairly forgiving, but the following might help:

• The biggest thing you can do to improve your kombucha is to use filtered water. Buy it filtered in bulk or install an inline filter.
  
• I find it easier to buy loose-leaf tea and a kitchen scale to measure our tea than to count tea bags, but YMMV. The loose leaf can go into a nylon mesh bag like a giant tea bag.
  
• Keep an eye on the temperature of the water that you use to brew your sweet tea - it should be well below boiling to avoid burning the tea leaves. With the 80/20 mix of green/black tea, I try to steep it at 170F for 10 minutes.
  
• Start 1F with a lot of kombucha starter - almost 1 gallon for the 5 gallon batch is a good place to start to make sure the scoby is nice and active. At a minimum, you should be using a half gallon of starter for that size batch.
  
• I like keeping track of the progress of my batches over time (pH, brix, and total acidity). If you feel similarly, get a pH meter, brix refractometer, and a total acidity titration testing kit (I just use some NaOH solution and the pH meter). I'm still trying to figure out a convenient setup for testing that provides a reasonable estimate of alcohol...
  
• Depending on the temperature in your brewing area, you may want to invest in a heating mat and thermostat that can keep the 1F at a consistent temperature. If you use one, wrap it around the sides of the bucket to make sure that both the yeast (which tends to sink) and the bacteria (which tends to float) benefit from its effects. Placing the bucket on top of the heating mat may lead to a kombucha batch that tastes heavily of yeast.
  
• When it comes time for 2F, there are a few options for moving your batch:
  
  • Pour it out: simple, but potentially messy
    
  • Ladle it out: simple, but time-consuming
    
  • Install a bottling spigot: very useful, but it creates the potential for leaks and it can get plugged up with yeast
    
  • Use gravity and an auto-siphon: a little difficult to understand the first time, but after that it's the best solution
    
    I hope that helps :)

My sincerest condolences for your loss =( Losing someone suddenly is incredibly difficult to deal with.

Something that would be incredibly awesome to have would be a PUR water filter. I'm trying to get healthy and a lot of that has to do with drinking more fluids, especially more water, but I hate tap water where I live. It is hard and I can see the minerals and grit in it. Something else that would be great is a laundry hamper. Something that helps keep my anxiety down is having a clean room/apartment and a sorting laundry hamper would save a lot of time. Finally, I love cooking and might even open a restaurant one day, so this knife would be great to have =)

Thanks for such an amazing contest and I hope you get your debit card soon!!!! Sort my priorities!

I actually didn't tally up the cost as that wasn't really of a concern to me, but I'll try my best to provide links to the things I bought for this. Feel free to add it up for me!

• Lighting
  
  • T-5 Grow light (came with 6500K bulbs)
    
  • 2700K bulbs
    
  • Grow light hangers
    
• Grow medium
  
  • Net Cups
    
  • Black Buckets
    
  • Black lids
    
• Nutrients
  
  • General Hydroponics Flora Series
    
  • General Hydroponics pH control kit
    
  • pH/EC/Temp Meters
    
• Grow tent
  
• Air ventilation
  
  • The only thing I ended up using from this kit was the cheapest part, the ventilation duct...
    
  • The fan from this kit is way too powerful for my setup because my humidifier couldn't keep up
    
  • I didn't use the carbon filter because I'm not growing weed.
    
• Water Distiller
  
• Humidifier
  
  • The cheaper the humidifier, the better. I first bought (and destroyed) one that had some sort of digital switch, so it would always be in the off state when you first supply power to it, meaning you can't turn it on/off with just a relay.
    
• Plumbing
  
  • Aquatec 8852 booster pump
    
  • 2 Gallon accumulator tank
    
  • Pressure relief valve
    
  • Tubing
    
  • Inline Pre-filter (Sorry they must have taken the product down...)
    
  • Misting nozzle T's
    
  • Tube ball valves
    
  • Analog pressure gauge
    
  • Misting Nozzles
    
    • Note that these nozzles are meant for WAY higher pressure systems (~1000psi) and I actually had to take out the spring for them to operate correctly, but they never clogged up, are easy to clean, and worked perfectly for me!
      
• Electronics
  
  • Raspberry Pi 3 kit
    
  • Humidity sensor
    
  • Pressure sensor
    
  • Water solenoid valve
    
  • 5V 4-channel relay module
    
  • Analog-to-digital converter
    
  • 24V to 12V converter
    
  • 24V Power supply
    
  • Resistor kit
    
  • Semiconductor kit
    
  • Circuit boards
    
  • Standoffs
    
• Wiring
  
  • 22 gauge stranded wire
    
  • 22 gauge solid wire
    
  • Power supply cord
    
• Connectors
  
  • Electronic Connectors
    
    • JST-XHP Connectors
      
    • JST-SM Connectors
      
    • Dupont Connectors
      
  • Plumbing Connectors
    
    • Bulkhead connectors
      
    • Quick-connect kit
      
    • NPT to quick-connect connector
      
      I also bought various tools, like crimpers, Dremel kit, drill, etc, but I don't consider those to be project-specific as I'll have them for the foreseeable future. Let me know if there's anything you see that you think I missed!
      

For six years of my life, I was in an emotionally/verbally abusive relationship. I was able to finally break free from my ex with the help of a wonderful friend who supported me more than my ex ever had, despite being half a country away. A huge defining moment in my life was when my son and I flew across the country to meet that man in person for the first time. I knew right away that he was the one I'd been hoping to find my whole life, and the three of us became a family almost right away. Almost two years later, we are now married, and he has been a wonderful father to our son.

If I win, this would be a huge help. Our tap water is gross and our water filter won't stay on the faucet anymore. If that's too expensive though, this cheese slicer would make me happier than I'd like to admit.

I_Define_Me

Thanks for the contest!

any proper one will work. by which i mean with a good sediment filter, carbon, deionizing etc. a proper 4-5 stage system.
i recommend portable type systems, no tank and they use standard membranes you can replace when it starts putting out water too dirty for you. that'll take a long time for a home grower.
something like this https://www.amazon.com/LiquaGen-Reverse-Osmosis-Deionization-Portable/dp/B00LKF09IW/, i've bought dozens of them from a few different sellers on amazon over the years.
the higher GPD will output faster, but it's all so slow i just let it trickle into a tote for a few hours, if you wanna save money get the lowest gallons per day (gpd) one. just match it with a same GPD membrane when you replace it. i use DOW filmtec about 27$. lasts forever. but you won't need to do that for many many harvests.

this one is good with water pressure from 50-100psi, which any normal plumbing should be within. if you get a different one, check it's max psi. 100psi, no house runs that high, so you're fine. if you buy a 50psi one, you'll probably need a flow reducer, which is just a few bucks. but the one linked can just hook up to your line directly.

sorry, i'm a little chatty, trying out some new gg4 wax. (it's nice !) but yeah, RO can be affordable. giving you a clean slate to start with. spread the word, hydro doesn't have to be hard.

good luck, hmu if you need

I would never trust tap water in a reef/SW setup. I currently don't have one because I'm out of work and also don't have an RO/DI unit at the moment, but I recently found this unit on Amazon. Pretty cheap and looks really easy to configure, and the brand has a good past.

If you keep the water currently in the setup (stored in like 5 gallon buckets or something for transfer) and only need water for top offs, you could temporarily use distilled water from a grocery store or buy the huge jugs for the RO machines they have there.

Did you ever consider a faucet mounted filter. It's faster and more convenient than a pitcher while still cheaper than a reverse osmosis system.

Bonus question: I now use a variable temp bonavita kettle so I can set it to any temperature I want but before that I would usually wait till 20 seconds off a boil.

edit: I only have personal experience with the pur filter linked above and I loved it until it cracked. However reading the reviews as pointed out by allwoundup I've discovered this isn't an uncommon occurence. So you may want to consider a different model like a culligan or Dupont. However I haven't had any personal experience with these models so I can't vouch for them.

Actually, I just upgraded the BB back in January on my '84 PGN10. Used this BB from Velo, and got this BB socket to pull the BB. Also, you'll need a crank puller to take the cranks off.

So yeah, I didn't have any problems swapping the BB. But, I had a socket wrench that fit the BB Socket - you may not.

PROTIP: Don't buy the Peugeot if its Carbolite 103. Reynolds 501 or 531 save you a lot of weight due to superior materials.

I am trying to connect an RO type faucet like this
to a standard sink supply line. Id like to tee off of the sink supply line to provide the faucet with its own water supply (it will have an inline filter). I am not sure of the correct reducers to get for this. I ordered this
but the male end is just a touch too large. I am obviously not the most knowledgeable when it comes to plumbing sizes, but I would greatly appreciate any help!

The leaching of lead from systems is relevant in Prince George Rupert because of the acidic water. Our water chemistry is going to be very different. GVRD water reports are here.

If you're worried about water quality, run your water for a few min. And/or put in an under-counter filter like this one.

On a side note: My father was involved as an elected board member on a small water system. In their case, the water system was functioning fine and providing safe clean water. But the provincial government - in what amounted to a cover-their-ass move - mandated that every system meet some incredibly high standards that were absolutely unaffordable for small systems to implement. We're not talking lead here, but going from something like 99.9999% to 99.99999% which was overkill and millions of dollars of costs onto ~300 users. Downloading of costs and shifting of responsibility for a negligible benefit.

That closet organizer is awesome! So pricey... but probably worth it!

My answer is the same as what I just posted in a "what item do you WANT the most" thread:

For me, it's a tie between the filtered water pitcher (because our water is really crappy) or the hair straightener (because the cracks in my old one are snagging/breaking my hairs).

15 years here and I still can’t even swallow a glass of tap water. Installed an RO system under my sink with a remineralization stage. The end result is silky soft, slightly alkaline water that is better than bottled waters. Amazon Link

It also has a 1:1 waste ratio which is the highest efficiency on the market, making it eco friendly as well. I have very little plumbing skills and it was not difficult to install at all.

I've used the $190 system linked below for ~3 years and have been very happy with it's water quality and minimal running cost. Filter cost is $30 a year when buying the $90 / 3 year kit linked below.

This unit is also an alkaline / mineralized system. Normal RO systems don't have this and ironically make the water so pure that it pulls the healthy minerals out of your body which are then peed out - which is bad. This linked system creates completely pure water then has an extra canister that adds back the healthy minerals to the water that your body needs.



https://www.amazon.com/Express-Water-Alkaline-Reverse-Filtration/dp/B00MU20LN2?ref_=ast_sto_dp.

https://www.amazon.com/Express-Water-Replacement-Membrane-Sediment/dp/B01LR8312W/ref=pd_aw_fbt_328_img_3/146-5640012-4590858?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01LR8312W&pd_rd_r=6ac6d1d5-cfa1-4112-8592-9ecc7f0cd754&pd_rd_w=2iB2w&pd_rd_wg=wHJdH&pf_rd_p=6e6afc8a-fbbd-4649-97cf-4e08f5113612&pf_rd_r=8HYG7C2F0SZ1R8BWAKWX&psc=1&refRID=8HYG7C2F0SZ1R8BWAKWX

Wow I had no idea these existed! Thanks @JumbleGumby

@hazeldazeI here you go SmarterFresh Drinking Fountain Faucet for Sink, Water Faucet Attachment for Bathroom, Kitchen, Tap

I have a screen filter first then a 20" clear housing filter with a bleed valve like so:

Geekpure Whole House Big Blue Water Filter Housing 3/4 Inch or 1-Inch Outlet/Inlet with Wrench and Bracket -4.5 Inch x 20 Inch - Clear Housing https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B077BDQGHP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Q-fnDb0NJWZZD

I use the bleed valve when I see air in the filter. Everything gets filtered down to 5 microns before entering my pump. Have to change it 3 or so times a season.

RO water systems.. do you guys have a clean looking system that includes a water storage tank and is installed similar to this?

I recently got a deal on a Hydro-Logic 31040 200-GPD
Stealth-RO200 Reverse Osmosis Filter and I want to know if it can be used in conjunction with this water tank and a faucet from home depot to make a clean looking sink to get brewing water from.. Or would I need to look for a Hydro-Logic tank?

Or do you just have a hose adapter for the inlet and get the water you need on brewday just pumping it through the filter?

Both the filters unscrew. Do you have the [wrench] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003VT5GCE/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1425432521&sr=8-1&keywords=water+filter+wrench&pi=AC_SX200_QL40&dpPl=1&dpID=31%2BYNMNwO%2BL&ref=plSrch) that came with it? They help. Make sure you bleed off the pressure as well. Often a button on top of the assembly.

Yup. Replacing all my lines, while sounding like a fun DIY project, won't be happening soon.

Different levels of filtration are going to be in my future. First up will be a faucet filter. I actually hate those, but they can go on quickly enough and will work long enough until I can figure out what I do want. 3M's undersink Filtrete system sounds good to me if it were actually in stock.

Thanks! It doesn't seem much easier to find 1 micron, though. Seem most of them are 5 micron.

Edit: found one half the price of the one I got at lowes to boot.

Thanks again.

That's an industry standard housing size for filters and it looks like the size that some people describe as 10" x 2.5" and some as 9-3/4 x 2-7/8. You can (with water off) open it up to remove and measure the existing cartridge. You can also run it with no filter cartridge in it if water flow volume is currently too low and that's the immediate problem.

Instruction video on replacing the filter is here: play this video at double speed^☨. If the previous owners have not left the "wrench" and it won't come off just by gripping and turning, you can use an automotive strap wrench or order a replacement wrench cheaply

I used to replace mine at the local big box store, you will see that each model has a slightly different menu of what it controls. For city water, most people want the chlorine removed, but in some places it is worth spending much more on ones that will remove lead, arsenic, or some other contaminant of concern also. I've found online purchase of Pentek EP-10 or equivalent much cheaper than local purchase.

Whoever put the filter there wanted it for some reason, so if you can figure out the reason, that will inform your choice of replacement cartridge. You may consider asking the neighbors if they filter their drinking water and why. In the meantime, just put whatever is cheap that fits, and you will restore adequate flow volume to the sink and dishwasher.

^☨ (on youtube if you click the gear icon at the lower right it will allow you in "settings" to change the speed of playback. Pitch is unaffected.)

Have you tried something like Omni CB3 1/2 micro filters? Kind of expensive but probably cheaper than bottled water.

I have seen them cheaper than at Amazon, 400 gallons for $30.

http://www.amazon.com/Omni-CB3-SS6-05-Undersink-Replacement-Cartridge/dp/B0002YU70M

http://www.amazon.com/Big-Blue-Water-Filter-Housing/dp/B002R8FNPK/ref=sr_1_6?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1382400606&sr=1-6&keywords=standard+filter+canister

Use this filter: https://www.amazon.com/KX-MATRIKX-Pb1-Extruded-Cartridge/dp/B008A9P5DK with the cheapest (but well rated) 10 inch filter housing you can find. Your water will be significantly better than anything else for a lot cheaper!

I'm gonna start with a little story. about 3 months ago i was up to 385 lbs, the highest I have ever been. My boss told me if i lose 50 lbs he will give me 100 dollars. ive been doing really good trying to watch what I eat. i would like this. i need to drink more water but i hate the taste of tap water. this is something i can fill up and have in the fridge and i can use to fill up a water bottle. i need all the help i can get. im 28 and being so heavy is dangerous to my health.I know this water filter isn't going to magically change my life but it is a step in the right direction. also if i win this or not , when i make it to my 50 lb goal im going to do a 20 dollar contest of a similar fashion. you never know these health contests might save a life!

Pur 18 cup dispenser.


I use it, and love it.

Spun Polypropylene on one and carbon. Here's a link for the best price I've seen.

http://www.amazon.com/Big-Blue-Water-Filter-Housing/dp/B002R8FNPK

this is probably the best thing i've ever given myself.

I was wondering about using a filter. Choosing a random one, it costs $12.67, and needs replacement after 200 gallons. I have no clue how much it reduces lead, or if it'll even bring Flint's lead levels down to safe levels.

Filtration cost per gallon is $0.06495, including the cost of the water per gallon.

Another one has a per-gallon cost of $0.03487.

I was under the impression that water filters were expensive, but surprisingly per-gallon they're not. Obviously I'm taking the cost of the replacement filters rather than the full kits themselves. Per gallon cost is just a little bit more taking into account the initial spend to buy the kit.

I wash my face in the kitchen sink because the basin is much bigger (I have face wash and foam mask on my kitchen counter like dish soap lol). I make a huge mess in the bathroom also.

I've also had this in my amazon cart forever after I saw some SA'ers talking about the same thing.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07GRMQKR3/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_2

There are good 10$ tap filters (2mo/800Gallon)

https://www.amazon.com/Culligan-FM-15RA-Advanced-Replacement-Cartridge/dp/B00006WNMJ/

I do believe there are some systems that add back minerals to the water. Here is one. I don't know how effective it is compared to what comes from the plant/natural occurring? Do you have two separate faucets, one for drinking and one for regular use, or did you just connect the filter to the main faucet? Thank you!

I know it's solved and the answer is correct, but just throwing it out there that it could have been for an under the sink reverse osmosis system for cleaner drinking water.


https://www.amazon.com/Home-Master-TMHP-HydroPerfection-Undersink/dp/B00N2941N8/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1542197223&sr=8-9&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=reverse+osmosis+under+sink&dpPl=1&dpID=51kGrTY9-lL&ref=plSrch

adding pressurized storage tank would help give better pressure in oulet (RO product) if upgarde pump couldn’t solve problem

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00439MYYE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_vYB0BbB5YGVTT

Looking at the plumbing for a 3 group linea classic, I'm not seeing why you wouldn't be able to plumb it yourself. The lines needed are the same as if you bought an under-sink water filter, something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Filtrete-Performance-Drinking-Dedicated-4US-MAXL-S01/dp/B00910U03W

All you do is shut off your cold water line to your kitchen sink, disconnect it, put in a T splitter

You could do it for much cheaper with something like this http://amzn.com/B00BA9DE94, which has a 1500 gallon lifespan. You need to T-off from your existing plumbing and add a spigot/valve to dispense the water.

Like this one... https://www.amazon.com/Geekpure-20-Inch-Housing-Bracket-Cartridges/dp/B077BDQGHP

Put it right where the water source comes into your house.

bottled water is also bad.

There are ways to test your water if you are concerned. A brita filter can reduce lead levels as well.

Culligan FM-25 Faucet Mount Filter with Advanced Water Filtration, Chrome Finish https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0064MKTE0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_lxHbMTdXgIXjt


CaptainEco 10-Stage Shower Filter with 2 Replacement Cartridges Universal Chrome https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M03C6PO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_2gOs6zFEljlNS

Another guy recommended these. http://www.amazon.com/Orange-Grand-Cartridge-107mm-1-37x24/dp/B004JKIFQ8

What about this bad boy with a UV filter stage?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N2941N8

https://www.amazon.com/Aquatic-Life-Sediment-Membrane-Deionization/dp/B01HRDE170/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1523498172&sr=8-1&keywords=aquatic+life+rodi

http://www.amazon.com/Culligan-FM-15A-Level-Faucet-Filter/dp/B00006WNMI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324416010&sr=8-1

Upfront cost - ~19 dollars

Maintenance cost - ~12 dollars per 200 gallons

http://www.amazon.com/Culligan-FM-15RA-Faucet-Replacement-Cartridge/dp/B00006WNMJ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1324416010&sr=8-4

Meaning... the filter can provide you with 1,514 individual bottles of water. So unless this water comes out to 18 cents per 24 pack you are NOT saving anything.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MU20LN2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mouSCbBQ95J4F?pldnSite=1

This is the model I have and am looking to install in my home. About how long did the project take you?

I've been maintaining a 75 gallon with this for over a year. Just now replacing my filters and di resin. Even though it still runs my 180~tds to 0. For $69.99 cant really understand why people pay 100s of dollars for units. 0tds is 0 tds.

http://www.amazon.com/Watts-500313-Undercounter-Reducing-Drinking/dp/B0018MXH04/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hi_5

There are cheaper single filters or more expensive reverse osmosis systems, but they are much cheaper than buying water, even cheaper than buying gallons by the pallet, which I used to do. I picked up a Whirlpool brand at Lowes for a similar price, for the convenience of buying filters, which can be confusing with all the third party Amazon sellers.

Edit: Speaking of which, Lowes has a 'share' icon bar for every single review now, and that includes the option to submit review to reddit, what the fuck is this shit

I think a standard home water filtration system is actually a better deal, even with a water pump.

Pump ($60), filter($80), pre-filter($30). Add 5$ of PVC pipe.

Ovr the long run,this should be less expensive. Almost nowhere in the US is ground water unsafe to drink. Not that I would put that to the test, but unless you are in some strange circumstances you shouldn't need ultra high levels of filtration. You can buy a UV filter if you are really paranoid, you can add a UV filter ($150).

I did, but be warned it takes me 15 minutes a gallon for RODI. RO (waste water from your RODI fills up much quicker. I use it when I need to rinse buckets and whatnot. My RODI was $125, coral12G did a video on it (YouTube) FYI they measure these things in gallons per day.

Aquatic Life Twist-in 100 GPD 4-Stage Ro Unit (Sediment, Carbon Block, Membrane, Deionization) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HRDE170/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_C8Q676QhD8k1o

I used to waste so much money on bottled water because my tap tasted bad. Then I got one of these and I haven't spent a dime on bottled water since.