I have 2 Big Blue 20" filter housings, 1 has 5 micron sediment filter, the other is a20" carbon filter like the ones you sell. None of the carbon filters I tried removed any chlorine and I tried 4 different brands (they all looked the same), from $28 to $68, none of them removed CL. Considering buying a carbon tank that is refillable.
Did you buy one of these? waterestore.ca/products/kx-matrikx-cto-20-bb-carbon-filter-32-450-20-matrikx maybe you have chloramines in your water not chlorine and then you would need this waterestore.ca/products/kx-matrikx-chloraguard-20-carbon-block-filter-32-450-20-matrikx
I currently have a 4.5 x 10 filter that's online before my water softener. As of right now, l have just the one filter. It would be nice to have more, but l don't have the room. Here in Indiana, we have hard water. The filter, after 6 months, is a rusty brown colour. My water pressure when nothing is being used is 64 psi. Currently have a step-down filter from 25, 10 to 5 microns. What would you recommend to help filter out even more voc and even cyst that may be in the city water? Thank you Troy.
Can a 2.5 bath condo with 3/4" white PVC plumbing use the larger 4.5x10 vs 2.5x10 systems, or is there some unforeseen detriment? From my newbie POV, it appears that both sizes have the same array of filters, but that 4.5 would be more effective. Right or wrong? Because I am pretty sure it was your video that recommended a filter that began with a large micron on the outside and then ended with carbon in the inside. I was pretty sure it was a 4.5 size, so I want to make sure I can use that filter. I also got to backtrack through all the videos I watched from you to find the name of that filter again, unless you remember.
For a whole house application you are better off with the larger size, 4.5" because they give you more capacity. To remove sediment I would suggest this filter houding waterestore.com/products/viqua-10-bb-filter-housing-awp40b-v-free-ship with this filter waterestore.com/products/pentek-filter-10-bb-dgd-5005-50-5-m-dual-gradient-155357-43 and you rae correct that it is a dual gradient filter
Hello Gary, new subscriber here, I have the harmsco industrial filter hif 7 that uses - 801 filters, what carbon filter do you recommend for this system
I changed my carbon filter and noticed there was a rotten egg smell coming from the water that’s wasn’t there before. Is this normal with a new carbon filter? Will it go away once it’s flushed?
Hi Gary, I recently purchased a Matrix CTO plus filter from Amazon, and the label shows that the manufactured date was Jan 2020. What is the validity period of this filter ? Pls kindly advise
@@GarytheWaterGuy Hi Gary, I just replaced the KX carbon block (USA) with the new Matrikx CTO plus in my filtration system, I m surprised to see that the new CTO plus can't remove the chlorine as good as the 18 mths old KX carbon block. I've already flushed for over 30 mins after the CTO plus was installed. When I test the filtered water with a chlorine tester, it will turn to yellow colour. Once I put back the old KX carbon block back to the filtration system, it backs to normal ,the filtered water won't change to yellowish when I tested .. Any clue ? and I realized the CTO plus is not manufactured in USA but India
Hi Gary. I want to set up a kitchen sink + refrigerator chlorine filter (vs a full up RO system). I need to install a simple water dispenser faucet after the filter and the "T". The question i have is it seems that getting the flow right through the filter media is very important, according to the data in the tables that you show, which for a 2.5x10" Matrix Plus looks to need to be limited to 1gpm (or less). How do i best ensure that flow through the system? Is there a normal flow restrictor that i should place in line? Or should i get a special faucet with a restrictor built in? On a related note, what happens after the rated capacity (ie after 30,000 gal)? Is the filter half as good (45% reduction) or is it like 10% removal time?
Good question, the easiet way would be to put a shut off like this in the water line waterestore.ca/products/john-guest-3-8-inline-ball-valve-part-ppsv041212w and open and close it until you get the correct flow rate. After 30,000 gallons it drops right off.
Hello Gary I live in the city, in an apartment building. I'm very interested in a carbon water filtration system. What should I do for starters? Note Im interested in buying a system that goes under the sink.
I would recommend a reverse osmosis drinking water system like this one waterestore.com/products/hum-water-saver-reverse-osmosis-system-75-gallons-per-day
Sure you can use this one. waterestore.com/products/kx-matrikx-cto-20-bb-carbon-filter-32-425-125-green?variant=20250036732004 How long it lasts depends on what's in your water and how much water you use. The specifications on that filter are here cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0171/4778/9412/files/CTO.pdf?v=1680884936
Hello Gary, can I follow up with you? I'm looking at the 10" PB1 filter for my existing under sink system which uses the longer version, what is the exact length of the KX Matrikx brand, 9.75 or 9 7/8 in length? Big thanks.
Hi Gary. I was using 1-micron carbon block filters from Matrix CTO Plus, Pentek, . I was happy with them up to about 2 or 3 years ago. Thats when all of a sudden they started clogging a lot sooner. They used to last 8-9 months for my countertop water filtration system. Now even after 1 to 2 months, thet are down to a small drip. And I was paying $20+ for just 1 filter! Then I heard they switched from making them in the United States and began making them in Cina which makes sense with the drop in quality. I am now using a brand called ICEPURE CTO 1 micron. That cost about $22 for 3 of them. You are supposed to change them once every 3 months. It doesn't clog , but the water flavor is not on par with the Matrkx. What's your take on this, and is there anything left that's good out there that hasn't been ruined? I don't mind paying $25-$30 for 1 micron filter that will last for 8-9 months.
if sediment or dirt is clogging these filters I would add a 5 micron sediment filter before the carbon filters. Carbon filters clog very easily from sediment.
Hello Sir, is there a filter that removes chlorine, chloramine and flouride whether on the shower, whole house or tap water? I would GREATLY appreciate the help!
Reverse Osmosis is needed to remove fluoride. This one works well for one tap waterestore.ca/products/hum-water-saver-reverse-osmosis-system-75-gallons-per-day The rest can be removed can be removed in the whole house with this waterestore.ca/products/hum-auto-back-washable-chloramine-removal-filter-1-0
Great question. If you need to remove dirt, the sediment filter is better. If you need to remove chemicals like chlorine, herbicides or pesticides carbon is better. If you need to remove both you need both.
@@joycealmero4872 I see your post is old. This info might not help you. There are a few different types of activated carbon filters. There is a granular carbon filter and then there are carbon blocks. He was showing carbon blocks in this video. Carbon blocks filter finer. Since the carbon is finer in a block, it has more surface area. Granular carbon is slightly loose tiny granules of carbon. You would have to look up what each type of contamination each type of media excels at removing from water. The benefit of a granular activated filter is that it will not be so restrictive to water flow which is better if you have low water pressure. There is a different kind of carbon filter that not a lot of people know about. It is called bone char. I believe bone char only comes in a granular filter, and it is not vegan friendly. Anyway, this material removes some different compounds that the other type of carbon filter cannot remove (bone char is way better at removing fluoride, radioactive materials, and metals like chromium). You would want to use an activated carbon filter after a bone char filter to improve the taste. They also make some different carbon filters that have a material called KDF. KDF helps inhibit bacterial growth in a carbon filter. KDF also helps eliminate certsin types of metal contamination. If you had a system with a couple carbon filters, you would only want KDF in the very last filter. I hope that information helps. I am currently building my own under sink filter sysytem. I bought 5 Pentek 10" slimline filters. Those take standard 10" x 2.5" filters. I connected those in series with adapters I bought from a hardware store. The first two filters I have are sedimet filters, and I bought clear housings for those so I can tell when they need to be changed by a visual inspection. My house has fairly high water pressure, and I will need the two sediment filters to really slow it down. I will follow that up with a bone char filter, a modest carbon block, and grabular carbon with KDF at the end. My two sediment filters will be installed indepently from the rest of the system. If you wanted to do something like this, you do not need a pressure relief valve for each filter housing which makes the set-up a lot cheaper. The advantage of building your own system is that you can filter out what you want or need to fikter out of your water. I would just search what KDF, activated carbon (both blocks and granular), bone char filter, and the different pore sizes of mechanical filtration remove from water. You can make or buy whatever best fits your needs.
Which carbon filter is best for your family? Learn more here!
I have 2 Big Blue 20" filter housings, 1 has 5 micron sediment filter, the other is a20"
carbon filter like the ones you sell. None of the carbon filters I tried removed any chlorine and I tried 4 different brands (they all looked the same), from $28 to $68, none of them removed CL. Considering buying a carbon tank that is refillable.
Did you buy one of these? waterestore.ca/products/kx-matrikx-cto-20-bb-carbon-filter-32-450-20-matrikx maybe you have chloramines in your water not chlorine and then you would need this waterestore.ca/products/kx-matrikx-chloraguard-20-carbon-block-filter-32-450-20-matrikx
I currently have a 4.5 x 10 filter that's online before my water softener. As of right now, l have just the one filter. It would be nice to have more, but l don't have the room. Here in Indiana, we have hard water. The filter, after 6 months, is a rusty brown colour. My water pressure when nothing is being used is 64 psi. Currently have a step-down filter from 25, 10 to 5 microns.
What would you recommend to help filter out even more voc and even cyst that may be in the city water?
Thank you Troy.
I would use this filter waterestore.com/products/kx-matrikx-chloraguard-10-big-blue-carbon-block-filter-36-450-10-matrikx
Can a 2.5 bath condo with 3/4" white PVC plumbing use the larger 4.5x10 vs 2.5x10 systems, or is there some unforeseen detriment? From my newbie POV, it appears that both sizes have the same array of filters, but that 4.5 would be more effective. Right or wrong? Because I am pretty sure it was your video that recommended a filter that began with a large micron on the outside and then ended with carbon in the inside. I was pretty sure it was a 4.5 size, so I want to make sure I can use that filter. I also got to backtrack through all the videos I watched from you to find the name of that filter again, unless you remember.
For a whole house application you are better off with the larger size, 4.5" because they give you more capacity. To remove sediment I would suggest this filter houding waterestore.com/products/viqua-10-bb-filter-housing-awp40b-v-free-ship with this filter waterestore.com/products/pentek-filter-10-bb-dgd-5005-50-5-m-dual-gradient-155357-43 and you rae correct that it is a dual gradient filter
Hello Gary, new subscriber here, I have the harmsco industrial filter hif 7 that uses - 801 filters, what carbon filter do you recommend for this system
Sorry, I’m not familiar with that system
@@GarytheWaterGuy I actually figured it out thanks for reply
I changed my carbon filter and noticed there was a rotten egg smell coming from the water that’s wasn’t there before. Is this normal with a new carbon filter? Will it go away once it’s flushed?
No, you likely need a sulphur filter. Is the smell in both the hot and cold water?
@@GarytheWaterGuy there’s no sulphur in the water. It’s distilled water. The smell has now gone. It’s always when I first install it
Dear Gary... How to test whether activated carbon is expired or not? I have activated carbon 25 kg bag and it is with me for last 4 years.
I really don’t know, usually is the water symptoms come back, you need to replace the media because it is worn out.
Hi Gary, I recently purchased a Matrix CTO plus filter from Amazon, and the label shows that the manufactured date was Jan 2020. What is the validity period of this filter ? Pls kindly advise
Good question! Typically about 10 years so no problem.
@@GarytheWaterGuy thanks 😊
@@GarytheWaterGuy Hi Gary, I just replaced the KX carbon block (USA) with the new Matrikx CTO plus in my filtration system, I m surprised to see that the new CTO plus can't remove the chlorine as good as the 18 mths old KX carbon block. I've already flushed for over 30 mins after the CTO plus was installed. When I test the filtered water with a chlorine tester, it will turn to yellow colour. Once I put back the old KX carbon block back to the filtration system, it backs to normal ,the filtered water won't change to yellowish when I tested .. Any clue ? and I realized the CTO plus is not manufactured in USA but India
Hi Gary. I want to set up a kitchen sink + refrigerator chlorine filter (vs a full up RO system). I need to install a simple water dispenser faucet after the filter and the "T". The question i have is it seems that getting the flow right through the filter media is very important, according to the data in the tables that you show, which for a 2.5x10" Matrix Plus looks to need to be limited to 1gpm (or less). How do i best ensure that flow through the system? Is there a normal flow restrictor that i should place in line? Or should i get a special faucet with a restrictor built in?
On a related note, what happens after the rated capacity (ie after 30,000 gal)? Is the filter half as good (45% reduction) or is it like 10% removal time?
Good question, the easiet way would be to put a shut off like this in the water line waterestore.ca/products/john-guest-3-8-inline-ball-valve-part-ppsv041212w and open and close it until you get the correct flow rate. After 30,000 gallons it drops right off.
@@GarytheWaterGuy that is a good idea, especially since there will be one or two in the line for service anyway.
What is the best catalytic carbon water filter for indoor gardening that can be attached to any standard gardening hose?
Sorry, I don't know of one.
Hello Gary I live in the city, in an apartment building. I'm very interested in a carbon water filtration system. What should I do for starters? Note Im interested in buying a system that goes under the sink.
I would recommend a reverse osmosis drinking water system like this one waterestore.com/products/hum-water-saver-reverse-osmosis-system-75-gallons-per-day
Can i use a CTO filter for whole house filtration for well water? How long will it last?
Sure you can use this one. waterestore.com/products/kx-matrikx-cto-20-bb-carbon-filter-32-425-125-green?variant=20250036732004 How long it lasts depends on what's in your water and how much water you use. The specifications on that filter are here cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0171/4778/9412/files/CTO.pdf?v=1680884936
@GarytheWaterGuy excellent thank you so much! Is there any reason I should go with the 1 micron over the 5 micron?
Hello Gary, can I follow up with you? I'm looking at the 10" PB1 filter for my existing under sink system which uses the longer version, what is the exact length of the KX Matrikx brand, 9.75 or 9 7/8 in length? Big thanks.
It is 9 7/8" long. we have them here waterestore.ca/products/kx-matrikx-lead-cyst-06-250-10-green
Hello Gary, is there a carbon filter that can remove phosphorus from water? Thank you for the videos.
Not that I know of.
My water softner company recommended the catylic carbon filter. Is that one of these?
Catalytic carbon is used in one of these waterestore.ca/products/hum-auto-back-washable-chloramine-removal-filter-1-0
Hi Gary. I was using 1-micron carbon block filters from Matrix CTO Plus, Pentek, . I was happy with them up to about 2 or 3 years ago. Thats when all of a sudden they started clogging a lot sooner. They used to last 8-9 months for my countertop water filtration system. Now even after 1 to 2 months, thet are down to a small drip. And I was paying $20+ for just 1 filter! Then I heard they switched from making them in the United States and began making them in Cina which makes sense with the drop in quality. I am now using a brand called ICEPURE CTO 1 micron. That cost about $22 for 3 of them. You are supposed to change them once every 3 months. It doesn't clog , but the water flavor is not on par with the Matrkx. What's your take on this, and is there anything left that's good out there that hasn't been ruined? I don't mind paying $25-$30 for 1 micron filter that will last for 8-9 months.
if sediment or dirt is clogging these filters I would add a 5 micron sediment filter before the carbon filters. Carbon filters clog very easily from sediment.
Ironic! Matrix is made in India, ICEPURE is a Chinese product, even the brand is Chinese
Hello Sir, is there a filter that removes chlorine, chloramine and flouride whether on the shower, whole house or tap water? I would GREATLY appreciate the help!
Reverse Osmosis is needed to remove fluoride. This one works well for one tap waterestore.ca/products/hum-water-saver-reverse-osmosis-system-75-gallons-per-day The rest can be removed can be removed in the whole house with this waterestore.ca/products/hum-auto-back-washable-chloramine-removal-filter-1-0
Do you have a recommendation for a filter for sulfur smell? I have a well that has started to smell over the last few months.
You will need a sulphur filter like this FOC waterestore.ca/products/hum-foc-sulphur-water-filter-one-cubic-foot?_pos=577&_sid=590f5278b&_ss=r
What will happen if the carbon block don't have microns ?
The microns on a carbon filter aren't as important as on a sediment filter.
I picked up a Hydronix CB-25-1005 NSF Carbon Block Filter from Amazon.ca for a excellent price. Is Hydronix brand safe to buy?
Not sure. I have never used them.
What happens to chlorine when the water evaporates in the Sun?
Sorry I do not know.
Does the cto filter have an expiry date? is there any expiry shelf life?
No there is no expiry date.
@@GarytheWaterGuy thanks
How can I test my water for voc’s, lead And cysts?
I really don’t know. Have you tried contacting a local lab to see if they test for those parameters?
Which one is better between Carbon filter and sediment filter?
Great question. If you need to remove dirt, the sediment filter is better. If you need to remove chemicals like chlorine, herbicides or pesticides carbon is better. If you need to remove both you need both.
What's the difference between carbon filter and charcoal filter?
@@joycealmero4872 I see your post is old. This info might not help you. There are a few different types of activated carbon filters. There is a granular carbon filter and then there are carbon blocks. He was showing carbon blocks in this video. Carbon blocks filter finer. Since the carbon is finer in a block, it has more surface area. Granular carbon is slightly loose tiny granules of carbon. You would have to look up what each type of contamination each type of media excels at removing from water. The benefit of a granular activated filter is that it will not be so restrictive to water flow which is better if you have low water pressure.
There is a different kind of carbon filter that not a lot of people know about. It is called bone char. I believe bone char only comes in a granular filter, and it is not vegan friendly. Anyway, this material removes some different compounds that the other type of carbon filter cannot remove (bone char is way better at removing fluoride, radioactive materials, and metals like chromium). You would want to use an activated carbon filter after a bone char filter to improve the taste.
They also make some different carbon filters that have a material called KDF. KDF helps inhibit bacterial growth in a carbon filter. KDF also helps eliminate certsin types of metal contamination. If you had a system with a couple carbon filters, you would only want KDF in the very last filter. I hope that information helps. I am currently building my own under sink filter sysytem. I bought 5 Pentek 10" slimline filters. Those take standard 10" x 2.5" filters. I connected those in series with adapters I bought from a hardware store. The first two filters I have are sedimet filters, and I bought clear housings for those so I can tell when they need to be changed by a visual inspection. My house has fairly high water pressure, and I will need the two sediment filters to really slow it down. I will follow that up with a bone char filter, a modest carbon block, and grabular carbon with KDF at the end. My two sediment filters will be installed indepently from the rest of the system. If you wanted to do something like this, you do not need a pressure relief valve for each filter housing which makes the set-up a lot cheaper. The advantage of building your own system is that you can filter out what you want or need to fikter out of your water. I would just search what KDF, activated carbon (both blocks and granular), bone char filter, and the different pore sizes of mechanical filtration remove from water. You can make or buy whatever best fits your needs.