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Aquarium Water Conditioners; Amquel, Novaqua, Start Right, Ammo Lock, Stress Coat and More

AQUARIUM WATER CONDITIONERS; their ingredients (where available), what chemical functions they perform and uses based on my opinions of each based on using these products in a professional capacity (27 years of aquarium maintenance and research)

STRESS COAT;

Stress Coat contains a special non-toxic polymer that is attracted to the skin of the fish forming a synthetic slime coat envelope. Stress Coat also contains sodium thiosulfate electrolytes such as sodium and sulfides which helps reduce loss of electrolytes through the skin, gills, and damaged tissue. The Aloe Vera in STRESS COAT reduces inflammation of damaged fish tissue.

The effectiveness of Stress Coat with Aloe Vera has been proven by independent studies conducted at the University of Georgia, School of Veterinary Medicine. Researchers found that Stress Coat helped heal wounds and speed tissue re-growth. Dr John Gratzek summarizes the results: “Personally, I am satisfied with the results since my initial thoughts were skeptical to say the least. These definite statements can be made without equivocation: Stress Coat in no way harms aquarium fish, alters pH, or affects the biological filter. No ammonia or nitrite was detected in the test aquariums. The results indicated that the Stress Coat formula reduced the wound size compared to untreated fish tissue.” Aloe Vera is high in mucopolysaccharides, an essential component of many tissues and believed to help in the healing process.

USE; An effective water conditioner for the removal of chlorine, breaking of the chlorine/ ammonia bond (in water containing chloramines) and adding an aloe slime coat.

This is my favorite slime coat treatment for direct application to a fish that is wounded from transport or other reasons. I however have found it less effective for overall slime coat generation after a water change.

Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater.

AMMO-LOCK;

Ammo-lock contains sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate. Ammo-lock works in both fresh and saltwater, to detoxify ammonia and remove chlorine and chloramines. Locks up ammonia in a non-toxic form (ammonium) until it can be broken down by the tank’s natural biological filter and/or used by plants.

USE: For the removal of chorine and chloramines. This product is useful for the detoxification of ammonia, especially in new aquariums. I usually only use this product when the aquarium is new, ammonia (NH3) is high (please note, most ammonia test kits will still show ammonia present in the form of NH4 after using this product) or in areas where chloramines are used.

Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater.

START RIGHT;

Start Right contains allantoin (5-Ureidohydantion; Glyoxldiureide 2, 5 – Dioxo – 4 imidzolidinyle – urea) which is used in humans for the treatment of : skin ulcers, wound, scalds, burns and sunburns, carbuncles, acne and skin eruptions, fissures and abrasions, impetigo, eczema, psoriasis. This is a naturally occurring chemical even found in earthworms.

Start Right is a multi-beneficial water conditioner that removes chlorine and chloramine, neutralizes heavy metals, aids in cell regeneration and in the additional production of the fish’s natural slime coat, adds beneficial. It also contains chlorides of sodium and potassium, and polyvinylpyrrolidone.

which helps reduce loss of electrolytes through the skin, gills, and damaged tissue. It is a complete water conditioner that stimulates the natural secretion of slime to protect fish from the harmful effects of handling, shipping, fish fighting and other forms of stress. Removes chlorine and chloramine instantly, neutralizes heavy metals, adds beneficial electrolytes and guards against secondary infection.

USE:

For the removal of chlorine, breaking of the chlorine/ ammonia bond (in water containing chloramines), adding of electrolytes for stress, and the natural generation a slime coat.

This is probably my favorite basic overall water conditioner for established aquariums (I use this the most), Start Right will not remove ammonia or interfere with plant growth by removing nitrogenous compounds needed by plants. This product is also very economical.

Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater.

SEACHEM PRIME;

Prime contains complexed hydrosulfite salts which removes chlorine, chloramine and ammonia. Prime also converts ammonia into a safe, non-toxic form (ammonium) that is readily removed by the tank’s nitrifying bacteria. Prime may be used during tank cycling to alleviate ammonia/nitrite toxicity. Prime detoxifies nitrite and nitrate, allowing nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria to more efficiently remove them. It will also detoxify any heavy metals found in the tap water at typical concentration levels. The ingredients of Prime also promotes the production and regeneration of the natural slime coat and are non-acidic and will not impact pH.

USE:

For removal of chlorine, chloramines, and the de-toxifying of ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. This product adds electrolytes that aid in natural slime coat generation and proper osmotic function. This is my favorite conditioner to use in newer aquariums, aquariums with high ammonia or for use in areas where chloramines are in tap water. One reason I like this product is that is does what it claims!

Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater.

NOVAQUA;

The formula of NovAqua is proprietary, so not all ingredients are available. It is assumed that Novaqua contains sodium thiosulfate (a common Redox Reducer) and Edetates. Novaqua also contains phosphates for buffering to stabilize water after water changes (often when water is added from the tap it immediately picks up O2 and CO2 and is unstable in pH, this aspect of Novaqua helps here). The phosphate buffer system of Novaqua produces a 5 mg/L of phosphates in the aquarium as compared to the 30 mg/L shown in labs tests to grow algae. NovAqua also contains electrolytes; cations (Positively charged atoms or molecules) and anions (negatively charged atoms or molecules) that are required by freshwater fishes. Freshwater fishes remove these ions from water via the gills. The need by fish for these ions is increased during times of stress.

USE:

The original conditioner that adds a slime coat, adds electrolytes buffers water, and removes chlorines. NovAqua is useful for use water changes where buffering is needed do to pH drops after water changes. The level of phosphates used for buffering are not usually a problem for most aquariums, however if you already have high phosphates or algae problems I would avoid this product. Otherwise this is an excellent product when one desires a conditioner that adds a slime coat and buffers a well.

Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater.

AMQUEL;

The active ingredient in Amquel is hydroxymethanesulfonic acid, sodium and salt. Amquel converts ammonia to a non-toxic form (ammonium) until it can be broken down by the tank’s natural biological filter and/or used by plants. Amquel works by virtue of the hydroxymethane- end of the molecule reacts with ammonia to form a non-toxic, stable water-soluble substance which is acted upon by the bacteria in biological filtration.

This reaction effectively removes the toxic ammonia from solution. Even in water of low pH (under 7.0) the above reaction proceeds to completion. This is because even at pHs below 7.0 there is always some “free” ammonia (NH3) and the AmQuel will scavenge it from the water. This is why AmQuel works faster at higher pH’s and in saline waters.

USE: One of the first products for chloramine and ammonia removal. It is very effective in binding the ammonia (NH3) where that it stays non toxic even when nitrifying bacteria are not fully active. Although safe for saltwater, I have seen this product lower pH (although use with Novaqua counters this), for this reason it is not my first choice in this type of conditioner (Prime is my favorite as stated earlier).

Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater (when not over used).

AMQUEL +;

Since this is a new product, the ingredients are proprietary and not yet disclosed.

AmQuel+ (also known as AmQuel Plus) is a recent chemical invention that has the ability to make the “Nitrogen Cycle” (involving ammonium/ammonia/nitrites/nitrates) totally nontoxic in aquarium and pond keeping, without interfering with its process in any way, and without interfering with the beneficial bacteria that are involved with the cycle. Further, AmQuel+ detoxifies/removes all of the toxic nitrogen compounds that can appear in aquarium and pond water over time.

USE: A new product without a lot of practical experience (including by me). The claims by Kordon sound very promising, and this may turn out to be an excellent product for new aquariums in particular, although use in established aquariums seems unnecessary.

Ingredients are safe for both fresh and saltwater.

NOVAQUA +;

Novaqua + is a new product and again has proprietary ingredients that the company will not totally divulge. NovAqua+ claims to provide, in a single product, everything necessary to handle all of the needs when treating tap water for aquatic life (except for handling nitrogen compound removal such as ammonia, nitrites, nitrates). For the removal of toxic nitrogen compounds, Kordon recommends the use of AmQuel+

USE: Again a new product without a lot of practical experience (including by me). If this product lives up to claims such as aiding in osmotic function as well as chlorine removal and heavy metal removal, this may be a very useful product as well. Due to claims of iodine removal, I would not recommend use in marine reef tanks (as many soft corals need iodine)

Ingredients are safe for freshwater.

CONCLUSION;

This is an incomplete list that I will add to in the full article (listed below)as time goes on and I will also update as new products and information becomes available (especially in relation to Kordons new Amquel + and NovAqua +)

Also it should be noted that most water conditioners of all types (basic, artificial slime coat replacer, and chloramine/ ammonia remover) have similar properties and ingredients and some of the outrageous claims I have read on the internet such as “Start Right is not safe for marine aquariums while Novaqua is” are without any scientific merit (if anything the phosphates in Novaqua can cause more problems than any ingredient in Start Right!

It is also important to note that without adequate filtration and circulation, water conditioners cannot work as well or solve these problems such as lack of oxygen. A good air pump such as the Million Air line of aquarium pumps or a good basic filter such as the Via Aqua VitaLife Power Filter are important as well.

For the full articles (with pictures and that is expanding), please follow this link:

Aquarium Water Conditioners

Himfr.com Compares Three Kinds of Water Heaters

Household water heaters include gas water heater and volume storage-type electric water heaters such as thermal storage-type electric water heaters, solar water heaters and heat pump water heaters. These five categories of water heaters perform differently due to differences in the ways they heat water.

Gas water heaters:

    Gas water heaters use flammable gas, and are categorized by form into vertical-type, flue-type, strong emission-type and balanced. Use of  vertical-type water heaters can easily result in personal injury and therefore production of these has been outlawed. Flue-type water heaters require installation of a flue and one should make sure that the flue’s exhaust pipe is unobstructed when using. Strong emission-type water heaters force smoke emission outdoors, but the oxygen consumed still comes from indoors. The balanced-type water heater neither consumes nor pollutes the air indoors. However, installing such a water heater requires a dedicated channel as with air-conditioning.

    Gas water heaters heat quickly, maintain temperature stability, result in less calcification, don’t take up much space and offer easy control of water temperature. As for the problem of water pressure, consumers tend to have certain misunderstandings; in fact, gas water heaters sold in China basically achieve low water pressure start, in the 0.03MPa pressure, and the water heater could work.

    On the other hand, installation is more difficult; holes must be drilled in the wall to install exhaust fans, and for different gases, the burner shape, nozzle size, and gas-channel cross-sectional areas all are different.

 

Volume storage-type electric water heaters:

    At present in the Chinese market, volume storage-type water heaters can be divided into two kinds, closed and open. Open-type water heaters cannot supply water to several areas at the same time, while closed inner electric water heaters can ensure water pressure and can also supply water to many areas at the same time.

    Some of its advantages are that it can be used in all types of the weather, and the average family can install and use it with no problems. Electric water heaters with electric shock devices that ensure safety are currently on the market, and they are very easy to install.

    On the other hand, they take up interior space, are very big, and waste electricity. The latest electric water heaters contain built-in magnesium anode rod descaling devices, which solves descaling problems. However, magnesium anode rods should be replaced every two years, so maintenance is a problem.

 Thermal storage-type electric water heaters:

    Thermal storage-type electric water heaters have a large water storage tank compared to volume storage-type electric water heaters, which are relatively small, pretty, and also easy to use.

  While the thermal storage-type electric water heater is convenient and
time-saving, it requires large amounts of power and electric current, and it is difficult to install. If electric currents are 30A or so, the power lines must be at least 2.5mm thick, and sometimes more than 5mm. Many buildings cannot meet this demand.

 

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The Benefit of Electronic Water Softeners

 

Well if you are surprised with the popularity of electric water softeners you don’t need to be as they are gaining more and more popularity with every passing day thanks to the advantages they provide to their consumers. It is the use of technology that has made them more popular and preferable as compared to traditional salt based water softeners. The use of electromagnetic waves instead of salts allows them to perform their work amazingly and accurately. Also these are the devices that don’t require maintenance and you will not have to bear continuous salt which is something for sure to release a lot of pressure from your pocket.

They are the type of water softeners that usually comes with a warranty of 5 to 20 years and does not require as much maintenance as you need to give to other traditional softeners. All you need to do is to get them installed and they are all set to operate.

There are also many magnetic type softeners which are available in the market today. What makes them so popular is their ability of being flow independent. With magnetic type softeners you needed to make sure that the water lines are refitted and the flow of the water is slow enough just to make sure that the ions are regularly mixed up.

This however is not the case with the electric type water softeners. They only get installed at one particular portion of the pipe which ensures that you will not have to maintain or refit your water pipe lines. This procedure is a lot more less costly compared to their magnetic counterparts.

Technology has really advanced as there are now also electric water softeners that are available in the market which are even programmed to send varying electromagnetic pulses, which play an important role to soften the existing balance in your water pipes.

They are programmed to work such as they will travel through your pipes and will balance the amount of precipitates that needs to be there in your water. They indeed make sure you get a great and a whole lot more efficient water flow in your whole water pipe system.

You may hesitate to get them installed because of the fear that they might effect other electromagnetic appliances in your home but don’t worry they don’t do so as they only operate in a very limited and specified range just to ensure this doesn’t happen.

 

All About Water Softening System and The Most Popular Water Softener Products

Have hard water around you residence? If anyone with sure, below are a few signs associated with hard water: blocked up bathtub heads, nutrient deposit around sinks and also toilets, nutrient stains with laundry, along with filmy remains on a pair of glasses after cleansing. So, what would you do to sort it out? You have to “soften” this water, as well as remove the particular minerals. You possibly can either achieve that at the particular point people, say the particular kitchen mess up, but this often makes probably the most sense in order to soften that water the way it enters your home, with a total house water softener method.
There are generally two basic varieties of water softening systems, the ones use sodium and these are thought to be salt-free. Nearly all manufacturers associated with softeners, including Morton, Waterboss along with Culligan, provide both kinds of systems. The very first type associated with system works by mixing salt considering the incoming water. The sodium reacts when using the minerals within the water plus the result is peeled off the water. No sodium water softener systems are more complicated around operation.
Water softeners are certainly not cheap, beginning at a few hundred cash, but for the long-term view, they may be worthwhile. The amount will it set you back to clear and maintain the different home appliances that could become blocked or discoloured by long term exposure in order to hard water. One option dress yourself in make the charge easier on bearing is to see combination water sift and softener program, since some great benefits of clean water to get drinking are less difficult to enjoy.
Popular Drinking water Softener Items
With lots of types and also brands connected with water softeners to select from, how really does a client decide what on earth is right for his or her needs? How may one evaluate water softeners along with find the one which will work the very best for these folks? When it pertains buying water softeners, becoming a educated consumer will be the best coverage. Explore various sorts and companies. Compare rates. Other areas to consider are which kind of environment that water softener are going to be set way up in, sizing, installation, construction with the unit, benefit, and water softener ranking which indicates the number of minerals that is removed ahead of the unit must be recharged.
Kinetico water softeners are generally favored for convenience; nevertheless, they are generally expensive when it comes to the unit’s cost along with the price involving upkeep. They recharge depending on volume, eliminating the importance for the schedule. Kinetico water softeners will also be non-electric models.
Culligan companies residential consumers, offering order and rental selections for their water softeners. In addition , they offer a new salt sending service considering the purchase of your water softener. Culligan is definitely favored for the durability, but a few have problem with sodium refills in addition to strength of many of the components. Culligan can be considered to be good on removing iron from your water furnish.
Kenmore, and also being known due to the air filtration and also other household gadgets, offers a selection of water softeners, with the very basic into the heavy-duty products. The Kenmore systems as well offer extras such as the ability to be able to filter out and about larger debris and extra settings of which make your units extremely effective. Kenmore contends that the price tag on everyday family members upkeep may be cut with half if you use a water softener procedure.
General Energy, or GE, founded by means of none besides Thomas Edison, provides a diverse distinct products, as well as water softeners. The bosses is run for the principles, “”imagine, clear up, build, along with lead. “” GE presents water softeners compact enough to match a single-person household entirely up to your unit that will assist a family of four or maybe more people. The actual GE water softeners consist of a know-how called SmartSoft, which works via a low-capacity transformer just to save energy, limit salt damage, and measure water softening requirements.
There are usually numerous water softener vendors on the market who advertise both ionic change and permanent magnet water softening systems. To obtain the best water softeners can be a daunting endeavor, but a superb start could be to take a look at your community hardware keep. You can get details from people with you such because neighbors or even coworkers.

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Adding a radiator to your Aga hot water circuit

Many people find that their Aga, Rayburn or heat storage cooker can generate too much hot water. 

Often the water in the hot water cylinder boils and consequently the water coming out of the taps is far too hot. When this happens, you may need to find a way to “lose” heat from the hot water circuit and the most effective way of doing this is to install a radiator to act as a “heat sink”. 

The information below tells you how to install a radiator on an Aga hot water circuit. 

The key is to maximise the flow of water through the system wherever possible.

Hot water circuits on Agas are gravity fed. In other words, they rely solely on natural convection to circulate the hot water, without the need for a pump. For this reason, it is important to maximise the flow of water both in and out of the radiator. This is done through both the design of the system and choosing a suitable design of radiator. 

There are many different ways in which you can maximise the flow of water around the circuit.

1.      Maximize the vertical length of flow pipe from the Aga to the radiator

Your radiator should be piped from a joint that is sited as close as possible to the Aga. This maximises the “thermal lift” effect which results in a stronger water flow to the radiator.

2.      Minimise the horizontal distance the water needs to travel

The ideal position for the radiator would be directly above the Aga, so choose a spot that is as close to this as possible.

3.      Minimise the number of restrictions in the water’s flow

Minimising the number of angled joints between the flow and return will help the flow of water. If you need the pipe to turn, then opt for pipes that have been curved using pipe benders instead of angled joints so any “corners” are not as angular. 

4.      Maximise the size of the bore on the pipe and valves

Always use the maximum diameter or “bore” of pipe to and from the radiator. Your hot water circuit up to the hot water tank and back down to the Aga is normally fed by 28mm pipe and, where possible, try to continue the 28mm pipe.

Valves are usually put on a radiator as standard to control the flow of water, but if a direct connection to the radiator without valves can be achieved, then this is preferable. However, where valves are to be used it’s always better (but not mandatory) to use full-bore lever arm ball valves.  Regular radiator valves usually have a much smaller diameter bore, sometimes as small as 5mm. 

Also radiators that have ¾ inch connections are better than radiators that have ½ inch connections.

5.      Maximise the radiator output

The radiator should be connected with the flow at the top of the radiator and return at the bottom of the radiator, at the opposite side.  This will ensure that the whole radiator becomes hot and that there are no cold areas, which could occur if you pipe the flow in at the bottom.

6.      Maximise the size of the radiator’s interconnecting tubes

The best radiators to use on Aga hot water circuits are those with interconnecting tubes that have a large diameter.

Examples include “tube in tube” style towel radiators and tubular steel column radiators such as our Bordo.  The Bordo is a fantastic option in this type of situation, as it is classically styled to suit many interiors, it comes in a variety of finishes including textured and traditional options, it comes in many sizes including both vertical and horizontal models and it can be fitted with a towel hanging rail.  The Bordo can also be fitted with ¾ inch connections. 

Many radiators have interconnecting waterways that are small, such as “tube on tube” style towel rails or panel radiators.  This means they are not ideal for use in this type of application. 

7.      Minimise the amount of air in the system

A certain amount of air may build up in radiators over time so utilising an automatic bleed vent will ensure the radiator is kept free from air building up and maximise the water flowing through the radiator. 

 

For more information on this topic or any other radiator related subjects, then speak to an expert such as Feature Radiators.  You can contact them on 01274 567789, via their website www.featureradiators.co.uk, or visit them at their showroom in West Yorkshire.

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Water Conditioners – The Environmentally Friendly and Low Cost Solution to Combat Hard Water

Have you ever traveled to another part of the US and noticed a difference in how your skin and hair felt after showering?  Depending on where you are in the country, you may find yourself using more cleanser than you’re accustomed to. For more than 85% of American homes, this is the reality of living with hard water – the hardest occurring in the Southwest region of the country including southern California. Hard water in simple terms means it has a high mineral content, with calcium and magnesium dissolved in water being the two most common minerals that make water “hard.” The degree of hardness becomes greater as the calcium and magnesium content increases.

While hard water is not a health risk, it is important to pay attention to how hard your water is for many reasons. Hard water causes scaling, which is the leftover mineral deposits that are formed after hard water has evaporated. This is also known as limescale. The scale can clog pipes, ruin water heaters, produce mineral buildup on fixtures and give you poor soap and/or detergent performance. On an industrial scale, hard water should be avoided as it can cause costly breakdowns in boilers, cooling towers, and other equipment that comes in contact with water. Hard water can also have a significant impact on your wallet. Here’s just a few hard water problems you may have experienced:

* The need for continuous laundering, which can damage fibers and shorten the life of clothes by up to 40 percent.

* Bathing with soap in hard water leaves a film of sticky soap curd on the skin. The film may prevent removal of soil and bacteria.

* When washing dishes, especially in a dishwasher, hard water may cause spotting and/or leave a film.

* Hard water also contributes to inefficient and costly operation of water-using appliances.

* Pipes can become clogged with scale that reduces water flow and ultimately requires pipe replacement. Limescale has been known to increase energy bills by up to 25%

So what can you do to offset the unwanted effects of hard water? When looking for a hard water solution, it may be worth trying a water conditioner first as they will often be significantly cheaper than a water softener, and more environmentally friendly, since they use little to no water and energy in its process. Water conditioners come with a low purchase and installation cost (easy DIY install), in addition to a low running cost.

When looking at hard water solutions, water conditioners are a great alternative to water softeners. In softened water the calcium and magnesium content is replaced with sodium, increasing the sodium content of the water, potentially making it unsuitable for drinking. In conditioned water, the calcium ions remain suspended in the water as small particles, but their propensity to form limescale is reduced. Additionally, conditioned water has the added benefit of the calcium remaining in the water, which is a good dietary mineral.  Water conditioners help protect Reverse Osmosis units, eliminate harmful effects of hard water scale, improve plant growth, and makes soaps and detergents go further.  All good news for the maintenance of your home and ultimately your wallet!

 

 

Has the hard water in your dishwasher been leaving your dishes and glassware cloudy? Thankfully, you don’t have to buy a new dishwasher, you just need an inexpensive additive. Jerry from Famous Tate Appliance & Bedding Centers explains how to get your cloudy dishes spotless again!

Find More Hard Water Solutions Articles

Hard Water – Discover the Top 7 Surprising Problems it Causes

Hard water problems can have a big impact in and around the home. Here are some of the problems it can cause in different areas of the house.

Bathroom

Showerheads and spray-nozzles can become blocked; they can even clog the small holes completely and reduce their efficiency. The bathtub and sink seem to be the places where there is a visible soap scum build up. Without proper treatment his build up is very difficult to remove and may require a lot of cleaners and many applications. Scale can clog pipes and can decrease the life of toilet flushing units.

Bathing

Bathing with soap in hard water leaves a film of sticky soap curd on the skin. The film may prevent removal of soil and bacteria. Soap curd interferes with the return of skin to its normal, slightly acid condition, and may lead to irritation. Soap curd on hair may make it dull, lifeless and difficult to manage. Similarly, the insoluble salts that get left behind from using regular shampoo in hard water tend to leave hair rougher and harder to detangle.

Laundering

Clothes washed in hard water often look dingy and feel harsh and scratchy. The hardness minerals combine with some soils to form insoluble salts, making them difficult to remove. Soil on clothes can introduce even more hardness minerals into the wash water. Continuous laundering in hard water can damage fibers and shorten the life of clothes by up to 40 percent.

Dishwashers

When washing dishes, especially in a dishwasher, hard water may cause spotting and filming on your crockery. The minerals from hard water are released faster when it comes into contact with heat, causing an increase in the amount of spotting and filming that occurs. This problem is not a health risk, but it can be a nuisance to clean and reduce the quality of your crockery.

Problems in Water Boiler Systems and Pipework

Hard water also contributes to inefficient and costly operation of water-using appliances. Heated hard water forms a scale of calcium and magnesium minerals (limescale deposits) that can contribute to the inefficient operation or failure of water-using appliances. Pipes can become clogged with scale that reduces water flow and ultimately requires pipe replacement. Limescale has been known to increase energy bills by up to 25%

Limescale in Solar Heating Systems

Solar heating, often used for heating swimming pools is prone to limescale buildup, which can reduce the efficiency of the electronic pump and therefore the overall systems performance will deteriorate. There are low cost solutions to this problem which prevents limescale build up and over time will remove existing deposits completely.

In Industry

Hard water contributes to scaling in boilers, cooling towers and other industrial equipment. In these industrial settings, water hardness must be constantly monitored to avoid costly breakdowns. Hardness is controlled by addition of chemicals and by large-scale softening with zeolite resins and ion exchange resins.

Patrick Henry

HardWaterStainsTips

http://www.hardwaterstainstips.com

Email: support@hardwaterstainstips.com

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Best Water Treatment – Top Tips on How to Improve Your Water

There are many commercial ways of treating hard water including water filters, water softeners, electromagnetic water conditioners and reverse osmosis. In this final section in the series we will look at the pros and cons of several of the available methods to treat hard water.

Chemical Water Softeners

Description Chemicals are added in laundering process.

Advantages Removes calcium and magnesium whilst also lengthening lifespan of clothes.

Disadvantages Output water is not fit for drinking.

Water Filters

Description Drinking water from the tap is filtered with a portable unit.

Advantages Output water is fit for drinking. Chlorine is removed and the water is softened.

Disadvantages Does not prevent limescale deposits in pipes and heating system.

Approximate Cost < £0.03 (.05) / litre

Mechanical Water Softeners

Description Permanently installed in plumbing system to replace calcium and magnesium with sodium.

Advantages Prevents limescale and increases heating efficiency. Also lengthens lifespan of clothes.

Disadvantages Output water may not be suitable for drinking.

Approximate Cost 00 per unit to install plus 0 per year in salt and electricity.

Magnetic Water Conditioners

Description Permanently installed in plumbing system to alter calcium ions to prevent limescale.

Advantages Output water is fit for drinking. Prevents limescale and increases heating efficiency. Lengthens lifespan of clothes. Calcium is retained in water which is good for diet. Has low running costs.

Disadvantages None

Approximate Cost unit for installation plus per year in electricity.

In conclusion, whilst it is often desirable to soften water it is important to consider all the cost and health issues as explained above. There are many choices these days and it can be difficult to choose which one is best for your home. However, once installed the device should provide you with the satisfaction that your water is free from unwanted minerals such as calcium and magnesium that cause hard water stains and potentially harmful chemicals whilst also saving you money in the long run.

Warm Regards,

Patrick Henry

Hard Water Consultant

Visit our popular website at http://www.hardwaterstainstips.com

Email us with any questions or queries at support@hardwaterstainstips.com

Dishwasher Tips – Top Ideas to Prevent Hard Water Build-Up That Increase Efficiency

Hard water supplied to your home can have a serious effect on household appliances – especially dishwashers which can accumulate a hard water scum or limescale film on the elements. This can increase household bills dramatically, as well as effecting the life of the dishwasher itself.

Fortunately there are some techniques that have been proven to work which will save you time and money maintaining your dishwasher. If you follow these steps you’ll be guaranteed the great performance from your dishwasher and reduced energy bills!

One easy way is to add a solution of white vinegar to a complete cycle periodically. This should keep your dishwasher fresh and ensure food soils are broken down and washed away during the washing cycle. Combined with the very hot water and the mechanical action of the dishwasher, white vinegar ensures a high standard of cleanliness than could be achieved by hand washing. As a result, harmful bacteria that might otherwise remain unseen on dishes are destroyed.

Other top dishwasher tips:

Use the 50°C to 55°C or lower temperature programs instead of high temperature programs when running your dishwasher. It could save you 84kWh in power and save you hundreds of dollars on electricity bills. Load dishes according to the dishwasher manufacturers instructions to allow for proper water circulation. Check and clean drains and filters regularly to ensure efficient operation. Take a few minutes to check in the machine users guide for the most efficient program according to the size or type of load in your dishwasher.

By performing these regular tasks, you will ensure that your dishwasher remains free of hard water build-up that can cause serious problems with your appliance. It will reduce the need for hard water deposit removal from your dishes and cutlery and save you time and money in the long run.

Pre wash whit Biotex powder and lime scale prevention powder. The Bosch timer is set at letter C / 40 degrees cotton wash that is a light program but longer then a normal pre wash The Miele is set at cotton wash 30 degrees with soak.

HARD WATER SOLUTIONS GOING GREEN

HARD WATER SOLUTIONS GOING GREEN

 

89.3% of homes in the United States have issues with hard water, which refers to the dissolved mineral content of the water. Hard water can cause limescale, which is the left over mineral deposits in your water that build up in your pipes and appliances. Limescale build up contributes to the inefficiency of water-using appliances, which can significantly increase energy consumption.  According to the US Department of Energy, as little as 1/32” of scale build up on a hot water heater or boiler can cause a 10% increase in energy usage. A 1/4” of build up can increase costs upwards of 40%.  Limescale build up can also cause hot water heaters, swimming pool pumps and other appliances to prematurely stop working. Limescale can also clog pipes reducing the flow of water and can leave unsightly deposits on faucets, tile, toilet bowls and tubs.

 

Water hardness does depend on location, the source of the water and the water’s exposure to sub-surface rocks and limestone. Wells and aquifers typically have the hardest water, although it is not unheard of for some public water supplies to have hard water as well. There are several options for determining water hardness, whether it be contacting your local water company or purchasing a simple to use water quality test kit, like the one sold by www.amiservices.us

 

Treatments for addressing hard water are varied.  Often, the solutions of choice are the use of filters, water softening agents or ion exchange units, which use sodium chloride or potassium chloride. These treatments require regular monitoring and are costly due to need for maintenance and the use of consumable parts.  Additionally, these solutions should not be considered ecologically friendly due to concerns for the environmental impact from the use of chemicals and the discharge of brine water (sodium) into aquifers and accumulated waste in landfills from spent filters. 

 

Today, being ecologically sensitive and using green products has become of the utmost importance across the globe. Magnetic and electrical signal devices offer a far more environmentally friendly means of eliminating hard water deposits, as there is no salt or chemicals to affect the ground water or plant life.  AMI Services offers two such solutions for addressing hard water through the use of magnetic devices and devices that emit electrical signals directly into the water system.  The Magnetizer and the Hydrocare HC-38 prevent limescale and reduce the damage associated with limescale, extending the life of standard home appliances and hot water systems by naturally softening the water through reduced surface tension.  The Magnetizer and the Hydrocare HC-38 work on all types and sizes of pipes and installation for both is simple and do not require a plumber. Both are reliable, efficient and maintenance free with no consumable parts.  While both the Magnetizer and the HydroCare HC-38 reduce energy costs, it is the Magnetizer Hard Water Solution that is a truly ‘green’ product, as it requires no power to operate.