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For the following steps, we recommend that you wear a dust mask. Take the bag/box of
gravel and, using a small scoop, add the gravel to the tank through the funnel to completely
cover the lower distributor. Use all of the gravel. Be sure to provide some downward
pressure on the riser tube while adding the gravel to ensure that the distributor does not shift
out of its recess or rise up. Ensure that you create an even layer of gravel across the bottom
of the tank. A rigid piece of thin wall tubing (conduit, copper pipe, etc.), approximately 1”
longer than the tank height works well as a leveling tool if you need it. Ensure that the riser
tube remains centered in the opening at the top of the tank.
Once this is complete, add the cation exchange resin media in the same manner. Use all of
the resin provided. Depending on the capacity of the system, there will only be enough resin
to fill the tank to about 1/2 to 3/4 full. This is normal. The media tank should never be filled
to the top of the tank as the remaining space, known as the “freeboard,” is necessary for the
media to have room to expand during the backwash cycle.
Once you have finished adding the media to the tank, remove the tape from the distributor
tube. Be careful not to pull upwards on the riser tube while doing this as it is important that
the distributor remain in its recess at the bottom of the tank.
Fill the media tank with water up to within a couple of inches of the top of the tank.
