Pentek CBC-10 Carbon Block Filter - 0.5 Micron, Chlorine and Cyst Reduction, 10" NZ

A 0.5 micron carbon block for standard 10" housings — reduces chlorine, taste, and odour, and fine enough to reduce Cryptosporidium and Giardia cysts.

The Pentek CBC-10 is a 0.5 micron nominal carbon block cartridge for standard 10" x 2.5" filter housings. The carbon block reduces chlorine, taste, and odour. At 0.5 micron nominal, it is also fine enough to mechanically reduce Cryptosporidium and Giardia cysts. The manufacturer states 99.95% cyst reduction and a chlorine reduction capacity of over 75,708 litres.

NSF certified to Standard 42 for material requirements — this confirms the materials in contact with drinking water are safe. Performance figures are manufacturer-stated.

Key specs at a glance

• Micron rating: 0.5 micron (nominal)
• Reduces chlorine, taste, and odour
• Reduces Cryptosporidium and Giardia cysts (manufacturer-stated: 99.95%)
• Chlorine reduction capacity: >75,708 litres (manufacturer-stated)
• Recommended flow rate: 7.6 L/min
• Temperature range: 4.4–88.2°C
• Size: 10" x 2.5" standard (actual: 2.88" x 9.75")
• NSF certified to Standard 42 — material requirements

What this filter does

Carbon block filtration works by passing water through a dense block of activated carbon. Chlorine, taste, and odour compounds are adsorbed onto the carbon surface and removed from the water.

At 0.5 micron nominal, the CBC-10 also acts as a mechanical barrier fine enough to physically reduce Cryptosporidium and Giardia cysts — protozoan parasites that can be present in tank, bore, and surface water supplies. The manufacturer states 99.95% cyst reduction.

Note: NSF 42 certification on this cartridge covers material safety only. It does not certify the performance claims listed above — those are manufacturer-stated figures.

Full specifications

What's in the box

• 1 x Pentek CBC-10 carbon block cartridge

Frequently asked questions

What does 0.5 micron nominal mean?

Nominal micron rating indicates the approximate size of particles the filter targets — in this case, 0.5 micron. "Nominal" means the rating is a general guideline rather than an absolute cut-off. At 0.5 micron, the cartridge is fine enough to mechanically reduce Cryptosporidium and Giardia cysts.

Does this filter remove Cryptosporidium and Giardia?

The manufacturer states 99.95% reduction of Cryptosporidium and Giardia cysts at the recommended flow rate of 7.6 L/min. This is a mechanical reduction — the 0.5 micron carbon block physically blocks cysts from passing through. This performance figure is manufacturer-stated and not NSF-certified.

What is the NSF 42 certification for?

NSF Standard 42 certification on this cartridge covers material requirements — it confirms the materials used in the filter are safe for contact with drinking water. It does not certify the filter's performance claims such as chlorine reduction or cyst reduction.

How long does the cartridge last?

The manufacturer states a chlorine reduction capacity of over 75,708 litres. Actual service life depends on water quality, flow rate, and usage. Replace when flow drops, taste or odour returns, or at the recommended interval for your system.

Will it fit my existing housing?

Yes, if your housing takes a standard 10" x 2.5" cartridge. This is the most common size for under-sink and countertop filtration systems. The actual cartridge dimensions are 2.88" x 9.75".

Can I use this on tank or bore water?

The CBC-10 can be used downstream of a sediment pre-filter on tank or bore supplies. Bore water quality varies significantly — get in touch and we'll help you choose the right system for your supply.