Introduction: Choosing the Right Filter Media for Clean Water
When it comes to water filtration, two media are widely debated—Zeolite and Activated Carbon. Each has its own strengths, and the choice depends on:
The type of water being treated
Contaminants present (e.g. chlorine, ammonia, organics, color, odor)
Filtration objectives (clarity, taste, odor, safety)
Budget and lifespan
In this guide, we’ll help you decide which media is better suited to your needs.
What Is Zeolite?
Zeolite is a naturally occurring aluminosilicate mineral with a honeycomb-like structure. It works through ion exchange and mechanical filtration. In India, zeolite is popular for:
Ammonia removal
Turbidity reduction
Sediment filtration in pool and pre-treatment systems
However, natural zeolite quality varies, and performance often depends on purity and particle size.
What Is Activated Carbon?
Activated carbon—especially from coconut shells—is a highly porous adsorbent. It is created by steam activation at high temperatures to develop millions of micro-pores.
It is widely used for:
Chlorine and chloramine removal
Taste and odor correction
Organic and pesticide removal
Heavy metals (in some cases)
Zeolite vs Activated Carbon: Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Zeolite | Activated Carbon |
|---|---|---|
| Filtration Type | Mechanical + Ion Exchange | Adsorption |
| Pore Size | Micron-level (macropores) | Sub-micron (micro & mesopores) |
| Effective for | Turbidity, Ammonia, TSS | Chlorine, Color, Odor, VOCs |
| Chlorine Removal | ❌ Very limited | ✅ Highly effective |
| Ammonia Removal | ✅ Moderate to good | ❌ Not applicable |
| Bacterial Growth | Medium risk | Low risk (with proper backwash) |
| Typical Lifespan | 2–5 years | 6–12 months |
| Cost | Low to medium | Medium to high |
| Application | Pool filtration, RO pre-treatment | Drinking water, STP polishing, RO pre-treatment |
| Regeneration | Not practical | Disposable or steam-regenerated |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Preferred Grade | 0.5–1.2 mm Clinoptilolite | 0.6–1.2 mm Coconut Shell GAC |
Verdict: Which Media Should You Choose?
Choose Activated Carbon if:
You want to remove chlorine, odor, color, pesticides, or organic compounds
You’re treating potable water or industrial process water
You’re dealing with taste issues
Choose Zeolite if:
You want ammonia removal (e.g., in aquaculture or pools)
Your focus is turbidity, TSS, or sediment control
You’re designing multi-media beds for pre-filtration
Starke’s Premium Filter Media Options
Purozite® – Zeolite Enhanced for Filtration
Modified clinoptilolite structure
Higher surface area and flow rate
Uniform size (0.6–1.2 mm)
Ideal for pool filters, sand filter replacement
Lower backwash frequency
Coconut Shell Activated Carbon
High iodine value (≥ 1000 mg/g)
AWWA B604 compliant
Ideal for dechlorination and organics removal
Available in 0.6–1.2 mm and 1.2–2.4 mm sizes
Packed in 25 kg HDPE bags
Real-World Performance Snapshot
| Parameter | Purozite (Zeolite) | Coconut Shell Carbon |
|---|---|---|
| Turbidity (NTU) | Reduced from 6 to 0.6 | Reduced from 4 to 0.9 |
| Chlorine (ppm) | No effect | Reduced from 2.5 to <0.1 |
| Ammonia (ppm) | Reduced from 1.8 to 0.3 | No effect |
| Backwash Interval | Every 7–10 days | Every 3–5 days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use zeolite and activated carbon together?
Yes, in a multi-media system. Use zeolite as the lower layer and carbon above it.
Q2. Which media lasts longer?
Zeolite (2–3 years) typically lasts longer than activated carbon (6–12 months).
Q3. Which is better for color removal?
Activated carbon is far more effective in removing color and organic compounds.
Q4. Is Starke Purozite safe for drinking water?
Yes, it’s free of harmful contaminants and is used in pre-filtration for RO.
Not sure which media is right for your filtration system?
Let our experts at Starke guide you to the most effective solution.
Email: info@starkefiltermedia.com
Website: www.starkefiltermedia.com