Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Last Updated:
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Contents
The Aquasana Rhino comes in different versions with a few optional upgrades to choose from. To avoid confusion, let’s start by listing each basic version and continue from there:
 Aquasana Rhino EQ-1000 | |
| Price: | $$$ |
| Flow Rate: | 7 gpm |
| Filter Capacity: | 1,000,000 gal |
| NSF Certifications: | 42 |
| Warranty: | 10 Years |
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 Aquasana Rhino EQ-600 | |
| Price: | $$$ |
| Flow Rate: | 7 gpm |
| Filter Capacity: | 600,000 gal |
| NSF Certifications: | 42 |
| Warranty: | 6 Years |
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 Aquasana Rhino EQ-Well-UV | |
| Price: | $$$ |
| Flow Rate: | 7 gpm |
| Filter Capacity: | 500,000 gal |
| NSF Certifications: | – |
| Warranty: | 5 Years |
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All 3 systems are rated at 7 gallons per minute flow rate which is sufficient for families of up to 4 without experiencing a noticeable pressure drop.
Also, each Rhino comes with a 5-micron pre-filter that catches rust, sediment and silt. The goal here is to increase the lifespan of the subsequent filtration stages:
Both media types are bacteriostatic meaning they inhibit bacteria and algae growth.
EQ-Well-UV:
Instead of just activated carbon, this setup uses catalytic carbon to eliminate hydrogen sulfide gases. Although not posing an immediate health thread, hydrogen sulfide has a very distinctive and unpleasant smell similar to rotten eggs. Furthermore, the EQ-Well-UV works with KDF-85 medium rather than KDF-55. The higher copper content also helps with the reduction of hydrogen sulfide as well as heavy metals.
What’s more, as an extra safety measure for well supplies the system comes with a post-filter rated at 0.35 microns to reduce any remaining sediment and organic particles.
Each Rhino whole house water filter system can be upgraded with the SimplySoft salt-free water conditioner – actually descaler would be the correct term – and the Pro Grade Install Kit.
The conditioner is meant for reducing scale caused by hard water, obviously. Without going into too much detail, it requires neither salt nor harsh chemicals to alter the adhesion characteristics of calcium and magnesium. This forces them to bind to each other instead of your plumbing and household appliances.
As a result, the longevity of your water heater, dishwasher, washing machine, etc. is likely to increase. Another benefit is better soap lathering.
The advantages of saltless water conditioning opposed to traditional salt-based water softening are
All this will save you time and money in the long run.
The biggest downside is that salt-free conditioning is less effective (and not suited for all waters). Aquasana recommends the SimplySoft for hardness levels of 15 gpg or less.
As for the Pro Grade Install Kit, the included brass fittings, shut-off valves and bypass loop make the install somewhat easier. And for the EQ-600 and EQ-1000, you also get the additional sub-micron post-filter that the well water Rhino already comes with. Like we said, the filter helps to get rid of remaining sediment and organic particles.
And lastly, you can add the Sterilight UV filter to both city filter systems as an extra safeguard against waterborne pathogens if you want.
FYI: Ultraviolet light destroys up to 99.99% of the microorganisms that might be lurking in your water.
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| Model | EQ-600 | EQ-1000 | EQ-Well-UV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ideal For | Chlorinated City Water | Chlorinated City Water | Well Water |
| Capacity | 600k gal or 6 Years | 1M gal or 10 Years | 500k gal or 5 Years |
| Flow Rate | 7 gpm | 7 gpm | 7 gpm |
| Max Working Pressure | 20-100 psi | 20-100 psi | <75 psi |
| 10″ Pre-Filter | Included | No | Included |
| 20″ Pre-Filter | Optional | Included | Optional |
| Post-Filter | Optional | Optional | Included |
| UV-Filter | Optional | Optional | Included |
| Salt-Free Softener | Optional | Optional | Optional |
The Aquasana Rhino delivers great-tasting and clean water to every outlet in your house. NSF Standard 42 certifications for the EQ-600 and EQ-1000 guarantee chlorine removal of at least 96.9%. For the EQ-600, it’s 600,000 gallons or 6 years. And for the EQ-1000, it’s 1,000,000 gallons or up to 10 years. (The Rhino for well water is not certified since it does not aim at chlorine reduction.)
Clean water throughout the entire house includes your shower(s) so that your body’s overall exposure to chemicals will be reduced for more moisturized hair and skin. Another benefit is improved indoor air quality, as less volatile chemicals evaporate from the shower water.
And because the Rhino’s main tank applies upflow filtration the risk of clogging is slim.
Did we mention that you get a limited lifetime warranty on all Rhino systems? The warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship in manufacturing.
The Aquasana Rhino EQ-1000 – learn more on aquasana.com
The Aquasana Rhino EQ-600 – learn more on aquasana.com
The Aquasana Rhino EQ-Well-UV – learn more on aquasana.com
Installing an Aquasana Rhino whole house water filter is in no way more complicated than installing a competitor system. However, not having your system hooked up by a licensed plumber will void its warranty. So think twice about whether or not you really want to proceed with this.
If so, here is a step-by-step outline of the process (steps for EQ-Well-UV may vary):
Installation of your system must comply with existing state and local plumbing codes.
The best installation location is somewhere in the inside and out of direct sunlight. Choose a spot close to where the main water line enters your home and upstream of the water heater.
It is also very important that you install the Rhino in upright position to maximize filtration effectiveness. And make sure to keep the tank upright at all times during the setup.
Aquasana recommends a minimum clearance of 50″ for tank height and a minimum of 30″ for floor space.
Prefer video? There you go:
Each system comes with:
The Rhino well water system also comes with:
The optional Pro Install Kit includes:
The PEX tubing that some of the images show is NOT included.
Filter replacements are quick and easy.
You should check the sediment pre-filter once per month. As soon as you notice a considerable decrease in pressure, it’s time for a replacement. The average lifetime is about 2-3 months.
As for the main tank, filtration capacities are listed above. Once you hit the limit, replace the entire unit. You might also want to consider adding a water meter for convenience.
The optional post-filter should be replaced once or twice a year. If you also own the UV filter stage, annual replacement of the bulb is a must, says Aquasana. Don’t worry, changing the bulb is not overly complicated.
Last but not least, the outside of the entire system can be cleaned with warm dishwater. Rinse with clean water afterwards. Remember to never use chemical cleaner on the filters’ exterior surface in order to not damage their housings.
Aquasana Rhino systems are best for people who want odor-free, clean tasting water but don’t care about having one or more specific contaminants removed.
For the most part, people are more than happy with their version of the whole house water filter and would buy from the company again. Our verdict: 4 stars!
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This completes our Aquasana Rhino review. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
Loooking to get a Aquasana Rhino 6-Year 600k Gallon Whole House Water Filter Salt-Free Softener+UV and need to know how much horizontal space is needed.
ReplyThe length including the pre-filter, shut-off valve, etc. is 27″, so you need that + enough room for additional piping (depending on your setup).
Reply