Ceramic Candle Filter For Gravity Water Purifiers
This ceramic water filter candle uses two stages of filtration within a single cartridge. Water first passes through the micro-porous ceramic outer shell, which acts as a physical barrier against sediment, bacteria and cysts. It then flows through the internal activated carbon and proprietary adsorbent media, which target fluoride and a broad range of chemical contaminants.
Gravity filtration relies on contact time rather than water pressure. As water moves slowly through the filter media, contaminants have more time to be captured and reduced. This process also preserves naturally occurring minerals in the water.
Under normal operating conditions, the filter produces approximately 1 litre of filtered water per hour. Flow rate may vary depending on water quality, the amount of water in the upper chamber and the condition of the ceramic surface. If the flow becomes noticeably slower, the outer ceramic shell may require cleaning.
Why Choose A Fluoride Removal Filter Candle?
Many Australian drinking water supplies contain fluoride as part of municipal water treatment programs. While fluoridated water complies with Australian drinking water guidelines, some households prefer a gravity-compatible filter candle that reduces fluoride as part of their overall water filtration system.
The FGC-ULTRA is Aquastream's fluoride-reduction filter candle for compatible gravity water purifiers. Product testing reports up to 97% fluoride reduction, along with the removal of chlorine, chloramines, lead, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds and other contaminants listed in the product performance data. It has also been tested for the reduction of chlorine, chloramines, lead, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds and other contaminants listed in the product performance data.
For owners of compatible gravity water purifiers, replacing the filter candle is a practical way to maintain filtration performance without modifying the purifier or installing additional equipment.
Contaminant Reduction Data
| Contaminant |
Reduction Performance |
Test Standard / Reference |
| Fluoride |
Up to 97% |
Envirotek |
| Chlorine |
>99% |
ANSI/NSF Standard 42 |
| Chloramines |
>99% |
ANSI/NSF Standard 42 |
| Lead |
>99% |
ANSI/NSF Standard 53 |
| Heavy Metals (Aluminium, Iron, Mercury, Nickel, Zinc) |
>98% |
ANSI/NSF Standard 53 |
| VOCs |
>98% |
ANSI/NSF Standard 53 |
| Pathogenic Bacteria |
>99.9999% |
Cholera, Typhoid, Salmonella, E. Coli, Faecal Coliform |
| Cysts |
100% |
Cryptosporidium Parvum, Giardia Lamblia |
| Sediment |
100% absolute to 0.5 micron |
IBR Laboratories |
| Glyphosate |
>99.9% |
Product Test Data |
| Herbicides |
>99% |
Product Test Data |
| Pharmaceutical Compounds |
>95% |
ANSI/NSF Standard 401 (Envirotek) |
| Nitrates |
>92% |
Product Test Data |
Performance figures are based on Aquastream-approved product testing and applicable contaminant-specific standards where stated. References to ANSI/NSF Standards 42, 53 and 401 apply only to the contaminants listed against those standards and should not be interpreted as applying to all contaminant reduction claims. NSF/ANSI 61 applies to drinking-water contact materials and is separate from contaminant reduction performance testing. Results may vary depending on source water quality and operating conditions.
What NSF And Test Claims Mean
NSF and ANSI certifications refer to different aspects of water filtration performance.
NSF/ANSI 61 relates to the safety of materials used in contact with drinking water. It confirms that the materials used in the filter meet recognised requirements for drinking water applications.
Contaminant reduction claims are supported separately through product-specific testing and applicable standards. Individual performance claims should be considered alongside the relevant test data for each contaminant.
Gravity Water Filter Compatibility
This ceramic candle water filter suits gravity water purifiers with mounting hole diameters between 12.5 mm and 20 mm.
Compatible brands include:
- Southern Cross Pottery (SCP)
- Stefani single-filter purifiers
- Durand
- Waterco
- Australis
- Pozzani
Important: This filter is not suitable for Stefani purifiers that use two filter candles.
Compatibility Checklist
- Hole diameter between 12.5 mm and 20 mm
- Gravity-fed water purifier
- Single-candle configuration where applicable
- Existing candle-style filter design
Flow Rate, Cleaning And Filter Life
Gravity water filters operate more slowly than pressurised filtration systems. The FGC-ULTRA has an approximate flow rate of 1 litre per hour, allowing water to remain in contact with the filtration media for longer as it passes through the filter.
Flow rate can vary depending on source water quality, sediment levels and the volume of water held in the upper chamber. As the ceramic surface collects fine particles, water flow may gradually decrease.
If the flow becomes noticeably slower, clean the outer ceramic shell according to Aquastream's maintenance instructions. Regular cleaning can help restore flow and maximise filter performance.
Ceramic Candle Filter Vs Reverse Osmosis
A ceramic candle filter and a reverse osmosis system are different types of water filtration.
The FGC-ULTRA is a gravity-fed candle filter for water used in compatible gravity water purifiers. Water passes through a ceramic outer shell and specialised filtration media to reduce a broad range of contaminants while retaining naturally occurring minerals.
Reverse osmosis systems use a semi-permeable membrane to reduce dissolved contaminants and require a dedicated filtration system rather than a replacement filter candle.
For customers using a compatible gravity water purifier, the FGC-ULTRA provides a straightforward replacement option that maintains the existing filtration setup.
FAQ's
Does this ceramic candle filter remove fluoride?
Yes. Product testing reports up to 97% fluoride reduction. Not all ceramic filter candles are manufactured for fluoride reduction. The FGC-ULTRA combines a ceramic outer shell with specialised internal filtration media that contributes to its tested fluoride reduction performance.
Will this candle filter fit my gravity water purifier?
This filter suits gravity water purifiers with mounting hole diameters between 12.5 mm and 20 mm. Compatible brands include Southern Cross Pottery, Stefani single-filter models, Durand, Waterco, Australis and Pozzani. It is not suitable for Stefani purifiers that use two filter candles.
Why does the water filter candle flow slowly?
Gravity filtration operates more slowly than pressurised filtration systems. The FGC-ULTRA has an approximate flow rate of 1 litre per hour, which allows more contact time between the water and the filtration media. If the flow decreases over time, the ceramic surface may require cleaning.
How do I clean the ceramic candle filter?
When water flow becomes slow, scrub the outer ceramic shell according to Aquastream's maintenance instructions. Removing the build-up on the ceramic surface can help restore normal flow.
Does this filter remove beneficial minerals?
Unlike reverse osmosis systems, this filtration method retains naturally occurring minerals while reducing a broad range of contaminants listed in the product performance data.
What does NSF Certified ANSI 61 mean?
NSF/ANSI 61 relates to the materials used in contact with drinking water. It confirms that those materials meet recognised requirements for drinking water applications. Contaminant reduction claims should be read alongside the relevant product test data for each contaminant.
