- Sku: BW60-1812-75
- Vendor: Dow Filmtec
Dow Filmtec RO Membrane
A genuine DOW Filmtec reverse osmosis membrane, the element most aquarium RO and RO/DI systems are built around. It strips chlorine byproducts, heavy metals, silicates, phosphates and other dissolved solids out of your tap water, and clean RO/DI water is the foundation of a healthy reef or planted tank. Both sizes here are the standard 1.8 x 12 inch element that drops into most housings. Round out your water room with the rest of our water care gear.
Choose Your Output
| 75 GPD | 100 GPD | |
|---|---|---|
| Model | BW60-1812-75 | TW30-1812-100HR |
| Output | 75 gallons per day at 50 PSI | 100 gallons per day at 50 PSI |
| Rejection rate | 98% | 98% |
| Flow restrictor | About 550 ml/min | About 800 ml/min |
| Best for | Most systems as shipped, and lower feed pressure | Filling faster, larger water demands |
Pick by how much water you go through, not by tank size. The 75 GPD element is what most RO/DI systems ship with, so it is the straight swap if you are replacing what came in your unit. The 100 GPD fills faster if you are mixing a lot of salt water or topping off a big system, as long as your feed pressure and flow restrictor keep up.
Why This Membrane
- Genuine DOW Filmtec, made in the USA, the element most aquarium systems are built around
- Thin-film composite (TFC), ANSI/NSF Standard 58 listed
- Standard 1.8 x 12 inch size fits most RO and RO/DI housings regardless of brand
- Removes chlorine byproducts, heavy metals, silicates, phosphates and dissolved solids for pure top-off and salt-mixing water
- Shipped dry, so it stores well until you need it
- The 75 GPD model BW60-1812-75 is DOW's replacement for the older TW30-1812-75 and fits the same systems
Install and Use Tips
- Match the flow restrictor to the membrane. Running a 75 GPD element behind an 800 ml/min restrictor, or the reverse, costs you either water quality or output.
- Flush it first. New membranes carry a factory preservative, so run the system and discard the first hour of water before you store or use any of it.
- Feed pressure matters. These are rated at 50 PSI and do best between 50 and 80. A booster pump is worth it if your house pressure is low.
- Protect it. Fresh sediment and carbon prefilters are what make a membrane last. Chlorine in municipal water destroys a TFC membrane, so never run one without carbon in front of it.
Specifications
| Brand | DOW Filmtec |
| Models | BW60-1812-75 (75 GPD), TW30-1812-100HR (100 GPD) |
| Element size | About 1.8 x 12 in, fits standard housings |
| Membrane type | TFC thin-film composite |
| Operating pressure | 50 to 80 PSI, rated at 50 |
| Certification | ANSI/NSF Standard 58 listed |
| Origin | Made in USA |
| Rated at | 250 ppm softened tap water, 77°F, 50 PSI, 15% recovery. Output on an individual element can vary by about 20% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will it fit my system?
Yes for most standard RO and RO/DI systems that use a 1.8 x 12 inch membrane, whatever brand the unit is. Check the flow restrictor matches the output you pick.
Which one should I buy?
If you are replacing the membrane your system came with, the 75 GPD is usually the direct match. Step up to the 100 GPD if you want to fill faster and your pressure supports it.
My old membrane says TW30-1812-75. Is this the same thing?
Yes. DOW replaced the TW30-1812-75 with the BW60-1812-75. It is the same 75 GPD element in the same housing size.
How long does a membrane last?
Typically 2 to 3 years with good prefilters, depending on your source water and how much water you make. Watch your TDS: when the rejection rate drops off, it is time.
Freshwater or saltwater?
Both. RO/DI water is ideal for reef, marine and planted freshwater tanks alike.
Do I need to flush it first?
Yes. Discard the first hour of production to rinse off the factory preservative before you store or use the water.
Have a question?
Dow Filmtec RO Membrane
