Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition Filters - Black Berkey Element Alternative
Replacement elements • Set of 2
Phoenix Gravity Filters for Your Berkey® System
Keep your compatible Berkey® system in use with Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements. This pair is a current replacement alternative for owners of Black Berkey® Elements, with approximately 5,500 gallons of combined designed capacity.
Made with CTC-60 coconut-shell activated carbon and endorsed by New Millennium Concepts, Ltd. Review your system fit and the performance details below before ordering.
Shipping availability: This product is currently unavailable for sale in California or Iowa.
Compatible Berkey® Gravity-Fed Systems
Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements are designed to fit compatible Berkey® gravity-fed systems, including:
- Go Berkey® Kit
- Travel Berkey® Water Filter
- Big Berkey® Water Filter
- Royal Berkey® Water Filter
- Imperial Berkey® Water Filter
- Crown Berkey™ Water Filter
- Berkey Light® Water Filter
Ordering tip: One pack contains two elements. Count your installed primary elements and check the mounting limit for your system before choosing a quantity. Go Berkey® uses a single primary element; the Sport Berkey® bottle requires its own filter.
The elements may also fit some gravity-fed systems from other manufacturers. For non-Berkey systems, compare element dimensions, stem configuration, mounting-hole size, and available chamber clearance before ordering.
Is Phoenix Gravity the Replacement for Black Berkey® Elements?
Yes—as a current compatible replacement option. Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements are designed to fit Berkey® gravity-fed systems and are currently the primary replacement option available through normal authorized U.S. distribution for customers who previously relied on Black Berkey® Elements.
Phoenix and Black Berkey® Elements have different media, capacities, flow characteristics, and test documentation. Use the comparison below to understand what changes when you switch.
| Feature | Black Berkey® Elements | Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ |
|---|---|---|
| Current normal U.S. replacement availability | Currently unavailable through normal authorized U.S. distribution | Current compatible replacement option |
| Designed capacity per pair | Up to approximately 6,000 gallons under stated conditions | Approximately 5,500 gallons |
| Primary media | Black Berkey® proprietary filtration formulation | CTC-60 coconut-shell activated-carbon-based media |
| PF-2™ compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Cleanable during useful life | Yes | Yes |
| TDS / mineral approach | Generally retains ordinary dissolved minerals | Generally retains ordinary dissolved minerals |
| Current NSF-listed Berkey® configurations | No equivalent current Black Berkey® system listing described here | Travel, Big and Royal systems featuring Phoenix have current NSF 42 and 372 listings |
Phoenix Gravity Filter Specifications
| Product | Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements |
|---|---|
| SKU | PGF9-2 |
| Quantity | Set of 2 elements |
| Primary media | Premium CTC-60 coconut-shell activated-carbon-based media |
| Designed capacity | Approximately 2,750 gallons per element |
| Designed pair capacity | Approximately 5,500 gallons per set of 2 |
| Maximum stated flow | Up to approximately 4.2 gallons per hour per pair with a full upper chamber |
| Element size | Approximately 9.5 inches tall including stem × 2.5 inches diameter |
| PF-2™ compatibility | Yes, in supported system configurations |
| Re-cleanable | Yes, during useful filter life |
| Warranty | One-year limited warranty |
| Electricity required | No |
| Plumbing required | No |
Flow decreases as the water level in the upper chamber falls and can also vary with priming, source-water quality, sediment loading, element condition, and maintenance.
Phoenix NSF Certification: Element and System Listings
NSF lists the PGF9-2 element itself and specific Berkey® systems fitted with Phoenix elements. Each listing has a defined scope.
| Listing | Claims and scope | Listed capacity |
|---|---|---|
| PGF9-2 filter cartridge component | NSF/ANSI 42: chlorine reduction and taste-and-odor reduction | Tested to 4,000 liters for these claims |
| Travel, Big, and Royal Berkey® featuring Phoenix | NSF/ANSI 42: chlorine reduction and taste-and-odor reduction | 1,050-gallon listed service cycle |
| Travel, Big, and Royal Berkey® featuring Phoenix | NSF/ANSI/CAN 372: lead-content requirements for materials | Not a contaminant-reduction capacity rating |
Physical fit in another housing does not extend these system listings to that configuration. Separate laboratory reports cover additional substances under their documented test conditions.
Independent Laboratory Testing
Review the Phoenix Gravity laboratory reports for the substances that matter to your household. Available testing includes PFAS compounds such as PFOA and PFOS, chloramines, selected metals, VOCs, pharmaceuticals, and disinfection byproducts.
These reports are separate from NSF certification. Compare the exact substance, starting concentration, result or detection limit, test volume, and water conditions. A result for one test does not establish the same reduction for every water source or throughout the full designed filter life.
Use the report library to review contaminant-specific results and the original laboratory documentation.
View Phoenix Test ResultsFor background on PFAS compounds, see our PFAS in Drinking Water Guide.
PF-2™ Compatibility & Fluoride Guidance
Phoenix Gravity elements are compatible with Berkey PF-2™ Fluoride & Arsenic Reduction Elements. Install one PF-2™ for each compatible primary Phoenix element in a supported system. Go Berkey® does not accommodate PF-2™ post-filters.
- 2 Phoenix Gravity elements → 2 PF-2™ Elements
- 4 Phoenix Gravity elements → 4 PF-2™ Elements
A fluoride result in a Phoenix laboratory report does not establish a sustained fluoride service-life rating. Customers specifically targeting ongoing fluoride reduction should consider compatible PF-2™ Elements and review the applicable PF-2™ testing and replacement guidance.
TDS, Minerals, Hardness & Limescale
Does Phoenix Gravity Lower TDS?
No significant TDS reduction is normally expected because the elements are not designed to remove all dissolved minerals and salts. A TDS meter measures electrical conductivity associated with dissolved ions; it does not directly measure chlorine, PFAS, VOCs, pharmaceuticals, or many other compounds that may be addressed through adsorption.
Does It Remove Beneficial Minerals?
The elements are designed to retain ordinary naturally occurring dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
Does It Soften Hard Water?
No. Phoenix Gravity elements are not water softeners and are not designed to remove calcium and magnesium, which cause hardness and limescale.
See our guide to what causes hard water and why most water filters do not remove it.
Setup, Priming & Initial Installation
Proper priming is important because activated-carbon media contain microscopic air pockets that must be displaced with water before normal flow can develop.
- Wash and dry your hands before handling the elements.
- Remove the elements from the packaging and inspect the element bodies, stems, washers, and hardware.
- Prime and flush each element according to the current included instructions. The NSF component listing specifies a 15–20-liter flushing procedure; follow the product directions for how to complete it.
- Install the sealing washer in the specified position.
- Insert the threaded stem through the mounting hole in the upper chamber.
- Secure the element with the supplied hardware without overtightening.
- Install blocking plugs in any unused mounting holes.
- Perform the recommended assembly-verification test after installation.
Improper priming can result in unusually slow flow. Improper installation can allow water to bypass the element through an opening or seal.
Assembly Verification: Red Food Coloring Test
The Red Food Coloring Test helps verify that the elements and blocking points are installed and sealed correctly.
- Remove PF-2™ Elements before performing the test.
- Use only the artificial red food coloring specified in the current product instructions.
- Add the specified amount to water in the upper chamber and allow the system to filter.
- If the lower-chamber water remains clear, the installed elements and seals have passed the assembly-verification check.
- If red or pink coloring appears below, inspect the element installation, seals, hardware, and unused openings, correct the issue, and repeat the test.
The Red Food Coloring Test is an installation check. It does not measure reduction of every substance evaluated in laboratory testing.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Phoenix Gravity elements are designed to be re-cleanable during their useful service life.
- Remove the filter elements from the system.
- Use cool running water.
- Clean the exterior according to the current included maintenance instructions using the recommended method.
- Do not use soap, detergent, bleach, or household cleaners on the filtration media.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Reprime if required.
- Reinstall with seals and hardware correctly seated.
- Repeat the assembly-verification test when appropriate.
When Should Phoenix Gravity Filters Be Replaced?
Replacement is appropriate when one or more of the following applies:
- The applicable designed gallon capacity has been reached
- Cleaning no longer restores acceptable flow
- The element body, base, or threaded stem is physically damaged
- The element has been exposed to inappropriate cleaning chemicals
- There is concern about contamination during storage or handling
Source-water quality, contaminant concentrations, sediment loading, maintenance, and storage can shorten useful life. The approximately 2,750-gallon designed capacity per element is not a guarantee of identical performance for every substance.
Tracking approximate household filtered water usage can make replacement planning easier, but source water conditions and actual use should also be considered.
Softened Water & Salt Water
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Phoenix Gravity filters a replacement for Black Berkey® Elements?
They are a current compatible replacement option for Berkey® gravity-fed systems and are presently the primary replacement option available through normal authorized U.S. distribution. Phoenix and Black Berkey® Elements are not identical products; compare their media, capacity, testing, and certification information separately.
Are Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements NSF certified?
Yes. The PGF9-2 element has its own NSF/ANSI 42 component listing, while Travel, Big, and Royal Berkey® systems featuring Phoenix have separate system listings. See the certified claims and capacities.
Which Berkey® systems fit Phoenix Gravity elements?
Phoenix Gravity elements are designed to fit compatible Berkey® gravity-fed systems including Go Berkey®, Travel Berkey®, Big Berkey®, Royal Berkey®, Imperial Berkey®, Crown Berkey™, and Berkey Light®. Physical compatibility does not mean every configuration carries the same certification.
Will Phoenix filters fit another brand's gravity system?
They may fit some similar gravity systems, but compatibility should be confirmed by comparing element dimensions, stem configuration, mounting-hole size, and available chamber clearance.
How long do Phoenix Gravity filters last?
Each element has a designed capacity of approximately 2,750 gallons, or approximately 5,500 gallons per set of two. Actual useful life can vary with source-water quality, contaminant concentrations, maintenance, and use.
What is the Phoenix Gravity flow rate?
A pair has a stated maximum flow of approximately 4.2 gallons per hour when the upper chamber is full. Flow declines as the water level falls and may also vary with priming, source-water conditions, sediment buildup, and element condition.
Can Phoenix Gravity elements be cleaned?
Yes. They are designed to be re-cleanable during their useful service life, in accordance with the current maintenance instructions. Cleaning may restore flow but does not reset gallon guidance or replenish used adsorption capacity.
Do Phoenix Gravity filters reduce PFAS?
Independent third-party laboratory testing has evaluated Phoenix Gravity elements for reduction of PFAS compounds including PFOA and PFOS. Results vary by compound and test conditions, so customers should review the applicable laboratory reports.
Do Phoenix Gravity filters reduce fluoride?
Review the fluoride results and conditions in the laboratory reports. A Phoenix test result is not a sustained fluoride service-life rating. For ongoing fluoride reduction, review compatible PF-2™ post-filters and their separate service guidance.
Can Phoenix Gravity filters be used with PF-2™ Elements?
Yes, in supported system configurations. Install one PF-2™ Element per compatible primary element. Go Berkey® does not accept PF-2™ post-filters.
Do Phoenix Gravity filters lower TDS?
No significant TDS reduction is normally expected. Phoenix Gravity elements are not designed as reverse-osmosis or demineralization filters, and ordinary dissolved minerals generally remain.
Do Phoenix Gravity filters soften hard water?
No. They are not water softeners and are not designed to remove the calcium and magnesium responsible for hardness and limescale.
Can I perform a Red Food Coloring Test?
Yes. Follow the current included instructions and use only the specified artificial red food coloring. The test is an installation and sealing check, not a measurement of every contaminant-reduction claim.
Can Phoenix filters be used with private well water?
Private well-water chemistry varies substantially. Have the water periodically tested by an appropriate laboratory and select treatment based on the actual substances and conditions identified rather than assuming one filter addresses every possible well-water issue.
Can Phoenix Gravity filters be used with salt-based softened water?
Manufacturer guidance warns that salt-based softened water can prematurely clog compatible gravity-filter media and may affect applicable warranty coverage. Review the softened-water guidance before use.
What warranty is included?
Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements include a one-year limited warranty. Review the current warranty terms for conditions and exclusions.
Can Phoenix Gravity filters be shipped to California or Iowa?
No. Due to current state-specific regulatory requirements, the product is not available for sale to addresses in California or Iowa.
Confirm your system model and the number of primary elements you need. Each Phoenix pack contains two elements. Use the product options and Add to Cart button on this page to order.
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