Dow FilmTec, TW30-1812-100HR 100 GPD TFC High Rejection Membrane for Undersink Reverse Osmosis (RO) System

My Apec RO90, even after changing filters 1-3 wasn't tasting as clean as I felt it should; and it was going on 5 years old so I decided it was time to change the RO membrane. This filter was a direct fit and immediately restored the quality after purging a couple gallons through it.

This replacement membrane was a bit quicker to install than the last one that had preservative to purge before making water to keep. With the addition of a shutoff just before the first make-up water tank and a bleed Tee before that I just ran new RO water out the bleed line to a white bucket until the carbon from the final "polishing' filter ran clear. Before all this, of course, I changed the carbon prefilters and purged them until clear and then continued to make RO water for another week to catch the last bit of carbon particles in the old membrane before changing to the new membrane and the new final carbon polishing filter (just before the UV light). I have a booster pump on water softener softened city water to speed up RO make-up.

I used it for 11 months and the current TDS is 8. Close to when it was installed.

Good price, easy install. No issues with performance. Using this on my 6-state RO-DI system for my saltwater aquarium. A good membrane is the first step to having a solid RO-DI system. Would definitely buy this again.

Arrived as expected with all proper labeling in a sealed bag. The dry ship is handy if you plan on storing a backup too.Replaced a 3yr old GE 150gpd during a maintenance rebuild, even though it was still producing about 15tds. New membrane, despite saying high rejection, best it can do is 47tds, even with all new (and even higher quality than before!) 3 stage prefilters and house filter.47tds is still leaps better than the 300-400tds coming in, so its still a win, just expected a little more from a big brand element. Double checked all the o-rings, made sure the reject was metering out properly too. Another review showed 4tds, maybe I just got a under performer.

I was hesitant to buy this filter since my manual did not specify what membrane filter size I should use on my APEC RO-90 Ultimate Series sytem. So I took the chance to use this one and it worked. My original membrane filter was the DOW FILMTEC BW60-1812-75.I had a little trouble initially unscrewing the housing cap because it came too tight from the factory. I solved the problem by heating the cap with a blow dryer, placing the plastic wrench around the cap, and hitting the wrench with a rubber hammer until it turned the cap. This was not the filter's fault. The filter fit perfectly.

Bought the first option on Amazon and it was trash. This one actually holds up to its spec sheet.

I purchased it just a month ago and since then the TDS meter of ppm kept increasing higher and higher than my previous membrane 50gpd I used for 5 years already and the TDS ppm readings of old membrane is 150s were lower than this membrane which its ppm is in low 200s ppm. Then I also replaced all of other filters in hope the PPM (city tap water is in low 300s ppm) will come down significantly, but NOT at all. I thought some reviews are rated high for this one and it Made in USA vs China, so I bought it. However, it turned out very disappointed and unfortunately I cannot return it or exchanged because it passed 30 days and Amazon and the Seller did not return my emails or calls regarding the exchange. Waste of my $35 of this membrane and my other filters $30 and times to install it!