Frequently Asked Questions
Ultra Fluoride FAQ
Is British Berkefeld (Doulton) Ultra Fluoride Filter the same as SCP Fluoride Plus?
The Ultra Fluoride Filter is the superior next generation for our SCP Fluoride PlusTM filter. It has been engineered to effectively remove everything the SCP Fluoride PlusTM filter removes PLUS 98.9% of fluoride, with an absolute filtration down to 0.9 microns it is literally the finest filter on the planet. The Ultra Fluoride Filter is 146mm high and has been specially manufactured by Doulton for Southern Cross Pottery distribution.
British Berkefeld and Doulton: Are they the same?
Yes! The following FAQs apply to both British Berkefeld and Doulton.
Who owns British Berkefeld and Doulton?
Both brands are owned by Fairey Industries and manufactured in England.
Why are some products marketed under different names?
They have a rich history in producing water purifying systems. Products are marketed under either name for historical reasons.
What is the British Berkefeld Water Filter Journey?
- Named after Wilhem Berkefeld, a German engineer. - Developed gravity-fed water filters using Kieselguhr (diatomaceous earth). - Crucial role in combating water-borne diseases (Hamburg's cholera outbreak).
What is the history of the Doulton brand?
- Manufactured in the UK for over 185 years. - Filters developed by Henry Doulton to combat cholera and other water-borne diseases. - Acquired Portacel’s domestic water filter business and the trademarks Berkefeld and Sterasyl in 1985. - Fairey Industrial Ceramics Limited (FICL) manufactures all Doulton® and British Berkefeld® ceramic drinking water filters in North Staffordshire, UK.
Why is it important to remove fluoride?
The Ultra Fluoride Filter effectively removes fluoride, addressing concerns related to dental fluorosis, skeletal health, neurological effects, and water taste.
How long does the Ultra Fluoride filter last?
Replace every 1600 litres or 6-9 months, ideally every 6 months for optimal performance.
How effective is the filter at removing fluoride over time?
Maintains high 90s percent removal efficiency throughout the filter's life.
Does the Doulton filter retain beneficial minerals?
Filters remove sedimentary minerals but retain beneficial ionic minerals such as magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, and manganese.
Why do Total Dissolved Solids increase with a Doulton filter?
Healthy mineral content increase may lead to a slight rise in Total Dissolved Solids.
Why does the pH level of my water increase with a Doulton filter?
Healthy mineral content increase may lead to a slight rise in water pH level.
Do Doulton filters work with hard water?
Ceramic filters do not soften or decalcify water, preserving beneficial minerals.
Are Doulton and British Berkefeld filters BPA-free?
Yes, all Doulton and British Berkefeld filters are made from BPA-free, food-grade polypropylene.
How do I clean a ceramic filter candle?
Buff gently with a scouring pad until the ceramic returns to its original whiteness. Do not use soap or detergents.
How do I know when my ceramic filter element needs cleaning or replacing?
Clean when water flow decreases, or the filter becomes discoloured. We recommend cleaning every 3 months and replacing every 6-9 months.
Why is my ceramic filter element discoloured?
Indicates effective sediment filtration. We recommend cleaning filters regularly to prevent sediment build-up and maintain flow rate.
Can I recycle my old ceramic filter?
Break ceramic shell and use in garden pots or soil; recycle the plastic frame.
Is it normal to have a little water left in the upper chamber?
Yes, it is normal to have some water left due to gravity filtration mechanics.
How should I store my system/filters before going on vacation?
Empty the top chamber and leave the lid off to let the ceramic filter dry. That's it!
Why is there sometimes a metallic taste when the filter is brand new?
Initial chemical reaction with carbon; safe to drink and dissipates in a few days.
Why are there carbon flecks in the bottom of the water purifier?
Normal in new filters, harmless carbon bits.
Why is the water not flowing quickly?
The new Doulton Ultra Fluoride filter can purify approximately 900 ml per hour of water. To achieve optimal flow, a few initial steps are necessary—please refer to the FAQ section titled "How to make water flow quicker?" The Ultra Fluoride filter is a vastly superior filter in terms of impurities removed and effectiveness over time BUT has a slower flow rate than its predecessor for two key reasons:
- The Doulton filter does not use hot melt to secure the ceramic filter to the plastic housing. When hot melt is used, water can seep around the ceramic and the mount, allowing faster flow, but this means not all water passes through the filtration system. With the Doulton Ultra Fluoride, all water is forced through the filter, ensuring thorough filtration.
- Doulton does not use bone char as the primary filtering media, which typically offers little resistance to water flow. Instead, Doulton’s design includes a much thicker ceramic shell, a solid carbon block inside the ceramic, and loose media—all of which create more resistance and result in a slower flow. The ultra fluoride filters down to 0.2 micron, previous filter 0.9.
- The ultra fluoride filters do not have weak points in pore size, pin holes and mounting. All of these faults cause the water to pass at a fast rate through the filter element as water moves through the path of least resistance.
Because of the slower flow, the outcome is significantly better. More impurities are removed, and unlike the previous filter, the Ultra Fluoride maintains its effectiveness throughout its lifespan.
How to make water flow quicker (especially when new)?
It is advisable to pre-soak the filter so that you acquire a good flow of water from the very beginning, this process removes any air in the filter. Place the filter upside down in a pot of water overnight with the white ceramic submerged and the thread exposed to the air, in the morning remove from water and shake up and down vigorously for about 10 seconds holding on to the plastic frame as you do this. To install: place the candle mount stem through the hole in the upper chamber of the filter housing, secure from underneath with the washer and wing nut supplied - DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN the wing nut as that might reduce the flow. Initially you should get a flow of about 750 ml per hour which will increase over time. The ultra fluoride filters down to 0.2 micron (far more than any other competing gravity filter) and might initially be slower than previous filters you have used BUT it is removing far more impurities.
Are zeolites used in the manufacturing of the Doulton filters?
The carbon in our filters uses an advanced adsorbent media designed for the efficient removal of heavy metals from drinking water applications. No, the media is not considered a zeolite. Zeolites are chemically completely different from the compounds used in our media.
Why is there an unpleasant taste when I first use the filter?
When the filter is brand new it is very common for customers to identify a soapy or sweet or perfume like or chemical or metallic taste to the water - everyone perceives taste in a slightly different way - this is only a temporary phenomena and goes away shortly. When the water first comes into contact with the carbon media on the inside of the filter there is a chemical reaction making the water more alkaline, after a few days or about 18 litres the ph goes back to neutral and the water will taste fine.
