Carbon filters tackle what sediment cartridges can’t, pulling chlorine, taste and odour out of your water, while some options go further and reduce PFAS, chloramine, or cysts. This range spans 10" and 20" cartridges in Standard and Jumbo formats, with carbon block, activated carbon block, pleated carbon-impregnated, KDF, and radial flow GAC types available, depending on what your water needs.
Brands include Davey Microlene, Pentek, MATRIKX, and Waimana Water, with micron ratings from 0.5 to 5 across the range. The Pentek DBC-10EX2 pairs KDF media with scale inhibition for supplies that need more than basic chlorine reduction. Match your housing size and required reduction type before ordering to get the right cartridge for your system.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a carbon block and a GAC cartridge?
Carbon block presses activated carbon into a solid form, which filters more thoroughly but can restrict flow slightly more than loose media. GAC, as used in the Pentek RFC-BB, uses granular carbon in a radial flow design, favouring higher flow rates for households that need more water moving through the system.
Which cartridge should I use if I’m concerned about PFAS or chloramine?
For PFAS and chloramine, go with the MATRIKX CTO range, which is purpose-built for those two contaminants and comes in 10" Standard, 10" Jumbo, and 20" Jumbo sizes at either 5 or 1 micron. Standard carbon block cartridges aren’t rated for PFAS or chloramine, so it’s worth checking the listing rather than assuming coverage.
Can carbon filters remove cysts like Giardia and Cryptosporidium?
Some can. The Pentek CBC-10 is rated for cyst reduction alongside chlorine taste and odour removal, filtering down to 0.5 micron. If cyst protection is the priority, look for a cartridge that specifically lists cyst reduction rather than assuming any carbon block will cover it.
How is a pleated carbon-impregnated cartridge different from a standard carbon block?
Take the Davey Microlene PPAC range as an example: it builds carbon straight into a pleated sediment cartridge, so sediment and chlorine get treated in one pass instead of two. A standard carbon block skips the sediment side entirely and works best paired with a separate pre-filter.
How often do carbon cartridges need replacing?
Water usage and the level of chlorine or other contaminants it pulls out both affect how long a carbon cartridge lasts, with 6 to 12 months being typical for most households. A drop in flow or the return of chlorine taste are both signs that the cartridge has reached the end of its life.
