Berkey Black Filter vs Berkey Ceramic Filter - The TRUTH

Berkey Water Filter EXTREME Field Test & Review: • Berkey Water Filter EX...
My Authorized Berkey Store: LDSPrepperStor...
Berkey Super Sterasyl™ Elements Test Results: berkeywaterkb....
Black Berkey® Purification Elements Test Results: berkeywaterkb....

[@georgiareddirtroad9919]

I have drank faucet water all my life and honestly that was OK for me. My husband is a water snob. He lived in California for years because of the military and always drank bottled water. We have been together now for 22 years. I got so tired of hauling in cases of bottled water!!! About 2 years ago I decided to take the plunge to purchase a Berkey. It was the best investment I have ever made as far as water is concerned, not to mention alleviating the pain on my back from lugging those cases of water home. We started out with the black filters and have not yet replaced or cleaned them. Hey I figure if it ain’t broke don’t fix it! My husband carries his Berkey water in a stainless steel container to work and it always returns home empty. I didn’t mean to rant on but wanted all to know it is a very very wise decision and now I sorta chuckle to myself when I see people hauling those nasty plastic cases of water out of the store! 😝 Anyway we love love 💕 our Berkey!!

[@LDSPrepper]

Thank you for sharing such a practical solution to a problem. Not only are you saving your back but also your money. Bottled water is crazy expensive and there are no EPA regulations on its quality or contamination.

[@Skandinavisk]

I am Swedish, and beside people with separate wells without proper filtering everyone drinks faucet water. Our water is clean, no weird chemical teste and no weird agents in it. We basically have the vleabest water imaginable in most homes. Is American tap water different?

[@MrPir84free]

I spent a little over a year stationed in Korea. On the camp where we resided, at times, the base water supply was so bad that we weren't even allowed to shower with it. Don't really know how good it was the rest of the time. As such, I can understand avoiding government managed water supplies.. The local water agency here in Alabama used to be pretty good about water quality, but I've noticed that far fewer reports get sent out, and now the water has an obnoxious odor to it. Hmm.

[@Katgirl2024]

@@Skandinavisk yes. American tap is full of chlorine, fluoride and a lot of nasty stuff. Google “Flint, Michigan water” for just one example.

[@gailmazzotta6187]

@@Skandinavisk #1They all have flouride. After that it is a crap shoot. A large area had many people get cancer from contamination.

[@timothybarr6109]

Will you please post a link to any study wherein Berkey tested their filters to 3000 gallons for contaminants and additional tests showing how long it lasted for Microragnisms?

[@jefbiggs1583]

Yeah please do

[@fvoel7468]

I have used Berkey filters at my Canadian cabin for 8 consecutive years for 3 month stretches each summer. They consistently have filtered yellowish tannin-stained lake water into sparkling clear water for drinking. Occasionally, I have had a separation of a filter at it's base but have easily repaired with an epoxy type glue firmly sealing the moat-like space between the base and the filter. Periodic cleaning should be done gently, as an abrasive pad will damage the filter surface. For storage over the winter, filters should be gently place on folded absorbent paper towels and exposed for air drying. This would prevent any mold growth on damp filter surfaces.

[@stevenmiller461]

Ive had 5 black filters fail in only a year and a half, cant trust them.

[@practicalguy973]

I've had good luck with the red dye test which I do only every 4 months always giving me clear water. I only learned about Berkey 3 years ago but no filter fails yet for me. I've only used 8 filters over that time. If you have lake water why not put it though a pre-filter? let the Berkey filters last longer with less particles to clog them.

[@practicalguy973]

@@stevenmiller461 Make sure you don't get fakes. Ebay and Amazon are full of that now days, I bought from a local authorized dealer with no issues.

[@stevenmiller461]

@@practicalguy973 All the filters that failed came from berkey, including the 2 that came with the system than both failed.

[@metamud8686]

"Sparkling" water you say? As in .. bubbling .. CO2 added?

[@automaton111]

Berkey can recommend anything they want, but there is a lot of doubt about their claims on the black filters (filtration and longevity)

[@LDSPrepper]

Only from uniformed people. Berkey doesn't make any claims. They simply post the results from multiple independent EPA certified labs. Take a look. berkeywaterkb.com/black-berkey-purification-elements-test-results/

[@spuriouseffect]

@@LDSPrepper LMAO "Berkey doesn't make any claims." That's hilarious.

[@ItsEverythingElse]

@@LDSPrepper Of course they make claims. They claim 6000 gallons per filter pair. Where is the proof? Their "multiple independent EPA certified labs" don't prove this.

[@MikeL-gm8ym]

6000 gallons, has an independent labs tested the berkey and certified it that at 5999 gallons it filtered just as good as what it did on gallon 1?

[@brassotarnax911]

It actually ADDS aluminum allegedly

[@tradmanmike3360]

I love the flavor of the black filters. I did not connect the white fluoride filters as a youtube channel had them tested to be leaching aluminum. Great video, new sub. from the 641. Always thumbs up!

[@henrycathy]

I just had my city tap water (with fluoride and chlorine added) and the Berkey water made from it tested with Simple Lab. My Berkey has two black filters with four years of use and aprox. 2500 gallons run through them, and two white PF2 filters with aprox. 180 gallons run through them. The Berkey results showed NO detectable amounts of aluminum, fluoride, or chlorine. My overall TapScore was 94. My Berkey filter is doing it's job!

[@italiangspot]

Where does Berkey state on their website they have the NSF53 standard for filtering? Why are there so many things in internet talking about the Berkey fluoride filters putting aluminum into the water ..?? So hard these days to get good drinking water.

[@billyandrew]

Another unanswered question. There's a lot of those on this channel.

[@watchingthehorizon7799]

My experience with the Black filters is that they also have a shelf life. After using the black filters for a few months, I went on vacation so I trained the tank but left the filters in place inside the unit with the lid on. When I came back the filters had a layer of "fuzz" covering them. When I called the manufacturer to complain and get replacement filters I was told FROM THEM, that once the black filters get wet they must remain wet or have they will go bad by fostering bacteria and/or mold growth. I was advised to throw out the filters and buy new ones and disinfect both upper and lower water basins. Needless to say I was very disappointed. They would not reimburse me because they said it was my fault the filters were ruined.

[@LDSPrepper]

Thank you for commenting. You were given bad information. I would have cleaned off the fuzz, flushed out the filters using the priming ring that comes with the filters, re-installed the filters and ran a container of water through the filters. That is what I would do and recommend to my customers.

[@OhPervyOne]

@@LDSPrepper How about soaking those filters in peroxide or maybe even diluted pool shock in order to kill off the bacteria or mold growth? It seems to me cleaning and flushing would not be enough. They need to be disinfected and decontaminated, in order to give them a fresh start. Once disinfected, a filter is a filter. As long as it's not clogged with schmutz, then it will just keep filtering. Actually, now I think on it, pool shock (and chlorine dioxide, too) will help to break up the bio-film that mold and bacteria grow in... and that would serve to UN-clog the filters, which means that flushing and decontaminating the filters would actually give them a new lease on life, thus increasing their life-span, essentially. (I suspect that, being a Mormon Prepper, you know a little about chlorine dioxide, so I won't need to explain.) This is my theory and I want to know what you think about it. Does flushing and then decontamination actually increase life-span of filters? Also, what does Berkey officialdom have to say about it?

[@gbmarie836]

If you would have called Berkey, they would have told you the proper way to store the filters when they have been used.

[@paulnandico2370]

I never had that problem with the ceramic filters.

[@bobsmith2404]

That doesn't make sense if that advice came from Berkey. I bought some spare filters & they said to prime & do the red food coloring test to make sure they are working properly. Then let them dry out & store them. I let them dry for a couple of months to make sure they were dry all the way through.

[@Utah_Mike]

U tube took down my comment I ordered & received Berkey black filters from you. Always good to have a backup set. Thanks for the price increase warning.

[@LDSPrepper]

I don't know why YT does that. I've seen it myself when trying to comment. Thank you for reposting and for your support.

[@username689496]

Thank you for clarifying this issue. I got confused from all the BS info out here on the inet. Berkey black all the way!

[@LDSPrepper]

I agree.

[@aaamoreec]

Thank you for your informative video, could you talk about the increase in aluminum from the fluoride elements please. It's been found that there was an alarming increase of aluminum after purification.

[@MikeL-gm8ym]

probably another reason why they have a class action law suite against them! He claims all this stuff that it filters - well why the heck did the independent test fail and now as a result class action law suites are happening and they are not allowed to sell in the state of california!

[@billyandrew]

They rely on EPA certification, but that organisation sold out to different interests long ago.

[@soy_red]

I bought the Berkefeld Ultra Sterasyl which is the only NSF certified NSF 42/53/372/401 ceramic gravity water filter in the world!

[@jefbiggs1583]

Same

[@DC-xd3it]

Be aware if you buy Berkey ceramic filters instead of Berkey Black element because ceramic filters last 6 months to 1 year/ 3000 liters instead of 3 years/22,000 liters. In addition, those made of ceramic do not purify water. Their website doesn't mention it at all.

[@honeycovecreations5013]

Ah, I love this highly informative video! He has a great website that is straight forward and user friendly. His response time to my phone call was lightening fast and was able to answer my questions. Thank you David for taking the time and effort to posting such great information

[@MikeL-gm8ym]

6000 gallons, has an independent labs tested the berkey and certified it that at 5999 gallons it filtered just as good as what it did on gallon 1?

[@Aonexia]

OOOooooooooooo...... SHUT UP!

[@honeycovecreations5013]

@@Aonexia ooooo my! I don't know why and don't care why you snapped at me, just a complete strange to you, but dang kiddo!

[@Aonexia]

@honeycovecreations5013 Haaaaa! I was a joke. No worries mate! :-D

[@janfelshaw8217]

I love my Berkey. I even hooked my son in law and grandson on the water. And they are very picky.

[@LDSPrepper]

I love the flavor of Berkey water. It tastes so good because all of the pharmaceuticals , chlorine, etc. has been removed but the healthy minerals are still there giving the water the wonderful flavor.

[@honeyofoats5619]

@@LDSPrepper can you put bottles of water in the Berkey?

[@timothybarr6109]

This is an important decision. Are the NSF certification for all of these filtered contaminants available?

[@billyandrew]

An entire year, yet still no response? Tells you all you need to know about this guy!

[@x-0-x-0]

@@billyandrew None of the Berkey filters are certified for anything. This is not a reputable party. Making a living selling Berkey scam. I suggest you do not waste your time on his stuff.

[@jesseh.saunders2112]

What are your thoughts on the Boroux filters? Are they as good as the Berkey black filters?

[@PhillyBosoxFan]

Has anyone (certified lab, Gov't or private) tested the Berkey black filters to the claimed 3000 gallon stated lifespan? If so, is that report available for reading?

[@yadealone]

Exactly!

[@LDSPrepper]

I spent $590 to do my own testing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqWTi5-LZtuBZpI

[@MikeL-gm8ym]

they sure did and that's why there is now a class action law suite against Berkey black filters!!

[@henrycathy]

I had my Berkey water here in Kentucky from local tapwater (fluoridated and chlorinated) tested by Simple Lab, a separate test for the tap water and Berkey water. I am using two black filters and two white PF2 filters (four years of use, aprox. 1600 gallons, and two PF2 filters, aprox. 180 gallons through them) and NO aluminum or fluoride or chlorine was detected in the Berkey water. Overall Tap Score was 94 for the Berkey water.

[@PhillyBosoxFan]

@@henrycathy good to hear. We have very hard well water. We continue to use the Berkey and clean the filters periodically and for brewing coffee, we pass the Berkey water through a zero water. It works well.

[@davej7458]

A serious question. A number of people have commented that the big Berkey black filters have problems with leakage at the base or break at the base has that ever been a problem and if so has it been fixed? Or is it one of those things that just hasn't ever happened?

[@LDSPrepper]

Excellent question. Several years ago there was a batch that had that problem. The issue was corrected and has not been a problem since. At no cost to the customers Berkey replaced all leaking filters to those who asked for replacements.

[@maryrenaud6732]

@@LDSPrepper But when you screw the nut on the filter, on the receiver tank side, it doesn’t screw tightly or it goes on too tight and then the nut gets all loose. One of my filters leans a little no matter how the nut screws on it. Am I the only one with these issues? Why doesn’t Berkey have a correctly fitting tightly screwed nut? These are serious issues from a Berkey newbie. Thank you. Update: I found a solution to the unstable leaning filters, add an additional washer on the receiver side then tighten down the nut. You end up with a washer on both sides of the upper tank and the filters are much more stable. P.S. Does Berkey have any product engineers or designers on staff? Just wondering…

[@emssmiley2002]

I was part of that filter problem (Back when they were $100.00 a pair) Berkey replaced my filters free of charge. No problems since, including screwing the filters in place, no issue there either. Every now and then I put the berkey together, prime the filters and throw red food coloring in the top just to show the kids and neighbors (Who are interested) that the system does work. Great insurance!!!

[@Listen2me400]

@@maryrenaud6732Great idea.

[@poisonfortheweak]

Mine failed the red die test right out of the box. I bought them a few years back but they’ve been stored safely and properly waiting for use. The filter was like crooked looking as if it wasn’t on the base right. I thought it was just my perception but when I put them in, one was tilted a slight bit while the other was straight up and down as I would expect. I didn’t know if that was any issue or not as it was literally my first time using one. Anyway. The filter was bad and leaked red dye. But I bought the filter like 3 years ago so there’s $100 wasted so I’m a little pissed. They’re not gonna replace something they shipped 3 years ago regardless. So my $500 berkey set has literally been sitting on the floor of my closet for the past month unused. I bought 2 of them emergency preparedness- like $1,000 worth of stuff from them and so far it’s worthless. Thank God it wasn’t really the apocalypse or I’d be dead. After much irritation I finally just ordered a set of the AquaCera Cerametix filters so maybe they won’t suck as bad.

[@joycetompkins3680]

Thanks...Great info, I had no idea about the differences. And my replacement filters are ordered before the price increase!

[@LDSPrepper]

I'm glad the video was helpful. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@tommyluck19]

Thank You for the information! I just ordered the Berkey with 2 fluoride filter on your website. God Bless You

[@terrymunropeterson8663]

Any idea what the black filters are made from? I know they contain coconut fiber, but what else? I am getting a distinct petroleum like odor coming from my filtered water. [Lower chamber only].

[@LDSPrepper]

They are made from ten elements. If you are getting a petroleum smell you should use black Berkey filters from an authorized dealer. ldsprepperstore.com/collections/berkey

[@terrymunropeterson8663]

@@LDSPrepper They are the black Berkey filters that came with the unit. Any idea what the elements are?

[@ian.new.life.]

I can taste metal from the stainless steel I find that quite annoying and would love a solution

[@gizmosworld5855]

Just to confirm….if the BLACK Berkey filters dry out, you can re-prime the filters & it will still filter water safely?

[@bobsmith2404]

Yes, exactly

[@LDSPrepper]

Correct. I've left on vacation and come back two weeks later and did not have to re-prime them.

[@CrawldaBeast]

Greetings from the furure. We are currently looking for Berkey alternative elements. Why? Because Berkey elements are vaporware. They are not available. We have cleaned out black elements to the point where they slow down in days. It doesn't matter haw good you are, if you can't show up to work. What do do recommend?

[@hassounr]

What about the issue of extra aluminum after filtering? 8:39

[@billyandrew]

This guy only responds to complimentary comments. Any questions he simply avoids!

[@annanilssen2344]

are the black filters sold on Amazon authentic? Some say Go Berkey and others say Royal Berkey.

[@arthurdaly3497]

That solo you did on Comfortably Numb was awesome

[@visnuexe]

Thank you for your clarification on the white, ceramic filters! It was very helpful!

[@Synistercrayon]

Katadyn ceramic filter impregnated with silver is on the top of my list..but it is a backcountry pump

[@LDSPrepper]

Silver is in the black Berkey filters too. It is one of the ten elements.

[@highplainsdrifter2481]

Really like my Berkey , I've had for about 1 1/2 yrs now.

[@LDSPrepper]

There copycats but nothing beats or meets the quality of the water filtered through Berkey black filters.

[@sherryelledge4822]

What do you recommend now that Berkey hasn't sold black filters for over a year? I need new ones and they have been out of stock forever.

[@JT-mo3yd]

I purchased and extra set of the black filters And replacement gaskets and nuts.

[@LDSPrepper]

Good for you. FYI, I have never seen the gaskets an nuts break down or wear out.

[@Rubio_Eric]

I have a knock-off black waterdrop filter that I use. I'm testing how well it filters by using some creek water and sending it off to ward labs to test it

[@supamat]

Let us know plz

[@sstorm1328]

Did u get results yet?

[@Rubio_Eric]

@@sstorm1328 I did but I need to get another test to see if there is any bacteria in the filtered water. The test I got was a mineral test and as far the mineral standpoint they said it is safe to drink.

[@ghost-user559]

@@Rubio_Eric Any word back on bacteria?

[@Rubio_Eric]

@ghost-user559 no...I never did get the bacteria test. I'll get around to it one day lol.

[@danofthenorth2]

Thanks Dave, do you use the berkey flouride filters also?

[@LDSPrepper]

I am on well water so I do not. When I was on city water in Texas I contacted my water district and had them send me their water quality report which is required by federal law to be available and updated each year. My water district didn't add fluoride to the water so I didn't need to add the fluoride filters.

[@chiledoug]

DO not have any ceramic I bought 2 extra black and 2 extra white that says fluoride and arsenic whit filter says ro use in tandem with the black. we do not have flouride but I believe there is some arsenic down here

[@ReneeSilverthorn]

I've been waiting a year for black element filter to be available. Keep getting message it's out of stock. Is there any place I can get them.

[@ReneeSilverthorn]

I've been waiting a year for the black element filters to be available. Where can I get them.

[@silvermediastudio]

This is the water filtration video we didn't know we needed.

[@theoriginaldashriprock]

Do your homework. Berkey is not what you think they are.

[@moondog573]

Is there anything to the claim that the flouride filters deposit aluminum into the drinking water?

[@alexs7671]

Yes pz look I to this claim

[@jlrensOnline]

Does this also counts for Katadyn ceramic filters? (i know youre a Berkey reseller, but you might know the awnser, if you do i hope you will, thanks from holland) I use a Katadyn Drip Filter, with elements Ceradyn.

[@billyandrew]

This guy doesn't like questions, does he?

[@koruoverland]

Any response to the class action lawsuit against Berkey?

[@quantumquestions5849]

yep on the black Berkey filters.

[@flowride4184]

But why are my replacement black Berkey filters worse than the first ones? Im having stomach issues with water again.. Initially our Berkey resolved this. But the new filters are definitely worse. Others are complaining about this. Whats the deal?

[@ghost-user559]

It’s a corporation and they are cutting corners. Only possible explanation is cost cutting on various batches. Too many people are noticing for it to all be our fault.

[@Labukh84]

I use aquacera AMB ceramic filter. Now I’m second guessing the use of them

[@wafive]

Thankyou for the very informative vid. I do have a question that I hope somebody can help with. I have seen a few comparisons between Berkey and ZeroWater filters. The ZeroWater seems to beat the Berkey Hands down in Total Disolved Solids testing (Specifically in a test by KZbinr Project Farm). Am I missing something here, I have been told that the Berkey is the gold standard, yet this cheap (To buy, though less so to operate) filter jug seems to come out on top. Are TDS numbers that important or are there other things that make the Berkey better? Not trying to start a fight here, genuinely looking for information on this issue. Thankyou.

[@jrhenry830]

The dissolved solids also include minerals that the Berkey isn't designed to remove. Because the Zero Water removes everything, it clogs up fast and needs to be replaced a lot more often. For a cheaper alternative to the zero water, look for a reverse osmosis system. Bear in mind, the systems like these are designed for emergency situations.

[@sustainablelife1st]

What JR said. But I will add, I have a zero water and it lasts for about 10 refills with my well water. The Berky cleans my water up really well (iron, sulphur, pesticides, and bacteria) Zero water might be ok if you are starting with really clean water, but for me, it's just now economical. ZW a good "polishing" filter.

[@collectivesoulify]

Yes zerowater removes fluoride and arsenic unlike Berkey.

[@wafive]

@@collectivesoulify Thankyou for the replies. I wonder if a ZW would last longer if water was pre filtered through a Berkey? Or maybe even build a triple decker Berkey with a black filter followed by a white filter?

[@LDSPrepper]

ZW removes all the beneficial minerals. Berkey doesn't. You don't want toxins in your water but you do want healthy balanced water. That is what Berkey does for just $0.02 per gallon. ldsprepperstore.com

[@paulnandico2370]

Thank you. This probably explains why our water failed to pass the health inspection, even running through the Berkey filter. We used ceramic. So, black is cheaper and better? Why buy anything else?

[@LDSPrepper]

My thought exactly. www.ldsprepperstore.com

[@kareemsalessi]

Wow!!! Do these filters also filter out salt ??? What is the best salt-filter (desalination)???

[@LDSPrepper]

They do not filter out salt. Berkey clearly states not to use them with salt water.

[@kareemsalessi]

@@LDSPrepper Is there any ceramic filter which filters out salt???

[@TexasScout]

It's funny, a lot of folks throw shade on the Black Berkey elements. Look around here on YT, almost every single person that ran lab tests on them found out that yes, they do what they say they do.

[@LDSPrepper]

No surprise. Don't let the haters get to you.

[@poisonfortheweak]

First time using a berkey- red dye test failed due to a manufacturing defect where the stem wasn’t glued down to the plastic shoe properly. It leaked right into the bottom chamber. Thank God I did the test before using contaminated water (or waited until it was an emergency to test them)- I’d have been in deep trouble. Berkey won’t replace them because even though they just came out of the box, they’re brand new. Still in the bubble wrap and original box. I bought extras a couple years back. Now I’m out like $100- probably a lot more expensive now than I paid back then… if I can even find them. Also cost me several hours of my time dealing with it- and as busy as I am, that’s a big deal to me. So are the black filters a great deal? I have well over $1,000 of berkey stuff that I stocked up on- 2 royal berkey’s, probably about 4-5 sets of extra black filters… counting on that they would live up to the hype. So if it was a bad batch and they’re all similarly bad- and I bought maybe $500 worth of them.. which I don’t really trust anymore… due to a manufacturing issue…. I’m out $500 or so simply because I didn’t pull them all out and test each set when they came in? I didn’t have the time and I also was worried about testing them and getting them wet and getting dye on them then repackaging them for unknown amount of years until the end of days. I simply wanted them in factory condition long term- but turns out “factory condition” could be a deadly thing. Suggestions anyone? I just went out in a limb best I could and bought the AquaCera CeraMetix AMB filters to see if they may be more reliable. $130 to replace the $100 berkey filters I already paid for that go in the trash now. Then I come across this video as I’m literally about to test them for the first time lol… can’t win for losing. Costing me a lot of money, time and stress … and I have a feeling we don’t have a whole lot of time anymore to play fast and loose with our preparedness state. Those berkeys and all those expensive filters were my primary water processing plan. I do have others like sawyer minis and lifestraws plus tablets and also stored water. But still. Primary means would be rain collection barrels but I would say those need to be filtered coming off a tin roof for sure. Aside from that is from my creek. So I need a plan in short order here… thanks! (Btw sorry to sound so negative, the situation just has frustrated me cause I feel like I’ve wasted a lot of money and time)…

[@ainttakenanyshit]

The initial "priming" of these type filters is really a back flush to prime the filter for use. What is you opinion on performing a similar back flush to renew slow filter operation? After a 1-2 minute back flush, the standard "filter a tank of water or two" to return to service would also be necessary. Thanks for your opinions....

[@ItsEverythingElse]

It's hilarious (and potentially legally liable) to claim Berkey Black exceeds NSF53.

[@usmanshahid7529]

Hi, do ceramic water filters remove lead, and metals from water! Do they remove harmfull elements from wateri live in 17t floor old buildingand water is contain sediment and metals, so should i use cartrudge filters or candle?

[@LDSPrepper]

If you want to remove lead, and heavy metals use the Black Berkey filters. www.ldsprepperstore.com

[@aaamoreec]

Do we combat the fluoride or the aluminum? Both are toxic. Aluminum is used in the fluoride combatting filters, is that correct?

[@ghost-user559]

Yeah I don’t trust it honestly. Aluminum is nasty stuff. One possibility would be to get a separate system just to remove the Aluminum. But now you are talking about two full filtration units.

[@LoveItDirtyOffroad]

I’ve been filtering through two black and two fluoride filters for about five years, have scrubbed black ones only a few times. Water tastes the same and filters fine but I wonder if I should change them by now.

[@redlanternhomesteadcathym105]

do the dye test, it's easy and lets you know if they're still working.

[@olyaanisimova1647]

​@@redlanternhomesteadcathym105 how do you do the die test?

[@bobsmith2404]

If you're only filtering tap water they should be good for at least another 5 years & then some.

[@mentalhealthwellnesscoach9917]

@@bobsmith2404 is there any way I will know when to change the black filters ?

[@bobsmith2404]

@@mentalhealthwellnesscoach9917 Do the math. 2 filters combined will last 6,000 gallons. I fill my Berkey 2.5 gallons every other day. Half of a year, 185 days x 2.5 is 462.5 gallons. Round it up to 500 gallons a year x 12 years you have 6,000 gallons. So they should last 12 years filtering tap water. If you're filtering dirtier water they probably won't last that long though I'd pre filter dirty water through something before running it through the Berkey.Check your filters with red food dye after cleaning to make sure everything is still working. If there is a problem, likely, those spongey washers or something else is the cause. I have several extra washers & plugs.

[@steveday4797]

I know this is going to possibly sound a really stupid question but how do I know when I get to 6,000 gallons?

[@bobsmith2404]

We fill our Berkey Light every other day (2.5 gallons). Our filters were 2 years old in March. 365 x 2.5 is 912.5 gallons so far. All together it looks like an estimated 12 year life span. Also, our water isn't too bad to begin with. Just filtering tap water, I would think they will last well beyond 6,000 gallons. If I was filtering lake or stream water they may not last up to 6,000 gallons.

[@elizabethcope1502]

@@bobsmith2404 Prefiltered stream or lake first through cloth, then using a Zero gravity filter, & then through Berkley for taste. Berkley filters will last a very long time.

[@bobsmith2404]

@@elizabethcope1502 Yes, excellent, thats 1 way to do it. I have a couple of mini filters I'm going to rig into a plastic food grade bucket. I'll filter through cloth first, assuming at some point I don't have running water. I have a rain collection system & can store up to 80 gallons or so. If I run out & no rain in sight, I'll have to draw it from the lake.

[@LDSPrepper]

The filters stop letting water through. That is a built in safeguard. ldsprepperstore.com/collections/berkey

[@mason-33]

Hello, do you ship to Sweden? Thank you.

[@amanda69]

The black filters are getting ridiculous in price, It just keep going up higher and higher. I can see why people are looking for cheaper ones.

[@vmobile890]

For 1 person use 1 filter only and put filtered water in 3 gallon jug on my kitchen floor with hand press pump. I tried some other brands but prefer Berkey removes chlorine taste better .

[@LDSPrepper]

Because the black berkey filters filter 6000 gallons the actual cost per gallon is only 2-1/2 cents. Significantly less then any other filter and they do a better job at filtering.

[@vals2224]

Do you have to buy another filter to get rid of fluoride ?

[@LDSPrepper]

Excellent question. Yes, the black Berkey filter does remove some fluoride for a short time but if you have contacted your water district and found they add fluoride to your water and it is at a higher level than you want to drink you'll want to get the Berkey fluoride and arsenic filters. Berkey is out of stock at the moment. Check back in a month or so.

[@shastafog2516]

Are they both silver impregnated?

[@LDSPrepper]

Yes, they are. Silver is one of the 10 elements I mentioned in the video for the black purifiers.

[@godblessthelessfortunate3175]

I am skeptical of the test results claiming they remove viruses, which is what separates them from other filters if it is legit. How can activated carbon with minimum pore sizes of 0.2 to 2.0 microns filter out 99%+ of viruses that are a degree of magnitude smaller? They have some explaining to do. I don't expect them to reveal their proprietary blend, but I do expect them to explain in general terms the science behind it. Are the viruses eliminated by filtration by something other than carbon that their company developed, a chemical reaction like an ion exchanger, absorption, or some other science?

[@LDSPrepper]

This video explains it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5_TqpyPpNuSr7c

[@poisonfortheweak]

First time using a berkey- red dye test failed due to a manufacturing defect where the stem wasn’t glued down to the plastic shoe properly. It leaked right into the bottom chamber. Thank God I did the test before using contaminated water (or waited until it was an emergency to test them)- I’d have been in deep trouble. Berkey won’t replace them because even though they just came out of the box, they’re brand new. Still in the bubble wrap and original box. I bought extras a couple years back. Now I’m out like $100- probably a lot more expensive now than I paid back then… if I can even find them. Also cost me several hours of my time dealing with it- and as busy as I am, that’s a big deal to me. So are the black filters a great deal? I have well over $1,000 of berkey stuff that I stocked up on- 2 royal berkey’s, probably about 4-5 sets of extra black filters… counting on that they would live up to the hype. So if it was a bad batch and they’re all similarly bad- and I bought maybe $500 worth of them.. which I don’t really trust anymore… due to a manufacturing issue…. I’m out $500 or so simply because I didn’t pull them all out and test each set when they came in? I didn’t have the time and I also was worried about testing them and getting them wet and getting dye on them then repackaging them for unknown amount of years until the end of days. I simply wanted them in factory condition long term- but turns out “factory condition” could be a deadly thing. Suggestions anyone? I just went out in a limb best I could and bought the AquaCera CeraMetix AMB filters to see if they may be more reliable. $130 to replace the $100 berkey filters I already paid for that go in the trash now. Then I come across this video as I’m literally about to test them for the first time lol… can’t win for losing. Costing me a lot of money, time and stress … and I have a feeling we don’t have a whole lot of time anymore to play fast and loose with our preparedness state. Those berkeys and all those expensive filters were my primary water processing plan. I do have others like sawyer minis and lifestraws plus tablets and also stored water. But still. Primary means would be rain collection barrels but I would say those need to be filtered coming off a tin roof for sure. Aside from that is from my creek. So I need a plan in short order here… thanks! (Btw sorry to sound so negative, the situation just has frustrated me cause I feel like I’ve wasted a lot of money and time)…

[@TJ-se9kz]

You do know the Berkey filter still has contamination in the water after filtration but Zero water has 0 contaminants. Do your research.

[@markmarz]

The Zero water removes beneficial minerals. Do your research.

[@TJ-se9kz]

That’s why I buy minerals, but if the water is more contaminated after filtration is definitely not good, which Berkeley water systems do.

[@caddothegreat]

I have seen some Chinese filter companies selling Black Berkey replacements. Usually a pair for $50 or so. Claim to be made from coconut charcoal. Are these really a replacement ?

[@LDSPrepper]

Absolutely not. support.berkeywater.com/avoid-imitation-replacement-water-filters/

[@getliquified]

I switched to Doulton filters 😊

[@maryrenaud6732]

My Berkey water tastes weird. I have the water level spout and it seems to be expelling some granules and stringy material around the edges inside the tank where the filtered water goes. Very unhappy about this. I have had much better tasting water from charcoal filter pitchers. Does anyone have any info on this? Thank you!

[@maryrenaud6732]

UPDATE: I removed the water level spout and reinstalled the plastic spout. Cleaned the interior of top and bottom containers, problem solved.

[@LDSPrepper]

@@maryrenaud6732 I'm glad to hear that. Awesome.

[@rubymcgilvra1771]

You SAID 54.00 for the two black filters BUT the site says 154.00. Which is it?

[@stevenmiller461]

Its 154

[@LDSPrepper]

My mistake. Yes, $154.00

[@valoriesmith8875]

Love my Berkey. Thanks for the filter info.

[@LDSPrepper]

You are very welcome Valorie. Thank you for viewing and commenting.

[@Stephen_Strange]

There is a video going around, a guy cut one black filter straight down the middle, end to end. Just a carbon shell.

[@LDSPrepper]

Yup, there are a lot of videos going around. Just curious, did he take some material out of the filter and spend the money to have it tested at a lab to determine the contents? Or did you just cut it open and say, "Looks like a black filter with a hole in the center?" Most people aren't willing to put their money where their mouth is. If you want to know the truth about water filters watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5_TqpyPpNuSr7c

[@Stephen_Strange]

@@LDSPrepper We should all look into the testing more closely. It seems some companies have been skimping on cost of testing to 'cut corners' and get that certification, which is worthless if they only tested 200 litres instead of the 3000 required litres for the N53 Standard. Correct me if worng please. '...Water filter testing conducted by a reputable and independent 3rd party testing laboratory is the only way to ensure unbiased test results. In the complex sciences of chemistry testing and toxicology testing that are applicable to evaluating the quality of tap water, awareness of the details behind the test results is critical to truly understanding a product’s capabilities. You cannot simply rely upon an Amazon listing or manufacturer claim; you must dive deeper and demand test results. The focus of this article is on identifying the standards that apply to the products that are commonly utilized for filtering tap water at the point of use, and on what is behind the standards that make standards compliance so important. This article also outlines the testing process employed by the recognized leaders in testing for the water filtration industry, NSF/ANSI, IAMPO, WQA (Water Quality Association) Standards....' Epic waterfilters .com

[@LDSPrepper]

@@Stephen_Strange If you look at the test results posted by Berkey you'll see they were all done following the EPA 800.2 standards. berkeywaterkb.com/black-berkey-purification-elements-test-results/

[@Jsarson1976]

@@LDSPrepper but they have never printed there results or proven that there filters do why they say. The black filters may not be doing what it says it does. There is loads of info out there showing the black filters don’t remove everything that they say. They have never proven that the black filters get rid of all why you stated. If they were transparent then why would they withhold this info from people who want to buy their filters.

[@Dj_AbsentMinded]

Are all black filters the same? Berkey sells them for $160 and another company sells them for $50. Is there any difference?

[@LDSPrepper]

Yes, there is a significant difference. Just because on the surface they look alike doesn't mean they are. Compare independent lab results for Berkey black filters to others. berkeywaterkb.com/black-berkey-purification-elements-test-results/

[@justsaying1856]

I just found out my water is more terrible than they say. Berkey black filter hasn't been tested to remove three of my tap waters contaminates being TTHM,HAA5,& Chromium..I also have alot of arsenic so should purchase the fluoride filters...my tap water is really bad having 15 contaminates over the federal limit...I never like doing the red dye test & put in 2 new black filters about 3 mos ago, and felt confident not to test,,the water loses the strong chlorine smell & tastes wonderful, but now I'm feeling unsure because my water is much worst than I thought.

[@LDSPrepper]

Not to worry. Here are the lab test results removing over 200 contaminants. berkeywaterkb.com/black-berkey-purification-elements-test-results/

[@valerier4308]

I have a ProPure gravity water filter system. It has ceramic filters. Does the same hold true for them as the Berkey ceramic filters? If so, that would really be unfortunate, because I just recently bought 2 new sets of Propure ceramic filters a few months ago.

[@bluemoon4921]

I'm looking at purchasing the Pro Pure. Do you like it? A bit cheaper than Berkey, but seems very similar?

[@valerier4308]

I left a rather lengthy reply, but it was removed, I think because I mentioned the name of the site where I purchased my ProPure, and who it belongs too. How ridiculous! Anyway, I've been very happy with it since I bought it in 2014. I replace the filters once a year. But, this man seems to think the ceramic type filters are far inferior to the Berkey Black filters, so I will have to investigate further.

[@LDSPrepper]

If you have concerns or doubts you might want to purchase a set of Berkey Black Elements which has been proven effective. You can read the independent lab results here: berkeywaterkb.com/black-berkey-purification-elements-test-results/ You can order here: www.LDSPrepperStore.com

[@valerier4308]

@@LDSPrepper 👍

[@caddothegreat]

@@valerier4308 Can you say Alexander J o n e s ?

[@passionateherbs8183]

Do you know when the fluoride filters will be back in stock?

[@LDSPrepper]

They are in stock now. ldsprepperstore.com/collections/berkey/products/pf-2-fluoride-and-arsenic-reduction-elements-set-of-two

[@wildcard3942]

I’m sold

[@justsaying1856]

Could you use 2 b of the black elements & 2 of the ceramic in the Big Berkey?

[@LDSPrepper]

Yes, but I don't know why you would. You'll need to replace the ceramic filters at six months. They black filters will last 5-10 years.

[@neilaleksandrov2655]

what do you think about the recent Berkey lawsuit?

[@blackpanther77777]

Except berkey never got nsf certification

[@root123]

Can I find it in the NFS page, because I can't

[@LDSPrepper]

Right here: berkeywaterkb.com/black-berkey-purification-elements-test-results/

[@theaccommodated4567]

Excuse me sir are the black filters charcoal filters ?

[@LDSPrepper]

They are made from a proprietary mixture of ten elements. They are not just activated carbon like most other filters.

[@spartanj2957]

Where can I get the black 100 bucks ?? Must be a well kept secret.

[@arvaterry6526]

Black filter does not filter Arsenic and fluoride, correct? The white filters that berkey sells for those contaminates I’ve had trouble with. Do you have any suggestions for filtering fluoride and arsenic?

[@LDSPrepper]

Berkey white ceramic filters do not remove fluoride. The Berkey white fluoride and arsenic filters do. ldsprepperstore.com/collections/berkey

[@greybeard277]

I appreciate the info, thank you.

[@Nikolak44_AJ_Epic]

Do the black filters add anything into the water? I've had water filters in the past that add terrible things in it. Also what are the black filters made of?

[@LDSPrepper]

The Berkey filters are called "elements" because they are made from ten elements that filter toxins. They exceed NSF 53 requirements for purifiers, not just filters. The filter out toxins and leave in the benefitable minerals our bodies need.

[@sissi1520]

I had a Berkey (black filter) and got so sick each times I drink the water... can't handle it... water is way to acidic

[@williamsanford7472]

You're killing me with this shipping fee. Please include the shipping in the price, I nearly cancelled my order due to the shock effect.

[@LDSPrepper]

Thank you for your support. I don't like paying shipping either. I share the cost of shipping that Berkey charges me. Berkey charged me more in shipping then you paid. I make up the difference on all orders. You placed two orders today, one item per order. Had you placed one order with both items in that order you would have cut your shipping in half because Berkey would have sent one box instead of two. I'm sorry for the inconvenience. Good news your order was received this morning. I processed it with Berkey and both items have shipped.

[@artcook1976]

I buy mine off Amazon ,better price as prime member no shipping

[@bluemoon4921]

You said 2 black berkey filters cost $54 but your chart says $154?

[@nancyarchibald9095]

Which is it please(?)... I'm chasing pennies right now. I would really like to get 4 black filters if possible.

[@hummingwind8869]

@@nancyarchibald9095 they are $154

[@coopdog114]

@@nancyarchibald9095 he said $54, but at the end of video, his store shows $154(2) and on sale for $148(2). Hope this helps.

[@LDSPrepper]

@@nancyarchibald9095 It is $154 MSRP on sale right now for $148 at www.LDSPrepperStore.com

[@GriffenNaif]

Thank for speaking the truth

[@LDSPrepper]

Always. Thank you.

[@laleebee1597]

The black rubber washers that come with the Berkey smell horrible and degrade. For this reason I’m looking for something else.

[@RyanHejlik]

Please show me where Berkey filters remove everything they claim over the 6,000 gallon lifespan. Or, does it do a great job for taste and odor over 6000 gallons because it's a giant carbon block loaded with silver and the important stuff that's extremely hard to remove (bacteria/virus/pfas/microplastics/etc) actually don't pass after a fraction of their claim? British Berkefeld also have NSF 42/53/372/401 on their newer version (Ultra Sterasyl) and they remove EVERYTHING they claim over the entirety of the filters life. They are also tested to true ANSI/NSF standards meaning they were tested to 800 gallons but only claim 400 gallons for the filters life. They also show all the data on the 800 gallons and how the filter performs.

[@richardsierakowski1623]

Thanks for the accurate and correct info.

[@jrhenry830]

I like that you use Duck instead of crooked Google.

[@tweakerkid]

DDG cannot be trusted either, please research further

[@racheal74]

Thank you

[@hansielogesh3423]

Get Phoenix Gravity Activated Carbon filter

[@rebeccalewis4947]

Will the black filters make swimming pool water drinkable?

[@LDSPrepper]

Yes, absolutely. I've done the test. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnScmoGVgN6cmdE

[@brianski007]

Good info thanks!

[@Greven64]

thank you for the info

[@sislertx]

I ordered mine a year ago..and still.cant.get it to work..i got the black filters..IT.SUCKS TOTALLY AND LUCKILY I STOPPED PROBABLY ABOUT 30 PEOPLE FROM GETTING ONE..AND.TWO.WHO DID RETURNED THEM BECAUSE THEY DO NOT WORK

[@Utah_Mike]

Please explain “they do not work”

[@That_Handle]

[Same query] here and are there filter preparation steps prior to use and regular maintenance tasks afterwards?

[@Bama_J]

Mine have been working for over 15 years now😂

[@janfelshaw8217]

So sorry you have had trouble. I just love mine.

[@LDSPrepper]

I hope you purchased it through an authorized dealer because if you did you had a 30 day return guarantee and unlimited access to the manufacturers customer support. I hope you didn't get a knock-off they are out there and very disappointing in results.

[@skaboosh]

It says 154 dollars not 54 dollars and here they're like 200 plus Euros.

[@Lovie25]

Berkley has 2 class action law suits about there filters

[@LDSPrepper]

NMCL - Publicity Statement (Release date 4-23-2021) We vigorously deny the allegations made in the lawsuit and intend to seek dismissal of the case. Multiple accredited third-party laboratories have tested our products and independently validated that they meet the exceptional standards of quality. Test reports from these laboratories are available on our website at berkeywaterkb.com/black-berkey-purification-elements-test-results/ for the benefit of our customers, and we welcome all interested parties to review them. We strongly believe the plaintiff’s allegations are not based on valid testing of authentic Black Berkey® elements. The allegations are incompatible with the previous testing performed on Berkey® products by independent laboratories. In addition, multiple characteristics and descriptions of the filtration elements described in the lawsuit more closely resemble those of knock-off, non-proprietary carbon activated filters that saturate major web platforms. The third-parties that advertise these knock-off products deceitfully imply that they are Black Berkey® elements or claim their products are “replacements” for or “interchangeable” with authentic Black Berkey® elements when they are not. See: Buyer Beware: Berkey® Knock-Off Products www.berkeywater.com/news/buyer-beware-berkey-knockoff-products/ Warning: Counterfeit & Imitation Water Filters May Be Hazardous to Your Health support.berkeywater.com/counterfeit-water-filter-warning/ Don’t Fall for “It Fits, So It’s a Replacement” support.berkeywater.com/avoid-imitation-replacement-water-filters/ We fully stand by the quality of Berkey® products and intend to defend and defeat this baseless lawsuit.

[@itsmeterri]

I furious that Berkey wants out of this lawsuit. I'm going to make sure this lawsuit goes through.

[@poisonfortheweak]

It reminds me of in the 80’s or 90’s when the soft drink companies reported the findings of 3rd party independent studies which all found that high fructose corn syrup had no ill or discernible effects on health. What they didn’t report is that they funded all of those studies and coerced findings. Not the first and only time that has happened in history. Also of course they deny the claims brought against them…. Just like pretty much every criminal on the planet… all innocent men, denying the allegations. Im just playing devils advocate. I don’t know if berkey is shady or not. I know that they have been accused of doing so- which doesn’t mean that they did or do anything wrong. I’m just saying that when you have multiple sources that Aren’t manufacturers, promoters or sellers of the product saying similar things… vs people who have vested interest in defending against what you call “hater” claims… you have to at least look into it. And you can’t classify me a “hater”- if I was a hater I wouldn’t have spent well over $1,000 of my hard earned money with the company, right? My opinions come from personal, first hand experience as a past customer of berkey. I’m not just some dude that came across a KZbin video and is just talking trash for fun. Again… I am not against you, and you probably believe in the filters and have had good experience with them, I don’t doubt that… so you’re making your claims from a good place with an honest tongue or at least your honest thoughts and experience. That doesn’t mean that other people all also have had great experiences. Dahmer’s social circles said he was a really well mannered, nice fellow. They didn’t know he had body parts in his home… So people can have incorrect opinions or perceptions- and btw that includes me here, I could be totally wrong myself. I just haven’t seen any convincing proof one way or another so I want to see evidence and objectivity😢 before just taking someone’s word. It’s just the smart thing to do. Discernment. Thanks for the video it was informative.

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

Thank you!

[@LDSPrepper]

You are welcome. Thank you for viewing and commenting

[@humblehalfacre8464]

.....You mean $154.00 for the 2 black filters.

[@michaelsherby371]

So were an I buy the Burke with black

[@LDSPrepper]

ldsprepperstore.com/collections/berkey

[@travismuhler]

All of your prices are more than what you showed on the video. I was about to buy from you when I saw the prices on the video.

[@LDSPrepper]

Prices on everything on the planet are going up. The longer you wait the higher they will be due to inflation.

[@unionse7en]

nice video ,like your scientific approach

[@romancemoderne1705]

both equally get the result of 0,9 micron filtration, so what you are saying is completely false !!! Berkenfeld take of chemicals and bacterias too not just the taste and color, also they are the first ones to create this system, Berkey was selling Berkenfeld before they create/copy their own models in america !!!