Can the activated carbon be replaced?

smokingrubber

smokingrubber

Well-Known Member
I have an upright filter much like this one at HTG: http://www.htgsupply.com/viewproduct.asp?productID=52544

It's been used. This filter claims that it's good for 18 months. Can I replace the carbon when it's done? "All carbons are not the same. Can-Filters uses a custom specified Virgin Activated Coal Based Carbon (CKV4) to insure longest possible performance." Where is this available? (I looked).
 
Hairy Bob

Hairy Bob

Well-Known Member
They seem to be claiming that this special carbon will last for 6 months longer than you would expect from a normal filter. This doesn't mean you have to use the same carbon they did when you refill it, regular activated carbon will do the job, and usually lasts for about a year.
 
smokingrubber

smokingrubber

Well-Known Member
They make different kinds of Activated Carbon for different applications. Some clean water, some clean air. The water kind seems plentiful all over the net. Has anyone here used that successfully?

You would think that the people that sell the filter would also sell the replacement carbon. It's not that easy though :(
 
C

Cannabox

Well-Known Member
i think people are using the "water" activated carbon as you call it to filter air with success.. they buy boxes of it from the aqua section, and build carbon scrubbers out of it. i personnally don't think that 'activated carbon' is any different than 'activated carbon' as far as air, water, fire, earth and heart are conserned.
 
C

Cannabox

Well-Known Member
well i just went and googled activated carbon and it seems there is different kinds that filter out different sizes of particles better than others etc. but they only had 4 listed and coconut and coal were the top 2 best carbons when activated filter the best. they didn't really say anything about being exclusivly for water or air though.. it just had microns (size of particle) and if the carbon could filter it.

google it , see what ya come up with.. i think coal or coconut is ok.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Activated_carbon


Carbon adsorption has numerous applications in removing pollutants from air or water streams both in the field and in industrial processes such as:
 
smokingrubber

smokingrubber

Well-Known Member
Yeah, I did google it. That's how I found out that there are different kinds. It's all about the size of pores in the carbon. Small pores filter small particulates. I don't know how big or small hippie-cabbage's smelly particles are.

First, I want to know if anyone knows of a source to purchase the "air" kind of Activated Carbon. Second, has anyone replaced their old "air" carbon with "water" carbon and could they share the results? Thank you.

You would think that you could purchase replacement carbon from the filter sellers . . . but I didn't see any. :(
 
smokingrubber

smokingrubber

Well-Known Member
I looked at the filter I have, and I don't see a way to get into it. ARE CANISTER FILTERS ONE-TIME USE ONLY? Can someone with experience guide me here? What other "consumable" items are required to be replaced every few moths? Bulbs, filters . . . rocks?
 
M

MrJDGaF

Well-Known Member
Apparently the Aussie's have the best carbon in the world for getting rid of smells, or so it says on the instructions that come with my Phat filter.

To change the carbon you have to drill out the pop rivets, change the carbon and then pop rivet back together, why the hell they don't make the end a screw cap I don't know!:peace:
 
gamer420

gamer420

Active Member
i think you should look at these eBay Store: FOOTHILL FILTERS easy to refill they are better and cheaper
 
smokingrubber

smokingrubber

Well-Known Member
MrJDGaF said:
To change the carbon you have to drill out the pop rivets, change the carbon and then pop rivet back together, why the hell they don't make the end a screw cap I don't know!:peace:
Click to expand...
:eyesmoke: Oy vey! That sounds pretty dramatic. I like Foothill's ease of replacement. http://foothillcarbonfilters.com/FILTERS.aspx Still didn't see a link to purchase replacement carbon from them though.

I guess I'll drill out my current filter. It's better than just throwing it away. There has got to be a better way than re-riviting it though?
 
Picasso345

Picasso345

Well-Known Member
smokingrubber said:
I have an upright filter much like this one at HTG: http://www.htgsupply.com/viewproduct.asp?productID=52544

It's been used. This filter claims that it's good for 18 months. Can I replace the carbon when it's done? "All carbons are not the same. Can-Filters uses a custom specified Virgin Activated Coal Based Carbon (CKV4) to insure longest possible performance." Where is this available? (I looked).
Click to expand...
Why not ask whomever sold you the thing?
 
smokingrubber

smokingrubber

Well-Known Member
Picasso345 said:
Why not ask whomever sold you the thing?
Click to expand...
Long story short: I picked up a truckload of equipment from a kid off craigslist. The kid inherited everything from his older brother (rip). I got everything for approx 10% of what it would have cost me new.

If I've got to buy a new filter, then that's what I'll do. But none of the places that sell filters, also sell replacement carbon.
 
Picasso345

Picasso345

Well-Known Member
smokingrubber said:
Long story short: I picked up a truckload of equipment from a kid off craigslist. The kid inherited everything from his older brother (rip). I got everything for approx 10% of what it would have cost me new.

If I've got to buy a new filter, then that's what I'll do. But none of the places that sell filters, also sell replacement carbon.
Click to expand...
Very nice!

I'd go on ebay and buy a new one. Exactly the size you want, refillable, etc. I've seen sellers that will sell you replacement carbon as well for very reasonable.

Like somebody already mentioned, I have a filter from foothill filters too and it works well.

http://stores.ebay.com/FOOTHILL-FILTERS
 
smokingrubber

smokingrubber

Well-Known Member
Yes, I will be purchasing a Foothill filter. I'm still kind of amazed that the replacement carbon is not more readily available though. Gamer420 said they sell it for $3 a lb. That's so sweet!

That's the kind of up-front information that should be available in a FAQ imo. Knowing the proper equipment to consider could save someone a lot of money and headache. Thank you everyone for your insight and assistance.
 
B

BloodShot420

Well-Known Member
i have replaced the carbon in my filter before... i have a regular "CAN" filter, for 6 inch ductwork... i bought 10 gal of the wrong kind of carbon (for water) - the carbon used in the air filters is called PELLETIZED virgin activated carbon - i found some at a pet store, but they sell them in about 1 litre containers so I had to buy a bunch... the carbon for water is crushed up into finer chunks, if you put that into an air filter, its too fine and no air will make it through, it will also leak out through the screen that holds the carbon in... good luck!
 
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