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I need to dechlorinate some water flowing at about 5-20 gpm. To do this, I want to build an activated carbon water filter large enough that I don't have to replace the carbon too often. I have some ideas, but information about carbon filters is suprisingly scarce. Does anyone have any ideas about how to design such a filter?
I have been thinking of using a barrel for the housing.

Get a pool sand filter and fill it with Activated carbon instead or or in addition to sand (depends on the screen size and grain size of the carbon).

You didn't mention the chlorine concentration as this will have an impact on sizing and life expectancy of the media.

Sodium Thiosulfate is also used as a dechlorinating agent.

2007-10-04 18:00:21 by baximus_rex

ON CHANGING THE FILTER MATERIALS - Please see the full answer below. This filter MUST be used with some chemical means or boiling to make the ...

I only need a small water filter, counter top. I don't know why I can't make one, but it has been difficult to find information, instruction or ingredients.

I would think that carbon would be one ingredient. I want the water to taste better, and remove the bad minerals, and organisms. I don't want to remove the good minerals.

I live in a high rise that is about 60 years old, and it uses city water. The city is on the shore of Lake Michigan.

I really don't want to put a lot of money into buying a counter top water filter system, since I'm on Social Security, and have to cut costs as many ways as possible.

Some things I've learned in my searches, is that the carbon can become contaminated over time, and should be changed periodicly. I also learned that batting below the carbon can remove small pieces of the carbon. But, are there other ingredients I need, and how do I build it?

If your water is coming from lake michigan, then your water has allready been filtered by carbon or anthracite. The municipal city water filters are built like this: bottom layer is gravel, then the next layer is "green" sand. These both act as mechanical filters. The top layer is Carbon or anthracite. There is a bunch of other filtering and separation that takes place before it gets to the carbon. Anyway, the carbon beds act as a type of "polishing" filter before it is chemically treated and distributed to the users.

If your water tastes bad or has odor... your idea of a carbon filter may work but due to the age of your building... you may be experiencing some pipe issues. Either way, a home filter will help a little bit. Your best bet is to call your municipal water department and make a complaint. They can sample your water and also test for lead and other impurities.

Carbon filters do become spent through use and must be changed out periodically.

Having said all that... at the current cost of carbon and the other materials needed to make your homemade filter... go buy a Brita filter. You'll save a ton of money.

My 2 cents and 2 points.

2006-08-29 15:56:20 by Orchid

Great for air filters, air scrubbers, etc
Best quality virgin carbon you will find!

I saw a water filter system in someone's house a few years ago that was homemade and cannot remember how they said they made it. I remember there was some shiny stones - looked like they were polished but not fancy - on the bottom of a plastic water container. She said, if memory serves, that they were using a filter for an aquarium containing carbon and chunky rocks bought at the store. They said they filled it with the tap water. The siggot was on the bottom and the used it for their coffee, ice cubes and drinking water. She said they simply changed the filter once per month and cleaned the rocks. My questions are these: has anyone ever heard of such a homemade system? If so, what type of filter is she talking about? Is the 1 x per month accurate? Is is safe to use as I have small children in my home? Thank you in advance for your assistance.

That type of filter will remove particulates but not chemicals and organisms. Depending on the quality of water you have to start with, you can choose different levels of purification v]needed. For 99.99 % pure you can use systems including reverse osmosis. They are ineficient. If you don't need that level you go down from there. The price drops too.

First determine your need but assessing the water.

2007-09-02 21:18:52 by GoingMoreGreen