Birm, Greensand, and Pro-OX Iron Filters: A Primer
Birm, Greensand, and Pro-OX Iron Filters: A Primer
What are Iron Water Filters?
Iron water filters are specialized systems designed to remove iron and other contaminants from water supplies. These filters are typically installed at the point of entry to treat all water in the entire home, providing a comprehensive solution to iron-related problems. Iron water filters can remove various types of iron, including red water iron, clear water iron, and hydrogen sulfide, which is responsible for the characteristic “rotten egg smell” in water. Additionally, these filters can also remove manganese, another common contaminant that can cause discoloration and staining.
Comparing Birm vs. Greensand vs. Manganese Oxide for Iron Removal from Well Water
The three most common systems available to remove iron from well water are back-washing iron filters that use one of three different media: Birm, Greensand, and Manganese Oxide (Pro-OX).
These systems are designed for easy installation, and our support team is available to assist you throughout the process.
Iron makes up 5% of the Planet’s crust and is found in well water worldwide. Whenever the amount of iron in your well water is higher than 0.3 Milligrams Per Liter (mg/L), the water can be rusty, reddish, brownish, or even yellow and cause discoloration of fixtures and laundry. Metallic tastes will probably be present, and the water may smell horrible.
You can easily find iron filters that will work great and remove iron. However, it is important to select the best iron filter for the job, and the iron filter should be carefully chosen after a water analysis has been performed.
Test The Water and Find Out the Well Pump Flow Rate First
It is important to analyze the water for pH, general minerals, and bacteria before choosing an iron filter. Besides analyzing the water, find out your current well pump flow rates in gallons per minute so you can know that the iron filter you choose will work with your flow rate.
Birm is a trade name of Clack Corp. The media is manufactured from natural pumice mineral, which is then covered with a very thin layer of manganese dioxide. Birm will only work if there is adequate dissolved oxygen in the water. The oxygen acts as a catalyst to change the dissolved iron into a dense rust particle that the Birm can then remove. The iron rust contaminants become trapped in the Birm filter media and are then regularly removed by an automated backwashing of the iron filter.
Birm will not reliably remove manganese unless the pH is over 8.2; it is generally not recommended when it is present. It cannot be used in the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas or chlorine in the water.
Because most well waters are generally low in dissolved oxygen, an air compressor or air injector should be used to boost the oxygen in the water. Birm filter media will not remove iron when the pH in the well water is under 6.9. While Birm is the lowest-cost filter media, it doesn’t last that long and may need to be changed every few years.
Check out our current sales and special offers to get the best deals on iron filters.
Benefits and Applications of Iron Filters
Iron filters offer numerous benefits and applications for homeowners. By removing iron and other contaminants, these filters can:
- Eliminate iron stains in sinks, toilets, and other fixtures
- Reduces the “rotten egg smell” caused by hydrogen sulfide
- Prevent manganese from causing discoloration and staining
- Improve the taste and appearance of water
- Protect plumbing and appliances from iron-related damage
- Increase the effectiveness of water softening systems
- Provides long-term protection against iron and other contaminants
Iron filters are suitable for various types of water sources, including well water, municipal water, and other types of water supplies. They can be installed in whole-house systems, providing comprehensive protection for the entire home.
Greensand Filters
Just like Birm, Greensand has a thin coating of manganese dioxide. However, Greensand does remove manganese and hydrogen sulfide odors. Greensand filter systems do not use air injection but instead use a purple powder, potassium permanganate, to completely clean and restore the greensand filter media.
An alternative to potassium permanganate can be injecting some chlorine bleach upstream of the Greensand Filter system. This will allow the filter to remove iron bacteria and odors and enable the Greensand Filter to remove virtually all iron and manganese. Well water filters using greensand generally remove greater levels of iron and work better than Birm filters. This kind of iron filter works well down to a pH of 6.5 but works better and lasts longer if the pH is 6.8 – 7.5.
Greensand’s advantage is that it is lightweight, requires less backwash water, and is lower in cost than solid manganese oxide media filters (see below). However, it needs to be changed every few years and does not last as long as manganese oxide media.
What Are Manganese Oxide Filters?
Manganese oxide filters—sold under brand names like Pro-OX, Pyrolox, Filox, Catalox, and MangOX—are powerful media used to treat well water. These filters use solid manganese dioxide ore, not just a coated surface like Birm or Greensand.
We offer Pro-OX, which is a high-purity manganese dioxide media certified by NSF for drinking water use. It's made from over 80% pure manganese ore, mined and processed specifically for water treatment.
Benefits of Manganese Oxide Media
- Long-lasting: Pro-OX and similar media can last 10–15 years—much longer than Birm or Greensand.
- Effective performance: These systems remove iron, manganese, and under certain conditions, arsenic and other metals.
- Highly pure: The solid manganese dioxide allows for more efficient filtration than coated media types.
- Reliable oxidation: Works best with chlorine injection, air injection, or ozone to raise the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) above 200.
Installation and Usage Notes
- Heavy media: Requires a higher backwash flow rate due to its weight.
- Best pH range: Performs optimally when pH is between 6.8 and 7.5 (though it can work down to 6.2).
- Ideal for well water: Excellent for systems with chlorine bleach injected upstream.
Installation and Maintenance of Iron Filters
Installing an iron filter requires access to the main water supply line, and hiring a professional for the installation process is recommended. The filter should be installed in a location that is easily accessible for maintenance and repairs. Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure the filter's effectiveness, including occasional refilling with potassium permanganate as a regenerant. It is also important to regularly check the filter’s performance and replace it as needed. Homeowners can enjoy the benefits of iron-free water throughout their homes by following proper installation and maintenance procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between Birm and Greensand for iron removal?
Birm is a lower-cost media that removes iron but not manganese or odors. Greensand removes iron and manganese and helps eliminate hydrogen sulfide odors when used with potassium permanganate or chlorine.
2. How long do iron filter media types typically last?
Birm and Greensand usually last a few years and require replacement more often. Manganese oxide media like Pro-OX can last 10–15 years or more with proper maintenance.
3. Do I need to inject chlorine or chemicals into these filters?
Yes. Greensand requires potassium permanganate or chlorine to regenerate. Manganese oxide filters work best when chlorine, air, or ozone is injected upstream to oxidize contaminants.
4. What pH level is ideal for iron filters to work effectively?
Greensand and manganese oxide filters perform best at a pH between 6.8 and 7.5. Birm requires a pH of 6.8 or higher to function properly.
5. Which iron filter media works best for high iron levels or additional contaminants like arsenic?
Manganese oxide media (Pro-OX, Filox, MangOX) is the most effective for removing high iron and manganese levels and can also remove arsenic under certain conditions.
6. How easy is it to install an iron filter?
Our iron filters are designed for easy installation, and our support team is available to assist you throughout the process.
7. Are there any current sales or promotions on iron filters?
Yes, check out our current sales and special offers to get the best deals on iron filters.
