For example I found one by a maker called Hyrdonix which is also a 5 micron 2.5" OD 20" filter.... seems like it might work. Says it fits standard 20" housings but doesnt mention GE (if GE is even what I have)....

so again, how compatible are these things and what should I assure before using a different brand than what was currently installed in my filter?

The filters are right there in your keyboard...

Google "PURTREX PX 05-20 5 micron" and click on the first hit. Scroll down to PURTREX PX 05-20 5 micron or just click this... http://www.freshwatersystems.com/p-5078-20-purtrex-sediment-depth-filter-5-mic-px05-20.aspx

Be aware that a 5 micron sediment filter at POE is unusual and will plug up pretty rapidly and as it does both pressure and flow will be reduced.

Yes I see these but they are mostly for cases and I am not familar with the suppliers.

So POE, what does this mean? Point of entry?

So again how compatible are these? Should I lower the microns as you suggest? Lower microns but same 20"x2.5"
Without model number of filter I am in the dark unfortunetly....

Justalurker... also another question about my inherited filter.

I notice that the filter is inserted into the cannister and is kind of held into place from the lid. There are no other parts inside. I see reference to "end caps".... What am I missing?

And again about compatibility, if I go to a 10 micron perhaps as long as its 20x2.5 my canister should be compatible?

Filters are usually compatible across brands of canisters, but there are exceptions. Move your filter canister closer to the keyboard so I can see it. I have no idea what you have but if you look down the bottom of the canister you should see a nipple sticking up and that is what centers the filter on the bottom.

Regarding your inherited filter... there is a vast amount of water treatment hardware that is inherited when a house is bought and sold. Some of it is there for a reason and some of it is there because the previous homeowner experimented in solving a problem they didn't understand and didn't solve. That the filter is there neither makes it appropriate or correct or incorrect unless a water test is done to determine what is in the water and what you want/should remove or treat.

We started to discuss this in your first filter thread and unless you get a comprehensive water test there is no correct answer regarding whether a filter is needed at all. I can say that 5 micron is unusual at POE and unless there is a specific reason for it that filter will cause more harm than good and that without pressure gauges before and after the filter housing when to change the filter is a blind guess... but I said that before and we still don't know whether the filter is necessary.

As I recall, you have a softener that you don't know is working correctly, have a filter that you don't know that you need, and in your Newbie water softener swap advice post you said "I know nothing about water softening so any advice or warnings are welcomed..." yet the same questions travel from one of your threads to another and the advice you're given doesn't seem to suit you.

This post was edited by justalurker on Mon, Aug 19, 13 at 11:43

Ive taken all your information to heart and plan to act upon what I have been learning thru this forum and your specific responses to myself and others. Thanks for your time in responding. Regards.

For the last time... evaluating water treatment is based on water usage and water conditions not what equipment you found in your house when you bought it. A water test will tell us what needs to be treated in the water and THEN whether the filter is appropriate or the softener is adequate or other treatment or equipment is indicated can be determined.

Until you embrace that reality and choose to use a straightforward diagnostic approach there is nothing that anyone can do to help you other than tell you what you want to hear or answer repeated questions about treating symptoms with no progress toward curing the disease.

Typing the same advice again and again is tedious so... good luck..

This post was edited by justalurker on Mon, Aug 19, 13 at 13:39