Ordering & made to order
Are Hydrana filters really made to order?
Yes. Every cartridge is made to order in the size and micron rating you choose, which is why every combination on our product pages is always available to order — nothing sells out while we restock.
Where are Hydrana filters made?
Every Hydrana filter is manufactured in the USA. Each cartridge is made to order in the size and micron rating you choose, then shipped to you from Rhode Island.
Where do you ship, and what does shipping cost?
We ship within the United States from Rhode Island. Standard and Express options are shown with their exact cost at checkout before you pay.
How will I know when my order ships?
You will get an order confirmation by email when you check out, and a shipping confirmation with tracking when your cartridges are on their way.
Choosing the right filter
Which size do I need?
Measure your old cartridge. Length is 10" or 20". Diameter is 2.5" for standard housings or 4.5" for Big Blue style housings. Our Filter Guide walks you through it in 30 seconds.
What micron rating should I choose?
Match the micron on the cartridge you are replacing if you can. Generally: 50–100 micron for coarse well sediment, 20–30 for everyday whole-house use, 5–10 for fine dirt and rust, and 1 micron for the finest filtration. See the full guide here.
What is the difference between standard and antimicrobial?
Both are polypropylene string-wound sediment cartridges. The antimicrobial version adds protection designed to help inhibit microbial growth on the cartridge itself between changes. Neither cartridge disinfects water — they are sediment filters.
Will Hydrana cartridges fit my housing?
They fit housings designed for standard cartridge dimensions: 10" or 20" long by 2.5" or 4.5" in diameter, including Big Blue style housings (use the 4.5" versions). If your housing takes one of those sizes, a Hydrana cartridge in the same size will fit.
Do you sell filter housings?
Not at the moment — we focus on replacement cartridges, in standard and antimicrobial versions.
Using your filter
How often should I replace my cartridge?
When water pressure drops, when the cartridge looks loaded with sediment, or on your housing manufacturer's schedule. Lifespan depends on how much sediment is in your water.
Can I buy just one cartridge?
Yes — there is no minimum order. Buy one to replace what you have, or a few to keep spares on hand.
Problems & help
I ordered the wrong size or micron. What do I do?
Contact us with your order number before you install the cartridge, and we will help you get the right one.
My order arrived damaged or wrong. What happens?
Contact us with your order number and a quick photo of what arrived, and we will make it right.
I still cannot decide. Can you help?
Absolutely — send us a message with your housing size (or a photo of your current cartridge) and a note about your water, and we will recommend a size and micron.
Choosing, changing and comparing sediment filters
What micron sediment filter do I need?
Match it to your sediment: 50–100 micron for coarse sand and grit, 20–30 micron for general whole-house sediment, 5–10 micron for finer dirt and rust (5 micron is most popular), and 1 micron only as a final stage. If in doubt, replace like-for-like with the rating printed on your old cartridge. Full guide: What Micron Sediment Filter Do I Need?
How often should I change a whole-house sediment filter?
Every 3 to 6 months for most homes, sooner on sediment-heavy well water, and whenever pressure drops about 10–20 PSI or flow noticeably slows. See How Often to Change a Whole House Sediment Filter.
Why does my sediment filter clog so fast or drop my water pressure?
Usually the rating is too fine for the water (a lone 1 or 5 micron cartridge on a sandy well), the cartridge is undersized for the home, or it is simply loaded and due. Go one step coarser, add a coarse first stage, or move to a larger Big Blue cartridge. Shop Well Water Sediment Filters for stepped options.
String-wound, pleated or melt-blown — which is better?
None is universally better. String-wound offers graded-depth dirt holding for dirty water; pleated offers high flow and surface area; melt-blown is an economical depth cartridge strong at fine ratings. Compare them in String-Wound vs Pleated vs Melt-Blown.
Will a Hydrana cartridge fit my housing if it used another brand?
Very likely, if the size matches. Housings take standard sizes: measure length (10 or 20 inch), diameter (2.5 inch standard or 4.5 inch Big Blue) and match the micron. Translate common model numbers in the Size & Cross-Reference Guide.