Aquathin MEGACHAR BFF-1 User manual

© 2007-2009 Aquathin Corporation. All rights reserved. Rev 20091029
Includes setup and maintenance information for:
Aquathin Megachar System
Models: BFF-1, BFF-2 and BFF-3
(In full color at www.aquathin.com)
Getting Started With Your
Aquathin
MEGACHAR SYSTEM
+
AN ISO 9001:2008 QMS
REGISTERED /CERTIFIED COMPANY
(IMS-0192 & NQA-12635)

2 © 2007-2009 Aquathin Corporation. All rights reserved. Rev 20091029
Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be copied,
in whole or in part, without the written consent of
Aquathin Corporation.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information
in this manual is accurate. Aquathin Corporation is not
responsible for printing or clerical errors.
Aquathin Corporation
Aquathin Business Centre
950 South Andrews Avenue
Pompano Beach, Florida 33069
1-800-GO.2.RODI (462-7634) or 1-954-781-7777
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.aquathin.com
Aquathin Corporation, the Aquathin Corporation logo,
MegaChar—BFF Water Filtration System, Soft&Clean
Water Conditioner are trademarks and copyright of
Aquathin Corporation. Product specifications are subject
to change without notice.
Your Authorized Aquathin Dealer Is:
Dealer Name___________________________________
Contact _______________________________________
Address _______________________________________
_______________________________________
Phone _______________________________________
Fax _______________________________________
Email _______________________________________

3 © 2007-2009 Aquathin Corporation. All rights reserved. Rev 20091029
Introduction
Thank You for your purchase. Aquathin turned
"30 in 2010" to enjoy its Pearl Anniversary and
it’s a great feeling of self satisfaction and accom-
plishment to be an Authorized Aquathin Dealer. You
could not have picked a better time to consider the
many benefits of becoming a member of the ever
growing Aquathin Family. The Next Quarter Century
Celebration Begins!
Aquathin manufactures a broad spectrum of unique
and patented water purification, softening and filtra-
tion systems servicing the residential, commercial
and laboratory markets. Established in 1980,
Aquathin now produces over 70 patented and trade-
marked devices for markets around the world
through more than 600 Authorized Aquathin Deal-
ers. Aquathin is an E.P.A. Registered manufacturer,
ISO 9001:2008 Certified and recipient of the prestig-
ious President's Excellence Award in Export from
the U.S. Commerce Department and the Nation's
Blue Chip Enterprise Initiative Award from the U.S.
Chamber of Commerce. We have a very impressive
global client list that now includes you and your fam-
ily. Recently we have launched a project, two years
in the making, for Authorized Aquathin Dealers to
provide total home air and water security...and
more. Visit the Aquathin Allergy Store online at
www.aquathin.com.

4 © 2007-2009 Aquathin Corporation. All rights reserved. Rev 20091029
Aquathin does not sell franchises nor do we charge
for territories. We want to make sure that our Deal-
ers are service oriented and knowledge driven. We
know that even though we make the best water
treatment systems in the world, ultimately they are
only as good as the people representing them. And
this is why we make the very best water treatment
Dealers in world. Your local Authorized Aquathin
Dealer has received training and continuous educa-
tion from Aquathin University. You can be assured
that when you purchase from an Authorized
Aquathin Dealer (or from the factory directly in areas
where we have yet to approve and establish a
Dealer) you are receiving the finest equipment and
technical support this industry is able to offer. High-
est quality water treatment systems and support
good enough for my home...my family.
And that is my promise to you! I love my Aquathin!!
FOR THE BEST TASTE IN LIFE &
30 Years Pure Excellence
...and another Quarter Century re-inventing the water industry!
Think Aquathin...AquathinK !!
( visit the NEW www.aquathin.com )
"Alfie"
Alfred J. Lipshultz, President
P.S. Remember...the next best thing to owning an
Aquathin is recommending one to a friend!

5 © 2007-2009 Aquathin Corporation. All rights reserved. Rev 20091029
Contents
1Getting Started 7
Setting Up Your System 8
1.Unpack the System 10
2. Required Tools 10
3. Planning the Installation 11
4. Connect Control Valve to Media Tank 11
5. Prepare Connection to Water Source 13
6. Connect Water Source to Bypass Valve 13
7. Identify Water Inlet and Outlet 15
8. Connect to Drain Valve 15
Verify the Tubing and Connections 16
1. Check Bypass Connections 16
2. Check Flow to Carbon Media Tank 16
3. Check Drain Line 16
Starting Your System 17
1. Plug the Unit to an Electrical Outlet 17
2. Setting the Clock 17
3. Set Day Wheel 17
4. Set the Backwash Knob 18
2
Getting to Know the Aquathin System 19
A Look at the Key Components 19
Manual Backwash Knob 19
24-Hour Gear 20
Program Wheel 20
Operating Parameters 20
Pressure 20
pH 20
Chlorine and Chloramines 21
Sediment 21
Iron 21
Hardness and More 21
3
Maintenance And Servicing 23
Reset Time if there is Power Interruption 23

6 © 2007-2009 Aquathin Corporation. All rights reserved. Rev 20091029
Exterior Cleaning 23
Option 23
4
Frequently Asked Questions 24
5
Limited Warranty 26
What The Warranty Covers 26
Exceptions To Warranty 26
Extending to Lifetime Warranty 27
What We Will Do To Correct An Inconvenience 27
How State Law Relates To The Warranty 27
A
ppendix A - Specifications 28
A
ppendix B –Installation Diagram 29

7 © 2007-2009 Aquathin Corporation. All rights reserved. Rev 20091029
GETTING STARTED
Thank you for purchasing this quality total home water
filtration system by Aquathin Corporation. Every
Aquathin Series system combines several efficient meth-
ods of water treatment to achieve a very specific result.
The MEGACHAR Water Filtration System provides total
protection, especially in light of the growing concerns on
bathing in water that contains organic pollutants, chlorine
and/or chloramines. The Aquthin MEGACHAR “type”
process is regarded as the “best acceptable technology”
by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the
removal and reduction of Radon gas and certain volatile
organics.
The MEGACHAR System allows a remarkable flow rate
of up to 20 gallons per minute; it saves water and reduces
sewerage taxes as well.
The MEGACHAR System can be combined with the
SOFT & CLEAN system to provide the ultimate clean
water for your household needs.
As the new owner of an Aquathin MEGACHAR water
filtration system there is a totally new experience await-
ing you. Showers and baths will feel cleaner and fresher.

8 © 2007-2009 Aquathin Corporation. All rights reserved. Rev 20091029
This manual provides information about the application and
servicing of your Aquathin water filtration system. Descriptions
of the components and their functions will help to answer fre-
quently asked questions. By thoroughly reading this manual you
will be better able to operate your new system and perform
simple maintenance.
SETTING UP YOUR SYSTEM
Your Aquathin system requires adequate water pressure; a
minimum of 25 PSI (pounds per square inch) of water pressure
is required for the backwash valve to operate effectively. The
amount of filtered water produced depends primarily on your
water pressure, flow, and the amount of chlorine, chloramines
and other organics.
As the MEGACHAR water filtration system will be installed on
existing plumbing sources, it is important to ensure that the
condition of the existing plumbing is free from lime and iron
buildup. Replace piping that has heavy lime and/or iron
buildup. If piping is clogged with iron, install a separate iron
filter unit ahead of the filtration system.
The Aquathin MEGACHAR system requires an uninterrupted
alternating current (A/C) supply. Please make sure that the volt-
age supply is compatible with the unit before installation.
(110V/60Hz or 220V/50Hz for international)
IMPORTANT NOTE:
While installing the MEGACHAR system, please follow this
cautionary note:
 This system is to be supplied with cold water only.
 Do not exceed 120 PSI (8.5 bar) water pressure.
 Do not exceed 110º F (43º C) water temperature.
 Do not subject the unit to freezing conditions.
 This system is not intended to be used for treating water
that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality
without adequate disinfection before the system.
 Installation to comply with state and local laws and regu-
lations.

9 © 2007-2009 Aquathin Corporation. All rights reserved. Rev 20091029
Installing Your System Requires the Following
Steps:
 Identify suitable location for the unit, preferably
near a clean working drain—the location should be
swept clean before the unit is positioned to avoid
tank puncture.
 Perform all plumbing according to local plumbing
codes.
 Turn off the main water supply valve.
 Turn off the power source for the electric water
heater, or if gas, turn the heat control to pilot.
 Relieve water pressure by opening any cold water
faucet before cutting the water line to make the
installation.
 Solder pipes to adaptors, which will be screwed
into the bypass valve.
 Screw adaptors into the bypass valve before mount-
ing the bypass valve onto the resin tank.
 Lubricate the distributor o-ring seal and tank o-ring
seal. Place the main control valve on tank.
 Wrap a wet rag around the bypass valve to prevent
internal damage by heat transfer as you proceed
with soldering.
 NOTE: the water outlet is on the left side of the
unit—you will notice that an arrow indicates the
outlet—showing water flow away from the unit;
whereas if you stand in front of the unit, the inlet is
on your right side.
 Turn on the water supply.
 Place the bypass valve in Bypass position and
check for leaks.
 Connect the drain line flow control fitting.
 Plug the unit into an electrical outlet.
 Set time of day and backwash program.

10 © 2007-2009 Aquathin Corporation. All rights reserved. Rev 20091029
1. Unpack the System
Contents include:
1. Main control valve
2. Drain line
3. Carbon media tank (with distributor tube and
chrome jacket cover with cap)
4. Upper basket
2. Required Tools
While installing the unit, you will need:
Silicone lubricant and Teflon tape for the fittings.
Other tools and pipes may be required by the installer for
soldering and cutting while fitting the unit to the water
source and drain line.
Figure 1. Package Contents

11 © 2007-2009 Aquathin Corporation. All rights reserved. Rev 20091029
3. Planning the Installation
Review the following instructions completely before pro-
ceeding. (See installation diagrams in Appendix B)
1) Warm the valve to room temperature during cold
weather
During cold weather it is recommended that the installer
warm the main control valve to room temperature before
operating.
2) Select and prepare the location
We encourage you to establish the desired location of
each of the components before proceeding. It is recom-
mended that you install the unit near a clean and working
drain.
Be sure that the area where the water filtration system
will be installed is swept clean before the unit is posi-
tioned for installing to avoid puncture of the storage tank.
If installed outdoors, put down plywood or a concrete
stone in order to provide a flat, even surface for the
MEGACHAR System to be placed upon. (CAUTION:
this unit will crack if allowed to freeze).
4. Connecting the Control Valve to the Media
Tank
1) Lubricate the
distributor o-ring
located by the
control valve
throat as shown
in figure 2.
Fig. 2. Lubricate distributor o-ring
with silicone lubricant.

12 © 2007-2009 Aquathin Corporation. All rights reserved. Rev 20091029
2) Lubricate the
tank o-ring seal,
as shown in fig-
ure 3. NOTE: use
only silicone lu-
bricant.
3) Attach the pro-
vided upper bas-
ket (bayonet fit)
to the control
valve as shown in
figure 4.
4) Slide the chrome
jacket cover and
cap over the me-
dia tank. NOTE:
For illustrative
purposes the
chrome jacket is
not shown in the
figures.
5) Screw the con-
trol valve on the
media tank—
turning it clock-
wise (figure 5).
Fig. 3. Lubricate the tank o-ring.
Fig. 4. Make sure the upper basket
locks into place.
Fig. 5. While screwing the valve
onto the media tank, make sure the
distributor tube locks into place.

13 © 2007-2009 Aquathin Corporation. All rights reserved. Rev 20091029
5. Preparing Connection to Water Source
1) Turn off the main water supply valve for your resi-
dence / company.
2) Turn off power source for electric water heater.
If the water source is connected to an electric water
heater, turn it off. In the case that it is connected to a gas
heater, turn the heat control to pilot. If a shut-off valve is
provided on the inlet side of the water heater, close that
during the System installation.
3) Relieve water pressure
Relieve water pressure by opening up any cold water fau-
cet before cutting the water line to make the installation.
6. Connecting Water Source to Bypass Valve
As the water softening system will be installed on exist-
ing plumbing sources, it is important to ensure that the
condition of the existing plumbing is free from lime and
iron buildup.
Replace piping that has heavy lime and/or iron buildup.
If piping is clogged with iron, install a separate iron filter
unit ahead of the water
softener system.
1) Unscrew the bypass
valve
Unscrew the bypass
valve from the main
control valve of the unit
as shown in figure 6. Fig. 6. Unscrew the bypass valve,
and remove the adaptor clips.

14 © 2007-2009 Aquathin Corporation. All rights reserved. Rev 20091029
2) Solder pipes to adaptors
According to your local
plumbing codes, the
installer must identify
appropriate pipes to be
connected to the bypass
valve.
The pipes must be first
soldered onto the adap-
tors as shown in figure
7.
3) Screw adaptors into
bypass valve
The adaptors can then
be screwed onto the
bypass valve as shown
in figure 8.
4) Re-attach the by-
pass valve
Attach the bypass valve
onto the main control
valve using the provided
clips and tighten the
screws as shown in fig-
ure 9.
Doing so, you will be able to measure and approximate
the required length of piping from the bypass valve to the
water source and outlet.
Fig. 7. Solder the pipes to the
adaptors.
Fig. 8. Screw the adaptors back
on the bypass valve.
Fig. 9. re-attach the bypass valve
to the main control valve.

15 © 2007-2009 Aquathin Corporation. All rights reserved. Rev 20091029
5) Solder joints with caution
Wrap a wet rag around the bypass valve to prevent inter-
nal damage by heat transfer as you proceed with solder-
ing. It is recommended that you leave at least
6” (152mm) between the bypass valve and solder joints
when soldering pipes that are connected on the bypass
valve. Failure to do this can cause interior damage to the
bypass valve.
7. Identifying Water Inlet vs. Outlet
As you stand in
front of the unit, the
inlet is on your
right, while the out-
let is on the left.
Alternatively, you
can look for the
arrow near the by-
pass valve outlet
indicating away
from the unit, as
shown in figure 10.
9. Connecting
to Drain Valve
Connect the 5/8
inch black tube
provided to the
drain hose barb as
shown in figure
11.
Fig. 10. The arrows on the bypass
valve (as shown) indicate water inlet
and outlet.
Fig. 11. Connect the drain line as
shown

16 © 2007-2009 Aquathin Corporation. All rights reserved. Rev 20091029
VERIFYING THE TUBING AND CONNECTIONS
1. Check Bypass Connections
Once plumbing is completed, with
the bypass/service knob in the
“bypass” position as shown in
figure 12, open the main water
supply valve and check for leaks
in the bypass connection.
Open a cold water tap nearby and let water run for a few
minutes or until the system is free of foreign materials
(usually solder resulting from the installation). Close the
water tap when water runs clean.
If there are no leaks, open the inlet
valve to the water heater and re-
store power or gas setting on the
water heater.
2. Check the Flow to the
Resin Tank
Slowly move the bypass/service
knob in “service” position and let
water flow into the mineral tank.
This is an indication that the unit
has purged itself of all air. See figure 13.
3. Check the Drain Line
With the regeneration knob already
in “service” position, now rotate the
knob clockwise into “backwash”
position (as shown in figure 14) and
allow water to flow at the drain for
3 or 4 minutes.
Fig. 12. turn the bypass
knobs perpendicular to
the valve in order to
“close” it, as shown.
closed
open
Fig. 13. turn the by-
pass knobs parallel to
the valve in order to
“open” it, as shown.
Fig. 14. Rotate the
knob until in
“backwash” position

17 © 2007-2009 Aquathin Corporation. All rights reserved. Rev 20091029
STARTING YOUR SYSTEM
1. Plugging the unit into an electrical outlet
Once the installations are completed and you have veri-
fied the tubing and connections, you may plug the system
into an approved power source.
2. Setting the clock on the unit
To program your Aquathin system, first you must set the
time on the unit.
To set the time on the unit, refer to figure 15 and take the
following steps:
 First push in the
red “time set
button”
 Then rotate the
24-Hour Gear so
that the “time of
day” indicator
shows the current
local time (i.e. if
it is 2 pm your
time, the “time of
day” indicator
should point to
“2p”)
 When you release the gear, check for firm engage-
ment of the setting (indicated by a clicking sound).
3. Setting the water usage program
Next, the water backwashing program must be set. By
setting the Day Wheel on the MEGACHAR System, the
backwash and rinse cycles can be programmed to occur
c. Time of day
a. Push button
b. Rotate gear
Fig. 15. (a) push the red button,
(b) rotate the gear which is behind
the regeneration knob till the time
on the unit shows your local time

18 © 2007-2009 Aquathin Corporation. All rights reserved. Rev 20091029
automatically.
The Day Wheel allows for setting a program cycle over a
12-day period, which then repeats automatically for every
subsequent period.
For instance to set the
unit to backwash once
every 6 days, slide the
pins on day “6” and
day “12” outwards.
The Day Wheel can
be rotated such that
the red arrow indi-
cates the current day
of the cycle. See fig-
ure 22.
4. Setting the Backwash Knob
Manually advance the control knob to the
“regeneration” position and allow the control to return
to the “in service” position automatically (approximately
90 minutes). Do not use household water until cycles are
completed. This will allow the resin tank to purge all air.
Fig. 20. (a) slide pins for day 6 and
12 outwards (ensure the others are
retracted)
(b) the pin (or tab) at the red
pointer indicates “today”.
a. Slide pins outward
b. Rotate DAY
WHEEL

19 © 2007-2009 Aquathin Corporation. All rights reserved. Rev 20091029
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR MEGACHAR
SYSTEM
Use of Aquathin MEGACHAR System results in imme-
diate improvement of the aesthetics of water (odor and
color). The Aquathin MEGACHAR “type” process is
regarded as the “best acceptable technology” by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency for the removal and
reduction of radon gas and certain volatile organics.
All components of the MEGACHR are manufactured
from the finest raw materials available and carry one or
more of the following validations to insure system func-
tions and integrity: NSF Certified, FDA Approved, UL
Listed, CSA, CE, BSI, TUV, ANSI Approved.
A LOOK AT THE KEY COMPONENTS
Manual Backwash Knob
This 8-cycle adjustable control is efficient and reliable
and it regenerates only when needed.
The backwash cycle allows for the elimination of water
through the drain.

20 © 2007-2009 Aquathin Corporation. All rights reserved. Rev 20091029
24-Hour Gear
The 24-Hour Gear enables the system to monitor water
usage and backwash cycles. In order to set the current
time, press the Red time set button, and then rotate the
gear till it reads the same time of day as your local time.
Day Wheel
The Day Wheel works in cohesion with the 24-hour gear
to monitor water usage and regeneration cycles. A simple
method of setting the Day Wheel for typical residential
applications is to set regeneration for every 6 days. In
order to do this, the tabs marked 6 and 12 should be slid
outwards while the other tabs are retracted.
OPERATING PARAMETERS
To insure proper operation of your MEGACHAR system,
it is advisable to collect the following information about
your water supply. This information is generally avail-
able from your municipal water department, and in many
cases is available from the website of your local Depart-
ment of Public Works.
Pressure
Adequate water pressure must be available from your
water supply to assure efficient regeneration. A minimum
of 25 PSI is required for this system.
pH
The MEGACHAR will hold up very well when the pH
of the feed water is between 2 and 11. Water supplies
with pH over 11 are very rarely, if ever, found. (Chlorine
bleach has a pH of ~11.5.)