Can you please help me understand the differences between this:
http://www.directive21.com/home-water-purification-systems-british-berkefeld.html
and this:
http://www.directive21.com/berkey-light-water-filter.html
Other than metal vs. plastic, and seethru vs. opaque, is there a significant difference in the level of filtration between these two systems? Why would a person pick one over the other?
Thanks a lot. Looking to buy within a week.
Differences between Black Berkey Elements & White Ceramic Filters:
White ceramic filter elements:
Last anywhere between 2000-3000 gallons per set of 2.
They reduce Chlorine up to 90 percent.
They remove Pathogenic Bacteria to 99.99 percent, according to the tests at Spectum Labs in Arizona.
Easy to clean, as the filter collects contaminants on the outside of the filters. Just brush on the outside of the white ceramic filters.
Contains an inner core of carbon, but not as powerful at removing contaminants than the black berkey elements.
Does not remove any viruses from the water.
http://directive21.com/super-sterasyl.htmlBlack Berkey elements:
Last about 6000 gallons.
Last about 2-3 years or more, but based on usage.
Made of coconut shell carbon, the superior class of carbon.
Cleaned by back flushing or priming the filters, which involves pushing water through the filters backwards.
The black berkey elements absorb many of the contaminants, so that is why they need to be primed every 3 months.
Removes almost all the contaminants the white filters will remove, but to a higher level.
It removes pretty much all of the chlorine, 99.999999%, and VOC's, to the same level. Has been tested by the same lab as the white ceramic filters, and the tests show that the black berkey elements remove contaminants to a higher level.
Removes some viruses to non-detectable levels.
http://directive21.com/accessories-blac ... ement.html
We personally use a Royal Berkey with 2 Black berkey elements. We recommend people purchase the black berkey elements, but the white ceramic filters are still good filters and have been around for over 100 years in Britian.
The White ceramic filters are 7" or 9" in length. The 7" filters are the only ones sold in Britian, as the 9" are custom made for New Mellenium Concepts, the creators of the black berkey elements. The 9" filters are only sold in the USA.