How to Use Activated Carbon to Filter Water
- 1). Fill the water tank with about 2 inches of coconut fiber. If the outlet is higher than this, add more fiber until the surface of the layer is above the outlet. The fiber will create a mesh that will stop the carbon from escaping. According to Alternative Healing, Coconut fiber has natural anti-fungal properties, making it especially suitable for water filtration. It is available from garden stores and upholstery suppliers.
- 2). Cover the coconut fiber with a 1-inch layer of activated carbon. This is available from aquarium and brewery suppliers. Try to obtain activated carbon that has been made from coconut shells rather than wood as this is more appropriate for drinking water.
- 3). Apply another 2-inch layer of coconut fiber.
- 4). Cover the coconut fiber with a 1-inch layer of sand. Pool filter sand is particularly good for this. It is supplied clean and free of contaminants and is an off-white color. This makes it easy to tell when it is dirty and needs replacing. There are various online suppliers of sand, especially for water filtration.
- 5). Repeat the layers until the tank is two-thirds full, finishing with a layer of sand. The filter is now ready for use.
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