We just installed a reverse osmosis (RO) filter system at our house, because the tap water tastes gross. I tested the TDS and it was 3ppm! I thought “oh that must be great, pure water,” but my friend told me you actually want minerals in there to help extract.
So… Anyone else in this boat? I know there are RO systems that will remineralize after the filter, but ours doesn’t… And I don’t think I want to uninstall this beast. I know there are little drops you can add, but they seem expensive… Just wondering what y’all other home brewers do. Thanks!
Yeah, pure water like that has a metallic taste to me.
I got this iSpring system which had one with it already, but you should be able to just add the alkaline filter into your current system.
That looks like a good option. We basically have the same model but with 2 little tanks on top instead of 3. I could probably just add that filter at the end of the chain like you said. Thanks for the idea!
Yeah, that will work, and it does raise the TDS to ~50ppm, but the water tastes so good and it feels softer in the mouth with that alkaline filter on it. I fill a glass pitcher and keep it in the fridge to always have cold water to fill my hydro flask throughout the day.
So, I did end up going with this option. After some more research, I found that I don’t want my family drinking that super purified stuff (leaches minerals from your body, etc.). I didn’t get that exact ispring one–I got a kit from Apec (same brand as my RO setup) that includes an extra tube + the bracket to install it on the other cartridges (so I wouldn’t have to bust out the duct tape!). It arrives tomorrow… I’m excited! Thanks again.
Awesome, yeah, and just so you know, it might taste off for a bit, I ran a couple of tanks right away through it.
Sounds good, will keep that in mind! Should arrive today.