{"product_id":"iron-filter-cartridge","title":"Iron Filter Cartridge","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrange rings in the toilet bowl. Rusty streaks in the tub. Orange stains on laundry and water with a metallic taste.\u003c\/strong\u003e On well water, the usual cause is iron. Most groundwater contains some iron, which naturally leaches from rocks and soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Crystal Quest Iron Filter Cartridge is a drop-in iron filter for well water and other groundwater. It is packed with Crystal Quest's own MetalX iron-removal media, then finished with a spun polypropylene post-filter, so it turns dissolved iron into particles and keeps them inside the cartridge instead of on your fixtures.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAt a glance\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFewer orange and brown stains\u003c\/strong\u003e on sinks, tubs, toilets and laundry, and better-tasting water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTargets iron first,\u003c\/strong\u003e with hydrogen sulfide and manganese also named on Crystal Quest's label and system literature\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo backwashing, drain line or electricity:\u003c\/strong\u003e it works in a standard filter housing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCapacity with conditions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2,500 to 10,000 gallons by size, rated at 3 ppm iron and under 100 ppm hardness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFour sizes, 0.5 to 6 GPM,\u003c\/strong\u003e sold by actual measurements for slim and Big Blue housings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat you are looking at\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe rigid polystyrene shell is filled with granular media rather than a carbon block. Inside is the MetalX iron media, held in place by a polypropylene expansion pad and followed by a spun polypropylene post-filter. Polypropylene end caps and a Buna-N top gasket seal it in the housing. The label shows the flow direction, part numbers, pressure range and the replacement steps. Each end cap has 1-micron pads behind its openings.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow an iron filter cartridge works\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWhy well water stains\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eGroundwater that is low in oxygen holds iron dissolved and invisible. That is why well water can come out of the tap clear, then turn orange or leave rusty stains once it meets air. Dissolved iron is most common in groundwater with a pH below 7.0.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eOxidize, then capture\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eMetalX iron media works as an oxidizing filter media. It promotes the reaction that turns dissolved (ferrous) iron into solid (ferric) iron particles. The media bed and the spun polypropylene post-filter then hold those particles inside the cartridge, so they never reach your fixtures.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWhy capacity has conditions\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery gram of iron the cartridge captures uses up part of its capacity. That is why Crystal Quest rates each size at a stated condition, 3 ppm iron and under 100 ppm hardness, instead of quoting a gallon number with no context. Higher iron uses capacity faster; lower iron stretches it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat it reduces\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary target:\u003c\/strong\u003e iron, including the orange and brown staining, rusty color and metallic taste it causes. Iron causes rusty color, a metallic taste and reddish or orange staining at levels as low as 0.3 mg\/L.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlso targeted\u003c\/strong\u003e (named on Crystal Quest's cartridge label and Metal Removal system literature; capacity is rated for iron only):\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHydrogen sulfide, the cause of a rotten-egg smell\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eManganese, which leaves black or brown stains and a bitter metallic taste (noticeable at levels as low as 0.05 mg\/L)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot designed to treat:\u003c\/strong\u003e iron bacteria (their slime clogs oxidizing media), bacteria and viruses, hardness, nitrate, arsenic or fluoride. Very high iron or a strong sulfur smell calls for a backwashing tank system such as the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/iron-whole-house-water-filter\"\u003eMetal Removal Whole House Water Filter\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy Crystal Quest\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOur own media.\u003c\/strong\u003e MetalX is Crystal Quest's iron-removal media, and this cartridge is the iron stage of Crystal Quest's Metal Removal cartridge systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNumbers you can plan with.\u003c\/strong\u003e Every capacity figure states the iron and hardness levels behind it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFull construction disclosure,\u003c\/strong\u003e from media to post-filter to gasket, listed in the Specifications tab.\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, has made water filtration in the USA for over 30 years and offers lifetime support by phone, email or chat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhere it fits\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMetal Removal whole house cartridge systems (Mini, Compact and Big Blue):\u003c\/strong\u003e the iron cartridge is the first stage. Double systems add SMART after it; triple systems add SMART and then a carbon block.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCountertop and under-sink housings\u003c\/strong\u003e that take the 2-7\/8\" x 9-3\/4\" size.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eChoose the size printed on your current cartridge or in your order history: 2-7\/8\" x 9-3\/4\" (CQE-RC-04010), 2-7\/8\" x 20\" (CQE-RC-04083), 4-5\/8\" x 9-3\/4\" (CQE-RC-04072) or 4-5\/8\" x 20\" (CQE-RC-04077).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"cq-product-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill an iron filter cartridge stop orange stains?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt reduces the iron that causes orange and brown staining on sinks, tubs, toilets and laundry. Existing stains still need cleaning once, but new staining should drop while the cartridge has capacity left.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much iron can it handle?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eCapacity is rated at 3 ppm iron and under 100 ppm hardness: 2,500 gallons for the 2-7\/8\" x 9-3\/4\", 5,000 for the 2-7\/8\" x 20\" and 4-5\/8\" x 9-3\/4\", and 10,000 for the 4-5\/8\" x 20\". If your water test shows much more iron, talk to us about a backwashing Metal Removal tank system.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it remove manganese and the rotten-egg smell?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eCrystal Quest's label and Metal Removal system literature name hydrogen sulfide and manganese alongside iron. The gallon rating is for iron, so heavy sulfur or manganese loads shorten cartridge life and may need a tank system.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need to backwash an iron filter cartridge?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. It works in a standard housing with no backwash, drain line or electricity. When the media is used up, replace the cartridge.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this a good iron filter cartridge for well water?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. Dissolved iron is most common in groundwater, which is why most iron problems show up on private wells. Start with a water test so you know your iron level and can pick the right size.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhich size fits my housing?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eMatch the actual size on your current cartridge: 2-7\/8\" x 9-3\/4\" fits 2.5\" x 10\" housings, 2-7\/8\" x 20\" fits 2.5\" x 20\", 4-5\/8\" x 9-3\/4\" fits 5\" x 10\" Big Blue and 4-5\/8\" x 20\" fits 5\" x 20\" Big Blue. Each size has its own flow and capacity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n###\n\u003ch3\u003eIron filter cartridge specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003ePublished ratings apply to the selected cartridge and listed conditions. Capacity is an estimate that depends on incoming water contaminants and usage.\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\u003cb\u003eSIZE\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFITS HOUSING\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFLOW RATE\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCAPACITY\u003cbr\u003e(\u0026lt;100 PPM HARDNESS)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003eCQE-RC-04010\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\"\u003e2,500 gallons (3 ppm)*\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003eCQE-RC-04083\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\"\u003e5,000 gallons (3 ppm)*\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003eCQE-RC-04072\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\"\u003e5,000 gallons (3 ppm)*\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003eCQE-RC-04077\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\"\u003e10,000 gallons (3 ppm)*\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMedia and treatment\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\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/metal-removal-media\"\u003eMetalX Metal Removal Media\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTreatment method\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOxidation and filtration: dissolved iron is converted to particles and held in the media bed and post-filter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTargets\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIron (rated); hydrogen sulfide and manganese (named on label and system literature)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCapacity conditions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3 ppm iron, under 100 ppm hardness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRegeneration\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNone; no backwash. Replace when spent\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 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\u003ctable width=\"100%\" colspan=\"4\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConstruction Materials\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEnd Caps\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePolypropylene\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEnd Pads\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1-micron pads behind the end-cap openings\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePost-Filter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpun Polypropylene\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOuter Casing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePolystyrene\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExpansion Pad\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePolypropylene\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGasket\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBuna-N (Top)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature Rating\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e40°F to 145°F (4.4°C to 62.8°C)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*Capacity is an estimate at 3 ppm iron and under 100 ppm hardness. Actual life depends on incoming water contaminants and usage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Crystal Quest Water Filters","offers":[{"title":"2-7\/8\" x 9-3\/4\" \/ Single","offer_id":67807314444376,"sku":"CQE-RC-04010","price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2-7\/8\" x 9-3\/4\" \/ Pack of 2","offer_id":67807314477144,"sku":"CQE-RC-04010-2PK","price":98.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2-7\/8\" x 9-3\/4\" \/ Pack of 4","offer_id":67807314509912,"sku":"CQE-RC-04010-4PK","price":196.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2-7\/8” x 20” \/ Single","offer_id":67807314542680,"sku":"CQE-RC-04083","price":129.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2-7\/8” x 20” \/ Pack of 2","offer_id":67807314575448,"sku":"CQE-RC-04083-2PK","price":258.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2-7\/8” x 20” \/ Pack of 4","offer_id":67807314608216,"sku":"CQE-RC-04083-4PK","price":516.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4-5\/8” x 9-3\/4” \/ Single","offer_id":67807314640984,"sku":"CQE-RC-04072","price":134.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4-5\/8” x 9-3\/4” \/ Pack of 2","offer_id":67807314673752,"sku":"CQE-RC-04072-2PK","price":268.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4-5\/8” x 9-3\/4” \/ Pack of 4","offer_id":67807314706520,"sku":"CQE-RC-04072-4PK","price":536.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4-5\/8” x 20” \/ Single","offer_id":67807314739288,"sku":"CQE-RC-04077","price":189.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4-5\/8” x 20” \/ Pack of 2","offer_id":67807314772056,"sku":"CQE-RC-04077-2PK","price":378.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4-5\/8” x 20” \/ Pack of 4","offer_id":67807314804824,"sku":"CQE-RC-04077-4PK","price":756.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0862\/1250\/9784\/files\/iron-filter-cartridge-crystal-quest-water-filter-cartridges-1263260641.webp?v=1792491540","url":"https:\/\/filtervilla.com\/products\/iron-filter-cartridge","provider":"Filter Villa","version":"1.0","type":"link"}