{"product_id":"coconut-based-5-micron-carbon-block-filter-cartridge","title":"Coconut Based 5-Micron Carbon Block Filter Cartridge","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThat swimming-pool smell when you fill a glass. Coffee that tastes a little off. A chemical note in the shower.\u003c\/strong\u003e On chlorinated city water, that is usually chlorine, and activated carbon is the classic fix.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis replacement carbon block water filter is one solid block of acid-washed coconut shell activated carbon, rated at 5 microns. It reduces chlorine taste and odor, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fine sediment, so the water from your Crystal Quest countertop, under-sink, reverse osmosis or whole house system tastes clean again.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAt a glance\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBetter-tasting water:\u003c\/strong\u003e reduces chlorine taste and odor and VOCs, the targets printed on every cartridge label\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTwo jobs in one stage:\u003c\/strong\u003e carbon adsorption plus mechanical filtration of particles down to 5 microns\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAcid-washed coconut shell carbon\u003c\/strong\u003e formed into a solid block with a low pressure drop, so flow stays strong\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFour sizes, 0.5 to 6 GPM,\u003c\/strong\u003e for countertop, under-sink, RO and whole house housings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLong service life:\u003c\/strong\u003e typically 12 to 24 months, about 18 months for most homes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat you are looking at\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe photos show the cartridge as it ships: a dark carbon block inside a polyolefin wrap and polypropylene netting, closed with polypropylene end caps and a Buna-N gasket on top that seals against the housing cap. The label carries the part numbers, the pressure range and the replacement steps, so the next change is easy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow a carbon block filter works\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eAdsorption on a huge internal surface\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eActivated carbon is carbon that has been treated with steam at very high temperature until it is full of tiny pores. That internal surface is enormous. As water passes through, many organic chemicals and the compounds behind chlorine taste and odor are attracted to the carbon and held on its surface. Chemists call this adsorption.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWhy coconut shell, and why acid-washed\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eCrystal Quest specifies coconut shell carbon for this block and has it acid-washed, an extra processing step used to enhance how well activated carbon removes contaminants. The result is a clean, dense carbon made for drinking water.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWhy a solid block\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eLoose granular carbon (GAC) adsorbs, but it does not strain. Because this carbon is one solid block, it does both: it adsorbs chemicals and it catches particles down to its 5-micron rating. You get carbon treatment and fine sediment filtration in a single housing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eContact time matters\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe longer water stays in contact with carbon, the more the carbon can adsorb. Each size carries its own rated flow, from 0.5 GPM for the 2-7\/8\" x 9-3\/4\" to 6 GPM for the 4-5\/8\" x 20\". Taste and odor compounds take relatively little carbon to handle, which is a big reason a carbon block keeps water tasting clean for many months.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat it reduces\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary targets (printed on the cartridge label):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChlorine taste and odor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVolatile organic compounds (VOCs)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSediment and fine particles down to 5 microns\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlso reduced by activated carbon, where present\u003c\/strong\u003e (a capability of the media, not a separate tested rating for this cartridge):\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome pesticides and herbicides, such as atrazine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome disinfection byproducts, such as trihalomethanes (THMs)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther organic taste and odor compounds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChloramine:\u003c\/strong\u003e activated carbon can reduce it, but a standard carbon block is less effective on chloramine than catalytic carbon. If your city uses chloramine, pair this block with a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/smart-filter-cartridge\"\u003eSMART Filter Cartridge\u003c\/a\u003e, whose blend includes catalytic carbon.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot designed to treat:\u003c\/strong\u003e bacteria and viruses, hardness minerals, fluoride, nitrate, total dissolved solids, or lead and other heavy metals. For those, Crystal Quest has dedicated stages such as the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/lead-filter-cartridge\"\u003eLead Filter Cartridge\u003c\/a\u003e, SMART cartridges and reverse osmosis.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy Crystal Quest\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecified for our own systems.\u003c\/strong\u003e This is the carbon block stage in Crystal Quest double and triple cartridge systems, Thunder under-sink RO systems and whole house RO pre-filtration, so a replacement matches what your system was designed around.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSized by real measurements.\u003c\/strong\u003e Every option is listed by actual cartridge diameter and length, not a loose nominal size.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOver 1,000,000 people served since 1994.\u003c\/strong\u003e Crystal Quest builds under ISO 9001 quality management and has made water filtration in the USA for over 30 years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLifetime support.\u003c\/strong\u003e Call, email or chat with our water filtration team whenever you have a question.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhere it fits\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDouble cartridge systems:\u003c\/strong\u003e first stage, ahead of SMART\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTriple cartridge systems:\u003c\/strong\u003e last stage, after sediment and SMART\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecialty triple systems:\u003c\/strong\u003e first stage, ahead of SMART and the specialty cartridge\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThunder under-sink RO:\u003c\/strong\u003e third pre-filter, after UF and SMART, protecting the membrane\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhole house RO with three pre-filter housings:\u003c\/strong\u003e after sediment and SMART\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMetal Removal triple cartridge systems:\u003c\/strong\u003e last stage, after the iron cartridge and SMART\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003ePick the size printed on your current cartridge or in your order history: 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\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"cq-product-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow is a carbon block different from a GAC cartridge?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eA carbon block is one solid block of carbon with a 5-micron rating, so it also filters fine particles. Crystal Quest's \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/coconut-shell-granular-activated-carbon-gac\"\u003eGAC cartridge\u003c\/a\u003e holds loose granules of coconut shell and catalytic carbon blended with ERA 6500 redox media. Keep the type your system specifies.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes a carbon block filter remove chlorine and chloramine?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt reduces chlorine taste and odor, its primary job. Activated carbon can also reduce chloramine, but a standard carbon block is less effective on it than catalytic carbon, so on chloraminated city water pair it with a SMART cartridge.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it remove fluoride, lead or hardness?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. Activated carbon does not remove fluoride, nitrate or hardness minerals, and a standard carbon block is not a heavy metal stage. Crystal Quest offers fluoride, lead and softening solutions for those jobs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhich size carbon block fits my housing?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eUse the actual diameter and length on your current cartridge: 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\". These fit 2.5\" x 10\", 2.5\" x 20\", 5\" x 10\" Big Blue and 5\" x 20\" Big Blue housings. Each size has its own flow rate, from 0.5 to 6 GPM.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow often should I replace a carbon block filter?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eTypically 12 to 24 months, about 18 months for most homes. Replace sooner if taste, odor, flow or pressure changes. Actual life depends on feed water quality, system configuration and usage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy is the first water gray after a change?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eA new carbon block can release fine carbon particles at first. Run the water for 5 to 10 minutes before first use, as the cartridge label directs, and it clears.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere does the carbon block go in a multi-cartridge system?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn Crystal Quest's double systems it comes first, ahead of SMART. In triple systems it is the last stage, after sediment and SMART.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n###\n\u003ch3\u003eCarbon block specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003ePublished ratings apply to the selected cartridge. Sizes are actual cartridge diameter x length.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSKU\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSIZE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFITS HOUSING\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFLOW RATE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTYPICAL REPLACEMENT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003eCQE-RC-04000\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e2-7\/8” x 9-3\/4”\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e2.5\" x 10\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e.5 gpm (1.9 lpm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e12 to 24 months*\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003eCQE-RC-04014\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e2-7\/8” x 20”\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e2.5\" x 20\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e2.5 gpm (9.4 lpm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e12 to 24 months*\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003eCQE-RC-04035\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e4-5\/8” x 9-3\/4”\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e5\" x 10\" Big Blue\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e3 gpm (11.4 lpm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e12 to 24 months*\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003eCQE-RC-04036\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e4-5\/8” x 20”\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e5\" x 20\" Big Blue\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e6 gpm (22.7 lpm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e12 to 24 months*\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMedia and filtration\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMedia\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAcid-washed coconut shell activated carbon, solid carbon block\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMicron rating\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5 micron\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReduces (cartridge label)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChlorine taste and odor, VOCs, sediment\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot designed for\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHardness, fluoride, nitrate, TDS, heavy metals, microbiologically unsafe water\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOperating conditions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePressure range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30 to 60 psi (2.1 to 4.1 bar)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCold water only, 40°F (4.4°C) minimum\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater quality\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUse only on microbiologically safe water\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBefore first use\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRun water 5 to 10 minutes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConstruction Materials\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFiber Media: Acid-Washed Coconut Shell Granular Activated Carbon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnd Caps: Polypropylene\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInner\/Outer Casing: Polyolefin\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNetting: Polypropylene\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGasket: Buna-N (top)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*Typically 12 to 24 months, about 18 months for most homes. Replace sooner if taste, odor, flow or pressure changes. Actual life depends on feed water quality, system configuration and usage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Crystal Quest Water Filters","offers":[{"title":"2-7\/8” x 9-3\/4” \/ Single","offer_id":67806676418648,"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":67806676451416,"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":67806676484184,"sku":"CQE-RC-04000-4PK","price":91.8,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2-7\/8” x 20” \/ Single","offer_id":67806676516952,"sku":"CQE-RC-04014","price":31.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2-7\/8” x 20” \/ Pack of 2","offer_id":67806676549720,"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":67806676582488,"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":67806676615256,"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":67806676648024,"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":67806676680792,"sku":"CQE-RC-04035-4PK","price":158.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4-5\/8\" x 20\" \/ Single","offer_id":67806676713560,"sku":"CQE-RC-04036","price":49.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4-5\/8\" x 20\" \/ Pack of 2","offer_id":67806676746328,"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":67806676779096,"sku":"CQE-RC-04036-4PK","price":198.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0862\/1250\/9784\/files\/coconut-based-5-micron-carbon-block-filter-cartridge-crystal-quest-water-filter-cartridges-1263260680.webp?v=1792488218","url":"https:\/\/filtervilla.com\/products\/coconut-based-5-micron-carbon-block-filter-cartridge","provider":"Filter Villa","version":"1.0","type":"link"}