Q. Why are these systems called "Catalox" filters.

A. Catalox is a trademarked name. These iron filters use a type of granular filter media called "Catalox". These are similar to Filox and Pyrolox, in that the media is a pure granular manganese oxide naturally produced from manganese ore.


Q. How do they work?

A. As the water flows through the filter tank containing Catalox media, a reaction occurs where the dissolved ferrous iron compounds form an insoluble ferric hydroxide. In plain English, as water containing iron flows through the media, the Catalox causes the iron (and manganese and hydrogen sulfide) to form rust, or solid iron, manganese and sulfide particles. After these rust particles get trapped in the filter media, once or twice a week they are automatically backwashed out to drain, and the filter media is ready to filter again.


Q. Why does it need to backwash?
A. A periodic backwash flushes out the trapped iron and manganese that the iron filter removes, restoring the flow rate and pressure and keeping the Catalox media clean.


Q. How often do these iron filters need to backwash?
A. Once every 3 to 4 days is usually sufficient, although you can set it to backwash every 1 or 2 nights if the iron is very high and there is a lot water used in the home. The backwash lasts for about 8 minutes and the it rinses for 6 minutes. The backwash control is fully automatic and is typically set to backwash in the middle of the night.


Q. Can I order the Catalox filter so it backwashes based on flow and not days of the week?
A. Yes you can. The Fleck 7000 model can be ordered with an optional flow sensor, when you check out you are able to check this option ($49 additional). This not only allows the neutralizer to backwash based on gallons used, but it allows you to see the flow rate in gallons per minute of the water used in the house.


Q. Do these systems come in different sizes?

A. Yes. The size of the filter system is directly proportional to the flow rate of the water, in gallons per minute. The higher the flow rate, the larger the system required. See our table for the flow rates for Catalox iron filters.


Q. Do these filters have any special conditions to work properly?

A. Yes! The minimum backwash flow rate is necessary to be able to properly backwash and restore the Catalox media. The water should have a pH of 6.0 to 9.0. Generally it will remove up to 15.0 ppm of iron, 5.0 ppm of hydrogen sulfide and 3.0 ppm of manganese without requiring additional treatment. However, it can be combined with a chlorine (or ozone, hydrogen peroxide or air injection) feed prior to the Catalox filter for difficult to treat applications.


Q. My water is hard also, I am thinking of using a water softener with an iron filter. Is that a good approach to consider?
A. Absolutely. Many people use a Catalox iron filter first in line, followed by a good quality water softener. The Catalox filter will remove iron, and the softener will remove the hardness.


Q. My water has a very bad smell of sulfur ("rotten-eggs"), is this a problem?

A. This is no problem for the Catalox media, and the Catalox iron filter will remove hydrogen sulfide odor up to 3.0 ppm. However, if hydrogen sulfide (the rotten-egg odor you are smelling) is present, often this means that there is also iron bacteria and/or sulfur bacteria present. The Catalox iron filter will not kill this bacteria, so the bacteria can still cause odors after the filter, in the household plumbing, particularly if the water sits for a period of time. What happens is, the Catalox filter will remove it, but if there is any residual iron in the pipes, any pipes made of iron, the odor can come back after the pipes have sat unused for a day or two. This problem can often be remedied by shock-chlorinating the pipes with chlorine bleach. In some cases, we recommend a chlorinator or air-compressor-tank be installed prior to the Catalox filter to enhance the odor-removing capabilities of the Catalox filter. However, most customers with low levels of hydrogen sulfide gas, use the Catalox filter only with excellent results, and then periodically shock-chlorinate the well once or twice a year, with chlorine bleach.


Q. My water has a weak-tea color, or is brown in color. The color does not settle out very much in a glass, even after I let it sit for a day or two. Will Catalox work for this type of problem?

A. Probably not, you may need to use the Catalox filter and add a Tannin filter after the Catalox filter for color removal.


Q. Are these systems big electrical power users?

A. No. The control valve uses only about 15 watts of energy to run the timer and backwash valve.


Q. What maintenance is required?

A. Under the right conditions there is little or no maintenance. This is the great advantage of the Catalox filters. Catalox can last for over 10 years with little maintenance. In some cases depending on how hard the water is, the control valve backwash piston needs to be replaced every 3 to 5 years, but this is also easy to do by anyone. No special tools are required. The systems uses no salt or chemicals and there are no filter cartridges to replace.


Q. Is there a pressure loss through the system?

A. When properly sized, the system produces a very low pressure drop at service flow rates, usually around 5 PSI


Q. Can I route the backwash water to my septic tank?

A. Yes. The backwash water is non toxic and can be routed to the septic tank with no problem. It can also be routed to landscaping, although the backwash is usually very dark and orange, and will stain surfaces.


Q. How frequently do I have to replace the filter media?

A. The filter media will last for 5 - 15 years depending on usage and conditions. It is easily replaced.


Q. Can I get assistance in choosing an iron filter system for my application?

A. Yes! You should first have your water tested, and then contact our technical staff for help on selecting the best iron filter system for your application. Also see our Custom Water System Design Questionnaire which makes it easy to help you select a system.