Phoenix vs. Black Berkey Filters: The Replacement Option for Your Berkey System

If you already own a Berkey water filter and need new filter elements, you may have discovered that Black Berkey Elements are no longer available for purchase separately.

Black Berkey Elements may still be included with select new Berkey systems, but existing Berkey owners cannot simply purchase another pair when their original filters need to be replaced.

Fortunately, you do not necessarily need to replace your entire Berkey system.

The Phoenix PGF9-2 Gravity New Millennium Edition Filter Elements are designed as a replacement option for Black Berkey Elements and allow you to continue using your existing gravity-fed system.

Phoenix vs. Black Berkey at a Glance

Can You Still Buy Black Berkey Replacement Filters?

Black Berkey Elements are no longer available for purchase as standalone replacement filters.

They may still be included with select new Berkey systems, but customers who already own a Berkey cannot purchase a separate pair when their current filters reach the end of their usable life.

This created a frustrating situation for Berkey owners whose stainless-steel systems remain in perfectly usable condition.

Rather than replacing the entire system, Berkey owners can now use the Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition Filter Elements.

These filters are officially endorsed by New Millennium Concepts, Ltd., the company behind Berkey Water Systems, and are designed specifically as a replacement option for Black Berkey Elements.

What Are Phoenix New Millennium Edition Filter Elements?

Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition Filter Elements are gravity-fed replacement filters made with premium CTC-60 coconut-shell activated carbon.

They are designed to reduce chlorine, chloramines, unwanted tastes, odors, and other common water impurities while retaining beneficial minerals.

Like Black Berkey Elements, the Phoenix filters operate without electricity or plumbing. Water moves from the system’s upper chamber through the filter elements and collects in the lower chamber.

Each Phoenix filter has an approximate capacity of 2,750 gallons. A set of two provides an approximate total capacity of 5,500 gallons.

The filters can also be cleaned during their useful life to help restore the flow rate when sediment accumulates on the exterior surface.

Which Berkey Systems Are Compatible With Phoenix Filters?

Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition Filter Elements are designed to fit the following Berkey systems:

• Go Berkey Kit

• Travel Berkey

• Berkey Light

• Big Berkey

• Royal Berkey

• Imperial Berkey

• Crown Berkey

They are also compatible with many other gravity-fed water filtration systems that use a similar filter-element design.

Before ordering, check the condition of your existing system and confirm that all necessary washers, wing nuts, and blocking plugs are available.

Each Phoenix PGF9-2 package includes:

• Two Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition Filter Elements

• Two washers

• Two wing nuts

• One PrimeEasy Universal Primer

• Red food coloring for system testing

• Product instructions

Are Phoenix Filters the Same as Black Berkey Elements?

No. Phoenix filters are designed as a replacement option for Black Berkey Elements, but they are not the exact same product.

The Phoenix New Millennium Edition uses CTC-60 coconut-shell activated carbon and has its own specifications, capacity, maintenance requirements, and warranty.

Once Phoenix filters are installed, follow the instructions included with the Phoenix elements rather than continuing to rely on the maintenance instructions for your old filters.

The important benefit is that the Phoenix filters allow you to continue using your existing Berkey housing without purchasing another complete gravity-fed system.

Are Phoenix Filters Officially Endorsed by Berkey?

The Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition Filter Elements are officially endorsed by New Millennium Concepts, Ltd., the company behind Berkey Water Systems.

That endorsement separates the New Millennium Edition from the many generic filters advertised online as Berkey-compatible replacements.

These filters were created specifically for customers looking to replace existing Black Berkey Elements while continuing to use their Berkey systems.

Can Phoenix Filters Be Used With Berkey PF-2 Filters?

Yes. The Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition Filter Elements are compatible with Berkey PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements.

The PF-2 filters attach beneath the primary Phoenix elements in the lower chamber, similar to their installation with Black Berkey Elements.

This compatibility is important for existing Berkey owners who already use PF-2 filters and want to retain fluoride and arsenic reduction after replacing their primary filter elements.

Always follow the installation instructions included with both the Phoenix and PF-2 elements to confirm that the filters are properly connected.

How Long Do Phoenix Filters Last?

Each Phoenix New Millennium Edition element has an approximate capacity of 2,750 gallons.

A set of two provides an approximate combined capacity of 5,500 gallons.

Actual filter life can vary based on:

• Household water consumption

• Incoming water quality

• Sediment levels

• Filter maintenance

• Cleaning frequency

• The types and concentrations of impurities in the water

A noticeable reduction in flow rate does not always mean the filters need to be replaced. The elements can be cleaned during their useful life to remove accumulated sediment and help restore water flow.

Do Phoenix Filters Need to Be Primed?

Yes. The Phoenix elements must be properly primed before installation.

The PGF9-2 package includes a PrimeEasy Universal Primer to help saturate the filtration media before use.

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