The Black Berkey Red Food Coloring Test

The Black Berkey Red Food Coloring Test

By Dan DeBaun

**Important - There are more and more "artificial-free" red food coloring dyes coming onto the market. This is great for our food consumption, but this type of dye will get through the filters and provide a false/inaccurate reading of a defective filter. We're seeing this more and more with our customers who then think their filters are defective, when in fact they are NOT.

The red food coloring MUST be artificial using reds FD&C 40 and/or 3. The test only works with this artificial red dye, and the filters are designed to remove this out. If the artificial red dye makes it through, then you have a defective filter.

The Black Berkey red food coloring test provides the opportunity to showcase the impressive purification power of the Black Berkey elements. The black berkeys come standard with all our berkey water filter systems. Many water filter companies make claims to their high quality, but Berkey water filters go one step further by making their lab test results public and presenting demonstrations such as the red food coloring test. While helpful for new customers to see the Black Berkey filters in action, it is invaluable for the existing customer base since it can be used at anytime during the life of the filters to ensure they are working to design specifications.

McCormick Red Food Coloring

McCormick Red Food Coloring

Whether the original black berkeys have been in operation for the past 3, 7, or 10 years, one can perform this test at anytime to see if it's time for a replacement. We recommend customers place a cup underneath each filter as this will help isolate which filter is exhausted, and which is still purifying effectively.

With other water filters, the customer must assume their system is working to specifications or spend the time and money to perform water tests. This time lapse video shows how simple the red food coloring test can be done after priming your Black Berkey filters.

Performing the Red Food Coloring Test

  1. Start with an empty system (upper/lower chamber) and be sure to remove any PF-2 filters that may be attached.
  2. Check to make sure your black berkeys are installed with a tight seal and not allowing water to bypass the filter at the wingnut/washer connection. You'll want to double check that these connections are tight.
  3. Place a glass in the lower chamber directly underneath each black berkey filter. So, 2 glasses if you are using 2 Black Berkey Filters.
  4. Next, fill your upper chamber with water and add 1 teaspoon of red food coloring for every gallon of water (only red please).
  5. After 5-10 minutes, look to see if any of the water in the glasses are red or have any pinkish tinge. If one does, then that particular filter above it is defective or saturated/exhausted.

Important Note For European Customers

Due to the fact that artificial red food color is banned in the UK/EU because of health concerns the instructions for the red food color test are not the same as the instructions you find on the American Berkey system assembly sheet. Do not follow the instructions on the enclosed assembly sheet.

UK/EU Red Food Coloring Test directions

Use only red food color sold in tiny 38-50ml bottles without any added glucose, sugars or thickening agents. These are available at all major supermarkets or Asian food shops. Do not use Dr. Oetker Gel Food Color Bright Red or any other gel-based food color.

Completely fill the upper chamber of a Travel, Light, Big or Royal Berkey with water, and then add a (1/4) quarter teaspoon or less of red food coloring to the upper chamber, stirring well. Add a (1/2) half teaspoon or less to the upper chamber of an Imperial or Crown Berkey. The water should have a slight pinkish tinge. If the food coloring is completely removed, your system is working properly. If not, make sure the wing nuts on the elements as well as the blocking plugs are securely tightened then re-run the test.

Once you have determined the water is running through clear for 5 -10 minutes the remainder of the colored water in the upper chamber can be discarded.

What Are Your Results?

As mentioned above, any red/pink in the filtered water indicates a need for filter replacement. If the water comes through clear, then you can be confident that the filters are performing as designed and removing contaminants from the water.

We recommend running this red food coloring test every 6 months. Besides checking that your filters are working as designed, it will also verify that the filter connections are sealed properly and everything is in working order.

Dan DeBaun

Dan DeBaun

Dan DeBaun is the owner and operator of Big Berkey Water Filters. Prior to Berkey, Dan was an asset manager for a major telecommunications company. He graduated from Rutgers with an undergraduate degree in industrial engineering, followed by an MBA in finance from Rutgers as well. Dan enjoys biohacking, exercising, meditation, beach life, and spending time with family and friends.

~ The Owner of Big Berkey Water Filters

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  • Avatar of Ely Ely 2023-04-10 21:03:38

    I'm trying to convince someone how important it is to clean their Berkey filter. I know the red dye test is designed to see if filters need to be replaced, but is there a test to see if the filters need to be cleaned?

  • Avatar of Dan DeBaun Dan DeBaun 2023-04-10 23:35:58

    Hi Ely -

    No, there is not. Typically, you would only want to clean the filters if they are clogged and water is not getting through.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Edna Hernandez Edna Hernandez 2023-02-16 03:09:16

    Hello,
    I did the red dye test and the water is clear, but there's debris on all 4 cups.
    I just change 2 filters last month. What do I do?

  • Avatar of Dan DeBaun Dan DeBaun 2023-02-16 18:44:35

    Hi Edna -

    We have never heard of debris from the filters before. Can you explain what this debris is, looks like, etc?

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Lauren Lauren 2020-10-10 00:47:04

    Do we have to drain the whole upper chamber, or just long enough to fill a glass?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2020-10-12 16:26:31

    Hi Lauren -

    Just enough to fill a glass.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Natilie Natilie 2020-05-02 02:11:06

    My Burkey is just days old. After it arrived I didn't set it up immediately because I had to wait for the flouride filters to be restocked and I wanted everything to be used at the same time. While doing the red dye test the water kept bypassing the wing nut and I see absolutely no water coming out of the filter.

    I've only hand tightened the wing nuts, multiple times, per the instructions and the water is not pink but very red. The instructions say to remove the rubber washers during the test but I feel like they would make a tremendous difference in the results.

    Since they're just rubber can I use them during the test?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2020-05-04 17:00:59

    Hi Natalie -

    The rubber washers should be in the upper chamber, between the black berkeys and the bottom of the upper chamber's stainless steel. So, these are required for proper black berkey installation, and before any testing.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Nikole Curfman Nikole Curfman 2020-02-25 17:18:32

    I received my very first Berkey a couple months ago for Xmas. I’ve loved it since setting it up. I’m curious though about the red dye test (which I was not aware of), if I have a defective filter is it replaced free of charge? How is this handled? Those are a pretty penny to go through so many possible defective ones. I really want to keep loving my Berkey! Thanks!

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2020-02-25 17:21:50

    Hi Nicole -

    Defective filters are very rare, but we always recommend the test. If your filter is defective, you would contact us at customerservice@bigberkeywaterfilters.com and a rep would provide the instructions for the warranty replacement process.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Audrey Williams Audrey Williams 2020-02-06 19:19:49

    Been having a time with our black filters and the red dye test. Got our issue narrowed down to the nut that screws onto the stem of the black filter is stripped and not sealing completely, are we able to order more wing nuts?

    Also, one of the filter has the water coming out rather quickly. Any ideas? These filters are just 14 months and by the calculation should last us 6 years for the amount we use daily so I can’t imagine that this filter would be spent.

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2020-02-06 20:33:58

    Hi Audrey -

    If you have proof of purchase from our dealership, we would be able to send you a second set of wingnuts free of charge. The speed can vary on the filters. As long as they are passing the red food coloring test, this would not be a concern.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Josh Edmondson Josh Edmondson 2020-01-15 15:17:28

    Hi,

    I performed the test and got a slight pink color in the water. Also, I accidentally left the Fluoride filters on, but I ran tap water through and there was no pink.

    Two questions...

    1. Does the pink tinge mean the filters are defective? All the bolts are secure.
    2. Are my fluoride filters ok since they’re now producing clear water?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2020-01-21 19:46:04

    Hi Josh -

    1) Yes, the pink means either one of the filters are faulty, or the connections are not tightened enough. Pls troubleshoot further and let us know, or contact one of our reps for assistance in troubleshooting.
    2) The fluoride filters should be ok if clear water is flowing through.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Jess Jess 2019-10-23 22:30:25

    Got an all clear.

    What I don't understand.....
    Arrived Friday, put together, primed & flushed through.
    Next day water like clear, same Sunday but close reduces massively.
    Monday, water goes back to looking dirty/ murky when boiled.

    Have used a good mineral water for about 8yrs and don't have murky boiled water.

    So, reprimed and got flow back Monday afternoon.
    Tuesday slightly less but still murky water.
    Same today, so carried out test and looks clear.

    I don't understand how I had two days if crystal clear water (which is what I was expecting).
    Tonka have murky boiled water.

    While it's good to have mineral, there is also too much of a good thing when it comes to minerals that aren't very bioavailable.

    Look forward to hearing from you, thanks
    Jess

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2019-10-24 14:09:04

    Hi Jess -

    The minerals in your water will be the same pre and post filtration, so unless you have extremely high mineral content in your source water, these mineral levels will not increase. I cannot find an order under your e-mail address, and am looking to determine whether you are using fluoride filters or not? Please let us know.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Debra Debra 2018-12-12 23:36:45

    Hi! I did the red dye test on my new Royal Berkey and it failed. I checked that the plugs were installed correctly and tight. The filters were installed correctly. I used a paper towel to see if dye was leaking around them and paper towel was dry.I primed before installing ran a batch of water through then did the red dye test. I emptied the tanks and washed them out, removed the filters and re primed them put it all back together and did test again with glasses under both filters and both glasses had red water in them. The ingredients in my red dye are “water, propylene glycol, fd&c red 40. Are both filters defective?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2018-12-16 22:35:40

    Hi Debra -

    Yes, they may be. If you cannot determine any leaks, then both filters may need replacing.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Danica Danica 2018-11-27 19:39:55

    Hi Dan,

    I accidentally left the PF-2 filters in while performing this test. Are they still salvageable? How many flushes do you think it will take for them to clean themselves?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2018-11-28 19:38:09

    Hi Danica -

    If the red food coloring did not get in them, then you're fine. If it did, its very difficult to fully wash it out, but it is still possible with lots of flushing.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Stephanie Sugawara Stephanie Sugawara 2018-03-18 23:59:51

    Hi Dan,
    I performed red dye test with proper dye and glasses underneath and got one glass with lightly tinged pink. I retried, making sure that everything was secured correctly and got the same results. I've only had black filters for about 6 months. What are the return options for filter? I have not used excessively.
    Thank you
    Stephanie

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2018-03-19 19:55:34

    Hi Stephanie -

    Please contact us at customerservice@bigberkeywaterfilters.com with your full name and order number and a rep can assist in having that filter replaced under the warranty.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of J. Thompson J. Thompson 2018-03-18 17:36:02

    Is it necessary to re-prime the filters after doing the red dye test or can I just rinse the whole upper chamber and begin enjoying my pure clean water again? There is nothing in the instructions about that.

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2018-03-19 19:56:25

    Hi J -

    You can just rinse out the upper chamber and start using it again. No need to re-prime.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Branko Branko 2018-02-13 22:52:00

    Hi Dan,

    No, I used red dye as instructed, there is no red color so it is filtering it out but the water seems lightly murkier and when you look against the light seems like it has some sort of bluish color. Definitely looks different compared to tap water that is crystal clear and colorless. I tried flushing the system 2-3 times and now have added the fluoride reduction filters and still the same. Do you have any suggestions?

  • Avatar of Branko Branko 2018-02-13 12:23:21

    Hi,

    I just got the Royal Berkey and am doing the red dye test and the water seems to have some sort of blueish tint, sort of slightly blueish and murky. Faucet water definitely looks clearer. Is that normal?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2018-02-13 15:43:26

    Hi Branko -

    No, this is not normal. There is no blue in the filters/system so we're not sure where this would be coming from. Are you using blue dye or red dye for the test?

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Cindy Cindy 2018-02-08 00:45:19

    I have a new Berkey, and I used a neon pink food dye, it failed, but is this because i did not use "red" dye?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2018-02-08 14:53:32

    Hi Cindy -

    Yes, it is a requirement that you use artificial red dye for the test. The size of the red dye particles are what's needed for testing the filter pore tolerances. Other dyes will not be effective for the test.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Eric Eric 2018-01-13 01:58:28

    I recently cleaned my one year old black filters and they started filtering fairly quickly which was great. I decided to do the red dye test and no dye got through, which is also great! But right after the test, the filters seemed to filter slower than before, even after another cleaning. Could the dye test have causes this?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2018-01-16 02:50:33

    Hi Eric -

    No, this is most likely because of the cleaning. If you scrubbed the filters, then sometimes the scrubbing pushes the debris into the filter and can clog it more. Re-priming is recommended post cleaning if you experience this slow down in filtration.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Rob Rob 2017-04-26 15:52:17

    Thanks Dan for quick reply. I will get another dye.

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2017-04-26 16:05:49

    Ok, sounds good Rob.

    Yes, there are more and more zero-artificial red food colorings coming onto the market, so many customers are getting false readings in their filter tests. We appreciate your figuring this out.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Rob Rob 2017-04-26 15:51:13

    Just checked the food dye manufacturer Web page, it says no artificial colors or flavours! Guess I need a different red food dye?

  • Avatar of Rob Rob 2017-04-26 15:40:13

    My test with red food coloring results in a pink color in the filtered water. I have refitted the elements to check. They are new elements. The pink water is definitely coming through both the filters, and not leaking through the fitting. Is it possible my red dye isn't artificial enough? Listed ingredients are - water, propylene glycol, glycerine, emulsifier (polysorbate 80), colors (carmine, curcumin), acidity regulators (citric acid, potassium hydroxide)

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2017-04-26 15:50:19

    Hi Rob -

    It needs to have the artificial red dye in there like this one.

    http://www.target.com/p/mccormick-red-food-color-1-oz/-/A-13353208?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Grocery+Essentials+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Grocery&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9003977&gclid=CL-vpKa8wtMCFcdWDQodPa8CKg&gclsrc=aw.ds

    I would try that first before assuming both filters are defective.

    Thanks
    DAn

  • Avatar of Heather McAllister Heather McAllister 2017-04-19 09:50:42

    My filters are failing the red dye test. If there is water remaining in the upper chamber following this test does that confirm there is not a problem with any of the connectors i.e. wingnuts etc.?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2017-04-19 17:43:04

    Hi Heather -

    Not necessarily as there just may not be enough pressure at those lower water levels to expose the poor seal. First off, I would make sure you are using 2 glasses underneath your filters in the lower chamber so that they are isolated when performing the test. As an alternative, you can also prop the upper chamber up on 2 large pots in your sink and then start the red dye test again (not using the lower chamber). You can then watch in real time as water starts to filter through and check to see if you see if water leaking at the seals. As an aside, a common error is not placing the washers in the upper chamber between the filter and the stainless steel.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Sabra Sabra 2017-04-01 00:05:16

    This is my 2nd set of black filters. I have viewed your videos to ensure correct setup and have only hand tightened the filters to avoid overtightening. I ran 2 batches water before doing the red dye on this 2nd set of filters and the water is still pink tinged though not as red as the first defective filters. What now?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2017-04-01 00:40:06

    Hi Sabra -

    Ok, so then you've probably made sure the washers are in the upper chamber and the wingnuts are tight. Please re-run the test, and make sure you are placing glasses underneath each filter to see which one is allowing the red through. This will help isolate the filter that may have a bad seal or be defective.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of John Randomme John Randomme 2017-03-26 21:08:03

    The red dye test sounds brilliant! We just got a Berkey as we attempt to remove all antibacterial chemicals like chlorine from our drinking water. I notice that red food dye has the ingredient "sodium benzoate", an antibacterial chemical. Before we attempt to put sodium benzoate in the upper chamber of the Berkey, do you know where I could find out whether or not the Berkey's black filters are able to remove sodium benzoate? Thanks in advance!

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2017-03-28 17:45:19

    Hi John -

    It has not been tested for that chemical in particular, however the red food coloring is only meant as a test, so you would not be drinking the water that is used for the testing.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Beverly Beverly 2017-02-23 03:51:25

    Can another color of food coloring be used for the "red food coloring test" such as blue or green?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2017-02-24 15:47:23

    Hi Beverly -

    No, it must be red and artificial. This type of dye properly test the pore size and integrity of the filter. Other colors and natural food dyes can make it through the filter and do not provide an accurate reading.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of james james 2017-02-07 04:27:45

    Every time I test with the black filter it passes, when connecting the PF-2 the test fails. Is the PF-2 filter allow get the red coloring to pass through?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2017-02-10 16:25:12

    Hi James -

    The black berkeys remove the red coloring first, so they should not make it to the PF-2's. If they are with the Pf-2's connected, it's more likley that your black berkeys are not secured properly, and when you add the PF-2's it's somehow loosing the black berkey connections up top, and ultimately letting the red water by pass the filters around the washer seal. We would check these connections and make sure they are fully tightened.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Beth Beth 2016-09-02 17:36:21

    Is it necessary to perform the red food coloring test each time the Black Berkey filters and the entire system are routinely cleaned? I have been doing this (only 3 times thus far since it's a relatively new system) and last time it caught a problem with the filters which then were replaced by Berkey. I don't see that step mentioned in the routine maintenance/cleaning instructions. I don't want to continue it monthly if it isn't necessary or will more quickly wear out the filters, but still want to make sure everything is filtering properly. Thanks.

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2016-09-08 03:02:52

    Hi Beth -

    Routine red food coloring tests are not required. Testing every 3-6 months would be appropriate.

    Thanks
    DAn

  • Avatar of chris chris 2016-08-23 16:21:30

    We did the test in our Berkey with Black Filters and the PF-2 Flouride filters (we didn't know to remove the PF-2's - now we do know). We didn't put a ton of red food coloring in, but what was odd is that the water came through slightly green. Do you know what this indicates?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2016-08-23 17:36:58

    Hi Chris -

    This is not something we've heard of before, so we'd be guessing on why it would change color. Are you using artificial red food coloring? I would run the test again without the PF-2 filters to see if you get the same result.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Derrick Smith Derrick Smith 2016-02-23 22:14:33

    I have a Berkey Sport Bottle. Can I perform the red dye test on it and how much dye should I use?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2016-02-24 13:26:00

    Hi Derrick -

    No, the red food coloring test only applies to the black bekrey filters.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Domagoj Domagoj 2016-01-13 10:14:41

    Hi, we in Europe have many differrent red food colorings,
    what is the main ingredient to look for, E124 ?
    (http://www.ivyroses.com/Define/E124)

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2016-01-13 16:17:13

    Hi -

    We do not have personal experience with this food coloring, however it is synthetic in nature (which is the primary requirement), thus should be effective for this test.

    Thanks
    Dan

    •
  • Avatar of robert robert 2015-10-24 21:32:20

    If you were to leave the PF-2 filters on and do the red food coloring test, would clear water on the bottom be a sign that the black filters did not fail? Basically what I am asking is, can the PF-2 filters themselves filter out the red food coloring if the black filters do not?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2015-11-01 23:07:28

    Hi Robert -

    Always remove the PF-2 filters before performing this test. It is for the black berkey filters only and the PF-2's do not have a comparable test. Clear means the filters are working properly.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Amanda Amanda 2015-10-18 23:54:35

    Ok so we messed up and didn't read the "Notes" section on our PF-2 filter instructions. We didn't take our PF-2's off when we did the food color test. Everything came back clear but our filtration rate is very slow. I read that it takes many flushes to clean our the filters after this has happened. Could you go into more details? How many flushes do we need to do? Anything else we need to know to completely resolve this problem? Thanks in advance!

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2015-10-22 13:05:49

    Hi Amanda -

    Up to 10 full system flushes for the PF-2's. Make sure your PF-2's are only screwed on 8 revolutions so that water is able to flow between the filters freely.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Anh Anh 2014-09-19 21:31:32

    What method can we use to test the quality of water such as reducing bacteria and harmful chemical?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2014-09-21 21:42:16

    Hi Ahn -

    The red food coloring is smaller than these chemicals/bacteria and that's why it's a good indicator test your filters are working correctly. Beyond this, you would want to get the water tested as a water testing lab.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Martha Martha 2014-06-24 19:18:33

    Could you use something that is non-toxic, yet red, such as pomegranate juice or red root tincture in alcohol? thanks

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2014-06-25 17:26:39

    Hi Martha -

    No, artificial red food coloring must be used, since if the filters are working correctly, they would be removing these particulates. Pomegranate juice, etc, would flow through as there are no toxins/chemicals present.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Roses63 Roses63 2021-04-22 22:20:30

    I agree, myself and my kids are allergic to artificial red dye so it doesn't seem smart to put that in our filter. It is bad for anyone with ADD and ADHD.
    There should be an alternative way to test these filters. If red dye comes through, does that mean that other pollutants are getting through as well? That concerns me. Just bought 3 of these things for family members.

  • Avatar of Dan DeBaun Dan DeBaun 2021-05-14 16:44:16

    If the filters are working properly, the red dye is absorbed by the filters and do not contaminate the water that passes through the filters. This is the same concept for any contaminant that is absorbed by the black berkeys. So, there is no risk of ingesting the red dye absorbed by the filters. If the red dye passes through, then you know for sure they must be replaced. Unfortunately, there is no other way to test the filters unless you bring them to a lab.

  • Avatar of Mike Mike 2013-11-21 02:35:02

    Is there any way to test the pf2 filters ?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2013-11-21 02:38:45

    Hi Mike -

    Without taking teh water to a testing lab, no there is no equivalent red food coloring test for these filters.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Jeremy Jeremy 2013-03-11 19:52:39

    I just got the travel Berkey. Is it necessary to perform this test on a brand new system?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2013-03-12 15:17:55

    Hi Jeremy -

    No, it is not necessary, but many folks like to perform the test up front to make sure it is working properly.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Sharon Sharon 2012-07-05 22:28:27

    Why is it necessary to remove the PF-2 filters?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2012-07-09 16:25:34

    Hi Sharon -

    The test is only for the black berkey filters. If you leave the PF-2's filters on and the black berkeys fail the test, then the red would get into the PF-2 filters. It would then take many flushes to fully wash the inside of the PF-2's of this red food coloring, and thus you'd want to try to avoid this potential of happening.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of JC JC 2011-07-01 20:45:55

    Dan,

    In your last statement I think you meant to say that the red food coloring does NOT have any beneficial minerals in it, therefore it will not be allowed to pass through the elements.

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2011-07-01 21:10:26

    Yes JC, you are correct!! Thank you! I've updated my reply.

  • Avatar of Vina Miller Vina Miller 2011-05-15 00:01:05

    I don't understand the above post. Why wouldn't it filter the green food color if
    it filters everything so well? What do you mean when you say the green has beneficial minerals? Thanks.

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2011-05-15 14:26:13

    Hi Vina - The media ingredients used for creation of the black berkeys do not remove beneficial minerals, thus if a food coloring dye has beneficial minerals in it like potassium, the filter will let this dye pas through. Red does not have beneficial minerals as part of it's make-up, so it will not go through the filter if the filter is working properly. If the red goes through, then the filter is not working properly, and this is why it's called the red food coloring test.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of jna jna 2011-05-07 17:52:57

    thanks Dan,
    so in short a green failure is not necessarily a filter failure, correct?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2011-05-07 18:16:04

    Yes, that is correct!

  • Avatar of jna jna 2011-05-07 17:30:09

    why only red food color? I used green on three filters before I found this and all have failed, is green smaller than red?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2011-05-07 17:40:09

    Hi JNA -

    Red does not have beneficial minerals in it, so when none comes through, you know it's performing correctly. The other colors do.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Debbie Debbie 2010-10-28 13:11:30

    Will this work to test my ceramic filters?

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2010-10-28 15:29:04

    Hi Debbie -

    This test will only work with the Black Berkey elements.

    Thanks
    Dan

  • Avatar of Dr. Cynthia Champion Olson Dr. Cynthia Champion Olson 2010-05-02 09:17:30

    Why do you not ship to California? Do you ship to Texas?

    Thank you,
    Dr. C. Champion-Olson

  • Avatar of Dan Dan 2010-05-11 18:15:59

    Yes Dr. Champion-Olsen, we ship to all states with exemption of CA due to the new law, and Iowa due to the high licensing fees the state requires the seller to pay.

    •