Considering a Berkey
 

So I've been considering a Berkey water filter but they are EXPENSIVE. I found a site that shows you how to build your own http://www.alpharubicon.com/kids/hom...erkeydaire.htm

So my question is should I stop being cheap and pony up for the berkey (Big Berkey) or is building my own the better way to go?

What do you guys that have them think? Is building one a safe option?

I don't want this to degrade into an aquarain vs. berkey please.

Big Country

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

Buy the black Berkey filters and make your own unit.

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

I think building one is a probably safe option. I considered building one, but I ended up buying one. I liked the elevated base on the Berkey light, and there are just some things I don't want questions marks about the long-term safety of. (I don't know about the walls of the plastic buckets, and I don't want to be breeding more skanky stuff for the filters to filter if the walls of the plastic provide enough porosity for viruses and bacteria to breed in over time.)

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

I built one like the link shows three years ago. We sit it on another 5 gallon bucket for height and access. Remember to get the non sealing lids.

That said, I have since picked up a water cooler. I was going to filter the water into those 5 gallon containers that we are all familiar with until I looked inside the watercooler to clean it. If you worry about the plastic in the buckets look inside a year old water cooler. You will never drink out of one again. The water never stays in the bucket long enough for any plastic contamination. Remember these are "food grade" buckets.

Another note. I got two brand new 30 gallon water barrels. I made a filter using just one Berkey and set it on top of the barell and filled it with filtered water. I added a quart of CS to the 30 gallons. That was three years ago. I just last month had the water tested (a paid for test from a quality agency) and it came back excelent.

TA, 90% of the time I would agree. But these water filters gizmos are nothing but fancy buckets so your friends will be impressed (plus they will crack and leak after a while). The important part is the filter, period.

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

What about these?

http://www.sawyerproducts.com/products.htm#001

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

We love our Berkey!

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

TA
What about a distiller ?

Have been looking at this model but its kinna spendy in the area of 1000.00 - 1500.00 .

They advertise it here http://www.waterdistiller.com/glass-water-distiller/ but when you call and ask about it the price jumps from the 800.00 as listed on their website to the 1500 area.

Would like to cut out the middle man and buy directly from the mfg.

Anyone know more about this model ?

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...rdistiller.jpg

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

All you need is a pressure cooker, cooper tubing and some plastic hose.

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

I have the Big Berkey w/black filters. Have used it for 4 years. I wouldn't have anything else.

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

You have seen my still ?

I only use that one to make shine.

Was thinking about a glass still to make distilled water.

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

Like alot of my preps, I like to start using or at least getting familiar with them/it ( still have not made bread from wheat berries without use of electricity, but soon) Started using the berkey about 3 weeks back, when it arrived. Originally put on the floride filter too, TOO much white paste look to water, yes, it said not to screw on more than 8 turns, but seemed so loose, I did 11 times, short story, took that off and only use black filter. Water taste better than deerpark(have about 20 cases in basement, dont use them anymore) So in short, I am very happy with the $220 I spent, only have one of the black filters on it, so second is a back up,spare. Just had a very large glass, room temp. Have another floride filter, may try again. Also have a bucket of rainwater ( 1 week old, outside) want to try to use through filter, but wondering if should add something prior. Am sure there is some kind of funk in the water. Was also thinking about putting a silver eagle in the top part of the berkey.

http://www.berkeyfilters.com/berkeymodels.htm

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

Berkeys ROCK.

But we also have a distiller.

Drawback is it only does a gallon at a time, and is electric.

Berkey is gravity feed and no power needed.

I also have a couple Katadyn hand pump 1.5 liter units

For when everything else goes South.

scyth

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

The Berkey is hands down one of the best investments I've ever made for my health.

You can't beat the purity and taste.

The filters really aren't THAT expensive when you figure you will get 10,000gals of water out of them....this is YEARS of use.

I have a set of spare filters for SHTF...Need to get another set and will probably be set for life....

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

you all think this is better than the replaceable filters that come in the refridgerator and dispense water in the door?

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

The filter won't take out virii if that's in your pail of funk. You can add some bleach or iodine to kill it before filtering. The filter should take out most of the chlorine or iodine taste.

I've been advised to not drink rainwater if it's been collected from a shingled roof. I guess the stuff that it leaches out of the shingles is so nasty that even after filtering it's bad for you.

The Berky filter elements have silver in them. I don't know how much difference a silver round will make in the top. The water drains out fairly quickly so there's not that much exposure time.

Yes, these require no water pressure, no electricity, are portable, filter more volume, and will definitely remove cysts and bacteria.

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

I hope you are being sarcastic.

Not the black ones -- just the older cermaic ones. I keep a Sunshine Mint round in the top of mine. Couldn't hurt.

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

We have a GIM Silver coin and a Gold eagle in the BOTTOM of ours:565:

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

I've read that water treated with silver will kill the yeast if used to make bread. Have you tried that?

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

The real question, IMO, is what kind of financial resources you have. I got my Berkey and spare filters at a time when I was still working and the annual household income was in six figures.

Today, we're both retired, assets have taken a hit, and I would make different choices. I'd hate to see you lay out hundreds of dollars for that stainless steel beauty and forego the purchase of several super-pails of wheat because price was an object. Another poster said that the filters themselves are what it's all about and I agree. Assuming you do it right, you can manufacture your own. And there's absolutely nothing to stop you from buying a Big Berkey later if you wish. TA, listen up. The original poster could spend the money saved on ammo, right?

I have a commercially manufactured Sun Oven, by the way. And one solar oven is not enough, once again IMO. So I'm going to build the next one myself because today price matters.

Edit>> Big Country, talk is cheap. If you're going to do it yourself, be sure to actually do it. The point, after all, is to have a water filter. I've been talking about building my second solar oven a couple of years now. Actions speak louder than words. Time's a wasting, so buy those parts and get the project done!

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

Merlin -

You are sure as hell not gonna save any money on ammo right now -

If you can find any.

Its kinda like the gold market.

Or the oil market, or...........

But you get my point.

Anyway, my principle is DIY when you can to good effect.

And if you need to buy, budget for it.

scyth

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

Scyth, my point was not to save money on ammo, but to spend the money saved by building ones own water filter to purchase ammo (or wheat berries or MREs or any other preps) -- a point that I figured Twisted Avatar would especially appreciate.

I recently purchased 1000 rounds of .45 LC from Georgia Arms and, in spite of their disclaimer to the contrary, it was delivered in a little more than two weeks. So there is ammo out there available for purchase.

Of course, this thread is about water, not bullets.

By the way, "...my principle is DIY when you can to good effect. And if you need to buy, budget for it." is a principle I can support whole heartedly.

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

thanks for the talk guys it is exactly what I needed. I do really like the fancy stainless berkeys, I don't think I would buy a berkey light just because I dont trust plastic when it comes to longevity. I know I want to use plastic buckets so that kind of goes against my previous statement but I figure that I will also have built it so if it goes sour I could fix it/build another one with new buckets and I'll know how to do it!

I think I'm going to try to build one if I can.

I've already spent all of our disposable income this month on a second 9mm (CZ model 85) and 1600 rounds of FMJ. I also bought and canned 50# of wheat berries this month so I'm about tapped. Next month I'll start my water project I think!

Big Country

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

why not just go for something like this?
http://www.waterfilter-usa.com/pc600...oms-p-267.html

then the entire house has filtered water on demand and not just some luke warm water in a steel tub by the sink

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

Plastic leeches into water. You will be drinking a little bit of plastic.

Yes, and. I recommend a whole house R/O filter, a Berkey for drinking water, and chlorine shower filters. Water is too important to your health -- go all out.

BTW... our "luke warm water" is easier to drink than chilled water. Water kept on the counter at 66 degrees or so (our house) is actually cool to the taste (remember your mouth is 98.6 degrees), but not too cold -- thereby prohibiting you from drinking enough. However, for people who aren't used to that we keep a container of Berkey water in the fridge (glass pitcher).

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

Because it's a survival forum. The Berkey is for when water is not running, or not to be trusted. If you have a well, the whole-house filter may be ok (assuming you have electricity too to maintain pressure). If you're on city water and have an ice storm where the water main breaks and your power lines are knocked down by a tree (happened to me), the whole-house filter is gonna do squat. If you have an E-coli outbreak because of your municpal water, you're going to be just as sick as everyone else (unless you add some UV equipment to your whole-house solution), while I drink my lukewarm Berkey water and wonder what all the fuss is about.

Also, you'll prefer the lukewarm once you get used to it. I drink more when it's not cold, and it still tastes fine. If you workout or anything like that it helps to have the lukewarm, it goes down so much easier.

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

Merlin -

My point was/is that water and ammunition are both commodities.

And, as such, in times of economic chaos,

Can be all over the map in terms of asking price/paying price,

And relative availability.

And of course you have certain "sharpies" out there who are going

To try to gouge the market.

And a lot of people who, having not planned or budgeted their priorities,

Start panic buying (right into the arms of the sharpies)

And throw even more gas onto the market fire.

Similar to you, I just restocked 7.62 x 39 mm to predetermined

Inventory levels, and yeah its out there, albeit 27.5% higher than

Six months ago.

But my big point is plan and plan and plan again

And prioritize prioritize prioritize, daily, from your plan.


scyth

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

After reading all this - I'm thirsty.

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

Thanks. This is good to remember/know.

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

I'll be a God on Earth? OK then. :banana:

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

Yep.......... even though I believe regular info channels will be few I gurantee your name will spread far and wide.

The One who wields the power as to weather the unprepared will die of thirst or have sustanence WILL INDEED BE REVERED AS A GOD.

I have plans to get tricked out in some fancy duds at the time of my "Corination":bear_thumb:

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

Make sure you get pictures.

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

I have a Big Berkey and an extra set of filters (the black ones). It's stored, I haven't tried to use it. I won't use it until I need it.

I saw how easy it was to buy filters and just make your own, but the truth is my intentions are often better than my resolution, so I decided to just buy one. I'm glad I did.

I got mine from Pleasant Hill Grains. While I was at it, I got a Country Living Grain Mill too. I think it is the best grain mill around, bar none. The first time I used it, I thought I was going to die of exhaustion merely to grind four cups of red wheat. But it loosens up a bit after the first usage and you get used to the rhythm after a while. Even so, I put a sweat band on and wear loose clothing and do a few stretches to limber up before I start cranking, lol.

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

I certainly do understand. But, exercise does strengthen the body. I'm 64 years old and even I eventually got used to it. I've gone through two 6-gallon pails of wheat at this point. A couple of tips:

1) Don't push. Slow and easy gets the job done. If you start at a mile a minute, you'll be bushed before the job gets done.

2) Setup the mill to produce the flour of the consistency you desire. Then back off the setting a half turn. The fineness of the flour will be virtually unaffected, and less effort will be required to turn the wheel.

3) If that doesn't do the trick, mill the berries in two passes: once to crack the wheat coarsely and a second time (perhaps after a glass of iced tea and a brief rest) to produce the quality flour you're after.

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

http://goldismoney.info/forums/attac...1&d=1240790257

Can I ask how long the Black Filters last? I took at look at Berkey and was very impressed until it seemed to say that the filters only lasted for a few quarts. Am I mistaken? The impression I get is that your filters are lasting much longer.

P.S. Are they cleanable? What's the deal?

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

I think the official rating is "up to 2000" gallons for a black berkey.
Once the filtering starts to slow, you can scrub off the surface of the element to remove the tiny bit of it that's actually clogged.

Filtering tap water, I rarely (maybe twice a year) need to scrub off the surface. The scrubbing just involves a mild cleaning with a plastic scrub pad or a toothbrush or something. You do it really gently, more like polishing than scrubbing, and it only takes a minute. I think everyone scrubs the hell out of it their first time, but that's not necessary and just wastes your filter media.

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

They include a small rubber gasket for priming the filters from the faucet with reverse flow. I do this when to purge the filters while scrubbing the outside. My filters are 3 years old, and I think we will be getting new ones this summer.

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

Wow that's amazing! I'm a lot more "Sold" than I was before.

Do I have to special order the black filters? Do they fit in the normal, standard unit?

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

Yep, I concur. I found I only needed to back off a quarter turn to make a noticeable and welcome reduction in effort with no perceptible difference in fineness of the flour.

The whole wheat bread loaves I make from my own milled hard red wheat, combined with some regular high-gluten bread flour, come out looking and tasting really great. I just bought a cast iron bread pan that I plan to try next time I bake, in a day or so.

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

I don't know what you mean by a normal standard unit. There are several different units available. They vary in terms of construction material (plastic or stainless), water capacity, number of filters, and cost. But they all use the same filters as far as I can see.

Go to the Pleasant Hill Grain page for Berkey filters for full details. The polycarbonate and the stainless steel Berkey filtration cannisters all appear to use the same black berkey filter element.

There is a ton of info about them here: Pleasant Hill Grain Berkey Filter

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

I just grabbed a Big Berkey w/ (2) black berkey's & (2) PF-2 Filters (for arsenic and flouride) for 237.50 free shipping - pretty decent deal.

http://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

Black Berky Filter Removes -

PATHOGENIC BACTERIA CYSTS AND PARASITES
removal to non-detectable levels:
E. coli - Klebsiella - Pseudomonas Aeruginosa - Giardia - Cryptosporidium

TRIHALOMETHANES removed to below detectable limits:
Health effects: muscle & nervous system disorders, cancer
Bromodichloromethane - Bromoform - Chloroform - Dibromochloromethane

RADIOLOGICALS removed to below detectable limits:
Radon 222

INORGANIC MINERALS removed to below detectable limits:

CONTAMINANT HEALTH EFFECTS
Chlorine Residual cancer, birth defects

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Removed to below detectable limits

Alachlor
Atrazine
Benzene
Carbofuran
Carbon Tetrachloride
Chlorine
Chlorobenzene
Chloroform
2,4-D
DBCP
p-Dichlorobenzene
o-Dichlorobenzene
1, 1-Dichloroethane
1, 2-Dichloroethane
1, 1-Dichloroethylene
cis-1, 2-Dichloroethylene
Trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
1, 2-Dichloropropane
cis-l,3-Dichloropropylene
Dinoseb
Endrin
Ethylbenzene
Ethylene Dibromide (EDB)
Heptachlor
Heptachlor Epoxide
Hexachlorobutodiene
Hexachlorocyclopentadiene
Lindane, Methoxychlor
MTBE
Pentachlorophenol
Simazine
Styrene
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane
Tetrachloroethylene
Toluene
2,4,5-TP (Silvex)
1,2,4-trichlorobenzene
1,1,1-trichloroethane
1,1,2-trichloroethane
Trichloroethylene
o-Xylene
m-Xylene
p-Xylene

HEAVY METALS reduced by up to 95%:
CONTAMINANT HEALTH EFFECTS
Lead kidney, nervous system damage
Mercury kidney, nervous system disorders
Aluminum respiratory, nervous system disorders
Cadmium kidney damage
Chromium liver, kidney, circulatory system disorders
Copper gastro-enteric diseases

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

just got this one for 260.00 an free shipping , it has four filters . did not know the filters had silver in them ......http://www.gravityfilter.com/igbegrwafiwi.html

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

yeah - guess what the code is? "alex jones" - seriously.

Adding that those PF2 filters that come "free" with purchase of a Berkey - on the above linked site - they filter flouride and arsenic. They are listed at $55 bucks for (2).

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

Does anyone know what the black berkey filter elements are made of?

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

http://www.berkeywater.com/FAQs/10d_BlackBerkey.html

What are the Black Berkey� elements made out of and how do they work?

Without getting too complex, several methodologies are utilized by the Black Berkey� purification elements. The elements are composed of a formulation of more than a half dozen different media types constructed into a very fine matrix creating millions of micro-fine pores.The pores are so small that pathogenic bacteria, cysts, parasites, sediment and sedimentary minerals are not able to pass through them. The media formulation both "absorbs" some contaminates and "adsorbs" other contaminates. Next, heavy metals ions (mineral molecules) are extracted through an Ion exchange process where they are essentially electrically bonded to the media. Finally, our filter elements are designed such that each water molecule can take several minutes to pass through the filter elements whereas these molecules passing through other filtration systems pass through those filters in literally microseconds. The longer the water molecules are in contact with any media, the greater the removal of the various contaminates.

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

Unobtanium.

scyth

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

aquarain emailed this to me:

Before you buy ANY type of water purification or filtration system, you should know how each type of system performs, what they do or do not remove, relative costs and other factors.

� � � � �
This section contains information on portable, CERAMIC water treatment systems, primarily designed for removing dangerous bacteria from un-treated fresh water supplies. Some units also remove potentially dangerous organic chemicals such as pesticides and industrial compounds.
With the exception of steam distillation (probably unavailable during an emergency without electricity) iodine, chlorine and a few other potentially toxic substances, CERAMIC FILTER water treatment systems may provide the ONLY process whereby untreated water supplies can be rendered biologically safe to drink.
The market for ceramic filtration systems is growing daily---in part due to public concern about emergency water conditions, which could be caused by earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and so forth.
The primary reason for the use of ceramic technologies is for bacteria removal. A secondary reason includes the ability to remove various protozoa (cysts).
Therefore, it is important to understand the various testing procedures used to "verify" microbiological cleanliness of the water produced by ceramic filtration systems.
In this manner, one can identify whether or not a specific ceramic system can provide safe drinking water according to accepted testing standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The EPA has established a testing methodology (protocol) for water filters (purifiers) which establishes minimum levels of performance for removal(reduction) of the three classes of pathogenic (disease-causing) organisms: protozoa(cysts), bacteria, and virus.
This testing procedure, with associated required minimum performance levels, is known as the "USEPA Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers."
These testing procedures, which are performed by independent (third party) laboratories, must follow the "protocol" established by the USEPA, which establishes the conditions for conducting the various tests with the three classes of organisms. These conditions include such items as # of gallons of test water, test water pH levels, etc.
The "standard" establishes the minimum level of reduction performance for each class of organism together with which particular representative organism is to be used for testing in that class.
When a microbiological water filter has demonstrated the ability to inactivate or remove at least the minimum required level of the mandated (representative) organism for a particular class, using the USEPA established testing protocol, the manufacturer may then claim that their filter meets the USEPA standard for that class.
When a filter or equipment manufacturer meets the removal standard FOR ALL THREE CLASSES of organisms, it can claim the title of Microbiological Water "Purifier" for that water treatment device.
For example, water distillation systems destroy and remove all three classes of organisms and thus can be called (marketed) as a "purifier". Equipment such as carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems do not meet these three standards and therefore cannot be called "purifiers".
COMPLIANCE WITH USEPA STANDARDS FOR CYST REMOVAL
Marathon Ceramics, manufacturers of the ceramic elements for the Aqua Rain gravity filter system and both the Waterworks II and Miniworks hand pump filters have fully met the USEPA requirements for cyst removal, not only when they are new, but ALSO AT END OF LIFE.
No other manufacturer has demonstrated compliance with USEPA Cyst removal standards at end of life.
COMPLIANCE WITH USEPA STANDARDS FOR BACTERIA REMOVAL
The USEPA standard for bacteria is the removal of >99.9999%(6 log or 6 orders of magnitude) of Klebsiella terrigena with a NEW filter element as tested in accordance with the USEPA methodology by a reputable, third-party laboratory.
The Aqua Rain gravity filter system is the only ceramic gravity filtration system which has demonstrated full compliance with USEPA standards for bacteria removal, not only at beginning of life(new filter element) but also when abraded down to the minimum end-of-life wall thickness(as measured by the caliper methods described below).
No other gravity filter system manufactured anywhere in the world claims to meet this USEPA standard. The Aqua Rain ceramic technology is American Technology designed and tested to meet our own country's challenging American Standards for water purification.
The Aqua Rain gravity filtration system can be correctly summarized by stating that it:
"Exceeds EPA Purifier Standards for Bacteria and Protozoa (or cyst) Removal"
Theory of Operation
In ceramic filter systems (PUMP and DRIP/GRAVITY-type units described in this section of the website) the exterior part of the ceramic element/candle that the untreated water encounters first is composed of high-density ceramic materials. These materials are compressed so tightly that bacteria and other microorganisms have extreme difficulty passing through this barrier.
Individual manufacturers use various procedures for manufacturing their ceramic elements, and as we have noted above, have resulted in varying degrees of effectiveness in removing bacteria.
Most bacteria have nominal sizes of 0.2 microns to several microns. One micron is equivalent to 1/1000 of a millimeter. A millimeter is 1/1000 of a meter. Hence, the designation "micron" which is 1/1,000,000 of a meter.
Viruses, which can also cause various health problems, have dimensions far less than 0.2 microns and must be dealt with separately as described below in "Tips for Virus Removal" in the section on the WaterWorks II hand filter.
Most ceramic systems utilize some type of silver compound, impregnated in various fashions into the ceramic element to reduce any bacterial accumulations, which might occur when bacteria "grow through" or accumulate in the ceramic with time.
This "grow through" process is known as "MITOSIS" and is the name given for normal cell division. Although the nominal density of the ceramic element(s) prevents individual bacteria from passing through the ceramic material, when cells divide (and therefore multiply in number), this "Mitosis" effect can occur.
Periodic cleaning and/or sterilization of the ceramic element exterior surface can reduce this “grow through” effect. Manufacturers provide "scrubbing" pads to periodically remove the exterior layer of ceramic (containing bacteria).
If this cleaning process is not conducted on a regular basis when the filter system is in use(and exposed to bacteria in the untreated water), this bacterial "grow through" takes place.
As cells divide, this division is characterized by a reformation of the chromatin of the cell nucleus into a threadlike form that condenses into chromosomes, each of which separates longitudinally into two parts, one part of each chromosome being retained in each of the two new "daughter" cells.
When conditions for cellular growth (cell division) are right (proper environmental conditions such as temperature, pressure, etc) and sufficient nutrients are also present, the "threadlike forms" noted above can penetrate the ceramic structure of the elements and create bacterial cells on the inside of the element which can then migrate into the product water if periodic cleaning of the elements is not conducted as noted above.
The basic ceramic materials in DRIP FILTERS and PUMP FILTERS are therefore designed to remove and/or reduce BACTERIAL contaminants.
Some manufacturers introduce ACTIVATED CARBON into the interior of the ceramic element to remove potentially hazardous liquid and gaseous organic chemicals such as chlorine, pesticides or industrial chemicals.
With the proliferation of agricultural and industrial chemicals, the latest emergency, backpacking and survival filters combine replaceable ceramic and carbon elements.
Ceramic filters, which include carbon, are more time efficient than using chemicals or boiling water and more compact than the fuel needed for the boiling process. They are rapidly becoming the preferred process for international travelers (who also carry iodine tablets for pre-treating the water for any virus problem).
Dual-purpose CERAMIC/CARBON elements are therefore powerful tools in combating bacteria and chemicals in industrialized areas of the world. They also are preferred by those individuals who are preparing for domestic or international emergencies in areas that may be susceptible to both chemical and biological contamination.
Reference: See Water Conditioning & Purification magazine, March 1998, pp.66. for a good overview of ceramic technology

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

It seems Aquarain compares their filter element to the oldskool ceramic Berkey's. I think this causes some of the confusion we see on this forum. Probably the Aquarain cermaic is superior to the Berkey ceramic. However, most people get the black Berkey elements, so to be fair they should compare their Marathons to a black Berkey.

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

anyone ever have any mold grow in the bottom section of their gravity filters? or the top section??

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

I have the AquaRain and dont like it...

My tap water still tasted nasty...I called and they said I *probably* need to leave some space between the top and bottom section to let gas escape.

I never tried it...kind of a pain in the butt.

Now going to get a Big Berkey.

BTW, I dried my AquaRain filters out for 3 days before putting away to store a few months ago. I opened the box to check on things and noticed the filters were all moldy. Ruined.

So if you have one of these things make sure you REALLY REALLY dry them filters out before storing.

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

Build vs Buy - always a trade off vs a rip off (price wise)
considerations that might lean the choice.

Are you a handy-man type and can figure out how to do things and get the job done or are you one of those that depend on the industrial manufactuing process and just buy what you want?

Is this to put away for SHTF or are you planning on using it daily? Probably go for the pre-made if for daily use.

The technology is pretty simple and the critical parts are the filters and seals. These you can buy. The trick is fitting two containers together for a convienient, sanitary production unit. The top should shield the bottom unit from debris and contaminants - this is where your home made design can fail the easiest.

If you don't trust plastic buckets - what about getting some stainless steel containers - milk pails, cookware, etc. then make your own without the fear of plastic leaching.

I am considering buying the filters and making my own but it will just be a prep supply and not for everyday use.

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

I had to put a few full batches of water through the fluoride filter before it started to come out clean. Even tastes a little better now then when I was only running the black filter element.

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

I have a few spare black elements but have considered getting a few of the older white ceramic filters as well. James Mccanney has said that the ceramic filters work better in an emergency where the water source is full of sediment and other debris. Apparently they do not clog as quickly and clean faster as well. I know he used to sell the black filters and may have started to promote the other ones for some monetary reason, not sure but I am a bit suspicious. Anyone have any experience using the black filters with a dirty water source?

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

BB filters should work in the aquarain... may save you a few bucks.

All of the BB filters screw in like the aqua rain. Last time I checked, they will fit each other's containers.

BTW> you ca verify the gas theory easily. Take a glass of water, sit it out for a few hours and taste again. If it is better, then neither filter is going to help that, only aeration will help there. (sulfur maybe?)

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

If I had to run dirty (heavy sediment) water through my black filters I would run it through some coffee filters first.

Yes they do clog quicker, but filter better.

Your choice.

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

Unfortunately, it's a pretty common marketing tactic.

Re: Considering a Berkey
 

i am used to the luke warm berkey water now.. i think it does taste fresh and clean.....but then again i never really had a problem with the filter in my fridge door either.