I would like to know if the charcoal filter is a MUST? Having to change them every two weeks brings a cost I do not want to spend. My cats are used to tap water with no problems.I I realize the water would need to be changed more often. If I do not utilize the filter, should I take it out? Thanks for your help, Marilyn I would like to know if the charcoal filter is a MUST? Having to change them every two weeks brings a cost I do not want to spend. My cats are used to tap water with no problems.I I realize the... » Read More I would like to know if the charcoal filter is a MUST? Having to change them every two weeks brings a cost I do not want to spend. My cats are used to tap water with no problems.I I realize the water would need to be changed more often. If I do not utilize the filter, should I take it out? Thanks for your help, Marilyn « Show Less
487321
We only change ours out once a month. The water remains clean for that duration.
487322
No. After two weeks of owning the fountain, I decided I didn't want to use the filter anymore. The fountain works just fine without it. In fact, the cats are drinking out of it more now than they did when it was in. Just take the filter out and throw it away. I'm not sure having it in longer than usual would hurt it, but I doubt it. As for cleaning the fountain, the amount of cleaning hasn't really changed for me. The fountain is in the same room as their litter, and they like to run out of the litter box and drink from the fountain, so sometimes they'll get their little paws in there and litter will fall in. :/ So I have to clean it anyhow. Haha. No. After two weeks of owning the fountain, I decided I didn't want to use the filter anymore. The fountain works just fine without it. In fact, the cats are drinking out of it more now than they did when it was in. Just take the filter out and throw it away. I'm not sure having it in longer than usual would hurt it, but I doubt it. As for cleaning the fountain, the amount of cleaning hasn't really changed for me. The fountain is in the same room as their litter, and they like to run out of the litter box and drink from the fountain, so sometimes they'll get their little paws in there and... » Read More No. After two weeks of owning the fountain, I decided I didn't want to use the filter anymore. The fountain works just fine without it. In fact, the cats are drinking out of it more now than they did when it was in. Just take the filter out and throw it away. I'm not sure having it in longer than usual would hurt it, but I doubt it. As for cleaning the fountain, the amount of cleaning hasn't really changed for me. The fountain is in the same room as their litter, and they like to run out of the litter box and drink from the fountain, so sometimes they'll get their little paws in there and litter will fall in. :/ So I have to clean it anyhow. Haha. « Show Less
487323
I returned the Zen fountain but I still use the Platinum and I don't use the filter. I use filtered (Brita) water to fill the fountain. The filter in the fountain is optional.
487324
Personally I would look at the filter to judge how often I need to change the filter. I have only one cat that drinks out of the fountain and find I only need to change it every 1 1/2 months. It helps if you remove any hair that is trapped on the side of the pump (there is grillwork on one side of the pump that catches any loose particulate in the well of the fountain) change the water once a week if your cats don't empty it by then.
487325
The directions for the platinum model say the filter should be changed every two to four weeks. It also says you can thoroughly rinse the filter and put it back in. I've had no problems with doing that.
487326
Marilyn ... I cannot recommend this fountain no matter w/filter or not ... we disposed of after only 5 months!! The Petflow is better and we now have a Drinkwell (?) that is the best yet! We finally got the one that's #1 on market and it is truly the best! Good luck.
487327
I stopped using the filter on my fountain, because it grew algae very fast. It runs fine without the filter, and like you, I did not want to spend a fortune replacing the filter weekly. I think as long as you keep the water changed very regularly there is not problem at all. Remember, dust will settle on the water because it is a large basin.
27914
It could be defective. However, I know after you replace one, and the older filter has captured a lot of particulates in it, the water flows through it slowly. When a new one is put in, it seem to flow through fast just because it hasn't captured any of the microscopic particulates yet. As the activated charcoal in the filter captures more particulates, it will begin to slow down some.I suggest you call Brita on their customer service number and express your concerns. Most of the time these companies are very interested in making sure you are satisfied, so call them.
1428333
I am unsure Nathan. I actually just wash everything, except for the motor and filters, with soap and water (the motor I take apart and just carefully clean that with a q-tip). All of that seems to work fine. Just make sure you clean the bowl about once a week like the directions recommend. The water filter should be changed once every two weeks, and the filter that goes around the motor gets changed once a month. The unit works fine for our cats. =)
2082762
Yes, I bought it because my cat always turned the water container over, he can't this one. It is easy to clean, and you just throw the old filters out. I haven't had any problem with it and have had it for some time now.
631261
Yes, I definitely will. The most important aspect has been, my cats like it and it didn't take them long to get used to it. My cats seem to prefer the running water streams coming out of the top, maybe because it is more like drinking from a faucet with running water, which they enjoy. I have hade many other fountains and many of them the cats wouldn't drink from. The ceramic is easy to clean and the filter system seems to work well. I'm impressed with the quality and design so far.
1224050
You are doing it right. This is a gravity filter. The water is purified by slowly passing through the black activated charcoal media. It could take up to an hour for all the water to pass through the filter(s). However, sometimes these filters get a little clogged up and slow down significantly. In that case take a sponge with a "soft" scrubber back and gently scrub the filter's surface. Rinse the filter with water and you should see an improved rate of gravity filtering. If your filter(s) have been used for a long while, and don't improve after scrubbing, it may be time to replace them.
111883
Hi Charlie.I get the charcoal at Walmart in the "fish" department. It's called Aqua-Tech activated carbon. It's for aquariums. It is in a square plastic container, net weight 9 oz. The charcoal works perfectly in the Reusable Filter and lasts me about 6 or 8 months. With 13 cats in the house (and 5 outside that come in and go out at their pleasure) I clean my fountain about every 3-4 days. I have had the fountain for over a year and I just bought my second container from Walmart. It's easy to find and at Walmart it costs $6.99. Hope this helps.
2043180
Just because you still have a good flow rate does not translate into you don't have to change the filters. It is important to chane them per mfg recommend times as the charcoal looses its ability to do its job with time and use and mold and fungus can be present (not a good thing) Poney up and change them.
1763209
I use filtered water. My home has a whole house filtration system. As long as you rinse the base out weekly with vinegar and bleach monthly it is perfect. No issues and have used it for the past six months. Make sure you change out the charcoal filter as well. Directions tell you to do it monthly. I change mine quarterly.
1345899
No not with their filter. However, I put in this last time a charcoal filter i bought at Walmart and also their filter just to give it better filtering. If you can find the type of filter where we can add our own charcoal and snap it back shut please let me know. Make sure you empty the water 1x week. and clean it throughly. That is only 4 x a month but it really is necessary for the health of your pet. They need fresh water daily so i figure that this is the least i can do for them.
58809
I check the water and at times I just rinse the filter and it saves some money. I have a black cat and her fur sometimes gets into the water so I have to change it but you can check to see if slimy. good luck
321160
the charcoal is safe to drink in small amounts , but try running the filter through a few times to get clear water. Mine did not have any blackness to it after I rinsed it a few times. if it continues , then i would replace the filter or send it back to get a replacement filter.
863539
Not quite sure what the question is but I can say this: got mine online thru Amazon. My 2 cats love the water bowl they're for. I agree with Dieter - I'm not changing the filter as often as recommended but it's currently cold weather so that helps. Found that just rinsing it when I change the water and clean the bowl once a week has been good enough.
1267750
I also use this for a red eared slider turtle. All of the filter media I change at different times to allow the "good" bacteria a chance to do their jobs and not "shock" the water with all new stuff. The carbon I like to change at least every 4 months. The polishing pads if you use them I change every month and the foam filters I will rinse every month or so, but change out with the carbon every 4 months along with the carbon.This is a great filter system! Let me know if you have any other questions and I hope you found this helpful!
1635284
I wish I had better news for you Raine. I had such a difficult time changing this last time, that I broke it and had to call a plumber. Even the plumber railed about the poor quality of this system. I am going to replace the whole system and get a different filtration system. Both times I've tried changing these filters I needed help and it kind of defeats the purpose if you aren't able to change the filter. I think that PUR has a model with an easier change filter. Good luck!
2160364
Hi there! I change mine every month as they are quite inexpensive. I'm not sure if there is any clear way to tell "when" they need to be replaced unless you perform some type of chemistry test on the water. One other thing I do is I always fill the pet fountain up with water from the refrigerator that has a filter. I think the bottom line is to just use good common sense and keep an eye on how your pet is doing health wise!
96537
If you are referring to the small charcoal filters at the end of the wand - this is users choice - if your water is clean then I doubt you need it. Try it without for a while and see if it makes a difference.