de filter, sand filter and cartridge filters...  what’s the scoop on filters types?  Here it is.  

De - filters down to between 1 and 2 microns 

Sand - filters down to 4 to 5 microns (newer type of sand)

Cartridge filters down to about 15 to 20 microns

As you can see,  the difference in clarity is “clear” (no pun intended), de is the best filtration you can get.  The new style sand that is out (which we use in all our customers sand filters) is a close second to de and cartridge is out in left field.