Coconut Carbon Block Water Filter, 5 Micron

This 5-micron carbon block is made from an acid-washed, coconut-based carbon formulation for better-tasting water with a low pressure drop. The solid block also filters fine particles to its 5-micron rating.

Four sizes run from 2-7/8" x 9-3/4" at 0.5 GPM to 4-5/8" x 20" at 6 GPM. It is the carbon block stage in Crystal Quest's double and triple cartridge systems and the post-filter on whole house systems.

Common questions

How is a carbon block different from GAC?

A carbon block is a solid block of carbon with a 5-micron rating, so it also filters fine particles. Crystal Quest's GAC cartridge holds loose granules of coconut shell and catalytic carbon blended with ERA 6500 redox media. Keep the type your system specifies.

Which size fits my housing?

Use the actual diameter and length on your current cartridge: 2-7/8" x 9-3/4", 2-7/8" x 20", 4-5/8" x 9-3/4" or 4-5/8" x 20". Each size has its own flow rate, from 0.5 to 6 GPM.

How often should I replace it?

Typically 12 to 24 months, about 18 months for most homes. Replace sooner if taste, odor, flow or pressure changes. Actual life depends on feed water quality, system configuration and usage.

Where does the carbon block go in a multi-cartridge system?

In Crystal Quest's double systems it comes first, ahead of SMART. In triple systems it is the last stage, after sediment and SMART.

Specifications for your selection

2-7/8” x 9-3/4”

SKU: CQE-RC-04000
Flow rate: 0.5 GPM
Diameter (width): 2.875 in
Length (height): 9.75 in
Replace every: 12 to 24 months

Cartridge type: Coconut-based 5-micron carbon block
Format: Drop-in replacement cartridge
Micron rating: 5 micron
Media: Acid-washed coconut shell activated carbon (carbon block)
CQE-RC-04000 (2-7/8" x 9-3/4"): 0.5 GPM
CQE-RC-04014 (2-7/8" x 20"): 2.5 GPM
CQE-RC-04035 (4-5/8" x 9-3/4"): 3 GPM
CQE-RC-04036 (4-5/8" x 20"): 6 GPM
Typical replacement: 12 to 24 months, about 18 months for most homes
Construction: Polypropylene end caps and netting, polyolefin inner and outer casing, Buna-N top gasket

Dimensions are actual cartridge diameter x length in inches; nominal housing names are not cartridge measurements.

Replace sooner if taste, odor, flow or pressure changes. Actual life depends on feed water quality, system configuration and usage.

Full specifications by size

Published cartridge specifications

Published ratings apply to the selected cartridge. Sizes are actual cartridge diameter x length.

SKU	SIZE	FLOW RATE	TYPICAL REPLACEMENT
CQE-RC-04000	2-7/8” x 9-3/4”	.5 gpm (1.9 lpm)	12 to 24 months*
CQE-RC-04014	2-7/8” x 20”	2.5 gpm (9.4 lpm)	12 to 24 months*
CQE-RC-04035	4-5/8” x 9-3/4”	3 gpm (11.4 lpm)	12 to 24 months*
CQE-RC-04036	4-5/8” x 20”	6 gpm (22.7 lpm)	12 to 24 months*

Construction Materials

Fiber Media: Acid-Washed Coconut Shell Granular Activated Carbon
End Caps: Polypropylene
Inner/Outer Casing: Polyolefin
Netting: Polypropylene
Gasket: Buna-N (top)

*Typically 12 to 24 months, about 18 months for most homes. Replace sooner if taste, odor, flow or pressure changes. Actual life depends on feed water quality, system configuration and usage.

Match the actual size printed on your current cartridge or in your order history. The 2-7/8" x 9-3/4" size (CQE-RC-04000) is used in Crystal Quest countertop, under-sink and Thunder RO systems; the 2-7/8" x 20" size (CQE-RC-04014) in whole house cartridge housings; and the 4-5/8" sizes (CQE-RC-04035 and CQE-RC-04036) in larger compact and whole house housings.

These are actual cartridge measurements. Housings are often described by nominal sizes such as 2.5 x 10 or 5 x 20, which are not cartridge measurements.

For a Pentair or other-brand housing, confirm its exact model, cartridge dimensions and seal design. A nominal housing size alone does not confirm the replacement.

Typically 12 to 24 months, about 18 months for most homes. Replace sooner if taste, odor, flow or pressure changes. Actual life depends on feed water quality, system configuration and usage.

As an RO pre-filter on chlorinated city water, changing it once a year is the best practice because it protects the membrane.

Expect some fine carbon particles in the first water after a change, and flush the new cartridge as your system manual directs before use.

Parts included

One Coconut Based 5-Micron Carbon Block Filter Cartridge in the selected size

Turn off the water supply to the filter and release pressure as your system manual directs. Place a drip pan underneath.
Unscrew the housing sump with the sump wrench and remove the used cartridge.
Wash the sump with mild soap and water and rinse it well. Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaners.
Check that the housing O-ring is in place and fully seated in its groove; lubricate it only as your system manual directs.
Remove the wrapping from the new cartridge and insert it centered and fully seated. If it is marked "This End Towards Cap", install it in that direction.
Reinstall the sump with the wrench. Do not cross-thread or overtighten.
Turn the water on slowly, check for leaks and flush the new cartridge for the time your system manual specifies before use.