KX MATRIKX Pb1 10-Inch Length Extruded Carbon Block Filter Cartridge, 1-Pack

I recently installed three different water filters all together under my kitchen sink:1) Culligan D-10A Level 1 Drinking Water Replacement Cartridge Carbon-Impregnated Cellulose (2 filters for $10); 2) Pentek EP-10 Carbon Block Filter Cartridge (9-3/4" x 2-7/8"), 5 Micron ($12.50) & 3) KX MATRIKX Pb1, Extruded Carbon Block -- 0.5 micron Water Filter Cartridge, 06-250-125-975 (was $17). I used 3 inexpensive Culligan water filters housings to plumb my system. I used a simple PVC water valve to adjust (slow) the water through my last 2 drinking water filters. My plumbing has the cold water at sink tap going through 1st filter: The Culligan's Carbon-Impregnated Cellulose filter. ... Then that filtered water is plumbed to also feed my drinking water facet through 2 additonal filter housings which had in line the Pentek EP-10 (5 micron) carbon block filter, then the better KX MATRIKX Pb1 (0.5 micron) carbon block filter.I tested the hot water & cold water at sink tap, and then my drinking water at separate drinking water tap with a TDS water quality tester (HM Digital TDS-4 Total Dissolved Solids Pocket Size Meter). I was surprised to find my TDS (total devolved solids) was slightly higher at my drinking water tap which is channeled through 2 additional carbon block filters than the cold water sink tap going through just the cheaper Culligan filter. I measured 125 TDS on hot water side of facet that has no filtering; 90 TDS at cold water sink facet going through just the Culligan cellulose filter; and 92 or 93 TDS at drinking water tap running through the two additional carbon block filters. This was after flushing the filters for the recommended 5 minuets (I likely did 10 minutes, then used setup for a week). I wondered why the TDS test results would be higher after going through the two additional carbon block filters??? Testing some more: When I took the Pentek EP-10 (5 micron) carbon block filter out of the 2nd postion housing and left that housing empty, ... I got the results I wanted to see. The TDS then measured at 87 at drinking water tap. That was 3 less TDS than the cold water sink tap) going through only the Culligan Carbon-Impregnated Cellulose Filter.While I have not done further tests, I suspect the Pentek filter might be below par and somehow added TDS to my drinking water setup. These test results were on filters that were all replaced about one week earlier. I believe the KX MATRIKX Pb1 (0.5 micron) filter is worth the extra money. The cheaper Culligan certainly does some good filtering of TDS too, but the KX MATRIKX provide better tasting water. I would test these filters out more if I was getting paid for it. I won't be buying the Pentek brand again unless they supply me with a new filter that gets better TDS test results. TDS test might not represent the full picture.

I bought this filter as supplied on Amazon by Healthy Biz Healthy Home. I stored it away and did not install for a couple of years until Sept 2016. The filter seems like it does nothing whatsoever, from the start. I flushed it for a full five minutes. Also strange is the fact that no charcoal came out of the first water as is usual on any charcoal filter I've used in past. At first I thought it was residual chlorine from my cleaning out the housing. But after a month the problem is the same. Chlorine taste clear and present, same as untreated tap water. We have city water, sediment is not that bad and chlorine medium I would guestimate. I can usually go a couple years even without replacing filters, based on taste, we only use for drinking water and ice. I have had this dual stage under sink filter system for over a decade and have gone through many filters, never have I installed a filter set that passed chlorine taste like this. In front is a 1 micron sediment filter, then this for odor and taste and supposedly a 0.5 micron bio agent filter. My same usual setup. Believe me this is not installer error as I have done this umpteen times, no leaks, no problems. The filter housing will not screw tight unless the filters are seated correctly. Also the water flow is much higher than with past filters. It is hard to believe this is a 0.5 micron filter, it acts as if there are high flow filters or nothing at all. Today I replaced it with a 5 micron (no not 0.5) charcoal filter that lists for less money and is not as highly spec'd. Chlorine taste is instantly gone. Flow rate is reduced. That is a filter rated at 10x larger particle size passage. Odd? I think so.I have wonder if I was sold a non-genuine product. Caveat emptor. I pulled the filter out and it has grey end plastic caps that say MATRIKX (R) MADE IN USA stamped on. I bought two and still have the unopened second filter. The label is adhered to the outside of the plastic wrap. I cannot tell for certain if this is genuine and how would I know? I do believe Amazon has a big problem selling non-genuine articles of brand name products. In this as well as many other categories. They seem to have no means whatsoever in place to guarantee the genuine source of products, other than after the fact feedback such as this. Using customers as guinea pig product testers. Maybe I will just stick with the good old hardware store.