Whole House Fluoride Water Filter System 4.5" x 20" Big Blue 13,000 Gallon Capacity

Description

Whole House Fluoride Water Filter System

Reduce fluoride throughout your home with this complete whole-house fluoride water filter system. It combines a premium Aries Filter Works fluoride-reduction cartridge with our heavy-duty 4.5-inch x 20-inch Big Blue-style housing, providing an effective and easy-to-maintain fluoride filtration solution for smaller homes and homes with moderate water demand.

The Aries cartridge contains specially prepared activated alumina media designed specifically for fluoride reduction. The cartridge is installed at the point of entry so treated water can be supplied to showers, bathroom faucets, kitchen faucets and other household fixtures.

For the best fluoride-reduction performance, water flow through one cartridge should not exceed 4 gallons per minute. A single system is generally best suited for a one- or two-bathroom home where water use can be managed so multiple high-flow fixtures are not operated at the same time. For homes requiring greater flow, two complete systems can be installed in parallel to provide up to approximately 8 GPM total treatment flow.

Complete Fluoride Filtration System

This is more than just a replacement cartridge. The system includes the Aries fluoride filter cartridge and a complete heavy-duty housing kit with the mounting hardware and service tools needed for installation and future cartridge changes.

• Aries 4.5-inch x 20-inch fluoride-reduction cartridge
• Heavy-duty 4.5-inch x 20-inch Big Blue-style filter housing
• Lead-free brass 1-inch female NPT inlet and outlet connections
• Heavy-duty steel mounting bracket
• Filter housing wrench
• Mounting screws
• Teflon thread-seal tape
• Quick-start guide and installation booklet

Why Choose This Whole House Fluoride Filter?

• Specialized fluoride-reduction media: Uses specially prepared activated alumina selected for the reduction of fluoride in drinking water.
• Whole-house treatment: Installs on the main incoming water line to reduce fluoride before the water is distributed throughout the home.
• Up to approximately 13,000 gallons at 1 ppm fluoride: Provides substantial treatment capacity under suitable water conditions.
• Heavy-duty brass connections: Lead-free brass inlet and outlet threads are more durable and less prone to stripping or cross-threading than molded plastic pipe threads.
• Double O-ring housing seal: Two O-rings help provide a dependable, long-lasting seal.
• Built-in pressure-relief button: Makes it easier to release pressure before opening the housing for cartridge replacement.
• Universal cartridge size: The housing accepts standard 4.5-inch x 20-inch Big Blue-style replacement cartridges.
• Easy maintenance: The included housing wrench helps make routine cartridge replacement straightforward.
• Expandable for higher flow: Two systems can be installed in parallel for homes requiring greater simultaneous water flow.

Heavy-Duty Big Blue Housing With Brass Threads

The included housing is constructed from reinforced, food-grade polypropylene for durability and chemical resistance. Unlike many lower-cost housings that use molded plastic pipe threads, this housing has lead-free brass 1-inch female NPT inlet and outlet ports.

Brass threads provide a stronger connection for plumbing fittings and help reduce the risk of damaging, stripping or cross-threading the housing during installation. This is especially valuable on a whole-house system that is permanently installed on the main water line.

The housing also features a built-in red pressure-relief button. Before changing the cartridge, shut off the water and press the button to release pressure inside the housing. The double O-ring design helps maintain a secure seal, and the included housing wrench makes it easier to remove and reinstall the sump.

How the Fluoride Filter Works

The Aries cartridge uses specially prepared activated alumina media. As water passes through the cartridge, fluoride is adsorbed onto the surface of the media. Fluoride reduction depends on adequate contact time, which is why maintaining the recommended flow rate is important.

Laboratory testing of the media has demonstrated the ability to reduce fluoride from approximately 10 ppm to below 0.2 ppm under suitable test conditions. Actual results in a home will depend on the incoming fluoride concentration, flow rate, pH, bicarbonate concentration and other aspects of the water chemistry.

The filter is designed to reduce fluoride in drinking water to below 0.5 ppm when it is properly sized and operated under favorable water conditions. Because actual water chemistry varies, treated water should be tested to confirm performance.

Recommended Service Flow Rate

The recommended maximum service flow rate is 4 GPM per fluoride cartridge. Flow rates above 4 GPM can reduce contact time and degrade fluoride-removal performance.

A 4 GPM treatment rate can work well for a smaller home, but it is important to understand that the rating applies to the total amount of water being used at one time. A shower, washing machine, faucet and other fixtures operating simultaneously may exceed 4 GPM.

• One-bathroom home: Generally a good application when simultaneous water use is limited.
• Two-bathroom home: May be suitable when the household avoids operating several high-flow fixtures at the same time.
• Larger home or higher water demand: Consider two systems installed in parallel.

Need More Flow? Install Two Systems in Parallel

For a home that requires more than 4 GPM, two identical fluoride filter systems can be installed in parallel. A properly designed parallel installation divides the incoming water between the two cartridges, allowing each cartridge to remain within its recommended flow rate.

Two balanced systems installed in parallel can provide up to approximately 8 GPM total treatment flow. For best results, both plumbing branches should be the same pipe size and approximately the same length so the water divides evenly between the cartridges.

Parallel installation can be a practical option for:

• Homes with two or more bathrooms
• Households that frequently use several fixtures at once
• Homes with larger showers or high-flow fixtures
• Applications where reducing pressure loss is important

Both cartridges in a parallel system should normally be replaced at the same time.

Fluoride Treatment Capacity

The cartridge has an estimated total capacity of approximately 13,000 ppm-gallons of fluoride. Cartridge life in gallons depends primarily on the fluoride concentration in the untreated water.

• At 1.0 ppm fluoride: approximately 13,000 gallons
• At 0.5 ppm fluoride: approximately 26,000 gallons under otherwise similar conditions
• At 2.0 ppm fluoride: approximately 6,500 gallons under otherwise similar conditions

These examples are estimates based on fluoride loading. Actual cartridge life may be shorter because of water pH, bicarbonate, competing contaminants, flow rate and other water conditions.

Water Chemistry Is Important

Performance is affected by the chemistry of the incoming water. High pH and high bicarbonate concentrations can significantly reduce fluoride-removal capacity.

• Flow rates above 4 GPM can degrade performance.
• High water pH can reduce fluoride adsorption.
• Bicarbonate above approximately 100 ppm can substantially reduce fluoride-removal capacity.
• Bicarbonate above approximately 200 ppm can reduce capacity even further.

Before selecting a fluoride filter, we recommend knowing the incoming fluoride concentration and, when possible, the water's pH and bicarbonate or alkalinity level. Periodic testing of the filtered water is the most dependable way to determine when the cartridge should be replaced.

How Often Should the Fluoride Cartridge Be Changed?

There is no single replacement schedule that applies to every home. Cartridge life depends on:

• Incoming fluoride concentration
• Number of gallons used
• Water pH
• Bicarbonate or alkalinity level
• Flow rate through the cartridge
• Other competing substances in the water

For many households, replacement may fall within a range of approximately 6 to 12 months, but the cartridge should not be replaced based on time alone. A low-water-use household may receive a longer service life, while a household with high water use or higher fluoride may need replacement sooner.

The best approach is to estimate water usage and periodically test the treated water for fluoride. Replace the cartridge before fluoride rises above your desired treatment level.

Recommended Installation

Install the fluoride system on the home's main cold-water line after the pressure tank or municipal water shutoff and before the plumbing branches serving the home. Install shutoff valves and a bypass so the housing can be isolated during cartridge replacement.

If the incoming water contains sediment, rust, sand or other visible particles, install a separate sediment prefilter before the fluoride cartridge. Removing sediment first helps protect the activated alumina cartridge from plugging and premature pressure loss.

If a whole-house carbon filter is also being installed for chlorine, chloramine, taste or odor reduction, contact a Clean Water Store specialist for help determining the preferred equipment order for your water conditions.

Cartridge Replacement

1. Shut off the incoming water supply.
2. Open a nearby faucet to relieve plumbing pressure.
3. Press the red pressure-relief button on top of the housing.
4. Place a bucket beneath the housing.
5. Use the supplied wrench to loosen and remove the housing sump.
6. Remove and discard the exhausted cartridge.
7. Clean the inside of the housing sump.
8. Inspect, clean and lubricate the O-rings with food-grade silicone grease as needed.
9. Insert the new cartridge and reinstall the sump.
10. Slowly restore the water supply and inspect the housing for leaks.
11. Flush the new cartridge before placing the system into normal service.

System Specifications

Application	Point-of-entry or whole-house fluoride reduction
Cartridge Manufacturer	Aries Filter Works
Cartridge Media	Specially prepared activated alumina
Cartridge Size	4.5 inches x 20 inches
Estimated Fluoride Capacity	13,000 ppm-gallons; approximately 13,000 gallons at 1.0 ppm fluoride
Recommended Maximum Treatment Flow	4 GPM per cartridge
Approximate Parallel-System Flow	Up to 8 GPM with two properly balanced systems
Housing Material	Reinforced food-grade polypropylene
Inlet and Outlet	1-inch female NPT lead-free brass threads
Housing Working Pressure	15 to 90 PSI
Operating Temperature	41°F to 104°F (5°C to 40°C)
Pressure-Relief Button	Yes
Housing Seal	Double O-ring design
Installation Orientation	Vertical

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this filter remove fluoride from all the water in my home?

When installed on the main incoming water line, the system reduces fluoride before the water is distributed to household fixtures. Actual fluoride reduction depends on water chemistry, cartridge condition and keeping the flow through the cartridge at or below 4 GPM.

Is this suitable for a two-bathroom home?

It can be suitable for a one- or two-bathroom home when simultaneous water use is limited. However, two showers or several fixtures operating at once can exceed 4 GPM. Homes that routinely require higher simultaneous flow should use two systems installed in parallel.

How much flow can two filters in parallel provide?

Two identical systems installed with balanced parallel plumbing can provide up to approximately 8 GPM total while limiting flow through each cartridge to approximately 4 GPM. Uneven plumbing can cause one filter to receive more flow than the other, so the two branches should be designed to divide the water as evenly as possible.

How long will a cartridge last?

At an incoming fluoride concentration of 1.0 ppm, the estimated capacity is approximately 13,000 gallons under favorable water conditions. Higher fluoride concentrations, high pH, high bicarbonate and excessive flow can shorten cartridge life.

Should I change the cartridge every year?

Annual replacement may be appropriate for some homes, but cartridge life should ideally be based on water use and fluoride testing rather than time alone. Test the treated water periodically and replace the cartridge before fluoride rises above your desired level.

How can I tell when the fluoride cartridge is exhausted?

A fluoride cartridge does not necessarily produce an obvious change in taste, odor or appearance when it is exhausted. The most reliable method is to have the filtered water tested for fluoride. Tracking household water consumption can also help estimate remaining capacity.

Does the cartridge also remove chlorine or chloramine?

This cartridge is designed primarily for fluoride reduction. For chlorine, chloramine, taste and odor reduction, use a separate activated carbon or catalytic carbon filtration stage selected for your water conditions.

Does the cartridge remove hardness or dissolved minerals?

No. Activated alumina is not a water softener and does not remove general hardness or all dissolved minerals. A separate water softener or reverse-osmosis system may be needed for those applications.

Will the system reduce my water pressure?

Some pressure loss occurs with any cartridge filter. Pressure loss will be greater at higher flow rates and may increase as the cartridge collects material or approaches the end of its service life. Maintaining flow at or below 4 GPM helps support both fluoride reduction and acceptable pressure performance.

Can I install this system outdoors?

The housing should be protected from freezing, direct sunlight, excessive heat and weather exposure. Install it in a sheltered location where it can be accessed for cartridge changes and where any service water can drain safely.

Can I replace the cartridge myself?

Yes. Shut off the water, relieve the pressure, use the included housing wrench to remove the sump, install the replacement cartridge and slowly restore the water supply. Always inspect the O-rings and check carefully for leaks after servicing.

Can this system be used on well water?

It can be used with well water when fluoride is present, but the water should first be tested. Sediment, iron, manganese, hardness, pH, alkalinity and other water characteristics may require pretreatment or may affect fluoride-removal performance.

Should I test the water before ordering?

Yes. At a minimum, determine the incoming fluoride concentration. Testing pH and bicarbonate or alkalinity is also helpful because these factors can materially affect activated alumina performance and cartridge capacity.

Important Performance Notice

Actual fluoride reduction and cartridge life vary with the incoming fluoride concentration, water pH, bicarbonate level, total water consumption, flow rate and other water chemistry. Performance can be degraded by flow rates above 4 GPM, high pH and elevated bicarbonate. Periodic testing of the treated water is recommended to verify system performance and determine the appropriate cartridge-replacement schedule.