I filter through a double coffee filter.
My setup is rudimentary.
I figure it is “done” by shining a laser through it - the more visible the laser in the water, the greater the ppm. I just estimate from there. Taste is also a way I estimate completeness. It tastes like metal!
One advanced concept I did is fabricate a mixer/stirrer device: I bought a servomotor from a robotics supply. It was about $5. I mounted it on top of the jar; it works off an 18650 battery (3.7v) and stirs slowly in between the cathode and anode, and thus prevents any connection of current between the 2.
I needed a stirrer because the gunk would build up on the cathode/anode fairly quickly. I do not know what the gunk is; I use .9999 fine silver and distilled water. Maybe it is due to the traces of contaminants inside the jar.
Mr GG2 also filters his through a coffee filter. He avoids the build up on the cathode and anode by using .999 silver and steam distilled water from the health food store. The steam distilled water is pure as opposed to the distilled water at the grocery store.