Iron Master filter - identify media

[traymo]

Hi guys,

I have an Iron Master filter that was installed in 2007. It has a Fleck 5600se head and a 10x54" tank. I noticed it was leaking all the time out of the drain line. I pulled the head and I am in the process of ordering replacement o-rings, piston and seals. I figured since I had everything apart, I would replace the media. Can anyone tell by the pictures what type of filter media this is? It has worked great since 2007, so if I knew what is was, I would use the same stuff. If not, I was planning on using 1.5 cuft of Katalox with 15lbs of #20 gravel at the bottom. Thanks for your help.

Tom R

 

[Bannerman]

As many media appear similar, difficult to identify the specific media currently installed. If you state which DLFC (drain line flow control) restrictor button is installed, that may provide a hint of which media as the backwash flow rate is often somewhat unique for each media.

Katalox Light is modern media that is now most recommended for iron, manganese and sulfur odor removal. KL also provides highly effective sediment filtration capabilities, with an ability to remove physical particles >3 microns.

The recommended backwash rate for KL media is 10- 15 GPM per square foot, so for a 10" diameter tank, this equals 5.4-8.1 GPM for the DLFC restrictor button. Although for optimal performance, the highest backwash flow rate is usually recommended, because all versions of Fleck 5600 valves have an upper drain flow limit capability of approx 7 GPM, it maybe best to not install a DLFC restrictor button, but instead, permit the media to backwash at the highest drain rate your 5600 valve is capable of flowing.

Because iron reduction medias function by first oxidizing ferrous iron, converting that to a ferric state, an upper basket is not recommended for use with iron reduction media. This is due to the solid ferric debris that is to be backwashed to drain, becoming trapped in the upper basket screen and partially or fully clogging the screen, thereby negatively impacting the backwash rate.

To diffuse the incoming water flow entering above the media while in Service mode, an umbrella type diffuser is recommended to be installed above the media, fastened onto the riser tube a short distance below the control valve.

For a visual image of an umbrella diffuser, see item 27-105UMB shown at this linked page at the right bottom of the left grouping. https://view.publitas.com/impact-water-products/2018-catalog-final/page/140-141

 

[Sponsor]

 

[traymo]

As many media appear similar, difficult to identify the specific media currently installed. If you state which DLFC (drain line flow control) restrictor button is installed, that may provide a hint of which media as the backwash flow rate is often somewhat unique for each media.

Katalox Light is modern media that is now most recommended for iron, manganese and sulfur odor removal. KL also provides highly effective sediment filtration capabilities, with an ability to remove physical particles >3 microns.

The recommended backwash rate for KL media is 10- 15 GPM per square foot, so for a 10" diameter tank, this equals 5.4-8.1 GPM for the DLFC restrictor button. Although for optimal performance, the highest backwash flow rate is usually recommended, because all versions of Fleck 5600 valves have an upper drain flow limit capability of approx 7 GPM, it maybe best to not install a DLFC restrictor button, but instead, permit the media to backwash at the highest drain rate your 5600 valve is capable of flowing.

Because iron reduction medias function by first oxidizing ferrous iron, converting that to a ferric state, an upper basket is not recommended for use with iron reduction media. This is due to the solid ferric debris that is to be backwashed to drain, becoming trapped in the upper basket screen and partially or fully clogging the screen, thereby negatively impacting the backwash rate.

To diffuse the incoming water flow entering above the media while in Service mode, an umbrella type diffuser is recommended to be installed above the media, fastened onto the riser tube a short distance below the control valve.

For a visual image of an umbrella diffuser, see item 27-105UMB shown at this linked page at the right bottom of the left grouping. https://view.publitas.com/impact-water-products/2018-catalog-final/page/140-141

Hi Bannerman,

My Fleck 5600 has the 7gpm button installed and is setup for AIO. Should I leave that 7gpm button out? I ordered a new diffuser to replace the one that was installed (it was about 4-5" down from the top of the riser tube). It looked like the one in the catalog you referred to. I also ordered the Fleck high flow bottom screen.
Is there a preferred vendor on the forum that people are ordering the Katalox Light from?
All of the new o-rings, piston and seals should be here by next week. I just need to order the media and gravel.

Thanks,
Tom