Frequently Asked Questions
If you can't figure it out: feel free to contact us!
Belgian drinking water companies can filter most of the pollution from water. With that, we do very well in Belgium compared to other countries. However, they cannot remove everything from the water. Small amounts still remain. These include medicine and hormone residues, chemicals, pesticides and PFOS, for example.
We at Aqua-Vitae believe that filtering harmful substances for our health is decisive in the decision to choose a water filter after all. Filtered tap water is the only option that is best for the environment, your health and your wallet together.
With the Aqua-Vitae systems, we are able to remove up to 99.99% of this contamination. With this, we go one step further than the drinking water companies. Anything that does not enter your body cannot cause anything in your body.
All Aqua-Vitae products are guaranteed free of harmful substances such as BPA (Bisphenol A), phthalates and other toxic substances.
For 1 to 2 people, we recommend the Aqualine 5 system.
For 1 to 4 people, we recommend the Aqualine 12 system.
For 1 to 6 people, we recommend the Neos system.
For 1 to 8 people, we recommend the Aqualine/Coolmart CM-101 or Aqualine 18 system.
The manufacturer indicates that the multi-step filter should be replaced every year or at least after 2,000 liters of water. Part of the multi-step filter is filled with activated carbon. Carbon is susceptible to bacterial growth. In Germany, it is a legal requirement to replace filters containing carbon every six months. Part of the carbon in our filters is impregnated with colloidal silver to prevent bacterial growth. Therefore, on average, we can last a year with them. If you use more than 6 liters per day, we recommend replacing the multi-step filter every 6 months.
If you go away for a few days then make sure the lower tank is completely filled with water. Part of the multi-step filter and part of the mineral stones/Cormac ring are impregnated with colloidal silver which prevents bacterial action. Preferably put the Aqua-Vitae system in a dark/cool place during your absence.
Going away for a few weeks. Then remove the multi-step filter and pH ring from your system and put them (wet) in a plastic bag and put them in the refrigerator. Empty the collection tank and place the stones, for example, on a piece of kitchen roll so they can dry.
The combination of a 0.2 micron (0.0002 mm) ceramic pre-filter and the different layers in the multi-step filter allow you to filter about 1.5 liters of water per hour. If new filters are installed, it may take a little longer at first because the filters have to become saturated.
In the multi-step filter we use very fine carbon. This creates a huge filter surface the size of many soccer fields.
It takes a little longer for this carbon to saturate. Before using a new multistage filter, you should place it horizontally in a bowl of water for at least 10 minutes. The filter should be held completely under water during this time. In between, you should rotate it a few times. You do this to get rid of any air and to saturate the carbon with water. If the filter floats on the surface then there is still air in it.
If you have not done this or have not done it long enough then the water will start to form channels in the carbon. Sometimes the water starts overflowing right away but usually this happens 4 to 6 weeks after the new filter is installed. Sometimes it even overflows the outside of the system and gives a leak.
Recommendation: remove the multistage filter from the system, shake it back and forth briefly, and place the filter horizontally in a bowl of water for at least 10 minutes. The filter should be held under water during this time. Then replace it.
Additional tip: After the above operation, it is advisable to also place the filter under a running tap for a while. If the multi-step filter is functioning properly, then the water will drip out properly at the bottom.
During installation, an air bubble may have formed between the ceramic filter and the multi-step filter. On the Aqualine 5, 12, 18 and CM-101, lift the top tank a bit to allow air to enter. On the Neos, you lift the ceramic filter a bit. You will usually see air bubbles coming out from under the filter.
This is caused by the green algae. Algae spores are everywhere in the water and in the air. These spores can also end up on your system's ceramic pre-filter, sometimes giving the filter a green deposit. This deposit forms only on the outside of the filter. It forms from a combination of heat and sometimes sunlight. This deposit is easily removed with the scouring portion of a scouring pad. Gently "scour" the white ceramic bulb to remove the green deposits while holding the bulb under a running tap. While doing this, hold both the bulb and the plastic base firmly. This type of algae is not harmful to your health.
In an occasional case, algae formation may be visible in the storage tank. It is usually first seen on a lighter area in the tank (solenoid valve, multi-step filter). Because algae spores are in the tap water and in the air, you can't avoid "bringing" these spores into your system as well. You rinse your filter, pH ring and stones with tap water. When you put the tank together, spores are already entering your tank through the air. None of this is a problem if the system is used regularly. The system is then flushed and supplied with fresh water. It can become a problem if the system is too much in (sun) light or near a heat source (stove, oven). The combination of light and heat can cause algae formation. Therefore, keep the system out of direct light or a heat source as much as possible.
Recommendation: Bring water to a boil. Remove the multi-step filter, pH rings and stones from the lower tank. Place the mineral stones in the pan and add a teaspoon of salt. Let the water boil for at least 10 minutes. Fill the storage tank one-third full with lukewarm water and add a splash of natural vinegar or sodium bicarbonate. Use a soft cloth to wipe the outside of the filter and the inside of the tank with this mixture. After cleaning, drain the mixture through the faucet. While shaking, rinse the pH ring under a running faucet. Rinse the inside of the tank and filter before reinstalling everything.
Tap water contains dissolved and undissolved calcium. The undissolved calcium causes the hard calcium layer on the heating element in your kettle or coffee maker. This calcium is stopped by the ceramic pre-filter in our systems. The dissolved calcium is not a problem in your appliances but can sometimes cause a slight deposit. You can easily clean this with a dilution of about 25% vinegar. Then rinse the bottle well.
Preferably use a glass or stainless steel bottle. Bottles made of polycarbonate or Tritan are also suitable. Do not use PET bottles because they can give off substances to the alkaline water, negatively affecting the quality.
In an emergency, you can use the Aqualine 5, 12, 18/CM 101 and Neos to filter ditch or rainwater. These systems are designed for countries where people do not have the luxury of drinking from the tap. Here you should keep in mind that the ceramic filter will get dirty faster. The passage opening is only 0.2 microns (0.0002 mm). Ditch or rain water often contains dust particles and other coarser particles that will clog this filter faster. Pour the water through a double-folded tea towel or sheet before pouring it into the top tank. Clean the filter regularly with an abrasive sponge (rough side). You should keep in mind that both the ceramic and multi-step filter will get dirty faster and thus need to be replaced more often. Assume that after about 600/700 liters both filters need to be replaced.
Read our comprehensive page "explaining alkaline or pH neutral water"
