Water Filter Question
 

Looking at the Berkey Filters. Anyone know the best filter element(s) to use, I like the idea of the ceramic ones with silver but the black one seems to be better (costs more).


Super Sterasyl Ceramic Filter Elements are the world's finest ceramic filtration elements, impregnated with pure silver to be self-sterilizing. Flow rate will depend somewhat on which system they are in (Big Berkey, Royal Berkey, Imperial Berkey or Crown Berkey) because the deeper reservoirs of the larger systems create greater water pressure against the ceramic elements. Each element will purify up to 2000 gallons, depending on water turbidity (silt, etc.)

Black Berkey� Purifier Elements are the world's most powerful gravity filtering solution, certified to eliminate pathogenic bacteria to the EPA's "7 Log" purification standard of 99.99999% reduction. Elements are easily cleanable with a Scotch Brite� pad under running water, and each element will purify up to 3000 gallons of water (6000 gallons per set of two.)

BTW: Why do all the sites selling them say this? "Gravity units not available in Iowa or CA." :wazzup_sg

Re: Water Filter Question
 

Jim McCanney had nearly an entire hour on berkey water filters last week, I did not listen to it all.

but they cover a lot of info on them

Re: Water Filter Question
 

Thanks Large Sarge I'll check it out.

Re: Water Filter Question
 

You been at Berkeys website?

They have info on priming. Is is best to have it primes before tshtf, or preserve the filters and dont prime until you need it?

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

Re: Water Filter Question
 

I`ve bought a Travel Berkey a month ago.I`m very happy with it but the flow rate has decreased significantly after only a month of use,that tells you a lot about NYC water.

Re: Water Filter Question
 

How about giving us a report on what you find?

Re: Water Filter Question
 

Not to sound like a broken record, but what about distillation?

Re: Water Filter Question
 

I made my own from 5 gallon buckets and Berkey filters using the instructions found HERE

Also Here's the cheapest place to buy the "black filters". To bad they are out of stock right now.

Re: Water Filter Question
 

Always take a good look at the competition....

Re: Water Filter Question
 

Do you think the plastic in 5 gallon buckets may leech chemicals?

Re: Water Filter Question
 

Not if they are "Food Grade". The ones with the #2 in the triangle.

I set it on a 30 gallon (new) drum and allowed it to discharge right into the drum. Also I have it set up just as the link shows for everyday use. We use about 3 gallons a day in the summer and the water doesn't stay in the bottom bucket that long.

Best tasting water I have ever drank, period.

AE

PS: I'm not dead yet, and I have been using it for over a year now.:shocked_ma:

Re: Water Filter Question
 

I have a Big Berkey. I got it about a 1/2 year ago, and have been filtering tap water for all my drinking and cooking. I haven't had to scrub the filter elements yet and the flow rate is plenty fast for my purposes.

It uses the black elements (which also contain silver, as far as I know.) I also stuck on a pair of those PF2 things to take out the fluoride. The thing is stainless steel, very simple, easy to keep clean.

Apparently when you get these things you should put some food coloring in when you first try it out. If it gets through, you know you didn't tighten something or one of the filter elements is damaged.

Re: Water Filter Question
 

Be careful - if you drink a lot you become a Right Coast Lefty.

And you'll look like HILLARY RODham Clinton's old boyfriend Vince Foster whats-his-name.

Re: Water Filter Question
 

probably got RID of the floride.

Re: Water Filter Question
 

Energy. Unless you build a passive solar still you have to use energy to clean it. With a gravity filter all the energy went into the filter production.

Also, demineralized water isn't good for you after a few days; your bones and teeth begin to leach out.