Q. What is the warranty for the MangOX Plus Iron Filters?
A. The filter tanks have a 10 year warranty. If there is a leak or any problems, which is rare, simply contact us and we will send a replacement tank no charge. We have been in business now since 1989 and problems with these systems are very rare, but we are here should you have any problem. The control valve has a 5 year warranty. We also offer a 6 month guarantee. If you are not happy for any reason within 6 months, just contact us and we will arrange for a refund of your money. Read more about our warranty.
Q. How do these MangOX iron filters work?
A. As the water flows through the filter tank containing MangOX filter 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 MangOX 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, the iron filter backwash control automatically performs a quick 8 minute backwash which rinses out the media every 1 or 2 nights. This restores the iron filter media to a clean state, ready to remove more iron and manganese. No filter cartridges are required and the filter media itself lasts for 10 years or more.
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 MangOX media clean.
Q. What is the difference between MangOX, Catalox, Filox and Pyrolox?
A. MangOX was previously brand-named Catalox, but was changed to MangOX by the manufacturer. Filox and Pyrolox are other trade names of manganese dioxide media. MangOX, Filox and Pyrolox all perform similarly, with MangOX being a slightly grade or version of the media, and is pre-washed.
Q. What is the difference between "greensand iron filters" and MangOX iron filters?
A. The difference between Greensand iron filters and MangOX filters is the type of media used. MangOX filters use MangOX (similar to Filox and Pyrolox meda). Greensand is a lighter media, created by coating silica with a manganese oxide coating. It needs to be regenerated with potassium permanganate, or use with chlorinated water, where chlorine bleach is fed in upstream of the filter. MangOX is actually pure manganese oxide, it is not a coating. It is much heavier, requires a much higher backwash flow rate. MangOX can work in some applications where the iron levels are less than 5.0 ppm and there is no sulfur odor present and last for years with just simple backwashing. In these applications, no chlorine feed is required. However for many waters with hydrogen suflide present, or higher levels of iron, and/or manganese, a chlorine feed is recommended ahead of the MangOX filter.
Q. How often do these iron filters need to backwash?
A. Once every 1 to 3 nights is recommended to keep the MangOX media in good condition. It is not harmed by frequent backwashing, unlike other media such as Birm.. The backwash lasts for about 8 minutes and then it rinses for 4 to 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 MangOX 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 ($69 additional). This not only allows the iron filter 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 MangOX 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 MangOX media. The water should have a pH of 6.0 to 9.0. For water containing over 5.0 ppm of iron, or water containing hydrogen sulfide gas ('rotten-egg' odor) chlorine (or ozone or air) injection is recommended 10 to 30 seconds upstream of the filter. MangOX media works best if the water is pre-chlorinated, but it can be used without chlorination if the iron is less than 5.0 ppm and it is set to backwash as recommended.
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 MangOX iron filter first in line, followed by a good quality water softener. The MangOX 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. We recommend a chlorinator and/or an air-compressor-tank be installed prior to the MangOX filter to enhance the odor-removing capabilities of the MangOX filter. If hydrogen sulfide (the rotten-egg odor you are smelling) is present, the media will only remove very low levels without a chlorine feed ahead of the MangOX filter.
Q. My water has both sulfur smell and iron bacteria, will this work for me?
A. For water with odor and/or iron bacteria, the media works better and lasts years longer if you install a simple chlorine feed pump ahead of the iron filter. In some wells, if odor is present, there may also be iron bacteria and/or sulfur bacteria present. The MangOX 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 MangOX 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.
Q. My water has a very slight sulfur smell, can the MangOX Plus Iron filter remove this?
A. Yes. The system is available with an optional chlorine solution tank and you can add 1 or 2 cups of bleach, once or twice a month to clean and restore the media, when low levels of sulfur odor are present. No chlorine enters the household water, it is just used to clean and restore the filter media.
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 MangOX work for this type of problem?
A. Probably not, you may need to use the MangOX filter and add a Tannin filter after the MangOX 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 littleor no maintenance. This is the great advantage of the MangOX filters. MangOX 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. How much does it cost to change the MangOX media?
A. It costs around $400 to change the MangOX media for a typical 1.5 cubic foot size Catalox filter.
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. |
