Filtering idea

John, you found that your Frontier Pro filter was super slow. How bad is it?

I wonder, because I use a Frontier Pro in a gravity-flow rig, and speed is not a problem at all. Mine will pass about one liter per minute.

There might be something going on that is not apparent to you. For example, air bubbles can be quite frustrating if you don't see them.

Mine suddenly slowed down one time, so I took it apart and found pine needles and crud in the pre-filter section. I cleaned that out and it worked perfectly again. I carry some replacements with me, but I don't think I will use them unless it appears to be really necessary.

Here is another odd way of thinking about a 1 micron filter. Suppose that 90% gets caught in it. That might be "thinning out" the giardia population to a somewhat safer level, even though it isn't perfect. By all accounts, there seems to be some number of cysts necessary to actually get giardiasis started, but that number is not firm. The filter just adds one level of help.

–B.G.–

My experience with the Frontier Pro in gravity mode is 2.5 minutes per liter. I have come across a few complaints of "incessantly slow rate" — and I suspect there may be a quality issue. If you like everything else about the Frontier Pro, then I recommend you get a new one and give it another try.

I think that's a bad idea

You don't want a MYOG filter

You want one that's been engineered and tested

Gravity filter – how high is inlet above outlet? If you have more drop, they'll more pressure so it'll be faster. A little more tubing doesn't weigh that much.

I use about two feet of tubing above the filter.

Yes, I am not too convinced about what I hear about the DIY filters.

–B.G.–