{"product_id":"shower-filter-replacement-cartridge-2","title":"Shower Filter Replacement Cartridge","description":"\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThat bleach smell when the shower heats up. Hair that feels dry and straw-like. Skin that feels tight after you towel off.\u003c\/strong\u003e On city water, the usual culprit is chlorine, and hot water makes it easy to notice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis shower filter replacement cartridge puts fresh media back to work in your Crystal Quest shower filter. Inside one compact, reversible cartridge, Crystal Quest's SMART multi-stage media blend, made for hot shower water, works to reduce chlorine and the other compounds behind shower-water smell, so every shower feels like you upgraded your water, not just your shower head.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAt a glance\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuilt for hot water:\u003c\/strong\u003e the redox stage of the SMART blend reduces chlorine by reaction, not adsorption, so hot water does not slow it\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIndependently lab tested for chlorine:\u003c\/strong\u003e tested to NSF\/ANSI 177 for chlorine reduction (details in the questions below)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSMART multi-stage media blend:\u003c\/strong\u003e its stages include copper-zinc redox media, coconut shell activated carbon and ceramic media\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReversible:\u003c\/strong\u003e flip it in the housing to back-flush the media and help prevent channeling\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOne cartridge for four Crystal Quest shower products,\u003c\/strong\u003e replaced every 6 to 12 months\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat you are looking at\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe cartridge is a molded ABS cylinder 2.25\" across and 3\" tall (57.15 mm x 76.2 mm), packed with filter media and capped with 306 stainless steel filter screens that hold the media in while water passes through. It drops into the housing of your Crystal Quest shower filter, seals against two O-rings, and the shower head threads on as usual. Nothing about your shower routine changes except the water.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow a shower filter cartridge works\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eThe SMART blend: several media in one cartridge\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eSMART is Crystal Quest's own multi-stage media blend, and this cartridge holds a SMART blend made for hot shower water. Each stage in the blend does a different job, described below.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eRedox stage: chemistry that likes hot water\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe redox stage is copper-zinc granular media. As water flows over the granules, electrons move between the metals and the dissolved contaminants. This oxidation-reduction reaction, redox for short, is how the stage reduces chlorine. Because redox is a chemical reaction rather than adsorption, it does not depend on cool water, so hot water does not slow it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWhy carbon alone is not enough in a shower\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eActivated carbon works by adsorption: contaminants are attracted to the carbon and held on its huge internal surface. Adsorption needs contact time, and a shower gives very little. Water moves through this small cartridge at shower flow and is out of the head almost instantly. That is why a good shower filter leads with redox media and uses carbon as a partner, not the other way around.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eCoconut shell carbon: the polisher\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe coconut shell granular activated carbon (GAC) in the blend picks up chlorine, chloramines and organic compounds that make it past the redox stage, so the water that reaches your hair and skin is cleaner and smells fresher.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eCeramic media: conditioning\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eCeramic media rounds out the blend, conditioning the water and helping balance its pH.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWhy it reverses\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater tends to find the easiest path through any media bed. Over time that path, called a channel, carries more water than the rest of the media. Turning the cartridge around sends water the other way, back-flushing the media and putting the whole bed back to work.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat it targets\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary target (independently lab tested):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eChlorine, the source of the bleach smell in a hot shower\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlso targeted by the media blend:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChloramines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHydrogen sulfide and sulfur odor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) and trihalomethanes (THMs)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePesticides\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDirt and sediment held back by the stainless steel screens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot designed to treat:\u003c\/strong\u003e hardness minerals (it is not a water softener), bacteria and viruses, fluoride, nitrate or total dissolved solids. Use it only on water that is microbiologically safe. For whole-home chlorine and chloramine treatment, see Crystal Quest \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/collections\/whole-house-water-filters\"\u003ewhole house water filters\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 SMART is Crystal Quest's own multi-stage media blend, the same media family we use in our drinking water cartridges and whole house systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTested, and we show the report.\u003c\/strong\u003e The test report for this exact cartridge is linked below, with its flow rate, volume and results.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMade in the USA.\u003c\/strong\u003e Over 1,000,000 people served since 1994, under ISO 9001 quality management.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReal help.\u003c\/strong\u003e Call, email or open a ticket with our water filtration team whenever you have a question.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhere it fits\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis cartridge, part number CQE-RC-04045, is the replacement for:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/premium-shower-filter\"\u003eShower Filter\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/handheld-shower-filter\"\u003eHandheld Shower Filter\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/handheld-shower-head-filter-combo\"\u003e2-in-1 Handheld and Shower Head Combo Filter\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe shower filter in the 2-in-1 Combo Shower Filter and Bath Ball Bundle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/bath-ball-filter\"\u003eBath Ball\u003c\/a\u003e uses its own cartridge, the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/crystalquest.com\/products\/bath-ball-cartridge\"\u003eBath Ball Replacement Cartridge\u003c\/a\u003e (CQE-RC-04052). Single, Pack of 2, Pack of 4 and Pack of 6 all contain this same cartridge, so choose the quantity that matches how many shower filters you run.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eMaintenance and care\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReplace every 6 to 12 months, or sooner if water flow drops or a chlorine smell returns. Actual life depends on feed water quality, system configuration and usage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAt each change, check that both housing O-rings sit in their grooves and coat them lightly with a non-petroleum oil (not coconut oil).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter installing, run hot water for 2 to 3 minutes to flush loose media fines. They are normal in a new cartridge and more than one flush may be needed. Let the water cool before you step in.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBetween changes, reverse the cartridge in the housing to back-flush it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProtect the cartridge from freezing and direct sunlight. The filter is not intended for outdoor use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch4\u003eHow to replace it\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/EmW4llhl2WM?si=fE10mp5wFKgIUDRV\u0026amp;rel=0\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1286\/9985\/files\/How_To_Install_Shower_Filter_Cartridge_Graphic.jpg?v=1771015115\" alt=\"Shower filter installation instructions\" class=\"how-to-install-image\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKeep the replacement part number with your order details. Follow the manufacturer’s replacement interval and check cartridge condition regularly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"description-container\"\u003e\n\u003c!-- Help Section --\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"cq-product-faq\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow often should I replace the shower cartridge?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery 6 to 12 months for most homes. Replace it sooner if flow drops or you notice a chlorine smell again. Actual life depends on feed water quality, system configuration and usage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhich Crystal Quest shower filters does it fit?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is the replacement cartridge listed for the Shower Filter, the Handheld Shower Filter, the 2-in-1 Handheld and Shower Head Combo Filter and the shower filter in the 2-in-1 Combo Shower Filter and Bath Ball Bundle. The Bath Ball uses a different cartridge.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHas this cartridge been lab tested?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. QFT Laboratory tested cartridge CQE-RC-04045 to NSF\/ANSI 177 for chlorine reduction in 2020 (report 20-730), at 1.5 gallons per minute through a 500-gallon test volume. Measured reductions ranged from about 72 to 89 percent, above the standard's 50 percent minimum at every sample point. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1286\/9985\/files\/Smart_Shower_Head_CQE-RC-04045_2020_20-730_Chlorine_Pass.pdf?v=1679587419\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eView the test report\u003c\/a\u003e. A test report is not a product certification.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat should I do right after installing a new cartridge?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eRun hot water through the filter for 2 to 3 minutes to flush loose media fines, which are normal in a new cartridge; more than one flush may be needed. If water leaks between the housing halves, check that both O-rings are seated and the halves are threaded snugly together.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes a shower filter work with hot water?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, and that is what this cartridge is built for. The redox stage of its SMART media blend reduces chlorine by reaction rather than adsorption, so hot water does not slow it. The complete shower filter is rated for 40 to 110°F, which covers a hot shower.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it remove chloramine?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eChloramines are on the list the media blend targets, through the coconut shell carbon. The independent test report covers free chlorine only, so if your city uses chloramine and you want whole-home treatment, talk to our team about a whole house system.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill a shower filter soften hard water?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. This cartridge is not a water softener and does not remove calcium and magnesium. Hard water can shorten cartridge life, so in hard water areas plan on the shorter end of the 6 to 12 month range.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- SPECIFICATIONS --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e###\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"description-container\"\u003e\n\u003c!-- Specifications Section with Table--\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"description-section specs-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"features-title\"\u003eShower Filter Cartridge Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"specs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"specs-product-image\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Shower filter replacement cartridge dimension diagram showing 2.25 inch diameter and 3 inch height\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1286\/9985\/files\/Shower_Filter_Dimensions.jpg?v=1770919814\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"spec-table\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCQE-RC-04045\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDimension\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.25” x 3” \/ 57.15mm x 76.2mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFlow Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 gpm \/ 7.6 lpm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReplacement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6 to 12 months; actual life depends on feed water quality, system configuration and usage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBuild\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMolded ABS Cylinder\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFilter Screens\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e306 Stainless Steel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMedia\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/smart-multimedia\"\u003eSMART Multimedia\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrimary target\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChlorine (independent NSF\/ANSI 177 chlorine test, QFT Laboratory report 20-730, 2020: about 72 to 89 percent reduction at 1.5 gpm through 500 gallons of room-temperature test water; a test report, not a certification)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOperating pressure\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\u003e40 to 110°F (4.4 to 43.3°C)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptimum service flow\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 to 4 gpm (shower filter manual)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReversible\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes, reverse in the housing to back-flush\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot designed for\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHardness, bacteria and viruses, fluoride, nitrate, TDS, microbiologically unsafe water\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- PARTS AND COMPONENTS --\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is and is not included\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFits\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShower Filter, Handheld Shower Filter, 2-in-1 Handheld and Shower Head Combo Filter, 2-in-1 Combo Shower Filter and Bath Ball® Bundle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReplacement O-rings\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eO-Ring Pack, Shower Filter (sold separately)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n","brand":"Crystal Quest Water Filters","offers":[{"title":"Single","offer_id":67805693706328,"sku":"CQE-RC-04045","price":29.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pack of 2","offer_id":67805693739096,"sku":"CQE-RC-04903","price":55.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pack of 4","offer_id":67805693771864,"sku":"CQE-RC-04904","price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pack of 6","offer_id":67805693804632,"sku":"CQE-RC-04905","price":158.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0862\/1250\/9784\/files\/shower-filter-replacement-cartridge-crystal-quest-water-filter-cartridges-1263260534_028cbccd-a56a-41ae-99bd-9c017dab5a30.webp?v=1792477807","url":"https:\/\/filtervilla.com\/products\/shower-filter-replacement-cartridge-2","provider":"Filter Villa","version":"1.0","type":"link"}