BRS Universal Carbon Block

[ryshark]

@Bulk Reef Supply
I noticed the new Universal Carbon Blocks look different from the previous version, as shown in the photos. Are these an upgrade in filtration performance, or primarily a design change?

My water supply sometimes contains chloramines, so I’m particularly interested in how the two versions compare for chloramine removal. Could you provide the manufacturer’s specifications or performance data sheets for both, including rated chloramine capacity and the flow rate and test conditions used?

Thank you!

 

[spsick]

Following. These filters are the backbone of my successful reef, so supplier change is concerning.

 

[ryshark]

Following. These filters are the backbone of my successful reef, so supplier change is concerning.

Same. The carbon block itself of the new version appears to be substantially smaller.

 

[spsick]

Same. The carbon block itself of the new version appears to be substantially smaller.

Does it have the ratings like they used to? the former iteration was rated for 3500 gallons chlorine at .5 GPM, considerably better than competing models @2500g.

 

[ryshark]

Does it have the ratings like they used to? the former iteration was rated for 3500 gallons chlorine at .5 GPM, considerably better than competing models @2500g.

Yeah, I think the paper label is the same. I have it shown in the pictures.

 

[ryshark]

I just saw that @Battlecorals thread in this forum from over a month ago has no replies from @Bulk Reef Supply so we’ll be lucky to get an answer here.

 

[ryshark]

Does it have the ratings like they used to? the former iteration was rated for 3500 gallons chlorine at .5 GPM, considerably better than competing models @2500g.

label says 2,000 gallons chloramines, while BRS website lists 3,500 at 0.5 GPM in the description? Did the old label say 3500?

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-...D=4027&indexName=brs_prod_m2_default_products

 

[spsick]

label says 2,000 gallons chloramines, while BRS website lists 3,500 at 0.5 GPM in the description? Did the old label say 3500?

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-...D=4027&indexName=brs_prod_m2_default_products

Screen grab from one of their comparison videos:

 

[mfollen]

I can’t believe BRS would change out such a massively popular product and not put any information out on what changed and what didn’t. @Bulk Reef Supply this is very concerning. I know without the info we need, I’ll be looking elsewhere for replacements

 

[spsick]

Has anyone emailed them? This new filter looks identical to the Matrikx CTO Plus (which is not rated for chloramines). the Matrikx Chloraguard rated better for chloramines than the BRS universal, but it’s also 50% expensive.

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

Following along to see where this goes. I’ve been using the universal carbon blocks since forever. I myself would never have known they changed! I have a few on hand from an order about a year ago (probably the old style I’m guessing) and have one or two changeouts before bingo. Where I live they use chloramines unannounced from time to time, typically spring and summer as it gets hot out. Thanks for posting this as I honestly would never have known.

 

[MyFirstCar]

Following here, im on entirely chloramines so this is very concerning to me.

 

[spsick]

@ryshark can you take a better pic of your label? Cant read any of the fine print. Here is mine from a couple months ago.

 

[ryshark]

@ryshark can you take a better pic of your label? Cant read any of the fine print. Here is mine from a couple months ago.

I threw it away but I went to LFS today and got a better picture from the supply there.

 

[Reefing102]

I have no dog in the fight, but it looks like it’s missing the mesh that goes around (could just be a design change there).

Looking at the wrapper it still shows 3,500 gallons for chloraminrs at .5 gpm. Though a different design, not sure if it really affects anything.

 

[DeeBee]

I was alarmed until I checked this morning and realized that is the version (non mesh) I have been using since June.

 

[SinkyShippy]

I find that updated versions are almost never better. They do it to lower their manufacturing costs.

 

[ryshark]

I find that updated versions are almost never better. They do it to lower their manufacturing costs.

Even the label looks like it went from high gloss paper to copy paper, haha. My guess is that it’s a different manufacturer entirely.

 

[ryshark]

I have no dog in the fight, but it looks like it’s missing the mesh that goes around (could just be a design change there).

Looking at the wrapper it still shows 3,500 gallons for chloraminrs at .5 gpm. Though a different design, not sure if it really affects anything.

It’s not just a missing mesh that’s different. For all I know this new version could be better. I doubt it, but it’s possible.

 

[spsick]

It’s not just a missing mesh that’s different. For all I know this new version could be better. I doubt it, but it’s possible.

Do things ever get better with private equity?