British Berkefeld Ultra Fluoride replacement gravity filter

What contaminants are reduced by the Ultra Fluoride replacement gravity filters by British Berkefeld?
The Ultra Fluoride replacement gravity filters by British Berkefeld protect against fluoride, chlorine, lead, heavy metals, chemicals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and bacteria.

How do British Berkefeld's Ultra Fluoride ceramic filters compare to Berkey PF-2 fluoride reduction elements?
British Berkefeld's solution for fluoride reduction is an all-in-one ceramic filter that installs in the upper chamber of a gravity filter system.
Berkey's solution for fluoride reduction required purchasing a secondary set of specialty filters that hang in the finished water in the bottom chamber.

Do the Ultra Fluoride ceramic filters need to be primed?
No. The Ultra Fluoride ceramic filters do not require priming.

How often should the Ultra Fluoride ceramic filters be replaced?
The Ultra Fluoride ceramic cartridges should be replaced within at least 6 months of first use, per filter.

Do the Ultra Fluoride filters also purify water?
Yes. British Berkefeld has specialized in and perfected the use of ceramic filters for water purification for almost 200 years. Purification refers to the removal of micro-organisms.

Does the Ultra Fluoride ceramic replacement cartridge fit in the Go Berkey or in the 1L Adventure System by British Berkefeld?
No. The Ultra Fluoride ceramic replacement filter is too big to use in the Go Berkey or in the 1L Adventure System by British Berkefeld.

How often should I clean my Ultra Fluoride ceramic filters?
Cleaning frequency will be determined by your local water conditions. As the white ceramic becomes increasingly discoloured, the flow rate through the filter will probably diminish. When the flow rate becomes annoyingly slow, remove the cartridges from the housing. Hold each one under cool running water and scrub the discoloration off the surface of the white ceramic. Reinstall the cartridges and resume use.
NOTE Be careful not to let any scrubbing water enter the threaded end of the cartridge during the cleaning process.

Can I use red food colouring to test ceramic gravity filters?
The red dye test (recommended by Berkey) suggests that red food colouring is an appropriate surrogate for demonstrating whether waterborne contaminants can pass through your gravity filter. This is misleading.
a. Red food colouring is not an appropriate surrogate for waterborne contaminants.
b. Passing red food coloring through a gravity filter is not an indication of contaminant removal or filter performance.
c. Red food colouring, itself, is not safe to ingest so why needlessly stain your white ceramic filters with it. DO NOT perform the red food dye test on ceramic water filters.

How can I test to make sure my filter is working?
Accurate testing can only be done by a lab equipped for testing water samples. This is expensive.

The best approach is to purchase a water treatment device that has already been tested by accredited labs for the sustained reduction of contaminants known to occur in your local tap water. Once properly assembled or installed, maintain the device with regular cleaning and cartridge replacement.