{"product_id":"gac-inline-filter-ro-cartridge","title":"GAC Inline Filter RO Cartridge","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReverse osmosis water should taste clean and crisp. If yours has picked up a stale, plastic or chlorine note, or your bottleless cooler's water is not as fresh as it was, the carbon stage is usually spent.\u003c\/strong\u003e This is the cartridge that restores it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis inline granular activated carbon (GAC) cartridge, part CQE-RC-04038, is the replacement carbon stage for Crystal Quest water coolers and point-of-use reverse osmosis systems. Its published applications cover pre and post point-of-use RO, ice maker and refrigerator lines, and water coolers and fountains. Before an RO membrane it strips chlorine that would damage the membrane; after the storage tank it polishes the taste of every glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAt a glance\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe carbon stage for Crystal Quest coolers and RO:\u003c\/strong\u003e listed in our water cooler manual and the Thunder under-sink RO replacement list\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProtects the RO membrane:\u003c\/strong\u003e as a pre-filter it reduces chlorine before it reaches the thin-film membrane\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePolishes the finished water:\u003c\/strong\u003e as a post-filter it removes tastes and odors water can pick up in the storage tank\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCoconut shell GAC:\u003c\/strong\u003e reduces chlorine taste and odor, VOCs and pesticides\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSimple to change:\u003c\/strong\u003e connector fittings at each end, no housing to open\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat you are looking at\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eOne sealed inline carbon cartridge filled with granular activated carbon, closed with end caps and gaskets, with a connection at each end. In a cooler it sits inside the cartridge compartment with the other numbered cartridges; in an under-sink RO system it mounts in line on the tubing. When the carbon is spent, the whole cartridge is replaced.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow it works in RO systems and coolers\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eBefore the membrane: chlorine protection\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThin-film composite RO membranes do the heavy lifting on dissolved solids, but chlorine attacks the membrane material over time. Activated carbon reacts with free chlorine and converts it to chloride, so a carbon stage ahead of the membrane takes chlorine out before it can shorten the membrane's life. This is the role CQE-RC-04038 plays as cartridge #1 in Crystal Quest floor-model reverse osmosis coolers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eAfter the tank: the final polish\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eRO water is stored in a tank until you open the faucet, and water that sits can pick up faint tastes and odors along the way. A carbon post-filter between the tank and the faucet adsorbs them, so the last thing your water touches is fresh carbon. On Thunder under-sink RO systems, the C models use this inline carbon post-filter; the M models use an inline SMART cartridge in that position instead.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eIn a bottleless water cooler\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eCrystal Quest floor-model coolers with ultrafiltration use this cartridge as stage #2, right after the sediment cartridge and ahead of the UF membrane and SMART stage. It takes out chlorine taste and odor and organic chemicals before the finer stages.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eCoconut shell carbon, in brief\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eGranular coconut shell carbon is full of microscopic pores that give it a vast internal surface. Chlorine reacts on that surface, and organic chemicals such as VOCs and pesticides are held there by adsorption. Granules keep flow easy on low-pressure lines like an RO faucet or cooler supply.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat it reduces\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary targets:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChlorine, and the taste and odor it causes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVolatile organic compounds (VOCs)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePesticides\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTastes and odors picked up in an RO storage tank (post-filter position)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot designed to treat:\u003c\/strong\u003e total dissolved solids, hardness, fluoride, nitrate, arsenic or dissolved metals. In an RO system those are the membrane's job, and in a cooler they are handled by the RO, UF and SMART stages that the model includes. Carbon also does not disinfect water.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy Crystal Quest\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecified by part number.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Crystal Quest water cooler manual lists CQE-RC-04038 as the granulated activated carbon cartridge in its floor-model coolers, and the Thunder under-sink RO manual lists it among its replacement cartridges.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMatched to the system.\u003c\/strong\u003e The cooler manual directs owners to use Crystal Quest replacement cartridges, because the stages are designed to work together.\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 about your cooler or RO system.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhich systems use it\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFloor-model coolers with ultrafiltration:\u003c\/strong\u003e cartridge #2, after sediment, in the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/turbo-ultrafiltration-bottleless-water-cooler\"\u003eTURBO\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/sharp-ultrafiltration-bottleless-water-cooler\"\u003eSHARP\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/hybrid-ultrafiltration-bottleless-water-cooler\"\u003eHybrid\u003c\/a\u003e Ultrafiltration coolers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFloor-model reverse osmosis coolers:\u003c\/strong\u003e cartridge #1, ahead of the RO membrane, in the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/turbo-reverse-osmosis-and-ultrafiltration-bottleless-water-cooler\"\u003eTURBO\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/sharp-reverse-osmosis-and-ultrafiltration-bottleless-water-cooler\"\u003eSHARP\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/hybrid-reverse-osmosis-and-ultrafiltration-bottleless-water-cooler\"\u003eHybrid\u003c\/a\u003e Reverse Osmosis and Ultrafiltration coolers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThunder under-sink RO, C models:\u003c\/strong\u003e the inline carbon post-filter, for example on the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/reverse-osmosis-under-sink-water-filter-1000c\"\u003eThunder 1000C\u003c\/a\u003e. M models use the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/water-cooler-reverse-osmosis-multi-stage-filter-cartridge\"\u003eSMART Inline Filter Cartridge\u003c\/a\u003e in that position.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrystal Quest \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/countertop-reverse-osmosis-water-filters\"\u003ecountertop reverse osmosis\u003c\/a\u003e system:\u003c\/strong\u003e its GAC cartridge\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eCheck the part number on your current cartridge or in your order history, and confirm the connections match. Need a choice of JACO or Quick Connect fittings for a refrigerator or ice maker line? See the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/inline-granulated-activated-coconut-shell-carbon-gac-filter-cartridge\"\u003eInline GAC Filter Cartridge\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"cq-product-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhich systems use this cartridge?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eCrystal Quest floor-model water coolers (cartridge #2 in ultrafiltration models, cartridge #1 in reverse osmosis models), Thunder C under-sink RO models as the inline carbon post-filter, and the Crystal Quest countertop RO system.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShould the carbon filter go before or after the RO membrane?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eBoth positions are published applications. Before the membrane it protects it from chlorine; after the tank it polishes taste. Install it in the position your system's manual specifies.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMy RO water tastes stale. Will a new post-filter help?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eUsually, yes. A spent carbon post-filter is the most common reason RO water picks up a stale or plastic taste from the tank. If the water tastes flat rather than stale, that is the low mineral content of RO water; an optional \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/natural-alkalinize-ionizer-mineralizer-and-oxidation-cartridge\"\u003einline alkalizer and mineralizer cartridge\u003c\/a\u003e adds minerals back.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThunder C or Thunder M: which post-filter do I need?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eThunder C models use this inline carbon post-filter. Thunder M models use the SMART Inline Filter Cartridge instead. Check the letter in your model name.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it the same as the Inline GAC cartridge with fitting options?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat listing offers the same part number with a choice of JACO or Quick Connect fittings. Match the connections on your existing cartridge before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow often should I replace the cooler or RO carbon filter?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn floor-model coolers, as required or every 18 to 24 months, per the cooler manual. In under-sink and countertop RO systems, typically 12 to 24 months, about 18 months for most homes. Replace sooner if taste or odor returns.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it lower TDS?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. Carbon does not remove dissolved solids. In an RO system the membrane lowers TDS; this cartridge protects the membrane and improves taste.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n###\n\u003ch3\u003ePublished cartridge specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch3\u003eApplications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePre and post point-of-use reverse osmosis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIce maker and refrigerator\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWater cooler\/fountain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\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\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003eCQE-RC-04038\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003eInline granular activated carbon (GAC) cartridge\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eService life by system\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSystem\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReplace\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFloor-model cooler with ultrafiltration\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCartridge #2, after sediment\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAs required or every 18 to 24 months*\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFloor-model reverse osmosis cooler\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCartridge #1, before the RO membrane\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAs required or every 18 to 24 months*\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThunder C under-sink RO\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInline carbon post-filter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTypically 12 to 24 months*\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCountertop RO\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGAC cartridge\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTypically 12 to 24 months*\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMedia and operating conditions\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\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/copy-of-premium-coconut-shell-gac\"\u003ePremium Coconut Shell GAC\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReduces\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChlorine taste and odor, VOCs, pesticides\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOperating pressure\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 to 60 psi (1.4 to 4.1 bar)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOperating temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e40 to 90°F (4 to 32°C), cold water only\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot designed for\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTDS, hardness, fluoride, nitrate, arsenic, dissolved metals, microbiologically unsafe water\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInstallation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLeak detector or flood-prevention valve recommended\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\u003ePolypropylene End Caps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePolyolefin Inner\/Outer Wraps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuna-N Gaskets End Caps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*Replace sooner if taste, odor or flow changes. Actual life depends on feed water quality, system configuration and usage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Crystal Quest Water Filters","offers":[{"title":"Single","offer_id":67806708400216,"sku":"CQE-RC-04038","price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pack of 2","offer_id":67806708432984,"sku":"CQE-RC-04038-2PK","price":98.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pack of 4","offer_id":67806708465752,"sku":"CQE-RC-04038-4PK","price":196.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0862\/1250\/9784\/files\/gac-inline-filter-ro-cartridge-crystal-quest-water-filter-cartridges-1263598095.webp?v=1792488415","url":"https:\/\/filtervilla.com\/products\/gac-inline-filter-ro-cartridge","provider":"Filter Villa","version":"1.0","type":"link"}