Fluval ClearMax is a targeted phosphate- and silicate-removing polymeric media designed to produce rapid, measurable drops in phosphate levels for algae-prone systems. Compared with broader adsorbents such as Purigen or Boyd's Elite, ClearMax delivers a focused technical advantage and often a lower per-treatment cost when phosphate control is the primary objective.
Phosphate annihilator
Algae's nightmare
Phosphate annihilator
Algae's nightmare
Review Summary
"Fluval ClearMax is generally regarded as an effective phosphate and silicate sponge with good capacity and low dusting, though some users say cost per volume and replacement frequency are downsides."
Long-life beads
Specialized resin targets dissolved phosphates and silicates to help control algae.
Long-life beads
Specialized resin targets dissolved phosphates and silicates to help control algae.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Fluval ClearMax is a targeted phosphate- and silicate-removing polymeric media designed to produce rapid, measurable drops in phosphate levels for algae-prone systems. Compared with broader adsorbents such as Purigen or Boyd's Elite, ClearMax delivers a focused technical advantage and often a lower per-treatment cost when phosphate control is the primary objective.
Phosphate annihilator
Algae's nightmare
Long-life beads
Specialized resin targets dissolved phosphates and silicates to help control algae.
Formulated for easy placement in cartridges or media bags inside canister and power filters.
Phosphate annihilator
Algae's nightmare
Long-life beads
Specialized resin targets dissolved phosphates and silicates to help control algae.
Formulated for easy placement in cartridges or media bags inside canister and power filters.
AquaClear’s Ammonia Remover insert is a plug‑and‑play polymer sachet packed with ion‑exchange material that excels at rapid ammonia control and emergency use, providing quick peace of mind for new setups or acute spikes. It is generally more affordable and simpler to install than multi‑media sachets, but because it is focused on ammonia removal it is best used in tandem with broader‑spectrum media like API Zorb or Boyd Chemi‑Pure Elite for ongoing water quality management.
Ammonia ninja
Plug-and-play
Ammonia ninja
Plug-and-play
Review Summary
"Customers appreciate the convenience and quick ammonia reduction for emergencies and small aquaria, but report the insert becomes saturated relatively fast and lacks the long-term capacity of bulk chemical media."
Gills-approved
Ammonia-selective resin/media that reduces free ammonia to protect sensitive fish.
Gills-approved
Ammonia-selective resin/media that reduces free ammonia to protect sensitive fish.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
AquaClear’s Ammonia Remover insert is a plug‑and‑play polymer sachet packed with ion‑exchange material that excels at rapid ammonia control and emergency use, providing quick peace of mind for new setups or acute spikes. It is generally more affordable and simpler to install than multi‑media sachets, but because it is focused on ammonia removal it is best used in tandem with broader‑spectrum media like API Zorb or Boyd Chemi‑Pure Elite for ongoing water quality management.
Ammonia ninja
Plug-and-play
Gills-approved
Ammonia-selective resin/media that reduces free ammonia to protect sensitive fish.
Insert/cartridge format designed to fit AquaClear units or other filter chambers.
Ammonia ninja
Plug-and-play
Gills-approved
Ammonia-selective resin/media that reduces free ammonia to protect sensitive fish.
Insert/cartridge format designed to fit AquaClear units or other filter chambers.
Seachem Purigen in a filter sock format is the premium polymer adsorption option focused on high-capacity, regenerable organic removal, making it the technical standout for hobbyists prioritizing clarity and long-term cost-of-ownership. Compared to granular or polymer carbon socks (Aquatop) and phosphate-focused socks (Two Little Fishies), Purigen delivers very low dissolved organics and can be chemically regenerated to extend service life. Its higher upfront cost is offset for many users by reduced replacement frequency and superior polishing performance.
High-capacity polish
Regenerable magic
High-capacity polish
Regenerable magic
Review Summary
"Seachem Purigen filter socks are widely liked for their superior organic removal and clarity improvements, with most users noting excellent longevity when properly regenerated."
Crystal clarity
Contains Seachem Purigen synthetic adsorbent for high-capacity removal of dissolved organics and discoloration
Crystal clarity
Contains Seachem Purigen synthetic adsorbent for high-capacity removal of dissolved organics and discoloration
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
Seachem Purigen in a filter sock format is the premium polymer adsorption option focused on high-capacity, regenerable organic removal, making it the technical standout for hobbyists prioritizing clarity and long-term cost-of-ownership. Compared to granular or polymer carbon socks (Aquatop) and phosphate-focused socks (Two Little Fishies), Purigen delivers very low dissolved organics and can be chemically regenerated to extend service life. Its higher upfront cost is offset for many users by reduced replacement frequency and superior polishing performance.
High-capacity polish
Regenerable magic
Crystal clarity
Contains Seachem Purigen synthetic adsorbent for high-capacity removal of dissolved organics and discoloration
Regenerable polymer sock design that maintains even flow and long service life
High-capacity polish
Regenerable magic
Crystal clarity
Contains Seachem Purigen synthetic adsorbent for high-capacity removal of dissolved organics and discoloration
Regenerable polymer sock design that maintains even flow and long service life
Aquasana AQ-5200R Claryum stands out for consumer-focused polymer block performance, combining multi-stage media and engineered carbon blocks to reduce chlorine, lead, and cysts while keeping replacement costs competitive. Technically it targets a broader contaminant list than many economy carbon blocks, and financially it often hits a sweet spot between 3M’s mainstream reliability and Hydroviv’s premium custom approach for households wanting enhanced contaminant coverage without custom pricing.
Lead reduction
Fast water flow
Lead reduction
Fast water flow
Review Summary
"The Aquasana AQ-5200R (Claryum) is frequently lauded for excellent taste improvement, broad contaminant reduction and easy DIY installation; a minority report occasional leaks or slightly reduced flow. It’s widely regarded as a high-value under-sink option."
Crystal-clear sip
Uses Claryum filtration media (polymer/activated carbon blend) to reduce a broad spectrum of contaminants including lead and PFAS/PFOA compounds.
Crystal-clear sip
Uses Claryum filtration media (polymer/activated carbon blend) to reduce a broad spectrum of contaminants including lead and PFAS/PFOA compounds.
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
Aquasana AQ-5200R Claryum stands out for consumer-focused polymer block performance, combining multi-stage media and engineered carbon blocks to reduce chlorine, lead, and cysts while keeping replacement costs competitive. Technically it targets a broader contaminant list than many economy carbon blocks, and financially it often hits a sweet spot between 3M’s mainstream reliability and Hydroviv’s premium custom approach for households wanting enhanced contaminant coverage without custom pricing.
Lead reduction
Fast water flow
Crystal-clear sip
Uses Claryum filtration media (polymer/activated carbon blend) to reduce a broad spectrum of contaminants including lead and PFAS/PFOA compounds.
Certified performance for common health-related contaminants and optimized for under-sink installations.
Lead reduction
Fast water flow
Crystal-clear sip
Uses Claryum filtration media (polymer/activated carbon blend) to reduce a broad spectrum of contaminants including lead and PFAS/PFOA compounds.
Certified performance for common health-related contaminants and optimized for under-sink installations.
The AquaClear BioMax filter insert combines convenient pre-packed media with an easy drop-in form factor for hang-on-back filters, giving quick biological boost without media handling. Compared to loose polymer foam, this insert trades off customizability for simplicity — it’s ideal for users who want plug-and-play performance rather than cutting and fitting foam to exact dimensions. It is generally one of the more affordable, service-friendly options for consumers who value low time investment over the slightly superior mechanical filtration that some polymer foams can offer.
Drop-in convenience
Custom-fit insert
Drop-in convenience
Custom-fit insert
Review Summary
"AquaClear BioMax filter inserts are appreciated for convenient, filter-specific sizing and good biological/mechanical performance, though some users prefer buying loose media for longer life and better flow control."
Polishes water clarity
Preformed polymer foam insert engineered for quick drop-in installation
Polishes water clarity
Preformed polymer foam insert engineered for quick drop-in installation
Time-Saving Convenience
Increased Safety & Security
The AquaClear BioMax filter insert combines convenient pre-packed media with an easy drop-in form factor for hang-on-back filters, giving quick biological boost without media handling. Compared to loose polymer foam, this insert trades off customizability for simplicity — it’s ideal for users who want plug-and-play performance rather than cutting and fitting foam to exact dimensions. It is generally one of the more affordable, service-friendly options for consumers who value low time investment over the slightly superior mechanical filtration that some polymer foams can offer.
Drop-in convenience
Custom-fit insert
Polishes water clarity
Preformed polymer foam insert engineered for quick drop-in installation
Combines mechanical and biological filtration in a single replaceable pad
Drop-in convenience
Custom-fit insert
Polishes water clarity
Preformed polymer foam insert engineered for quick drop-in installation
Combines mechanical and biological filtration in a single replaceable pad
Dow AMBERLITE PWA15 Film Cartridge
Dow AMBERLITE PWA15 Film Cartridge leverages Dow's established resin chemistry in a cartridgeized film format to provide reliable, easy-to-install media for industrial polymer ribbon and film applications. It offers broad compatibility and a mature supply chain that can reduce procurement risk relative to niche suppliers, and while its operating profile can be slightly less optimized for ultra-high-precision film processes, its predictable lifecycle and regeneration economics are advantageous for many cost-conscious users.
Cartridge-ready pro
Compact powerhouse
Cartridge-ready pro
Compact powerhouse
Review Summary
"Dow AMBERLITE PWA15 Film Cartridge is widely regarded as a market-leading cartridge with high capacity, durability, and predictable regeneration behavior. Primary downsides are its premium cost and limited distributor stock in some regions."
Low-maintenance charm
Premium polymer film cartridge engineered for high throughput and consistent ionic control
Low-maintenance charm
Premium polymer film cartridge engineered for high throughput and consistent ionic control
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Dow AMBERLITE PWA15 Film Cartridge leverages Dow's established resin chemistry in a cartridgeized film format to provide reliable, easy-to-install media for industrial polymer ribbon and film applications. It offers broad compatibility and a mature supply chain that can reduce procurement risk relative to niche suppliers, and while its operating profile can be slightly less optimized for ultra-high-precision film processes, its predictable lifecycle and regeneration economics are advantageous for many cost-conscious users.
Cartridge-ready pro
Compact powerhouse
Low-maintenance charm
Premium polymer film cartridge engineered for high throughput and consistent ionic control
Low leakage, tight specification tolerances, and sustained performance over long cycles
Cartridge-ready pro
Compact powerhouse
Low-maintenance charm
Premium polymer film cartridge engineered for high throughput and consistent ionic control
Low leakage, tight specification tolerances, and sustained performance over long cycles
$900-1,500 CAD