Fluval ClearMax Phosphate Remover
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.
$15-50 CAD
Fluval ClearMax Phosphate Remover Sachets
Fluval ClearMax phosphate remover sachets are optimized polymer sachets designed for fast, targeted phosphate uptake and are a cost‑effective solution for hobbyists battling algae and nutrient spikes. While they lack the multi‑parameter cleanup of Purigen or Chemi‑Pure Elite, ClearMax offers superior per‑gram phosphate removal at an attractive price, making it the go‑to targeted sachet for phosphate control in planted or reef systems.
Stops algae
Lowers phosphate
Stops algae
Lowers phosphate
Review Summary
"Reviewers find it effective at lowering phosphate levels and helping control algae when sachets are replaced regularly, but note its capacity is limited and lifespan varies greatly with phosphate load."
Algae assassin
Selective phosphate (and silicate) removal using a polymeric/resin media formulated for continuous phosphate control.
Algae assassin
Selective phosphate (and silicate) removal using a polymeric/resin media formulated for continuous phosphate control.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Fluval ClearMax phosphate remover sachets are optimized polymer sachets designed for fast, targeted phosphate uptake and are a cost‑effective solution for hobbyists battling algae and nutrient spikes. While they lack the multi‑parameter cleanup of Purigen or Chemi‑Pure Elite, ClearMax offers superior per‑gram phosphate removal at an attractive price, making it the go‑to targeted sachet for phosphate control in planted or reef systems.
Stops algae
Lowers phosphate
Algae assassin
Selective phosphate (and silicate) removal using a polymeric/resin media formulated for continuous phosphate control.
Sachet format fits filter baskets for steady flow-through treatment.
Stops algae
Lowers phosphate
Algae assassin
Selective phosphate (and silicate) removal using a polymeric/resin media formulated for continuous phosphate control.
Sachet format fits filter baskets for steady flow-through treatment.
$10-20 CAD
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
$25-50 CAD
Hydroviv’s Under Sink Replacement Filter is the market leader for tailored polymer block inserts, offering custom-blended media optimized to local water chemistry for superior removal of specific contaminants (lead, chloramines, PFAS where applicable). While it carries a higher per-filter price than off-the-shelf options, its technical advantage—site-specific contaminant targeting and lab-verified performance—makes it the preferred choice when removal specificity and maximum health protection justify the premium.
Custom targeting
Lab-tested purity
Custom targeting
Lab-tested purity
Review Summary
"Hydroviv’s under-sink replacement filters are highly rated for customized contaminant targeting, excellent taste and strong customer support, with the main downsides being higher price and subscription model for replacements. Users consistently praise filtration performance and build quality."
Tailor-made sip
Custom-blended polymer carbon block media tailored to your local water profile for targeted contaminant removal.
Tailor-made sip
Custom-blended polymer carbon block media tailored to your local water profile for targeted contaminant removal.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
Hydroviv’s Under Sink Replacement Filter is the market leader for tailored polymer block inserts, offering custom-blended media optimized to local water chemistry for superior removal of specific contaminants (lead, chloramines, PFAS where applicable). While it carries a higher per-filter price than off-the-shelf options, its technical advantage—site-specific contaminant targeting and lab-verified performance—makes it the preferred choice when removal specificity and maximum health protection justify the premium.
Custom targeting
Lab-tested purity
Tailor-made sip
Custom-blended polymer carbon block media tailored to your local water profile for targeted contaminant removal.
High contaminant reduction focus including lead, chlorine, VOCs and emerging contaminants like PFAS.
Custom targeting
Lab-tested purity
Tailor-made sip
Custom-blended polymer carbon block media tailored to your local water profile for targeted contaminant removal.
High contaminant reduction focus including lead, chlorine, VOCs and emerging contaminants like PFAS.
$100-200 CAD
Fluval BioMax is an economical ceramic bio-ring designed to deliver high surface area for nitrifying bacteria in standard filter housings. Versus polymer foam media, BioMax provides excellent specific surface area and particle stability, making it a cost-effective option for hobbyists who want proven ceramic performance rather than the finer mechanical trapping or compressibility of foams. Its strength is broad compatibility and low per-pack cost, though it can be heavier and less convenient to shape than foam pads or cuttable polymer media.
Ceramic bead army
Fast biofilm growth
Ceramic bead army
Fast biofilm growth
Review Summary
"Fluval BioMax is widely regarded as reliable, providing excellent biological filtration and easy rinsing/reuse; some reviewers note it can abrade into small particles faster than premium ceramic options."
Durable low-maintenance
Porous polymer granules deliver extensive surface area for nitrifying bacteria
Durable low-maintenance
Porous polymer granules deliver extensive surface area for nitrifying bacteria
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Fluval BioMax is an economical ceramic bio-ring designed to deliver high surface area for nitrifying bacteria in standard filter housings. Versus polymer foam media, BioMax provides excellent specific surface area and particle stability, making it a cost-effective option for hobbyists who want proven ceramic performance rather than the finer mechanical trapping or compressibility of foams. Its strength is broad compatibility and low per-pack cost, though it can be heavier and less convenient to shape than foam pads or cuttable polymer media.
Ceramic bead army
Fast biofilm growth
Durable low-maintenance
Porous polymer granules deliver extensive surface area for nitrifying bacteria
Designed to fit many canister and in-line filters for easy use
Ceramic bead army
Fast biofilm growth
Durable low-maintenance
Porous polymer granules deliver extensive surface area for nitrifying bacteria
Designed to fit many canister and in-line filters for easy use
$15-35 CAD
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