difference bet activated and catalytic carbon??

[seaduck]

Hey, in the process of replacing the filters in my r/o system and need to refill the carbon filter. Can I use activated carbon to replace the catalytic activated carbon that came witht the system???? 5 stage cloramines plus system. Looking for a cheaper alternative without risking system health. Can someone recommend a bulk supplier? thanks

 

[Jstn]

Im not entirely sure, but activated carbon "traps" contaminates, where catalytic has high surface area able to catalyze the breakdown of chloramines.

 

[seaduck]

Ok, that makes sense as the next stage is Chlorplus 10 carbon block which I believe filters out chlorine/chloramine after the catalytic carbon breaks it down? It's all new to me so i'm not really sure if that's how it works. Can't seem to find a bulk source for it the c.carbon.

 

[bertoni]

For practical purposes, either would be fine, assuming the quality was good otherwise. I believe that increased surface area is the difference, but I haven't done a lot of research. For handling chloramine or chlorine from the tap, a single good carbon stage (catalytic or otherwise) is fine:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-11/rhf/feature/index.php

 

[seaduck]

Thanks, this is what I had hoped for as i'm having a hard time finding cat.carbon in bulk and it's more expensive.

 

[downbeach]

Here's more info:

http://www.purewaterproducts.com/articles/removing-chloramines/

 

[seaduck]

Thanks for the info and links, very helpful.

 

[bertoni]

You're welcome! Good luck!