{"product_id":"coconut-based-5-micron-carbon-block-filter-cartridge","title":"Crystal Quest 5 Micron Coconut Carbon Block Filter Cartridge","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA coconut carbon block filter cartridge is the proven way to deal with chlorine in city water: the smell of a swimming pool in your glass, coffee that tastes slightly wrong, a chemical scent in the shower.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrystal Quest makes this replacement as one solid piece of acid-washed coconut shell activated carbon with a 5 micron rating. It lowers chlorine taste and odor, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fine dirt, so whatever your setup, be it whole house, RO, under-sink or countertop, the water tastes fresh once more. Four sizes are available for standard 2.5 x 10, 2.5 x 20, 5 x 10 and 5 x 20 inch housings, Crystal Quest equipment included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCoconut carbon block cartridge highlights\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFresher-tasting water:\u003c\/strong\u003e less chlorine taste and odor and fewer VOCs, the two targets named on each label.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOne stage doing double duty:\u003c\/strong\u003e it adsorbs chemicals and strains out particles as small as 5 microns.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAcid-washed coconut shell carbon\u003c\/strong\u003e, pressed solid yet with little pressure loss, so you keep good flow.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlow from 0.5 to 6 GPM\u003c\/strong\u003e depending on size, covering whole house, RO, under-sink and countertop use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLong-lasting:\u003c\/strong\u003e plan on 12 to 24 months, with roughly 18 months as the norm in most homes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat the cartridge looks like\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe photos match what arrives at your door. You see a dark carbon core wrapped in a polyolefin casing and polypropylene netting. Polypropylene caps close both ends, and on top a Buna-N gasket presses against the housing cap to seal it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe label lists the part numbers, the allowed pressure range and how to replace the cartridge, so changing it next time takes little thought.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow a carbon block water filter works\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAdsorption across a vast inner surface\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo activate carbon, it is exposed to steam at very high heat until countless microscopic pores open up inside it. Those pores add up to an enormous surface. Many organic chemicals, plus the substances responsible for chlorine taste and odor, stick to it as water passes, a process known as adsorption.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy acid-washed coconut shell\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor this block Crystal Quest chose carbon from coconut shells and adds an acid wash, a further treatment that boosts the carbon's ability to remove contaminants. The outcome is dense, clean carbon made with drinking water in mind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy a solid block beats loose granules\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGranular activated carbon (GAC) can adsorb, but particles slip between the granules. Compressing the carbon into a single block adds a straining effect, trapping anything above 5 microns while it adsorbs. So one housing gives you both carbon treatment and the removal of fine sediment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eContact time makes the difference\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater that spends more time in the carbon gives it more chance to adsorb. That is why the rated flow differs per size: 0.5 GPM for the 2-7\/8\" x 9-3\/4\" model, up to 6 GPM for the 4-5\/8\" x 20\" model. Only a modest amount of carbon is needed for taste and odor compounds, which largely explains why the water keeps tasting fresh for months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat this carbon block filter reduces\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMain targets, listed on the label:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChlorine taste and odor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVolatile organic compounds (VOCs)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDirt and particles down to 5 microns\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLowered by activated carbon as well, when present\u003c\/strong\u003e (this is what the media can do in general, not an individually tested rating of this cartridge):\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCertain pesticides and herbicides, atrazine for example\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome disinfection byproducts, trihalomethanes (THMs) for example\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFurther organic compounds that spoil taste and smell\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChloramine:\u003c\/strong\u003e activated carbon can lower it, but catalytic carbon does that job better than an ordinary block. If your utility disinfects with chloramine, add a SMART Filter Cartridge: catalytic carbon is part of its media blend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBeyond what it treats:\u003c\/strong\u003e microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses, hardness, fluoride, nitrate, total dissolved solids, and lead or other heavy metals. Crystal Quest handles each of these with a dedicated stage, such as its Lead Filter Cartridge, SMART cartridges or reverse osmosis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy choose Crystal Quest\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuilt into Crystal Quest's own equipment.\u003c\/strong\u003e The same block is used in its double and triple cartridge systems, in Thunder under-sink RO systems and in whole house RO pre-filtration, so you replace like with like.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReal measurements, not nominal ones.\u003c\/strong\u003e Every size is stated as the cartridge's true diameter and length.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOver 1,000,000 customers since 1994.\u003c\/strong\u003e Production takes place in the USA under ISO 9001 quality management, as it has for over 30 years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSystems it fits\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDouble cartridge systems:\u003c\/strong\u003e first position, with SMART after it\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTriple cartridge systems:\u003c\/strong\u003e third position, behind sediment and SMART\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecialty triple systems:\u003c\/strong\u003e first position, with SMART and the specialty cartridge after it\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThunder under-sink RO:\u003c\/strong\u003e the third pre-filter behind UF and SMART, shielding the membrane\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhole house RO with three pre-filter housings:\u003c\/strong\u003e behind sediment and SMART\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMetal Removal triple cartridge systems:\u003c\/strong\u003e third position, behind the iron cartridge and SMART\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrder the size listed on the cartridge you use now, or check a previous order: 2-7\/8\" x 9-3\/4\" (CQE-RC-04000), 2-7\/8\" x 20\" (CQE-RC-04014), 4-5\/8\" x 9-3\/4\" (CQE-RC-04035) or 4-5\/8\" x 20\" (CQE-RC-04036).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eCarbon block or GAC cartridge: what is the difference?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe block is solid carbon with a 5 micron rating, which means it filters out fine particles too. Crystal Quest's GAC cartridge instead holds loose granules of catalytic carbon and coconut shell carbon combined with ERA 6500 redox media. Always use the type specified for your system.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eCan a carbon block filter take out chlorine and chloramine?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eReducing chlorine taste and odor is the main thing it does. Chloramine is reduced too, though not as well as with catalytic carbon, so where city water contains chloramine, use a SMART cartridge alongside it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWill it take out fluoride, lead or hardness?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt won't. Fluoride, nitrate and hardness minerals pass through activated carbon, and an ordinary carbon block is not intended to remove heavy metals. For those problems Crystal Quest sells separate fluoride, lead and softening products.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eHow do I know which carbon block size my housing takes?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eMeasure your current cartridge's true diameter and length: 2-7\/8\" x 9-3\/4\", 2-7\/8\" x 20\", 4-5\/8\" x 9-3\/4\" or 4-5\/8\" x 20\". In that order they fit 2.5\" x 10\", 2.5\" x 20\", 5\" x 10\" Big Blue and 5\" x 20\" Big Blue housings, with flow rates between 0.5 and 6 GPM.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eHow frequently does a carbon block filter need replacing?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eMost households replace it after 12 to 24 months, often around 18. A change in taste, smell, flow or pressure means it is time sooner. Real lifespan depends on your source water, your system layout and your water use.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhy does the water look gray after a cartridge change?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eNew carbon can shed fine dust at the start. Following the label, let the tap run 5 to 10 minutes before drinking and the water turns clear.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhich position does the carbon block take in a system with several cartridges?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eCrystal Quest double systems put it first, before SMART. Triple systems use it last, once sediment and SMART have done their work.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n","brand":"Crystal Quest®","offers":[{"title":"2-7\/8” x 9-3\/4” \/ Single","offer_id":60202638967168,"sku":"CQE-RC-04000","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2-7\/8” x 9-3\/4” \/ Pack of 2","offer_id":60202638999936,"sku":"CQE-RC-04000-2PK","price":45.9,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2-7\/8” x 9-3\/4” \/ Pack of 4","offer_id":60202639032704,"sku":"CQE-RC-04000-4PK","price":91.8,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2-7\/8” x 20” \/ Single","offer_id":60202639065472,"sku":"CQE-RC-04014","price":31.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2-7\/8” x 20” \/ Pack of 2","offer_id":60202639098240,"sku":"CQE-RC-04014-2PK","price":63.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2-7\/8” x 20” \/ Pack of 4","offer_id":60202639131008,"sku":"CQE-RC-04014-4PK","price":126.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4-5\/8\" x 9-3\/4\" \/ Single","offer_id":60202639163776,"sku":"CQE-RC-04035","price":39.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4-5\/8\" x 9-3\/4\" \/ Pack of 2","offer_id":60202639196544,"sku":"CQE-RC-04035-2PK","price":79.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4-5\/8\" x 9-3\/4\" \/ Pack of 4","offer_id":60202639229312,"sku":"CQE-RC-04035-4PK","price":158.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4-5\/8\" x 20\" \/ Single","offer_id":60202639262080,"sku":"CQE-RC-04036","price":49.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4-5\/8\" x 20\" \/ Pack of 2","offer_id":60202639294848,"sku":"CQE-RC-04036-2PK","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4-5\/8\" x 20\" \/ Pack of 4","offer_id":60202639327616,"sku":"CQE-RC-04036-4PK","price":198.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1004\/5564\/5568\/files\/2-7-8-x-9-3-4-coconut-based-5-micron-carbon-block-filter-cartridge-crystal-quest-water-filter-cartridges-1263260679.webp?v=1792864329","url":"https:\/\/aquiowell.com\/products\/coconut-based-5-micron-carbon-block-filter-cartridge","provider":"Aquiowell","version":"1.0","type":"link"}