50 GPD RO Membrane, blue membrane element with white label, black brine seal and white center tube, angled view
50 GPD RO Membrane
Can you match this part’s SKU, size and connections to the system label or manual?
- Worth considering for
- Existing system owners who can match a part number and configuration before ordering.
From $39.00
Archived USD price · Check today’s price with Crystal Quest.
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A documentation-based review of the manufacturer’s listing and specifications. How we reviewed it
Our assessment
The most useful starting point in this listing is its published membrane size: 1.75" x 11.75". That gives you a concrete detail to compare, but the decision still depends on the exact configuration and your intended use.
What the listing gives you
- Membrane size
1.75" x 11.75" — as listed by Crystal Quest. Use this as a comparison point for the matching model.
- Operating pressure
20 to 60 psi (1.4 to 4.1 bar) — as listed by Crystal Quest. Use this as a comparison point for the matching model.
- Configuration choices are documented
Quantity: Single, Pack of 2, Pack of 4
What deserves a closer look
- Fit comes first
A similar photograph or product name does not establish compatibility. Confirm the exact part and its position in your system with Crystal Quest.
- Look beyond the listed price
Keep the original model number and replacement record. Check whether the listing describes one component, a multi-part kit or a complete system.
- Compare the same configuration
The source lists 3 configurations. Use the model and part-number table below so that a size, package or optional component is not mistaken for a different specification.
These are our reading of the published information and our buying considerations. They are not measured performance results.
The specifications, in context.
Values below are published by Crystal Quest. Specifications may describe different configurations; read the model labels and compare the complete source tables in the reference section.
- Membrane size
- 1.75" x 11.75"
- Operating pressure
- 20 to 60 psi (1.4 to 4.1 bar)
- Operating temperature
- 40°F to 90°F (4°C to 32°C)
- Service life
- 2 to 3 years*
Performance curvesOriginal technical table 1 of 3
| Feed temperature | 40 psi | 50 psi | 60 psi |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40°F (4°C) | 19 | 24 | 29 |
| 50°F (10°C) | 23 | 29 | 35 |
| 60°F (16°C) | 28 | 36 | 44 |
| 70°F (21°C) | 34 | 44 | 53 |
| 77°F (25°C) | 39 | 50 | 61 |
| 85°F (29°C) | 45 | 57 | 69 |
| 90°F (32°C) | 48 | 62 | 75 |
Performance curvesOriginal technical table 2 of 3
| Feed pressure | 50°F (10°C) | 60°F (16°C) | 77°F (25°C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 psi | 4 | 5 | 7 |
| 20 psi | 10 | 13 | 18 |
| 30 psi | 17 | 21 | 29 |
| 40 psi | 23 | 28 | 39 |
| 50 psi | 29 | 36 | 50 |
| 60 psi | 35 | 44 | 61 |
Membrane specificationsOriginal technical table 3 of 3
| Specification | Value |
| Membrane type | Thin-film composite (TFC) reverse osmosis membrane |
| Production rating | 50 GPD (gallons per day) |
| Part number | CQE-RC-04041 |
| Membrane size | 1.75" x 11.75" |
| Housing format | 2" x 12" residential membrane housing |
| Listed replacement for | Countertop Reverse Osmosis System; SHARP, TURBO and Hybrid UF + RO bottleless water coolers |
| Construction | Polypropylene end caps, polyolefin inner and outer wraps, polyethylene netting, Buna-N gasket end caps |
| Operating pressure | 20 to 60 psi (1.4 to 4.1 bar) |
| Operating temperature | 40°F to 90°F (4°C to 32°C) |
| Salt rejection | Up to 99% |
| Chlorine | Remove ahead of the membrane with carbon pre-filtration |
| Drain water (Crystal Quest RO systems) | 1 gallon to drain for every 1 to 3 gallons of purified water |
| Service life | 2 to 3 years* |
All extracted specification rows 14 rows
| Published item | Manufacturer value | Source section |
|---|---|---|
| Specification | Value | Technical specifications |
| Membrane type | Thin-film composite (TFC) reverse osmosis membrane | Technical specifications |
| Production rating | 50 GPD (gallons per day) | Technical specifications |
| Part number | CQE-RC-04041 | Technical specifications |
| Membrane size | 1.75" x 11.75" | Technical specifications |
| Housing format | 2" x 12" residential membrane housing | Technical specifications |
| Listed replacement for | Countertop Reverse Osmosis System; SHARP, TURBO and Hybrid UF + RO bottleless water coolers | Technical specifications |
| Construction | Polypropylene end caps, polyolefin inner and outer wraps, polyethylene netting, Buna-N gasket end caps | Technical specifications |
| Operating pressure | 20 to 60 psi (1.4 to 4.1 bar) | Technical specifications |
| Operating temperature | 40°F to 90°F (4°C to 32°C) | Technical specifications |
| Salt rejection | Up to 99% | Technical specifications |
| Chlorine | Remove ahead of the membrane with carbon pre-filtration | Technical specifications |
| Drain water (Crystal Quest RO systems) | 1 gallon to drain for every 1 to 3 gallons of purified water | Technical specifications |
| Service life | 2 to 3 years* | Technical specifications |
Multi-column comparison tables are preserved in full under Manufacturer reference.
Choose the configuration carefully.
A similar photograph or product name does not establish compatibility. Confirm the exact part and its position in your system with Crystal Quest.
Model & part-number reference 3 configurations
This is a reference table, not an ordering form. SKU and option names are reproduced from the manufacturer snapshot.
| Configuration | Part number / SKU | Listed price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | CQE-RC-04041 | $39.00 |
| Pack of 2 | CQE-RC-04041-2PK | $78.00 |
| Pack of 4 | CQE-RC-04041-4PK | $156.00 |
Price snapshot from November 8, 2026. This is not a current offer or a stock confirmation.
Think beyond day one.
Keep the original model number and replacement record. Check whether the listing describes one component, a multi-part kit or a complete system.
- Match the exact model or SKU before relying on an installation diagram or replacement schedule.
- Ask what the quoted package includes and what must be supplied separately.
- Keep the manufacturer’s operating instructions with your service and replacement records.
Frequently asked questions
Can you match this part’s SKU, size and connections to the system label or manual?Our reading
The most useful starting point in this listing is its published membrane size: 1.75" x 11.75". That gives you a concrete detail to compare, but the decision still depends on the exact configuration and your intended use.
Who is 50 GPD RO Membrane worth considering for?Best fit
Existing system owners who can match a part number and configuration before ordering.
What are the configuration constraints and installation requirements?Fit & plumbing
A similar photograph or product name does not establish compatibility. Confirm the exact part and its position in your system with Crystal Quest.
What are the ongoing maintenance and filter replacement considerations?Ownership costs
Keep the original model number and replacement record. Check whether the listing describes one component, a multi-part kit or a complete system.
Go back to the source.
The full product information below is supplied by Crystal Quest, including its own descriptions and claims. We have reorganized the typography and tables for reading. This material is separate from Elorova’s assessment.
Product overviewManufacturer material
Your countertop RO or bottleless water cooler takes longer and longer to make a glass, and the water has started to taste like the tap again. Both point to the same part: the reverse osmosis membrane at the heart of the system.
This 50 GPD thin film composite (TFC) membrane is the reverse osmosis stage listed for the Crystal Quest Countertop Reverse Osmosis System and the SHARP, TURBO and Hybrid UF + RO bottleless water coolers. It measures 1.75" x 11.75" for 2" x 12" residential membrane housings and reduces dissolved contaminants, including lead, mercury, cadmium, trivalent chromium, fluoride, nitrates, sodium and radium.
At a glance
- The exact membrane your countertop RO or bottleless cooler lists, part CQE-RC-04041
- Restores purified water with lower TDS and a clean taste
- Reduces dissolved solids such as lead, fluoride, nitrates and sodium
- Up to 99% reduction of dissolved solids (TDS)
- 2 to 3 years of service, depending on feed water quality, system configuration and usage
What you are looking at
A compact spiral wound element: TFC membrane sheets and polyethylene netting rolled around a perforated center tube, held in polyolefin wraps, with polypropylene end caps and Buna-N gaskets. The end with the two small O-rings goes into the housing first.
How a 50 GPD RO membrane works
A thin polyamide film does the separating
The thin film in "thin film composite" is a polyamide layer laid over a porous support and a polyester backing. Water molecules pass through the polyamide; dissolved salts and metals, which travel through water as charged ions, are held back at the surface.
Pressure pushes the water through
Water naturally moves toward the saltier side of a membrane. Reverse osmosis applies pressure to drive it the other way, so purified water collects in the center tube while the rejected solids are rinsed to drain. Crystal Quest RO systems send 1 gallon to drain for every 1 to 3 gallons of purified water.
Why pressure matters so much on a countertop system
A countertop RO or bottleless cooler depends on the water pressure it is fed. The membrane is rated 50 GPD at 50 psi; inside the Countertop Reverse Osmosis System, about 60 psi gives the best output. Below that, the membrane still works, but production slows. Pressure also affects how well the membrane rejects dissolved solids, so low pressure can show up on a TDS meter as well as in a slow fill.
Cold water and hard water
Very cold water moves through the membrane more slowly and can slow production to a trickle until it warms up. Hard water is the other common problem: hardness can form a crystallized layer of scale on the membrane, which cuts output. If your water is very hard, ask Crystal Quest about softening ahead of the RO.
Keep chlorine off the membrane
Chlorine attacks the polyamide film and the damage is permanent. The carbon stage ahead of the membrane removes it, so replace the pre-filter on schedule and the membrane will last longer.
GPD itself is the membrane's daily production at its standard test conditions; your real output depends on pressure, temperature and TDS.
What it reduces
Primary target: total dissolved solids, including lead, mercury, cadmium, trivalent chromium, fluoride, nitrates, sodium and radium.
Handled by the system's other stages: chlorine, taste and odor (carbon and polishing stages). The membrane is one stage of your countertop RO or cooler, not a stand-alone filter.
Why Crystal Quest
- The listed part, not a "fits most" membrane: the 50 GPD rating your Crystal Quest countertop RO or cooler was designed around.
- Practical guidance on pressure, cold water and hardness, so you know what normal output looks like.
- Over 1,000,000 people served since 1994. Crystal Quest builds under ISO 9001 quality management, has made water filtration in the USA for over 30 years and offers lifetime support by phone, email or chat.
Where it fits
- Countertop Reverse Osmosis System
- SHARP, TURBO and Hybrid UF + RO bottleless water coolers
- Housing: 2" x 12" residential membrane housing; membrane size 1.75" x 11.75".
Thunder under-sink RO systems use the 100 GPD membrane as standard. Membranes are not returnable, so check the label on your current membrane before ordering.
Common questions
Which systems use the 50 GPD membrane?
The Crystal Quest Countertop Reverse Osmosis System and the SHARP, TURBO and Hybrid UF + RO bottleless water coolers list it as their replacement membrane. You can also check the label on the membrane you are replacing.
Can I use it in a Thunder under-sink RO?
Thunder systems are built around the 100 GPD membrane as standard, with 75 GPD listed as an option. Use the rating your system lists, and ask Crystal Quest before changing it.
Why is my system making less water?
Cold water, low water pressure and higher TDS all reduce membrane production. The membrane is rated at 50 psi; the countertop system performs best at about 60 psi. If output stays low with fresh cartridges and normal pressure, the membrane may be due.
How long does a 50 GPD RO membrane last?
About 2 to 3 years. Actual life depends on feed water quality, system configuration and usage.
Does hard water affect the membrane?
Yes. Hardness can form a crystallized layer of scale on the membrane surface and reduce output. On very hard water, ask Crystal Quest about softening ahead of the RO.
How do I replace the membrane?
Turn off the water, unscrew the membrane housing cap, pull out the old membrane and push the new one in, end with the two small O-rings first, until it is fully seated. Then reconnect, check for leaks and flush as your system manual directs.
Technical specificationsManufacturer material
Specifications for your selection
Single
- SKU
- CQE-RC-04041
- Diameter (width)
- 1.75 in
- Length (height)
- 11.75 in
- Replace every
- 2 to 3 years
- Membrane type
- Thin-film composite (TFC) reverse osmosis membrane
- Production rating
- 50 GPD (gallons per day)
- Part number
- CQE-RC-04041
- Membrane size
- 1.75" x 11.75"
- Housing format
- 2" x 12" residential membrane housing
- Listed replacement for
- Countertop Reverse Osmosis System; SHARP, TURBO and Hybrid UF + RO bottleless water coolers
- Construction
- Polypropylene end caps, polyolefin inner and outer wraps, polyethylene netting, Buna-N gasket end caps
- Operating pressure
- 20 to 60 psi (1.4 to 4.1 bar)
- Operating temperature
- 40°F to 90°F (4°C to 32°C)
- Replacement interval
- 2 to 3 years; actual life depends on feed water quality, system configuration and usage
Performance curves
Rated 50 GPD at 77°F (25°C), 50 psi, 250 ppm feed.
Data for Figure 1
| Feed temperature | 40 psi | 50 psi | 60 psi |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40°F (4°C) | 19 | 24 | 29 |
| 50°F (10°C) | 23 | 29 | 35 |
| 60°F (16°C) | 28 | 36 | 44 |
| 70°F (21°C) | 34 | 44 | 53 |
| 77°F (25°C) | 39 | 50 | 61 |
| 85°F (29°C) | 45 | 57 | 69 |
| 90°F (32°C) | 48 | 62 | 75 |
Values in GPD (gallons per day).
Data for Figure 2
| Feed pressure | 50°F (10°C) | 60°F (16°C) | 77°F (25°C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 psi | 4 | 5 | 7 |
| 20 psi | 10 | 13 | 18 |
| 30 psi | 17 | 21 | 29 |
| 40 psi | 23 | 28 | 39 |
| 50 psi | 29 | 36 | 50 |
| 60 psi | 35 | 44 | 61 |
Values in GPD (gallons per day).
Crystal Quest engineering data. Typical values calculated from the element's rated output at standard test conditions; actual output depends on feed water, recovery, storage tank back pressure and element condition.
Membrane specifications
| Specification | Value |
| Membrane type | Thin-film composite (TFC) reverse osmosis membrane |
| Production rating | 50 GPD (gallons per day) |
| Part number | CQE-RC-04041 |
| Membrane size | 1.75" x 11.75" |
| Housing format | 2" x 12" residential membrane housing |
| Listed replacement for | Countertop Reverse Osmosis System; SHARP, TURBO and Hybrid UF + RO bottleless water coolers |
| Construction | Polypropylene end caps, polyolefin inner and outer wraps, polyethylene netting, Buna-N gasket end caps |
| Operating pressure | 20 to 60 psi (1.4 to 4.1 bar) |
| Operating temperature | 40°F to 90°F (4°C to 32°C) |
| Salt rejection | Up to 99% |
| Chlorine | Remove ahead of the membrane with carbon pre-filtration |
| Drain water (Crystal Quest RO systems) | 1 gallon to drain for every 1 to 3 gallons of purified water |
| Service life | 2 to 3 years* |
*Service life is an estimate. Actual life depends on feed water quality, system configuration and usage.
Maintenance & careManufacturer material
- Plan on a new membrane every 2 to 3 years. Actual life depends on feed water quality, system configuration and usage.
- Compare tap-water and RO-water TDS. A steady rise in RO-water TDS, or lower production that fresh pre-filters and normal pressure do not restore, means the membrane is due.
- Replace pre-filters on schedule; on chlorinated city water, once a year is best practice.
- Follow the membrane replacement steps in your system manual. In brief: turn off the water and relieve pressure, unscrew the membrane housing cap, pull out the used membrane, push the new one in with its O-ring end first until it is fully seated, reconnect the tubing with thread seal tape, then check for leaks and flush before use.
Keep your cooler or countertop RO pouring clean. Choose Subscribe & save above to have your next membrane arrive on the schedule you set.
CompatibilityManufacturer material
Listed as the replacement membrane (CQE-RC-04041) for the Crystal Quest Countertop Reverse Osmosis System and the SHARP, TURBO and Hybrid Ultrafiltration + Reverse Osmosis Bottleless Water Coolers.
It is the 1.75" x 11.75" residential format for 2" x 12" membrane housings. Crystal Quest Thunder under-sink RO systems use the 100 GPD membrane as standard, so order that rating for a Thunder.
What this review is based on.
Elorova researched the public Crystal Quest product listing, its published configuration data, source photographs and linked documents. The source page was checked on .
We have not purchased or installed this product, conducted a laboratory evaluation, or independently confirmed the manufacturer’s treatment and certification claims. We do not copy retailer star ratings into an Elorova rating.
Original Crystal Quest product listingOur research is a snapshot. Check the merchant’s current documentation, warranty, configuration, price and delivery terms before deciding. Read our editorial policy.
