{"product_id":"20-inch-big-blue-iron-filter-kit","title":"20\" Big Blue Iron Reduction Filter Kit","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhole-house iron reduction filter kit for well water with trace dissolved iron, built around a genuine Pentair Pentek Big Blue 20 inch housing and a Pentek RFFE20-BB radial flow iron reduction cartridge. Light iron polishing only, not a replacement for a backwashing iron filter on high-iron water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-description-seo\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 20 inch Big Blue Iron Reduction Filter Kit is a whole-house cartridge iron filter built on a genuine Pentair Pentek 150233 Big Blue housing and a 4.5 by 20 inch Pentek RFFE20-BB radial flow iron reduction cartridge. Its job is specific and honest: reduce trace to low levels of dissolved (ferrous \/ clear-water) iron from well water, eliminate the metallic taste, and prevent the slow iron staining that happens even at low concentrations. This is not a full iron filter, and it is not trying to be. It is a polishing filter for water that has already passed the test of \"do I really need a backwashing iron filter?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest for:\u003c\/strong\u003e well water homes with 0.3 to 1 ppm dissolved (clear-water \/ ferrous) iron, neutral to slightly alkaline pH (above 7.0), no iron bacteria, no hydrogen sulfide. Homes that see slow-building orange stains in toilets and sinks but whose water runs clear from the tap. \u003cstrong\u003eNot for:\u003c\/strong\u003e iron above 1 ppm for a family (cartridge life becomes impractical), ferric iron (red or orange water out of the tap), iron bacteria (slimy\/stringy deposits), hydrogen sulfide rotten egg odor, manganese above 1 ppm, or pH below 7.0. Those conditions require a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/iron-removal-filter-fleck-2510aio-2-5-cubic-foot-13-54-with-katalox-light\"\u003ebackwashing iron filter with Katalox Light media\u003c\/a\u003e, which handles dramatically more iron, regenerates itself, and costs nothing in consumable cartridges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy we are honest about this:\u003c\/strong\u003e most online retailers sell iron cartridges without telling you where they stop working. The Pentek RFFE20-BB is rated for up to 3 ppm dissolved iron in laboratory conditions, but in a real family home using 200 to 400 gallons a day, a 3 ppm load exhausts the cartridge in under 3 months, and you are spending $40 to $60 every 3 months on replacements. A backwashing iron filter costs more upfront but pays for itself in the first year and actually solves the problem long-term. We would rather sell you the right product the first time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatch first:\u003c\/strong\u003e our video \"Iron Filters for Well Water: The Complete Guide\" on YouTube: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=IsINyyzQSo8. It explains every iron filter type, including cartridges like this one and when they make sense vs a backwashing tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTalk to Aidan before you buy.\u003c\/strong\u003e Free expert consultation at 800-460-5810, Monday through Sunday, 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern. Send your water test results and Aidan will tell you whether this trace iron cartridge is the right fit, or whether you need a backwashing iron filter. No guessing, no upselling. Mid Atlantic Water is an online-only national ecommerce business shipping to all 50 states, and consultation, water test interpretation, and ongoing support are all delivered remotely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey features and buyer benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReduces dissolved iron and the metallic taste it causes.\u003c\/strong\u003e The RFFE20-BB oxidizes dissolved (ferrous) iron in the water stream and traps it in the media, eliminating the metallic taste and slow-staining that trace iron causes in sinks, toilets, and appliances.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRadial flow design for maximum contact time.\u003c\/strong\u003e Unlike axial flow cartridges that channel water straight through, the RFFE20-BB forces water through the media radially, maximizing the surface area and contact time for better iron reduction per pass.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e80,000 gallon capacity at 1 ppm.\u003c\/strong\u003e At trace iron levels (0.5 to 1 ppm), one cartridge lasts a family of four roughly 9 months. That makes economic sense. At higher iron (2 to 3 ppm), cartridge life drops to 3 to 5 months and a backwashing filter is the better long-term investment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGenuine Pentair Pentek 150233 housing.\u003c\/strong\u003e High-flow polypropylene rated to 90 PSI, the industry-standard Big Blue housing used by water treatment pros. 1 inch NPT connections for full flow.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e10 GPM peak flow rate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Handles whole-house flow in a normal residential setting without restricting pressure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e25 micron nominal filtration.\u003c\/strong\u003e Also reduces sediment, sand, dirt, and rust particles while treating iron.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNSF\/ANSI Standard 42 certified components.\u003c\/strong\u003e Both the housing and the RFFE20-BB cartridge are tested to NSF\/ANSI 42 for material requirements.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eComplete kit, not just a housing.\u003c\/strong\u003e Ships with the genuine Pentair Pentek housing, the pre-installed RFFE20-BB iron reduction cartridge, a heavy-duty steel mounting bracket with hardware, and the correct filter wrench.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFree standard shipping to all 50 US states\u003c\/strong\u003e (lower 48 free, AK and HI quoted at checkout) and free expert phone consultation at 800-460-5810.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHousing Model: genuine Pentair Pentek 150233 Big Blue\u003cbr\u003e\nCartridge: Pentek RFFE20-BB radial flow iron reduction (part 155263-43)\u003cbr\u003e\nCartridge Size: 4.5 inches by 20 inches\u003cbr\u003e\nMedia: Iron Oxidizing Media (radial flow design)\u003cbr\u003e\nReduces: dissolved (ferrous \/ clear-water) iron up to 3 ppm\u003cbr\u003e\nCapacity: 80,000 gallons at 1 ppm iron, 40,000 gallons at 2 ppm, 26,000 gallons at 3 ppm\u003cbr\u003e\nPeak Flow Rate: 10 GPM\u003cbr\u003e\nNominal Filtration: 25 micron\u003cbr\u003e\nTemperature Range: 40 degrees F to 125 degrees F\u003cbr\u003e\nInlet and Outlet Connection Size: 1 inch NPT female threaded\u003cbr\u003e\nHousing Material: High-Flow Polypropylene (HFPP), heavy-duty\u003cbr\u003e\nHousing Outer Dimensions: approximately 7 inches wide by 7 inches deep by 21 inches tall\u003cbr\u003e\nMaximum Operating Pressure: 90 PSI\u003cbr\u003e\nPressure Relief: built-in pressure relief button on housing cap\u003cbr\u003e\nMounting Bracket: heavy-duty steel mounting bracket with hardware included\u003cbr\u003e\nFilter Wrench: included, sized for the Big Blue housing\u003cbr\u003e\nWater Quality Requirements: pH above 7.0, dissolved iron only, manganese below 1 ppm, no iron bacteria, no hydrogen sulfide\u003cbr\u003e\nPower Required: none, fully passive cartridge filtration\u003cbr\u003e\nDrain Required: none, this is a cartridge filter not a backwashing system\u003cbr\u003e\nCertification: NSF\/ANSI Standard 42 (housing and cartridge, material requirements)\u003cbr\u003e\nCountry of Origin: housing made in USA\u003cbr\u003e\nCompatible Replacement Cartridges: Pentek RFFE20-BB (part 155263-43)\u003cbr\u003e\nManufacturer (housing and cartridge): Pentair \/ Pentek\u003cbr\u003e\nFree Expert Consultation: 800-460-5810, 7 days a week 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern\u003cbr\u003e\nFree Shipping: free standard shipping to all 50 US states\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat this filter treats, and what it does not\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTreated: dissolved (ferrous \/ clear-water) iron up to 3 ppm, iron-related metallic taste and odor, iron staining prevention at trace levels, and some sediment (25 micron nominal). Symptom queries this product solves: \"trace iron in well water\", \"slight metallic taste well water\", \"slow orange stains in toilet\", \"polishing filter for low iron\". \u003cstrong\u003eNot treated:\u003c\/strong\u003e ferric (red\/rust\/particulate) iron (you can see it in the water), iron bacteria (slimy deposits), hydrogen sulfide rotten egg smell, manganese above 1 ppm, hardness, low pH, bacteria, or sediment below 25 micron. None of those are what a cartridge iron polishing filter is built to fix. If your water test shows iron above 1 ppm, or you see orange\/red water when you first turn on the tap, you need a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/iron-removal-filter-fleck-2510aio-2-5-cubic-foot-13-54-with-katalox-light\"\u003ebackwashing iron filter\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere this fits in a water treatment train\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCorrect order of installation for well water: supply or well pump, pressure tank, \u003cstrong\u003esediment filter\u003c\/strong\u003e (recommended by Pentair for best results), \u003cstrong\u003e20 inch Big Blue iron reduction filter (this product)\u003c\/strong\u003e, carbon filter (optional), water softener (if hardness is a problem), UV disinfection (if bacteria risk). The iron cartridge goes after sediment so sand and grit do not clog the iron media or cause channeling. Pentair also recommends post-carbon treatment downstream for best overall water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eInstallation overview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost homeowners install this themselves in under an hour with basic plumbing tools. Mount the included steel bracket on a wall stud with clearance below the housing for cartridge changes. Cut into the cold water main, ideally after a sediment filter. Connect 1 inch NPT female threaded inlets and outlets, following the flow direction marked on the housing. Pressurize, check for leaks, then run water for at least 20 seconds before drinking or cooking use (some carbon fines may flush at first). Press the pressure relief button on the cap before any future cartridge change to vent line pressure first, then use the included wrench.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWarranty, support, and ongoing relationship\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Pentair Pentek housing carries the manufacturer warranty. Mid Atlantic Water provides ongoing remote support for the whole treatment train: cartridge change intervals based on your specific iron level, troubleshooting staining or pressure issues, and honest guidance on when this cartridge is no longer the right solution and a backwashing iron filter is warranted. Call or text Aidan at 800-460-5810, Monday through Sunday, 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern. Mid Atlantic Water is an online-only national ecommerce business and we ship to all 50 states.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does this iron cartridge filter reduce?\u003c\/strong\u003e Dissolved (ferrous \/ clear-water) iron up to 3 ppm, the metallic taste iron causes, and some sediment (25 micron nominal). It does NOT reduce ferric (red\/rust) iron, iron bacteria, hydrogen sulfide, manganese above 1 ppm, hardness, or bacteria.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this a replacement for a backwashing iron filter?\u003c\/strong\u003e No. This is a light iron polishing filter for trace dissolved iron only. If your iron is above 1 ppm, if you see red or orange water, or if you have iron bacteria or sulfur smell, a backwashing iron filter is the right tool.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow often do I change the cartridge?\u003c\/strong\u003e It depends on your iron level and water usage. At 1 ppm iron for a family of four, roughly every 9 months. At 2 ppm, every 4 to 5 months. At 3 ppm, under 3 months. Monitor for returning metallic taste or stains.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does the water need to look like for this to work?\u003c\/strong\u003e Clear. The water must run clear from the tap. If you see any orange, red, or rust color in the water, that is ferric iron and this cartridge cannot handle it. You need a backwashing iron filter instead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes my pH matter?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. The RFFE20-BB requires pH above 7.0. If your water is acidic (pH below 7), you need an acid neutralizer upstream first, or choose a backwashing iron filter that handles low-pH iron.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need electricity or a drain?\u003c\/strong\u003e No to both. This is a passive cartridge filter with no power, no drain, and no programming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eRelated guides\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/guides\/iron-filters-for-well-water-complete-guide\"\u003eIron Filters for Well Water: The Complete Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/faqs\/best-iron-filter-for-your-well-water\"\u003eBest Iron Filter for Your Well Water\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/faqs\/types-of-iron-in-well-water\"\u003eTypes of Iron in Well Water\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/faqs\/how-does-an-iron-filter-work\"\u003eHow Does an Iron Filter Work?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/faqs\/iron-stains-well-water\"\u003eIron Stains from Well Water\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/faqs\/how-to-test-for-iron-in-well-water\"\u003eHow to Test for Iron in Well Water\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFree shipping to all lower 48 states.\u003c\/strong\u003e Free expert phone consultation at \u003ca href=\"tel:8004605810\"\u003e800-460-5810\u003c\/a\u003e, 7 days a week, 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern. Aidan can tell you whether a trace iron cartridge or a backwashing iron filter is right for your water, and how to fit it into the rest of your treatment train.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"midatlanticwater.net","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54179283173660,"sku":"150233 | 155263-43","price":329.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/9523\/4605\/files\/20-inch-big-blue-iron-filter-kit-pentek-housing.jpg?v=1780607301","url":"https:\/\/midatlanticwater.net\/products\/20-inch-big-blue-iron-filter-kit","provider":"Mid Atlantic Water","version":"1.0","type":"link"}