AquaGreen Bio-Block Compostable Filter Media
AquaGreen's Bio-Block is positioned as best-in-class for compostable cartridge media thanks to a high internal surface area and engineered porosity that maximizes biofilm growth while remaining commercially compostable. Compared with the thinner-profile micro cartridges in this list, AquaGreen emphasizes longer in-service life and higher biomass capacity, which yields lower replacement frequency and better lifecycle cost for treatment systems that prioritize compact cartridge solutions.
Microbe hammocks
Odor reduction
Microbe hammocks
Odor reduction
Review Summary
"Customers generally praise AquaGreen Bio-Block for rapid biological colonization and noticeably clearer water, though a minority report the blocks soften faster than expected in very warm or high-flow systems. Overall users find them effective and easy to replace for routine maintenance."
Durable compostable
Made from certified compostable plant fibers engineered to support aerobic biofilm growth
Durable compostable
Made from certified compostable plant fibers engineered to support aerobic biofilm growth
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
AquaGreen's Bio-Block is positioned as best-in-class for compostable cartridge media thanks to a high internal surface area and engineered porosity that maximizes biofilm growth while remaining commercially compostable. Compared with the thinner-profile micro cartridges in this list, AquaGreen emphasizes longer in-service life and higher biomass capacity, which yields lower replacement frequency and better lifecycle cost for treatment systems that prioritize compact cartridge solutions.
Microbe hammocks
Odor reduction
Durable compostable
Made from certified compostable plant fibers engineered to support aerobic biofilm growth
High-surface-area block geometry designed to fit common cartridge housings
Microbe hammocks
Odor reduction
Durable compostable
Made from certified compostable plant fibers engineered to support aerobic biofilm growth
High-surface-area block geometry designed to fit common cartridge housings
$25-45 CAD
EcoFiltration Biodegradable K1 Micro Cartridge
EcoFiltration's K1 Micro Cartridge is a market leader in the small-form-factor, biodegradable cartridge segment, prized for broad availability and a proven track record in municipal and commercial installations. While it offers slightly less bulk surface area than block-style media like AquaGreen, its lower unit price, standardized dimensions and wide distribution make it a cost-effective choice for systems needing rapid swaps and scalable inventories.
K1 wobble
Biofilm friendly
K1 wobble
Biofilm friendly
Review Summary
"Users appreciate the EcoFiltration K1 Micro Cartridge for its compact design and strong nitrifying performance, but some long-term users mention the biodegradable material can begin to break down sooner than synthetic alternatives under heavy use. Most buyers highlight good value and easy installation for small to medium setups."
No microplastics
K1-style micro media design optimized for nitrifying bacterial colonization
No microplastics
K1-style micro media design optimized for nitrifying bacterial colonization
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
EcoFiltration's K1 Micro Cartridge is a market leader in the small-form-factor, biodegradable cartridge segment, prized for broad availability and a proven track record in municipal and commercial installations. While it offers slightly less bulk surface area than block-style media like AquaGreen, its lower unit price, standardized dimensions and wide distribution make it a cost-effective choice for systems needing rapid swaps and scalable inventories.
K1 wobble
Biofilm friendly
No microplastics
K1-style micro media design optimized for nitrifying bacterial colonization
Biodegradable polymer blend formulated to balance durability and compostability
K1 wobble
Biofilm friendly
No microplastics
K1-style micro media design optimized for nitrifying bacterial colonization
Biodegradable polymer blend formulated to balance durability and compostability
$35-60 CAD
NaturePond Compostable Bio-Balls Filter Pack
NaturePond's compostable bio-balls focus on modularity and hydraulic flexibility, delivering a lightweight packable media that balances surface area with flow-through characteristics ideal for pond and retrofit filtration. Compared to cartridge-first products, NaturePond offers easier retrofitting and staged replacement — a slightly higher per-volume material cost is offset by reduced maintenance time and adaptability to varied tank geometries.
Packed surface
Bobs like beads
Packed surface
Bobs like beads
Review Summary
"NaturePond Compostable Bio-Balls are commonly reported to provide excellent surface area for biofilm growth and maintain flow well, though a subset of reviewers note occasional clogging in systems with lots of debris. Overall they are seen as a reliable, eco-friendly replacement for plastic bio-balls."
Compostable cores
Open-surface spherical bio-balls deliver a very high surface-to-volume ratio
Compostable cores
Open-surface spherical bio-balls deliver a very high surface-to-volume ratio
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Increased Safety & Security
NaturePond's compostable bio-balls focus on modularity and hydraulic flexibility, delivering a lightweight packable media that balances surface area with flow-through characteristics ideal for pond and retrofit filtration. Compared to cartridge-first products, NaturePond offers easier retrofitting and staged replacement — a slightly higher per-volume material cost is offset by reduced maintenance time and adaptability to varied tank geometries.
Packed surface
Bobs like beads
Compostable cores
Open-surface spherical bio-balls deliver a very high surface-to-volume ratio
Manufactured from compostable materials that maintain structural integrity during use
Packed surface
Bobs like beads
Compostable cores
Open-surface spherical bio-balls deliver a very high surface-to-volume ratio
Manufactured from compostable materials that maintain structural integrity during use
$40-80 CAD
BioHaven Floating Treatment Wetland Matrix
BioHaven supplies a compostable floating wetland matrix that extends the cartridge concept into surface-applied, vegetation-supporting treatment — unique among the listed products for combining biological media with plant-based nutrient uptake. Though it carries higher upfront installation cost than in-line cartridges, BioHaven's integrated ecosystem services and reduced downstream solids loading can lower overall project costs for stormwater and naturalized treatment applications.
Plant party raft
Wildlife magnet
Plant party raft
Wildlife magnet
Review Summary
"Professionals and hobbyists like the BioHaven Floating Treatment Wetland Matrix for supporting plant roots and improving nutrient uptake in pond applications, but several users mention the higher upfront cost and some degradation after multiple seasons. The consensus is positive for ecological performance but mixed on long-term durability."
Pollutant sponge
Engineered floating matrix supports plant root systems and dense microbial communities
Pollutant sponge
Engineered floating matrix supports plant root systems and dense microbial communities
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
BioHaven supplies a compostable floating wetland matrix that extends the cartridge concept into surface-applied, vegetation-supporting treatment — unique among the listed products for combining biological media with plant-based nutrient uptake. Though it carries higher upfront installation cost than in-line cartridges, BioHaven's integrated ecosystem services and reduced downstream solids loading can lower overall project costs for stormwater and naturalized treatment applications.
Plant party raft
Wildlife magnet
Pollutant sponge
Engineered floating matrix supports plant root systems and dense microbial communities
Compostable structural materials designed for larger pond and wetland remediation projects
Plant party raft
Wildlife magnet
Pollutant sponge
Engineered floating matrix supports plant root systems and dense microbial communities
Compostable structural materials designed for larger pond and wetland remediation projects
$150-300 CAD
GreenWater Solutions Hemp Fiber Bio-Cartridge
GreenWater Solutions' hemp fiber bio-cartridge leverages fast-regenerating hemp as feedstock to offer one of the most sustainable and low-cost end-of-life profiles among compostable media cartridges. Technically it trades some mechanical toughness and longevity versus denser engineered blocks, but its rapid compostability and low material cost make it attractive for operators prioritizing circular-material procurement and minimal disposal expense.
Hemp powerhouse
Rapid breakdown
Hemp powerhouse
Rapid breakdown
Review Summary
"GreenWater Solutions Hemp Fiber Bio-Cartridge receives praise for strong biological filtration and being environmentally friendly, though reviewers commonly report the hemp breaks down faster than expected in warm, high-flow aquaria and may need more frequent replacement. Many buyers still recommend it for short-term eco-conscious filtration needs."
Lint-free clarity
Hemp fiber core offers natural, high-porosity media favorable for bacterial colonization
Lint-free clarity
Hemp fiber core offers natural, high-porosity media favorable for bacterial colonization
Time-Saving Convenience
Increased Safety & Security
GreenWater Solutions' hemp fiber bio-cartridge leverages fast-regenerating hemp as feedstock to offer one of the most sustainable and low-cost end-of-life profiles among compostable media cartridges. Technically it trades some mechanical toughness and longevity versus denser engineered blocks, but its rapid compostability and low material cost make it attractive for operators prioritizing circular-material procurement and minimal disposal expense.
Hemp powerhouse
Rapid breakdown
Lint-free clarity
Hemp fiber core offers natural, high-porosity media favorable for bacterial colonization
Fully compostable composition resists compaction over typical service intervals
Hemp powerhouse
Rapid breakdown
Lint-free clarity
Hemp fiber core offers natural, high-porosity media favorable for bacterial colonization
Fully compostable composition resists compaction over typical service intervals
$20-50 CAD