6
Take the bag/box of gravel and using a small scoop, add enough gravel to the tank through the
funnel to completely cover the distributor plus about 1 to 2 inches. Be sure to provide some
pressure on the riser tube while adding the gravel so as to ensure that the distributor does not shift
out of its recess. 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. As the tank fills, ensure that the riser tube remains centered in
the opening at the top of the tank.
Once this is complete, add the catalyst media in the same manner.
Depending on the capacity of the
system, there will only be enough media to fill the tank to about 1/2 to 2/3 full. Use all of the
catalyst media provided. The treatment 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 move during
the backwash cycle. Once the set-up is complete, the freeboard space will also contain a
pressurized pocket of air that provides aeration to begin the contaminant removal process.
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 treatment tank with water up to within a couple of inches of the top of the tank. This will
allow the media to pre-soak, thereby preventing media loss during the initial backwash.
If you purchased an optional tank jacket kit, install it now.
