You probably already saw this, but in the link you provided under "specifications" it specifies (how bout that) that the filter lasts 6-8 months.
Some filters break down over a certain period of time (my reverse osmosis being one) regardless how much water you put through it. This kind of sucks, since regardless of the quantity of water you're putting through it, they're all going to need replacement at about the same time
Some filters will specify how many gallons you can put through them before replacement is needed. This apparently ain't one of 'em. Why? I dunno. Maybe they figure it will wear out before you could put "too much" water through it.
Hope that was at least a little bit helpful. Somehow it feels like it leaves it as clear as mud.
"Once you start using the filter, the activated carbon is only good for 6 to 8 months. The anti-bacterial ceramic wall will work indefinitely. The media inside (such as the activated carbon) will pack over time. The filter needs to be shaken to unpack the media. The shelf life of the unit itself is indefinite. The only question in the carbon. Current figures say the unused carbon should have a shelf life between at least 2 or 3 years, if not much more. The sock has an indefinite shelf life. Replacement during use will depend on filthiness of the water source."
The only part that wears out is the activated carbon. The ceramic filter wall will continue to work, according to the site.
I don't like that the filter, due to the carbon, only has a 2 to 3 year shelf life.
Performance Features:
Easy installation
Good flow rate / Up to 1 gallon of clean water per hour (gravity flow)
Up to 300 gallons per hour (pressure flow)
Filter will accept water from floods, lake, rain, well, tap, river or stream
Semi/Annual filter replacement Cleansable with clean damp cloth
Shelf life is extended by shaking filter every 3-4 months to loosen media inside and prevent packing
Once in use, filter will last 6-8 months
I imagine a lot depends on how clean the water you start with is. Dirty water will clog a filter much faster than clean water. If you must filter dirty water, like from a mud puddle, try to pre-filter that water before pouring into your system. You can prefilter with large coffee filters or even by making a filter from a coffee can filled with sand and pine needles and a hankerchief.
I have one. The problem with carbon filters is universal. They tend to settle. If it does, it'll restrict the flow greatly and cease to provide the benefits of having a carbon filter (taste, metals). This wont happen until you start using it though. You just have to hold off the urge to try it out.
I got this one specifically because of the ceramic filter. They don't have a shelf life and it'll keep the bacteria out. That's the most important part.
I never could get that sock to fit onto the filter. The sock seems to small.
I won't filter anything if it cracks off the base and dumps charcoal everywhere like the one I got.
Look out for those if you get one and check it carefully around the base.
It says to shake it to improve the shelf life....don't do it.
I replaced mine with Berkey white filters.
This is the response I got from the contact in the add. Which leads me to belive that it will filter an unlimited amount of water in the time frame listed.
The filter will last 6 to 8 months for taste and oder however the part that
removes bacteria will last 1 year. Hope this helps
I had one and my wife ruined it so I took it apart. The ceramic dome was glued to the base and it came apart easily. Inside there was a foam screen and the dome was filled with activated carbon granules exactly like the ones in my well water system. I cleaned the ceramic inside and out with a scotchbrite pad, refilled the thing with $.25 worth of new carbon, glued it back together and it's again working perfectly. It appears these filters will last a VERY long time if you keep some spare activated carbon on hand.
Do yourself a favor and buy berkfield candles for 40 for one, $60 for two and build your own bucket filter. The quality will be so much better. There have been cracking problems with the monolithic filters, berkfield has been in use for 150 years.
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