The Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filter Elements are a popular option for people replacing the black berkey filters (or other system filters) in their countertop gravity system. 

This guide explains what each filter is made of, how they perform, and why many homes choose a 12-month replacement plan for peace of mind.

1. How Gravity Filtration Works

Gravity water filters use a simple setup:

1. Water goes into the top chamber.
2. It pulls downward through the filter elements.
3. The filter media traps contaminants.
4. Clean water collects in the bottom chamber.

Gravity filters work through adsorption, which means contaminants stick to the internal surface area of the carbon media.

No electricity. No water pressure. Just gravity.

2. What CTC-60 Means (Explained Simply)

CTC-60 is a rating that shows how strong a carbon material is at trapping impurities. Carbon that meets the 60% CTC score can adsorb at least 60% of its own weight in carbon tetrachloride during testing.

This tells filter engineers the carbon has:

• Very high adsorption power
• A large network of tiny pores
• Strong ability to hold onto contaminants
• Reliable performance in water treatment

The Phoenix filters use CTC-60 carbon that meets this high standard.

3. What Phoenix Filters Are Made Of

Phoenix Gravity Elements use a solid carbon block made rom:

• Premium coconut shell carbon
• CTC-60 activated charcoal mixed into the media
• A high-surface-area carbon structure created during the activation process, with millions of tiny pores
• A strengthened composite blend that helps support consistent gravity flow and everyday use

The filter media is not loose or poured in. It’s one complete carbon block designed for:

• Steady gravity flow
• Strong contaminant adsorption
• Clean taste and odor improvement
• Long-term daily household use

The composite inside the  Berkey Phoenix block helps maintain structure and keeps the internal pores consistent without over-complicating the design.

4. About the Black Berkeys

Black Berkeys are well-known gravity carbon filter elements used for over 25 years in two-chamber gravity systems. They are tested to NSF and ANSI performance standards at EPA/NSF accredited labs using recognized contaminant challenge protocols.

They use a proprietary carbon block blend designed for broad contaminant reduction, long lifespan, and high-capacity filtration.

Both Berkey Phoenix filters and black berkeys are used in the upper chamber of standard gravity systems.

5. Comparison Chart: Berkey Phoenix vs. Black Berkeys

Here is an easy side-by-side chart using simple checkmarks:

Phoenix filters are designed to be a strong alternative to black berkeys. Performance is very close across most contaminant groups, and both versions require PF-2 filters if you need fluoride reduction.

6. Lifespan (Explained Clearly)

Lifespan ratings help compare filters, but real homes replace filters at different times depending on water conditions.

• Black Berkeys: up to 6,000 gallons per pair
• Berkey Phoenix: up to 5,500 gallons per pair

Most households don’t track gallons. Instead, they watch flow speed and water quality. Both filters offer long life, and Phoenix is considered a reliable long-life gravity option at a competitive price.

7. Why Most Homes Replace Filters Every 12 Months

Even though both filter types can last several years in ideal conditions, most people choose to replace them every 12 months.

Common reasons include:

• Water quality can change throughout the year.
• New filters help maintain clean, steady flow.
• Fresh media restores maximum adsorption surface area.
• It keeps maintenance simple and predictable.
• It gives families extra peace of mind.

A 12-month cycle is a choice for confidence, not a sign the filters cannot last longer. Phoenix filters fit into this same preferred schedule easily.

8. Flow Speed Differences Are Normal

In gravity water systems, flow rate can change depending on several factors:

• Mineral content in the water
• Water temperature
• How often you draw water from the system
• Water level in the top chamber (elevation pressure)
• Natural differences between carbon blocks

Phoenix filters may run slightly faster within normal gravity ranges. Faster flow does not mean lower filtration. Phoenix filters still rely on adsorption, just like black berkeys.

9. How Berkey Phoenix Filters Install

Install Phoenix filters in the top chamber just like black berkeys:

1. Remove the top chamber.
2. Screw each filter into the hole until snug.
3. Place the chamber back onto the bottom section.
4. Pour water into the upper chamber.
5. Let gravity pull the water through the filters.

No tools needed. No pressure system required.

10. Fluoride Removal With PF-2

To remove fluoride in gravity systems, both Phoenix and black berkeys use this setup:

• Upper chamber: Phoenix or black berkey elements
• Lower chamber: PF-2 fluoride filters

Fluoride removal is always handled by the PF-2 add-on filters in the lower chamber. Phoenix filters are fully compatible with PF-2.

11. Who Berkey Phoenix Filters Are a Great Fit For

Berkey Phoenix filters are a great choice for:

• Homes replacing worn-out upper-chamber black berkey elements or other compatible filter elements.
• Families who drink gravity-filtered water daily
• People wanting a strong alternative to black berkeys
• Shoppers seeking solid performance at a lower cost
  
• Anyone who values high availability and consistent quality

Berkey Phoenix filters are not positioned as “better than black berkeys” but as a practical, effective, dependable option that performs extremely close to black berkeys in everyday gravity use.

If you’re still choosing a system, you can browse all Berkey Water Filter Systems to match your household size and usage.

12. Frequently Asked Questions

Are Berkey Phoenix filters the same as black berkeys?

No. They are different carbon block formulations, but both are used in the upper chamber of gravity systems and work in a similar way.

Do Berkey Phoenix filters remove fluoride on their own?

No. You need PF-2 fluoride filters in the lower chamber for fluoride reduction.

Do these filters work with city and well water?

Yes. Both Phoenix filters and black berkeys can be used with either city water or well water, as part of a properly used gravity system.

Why do people use 12-month replacement plans?

It keeps filtration performance more consistent over time and makes maintenance simple. Many families prefer a yearly routine for extra peace of mind.

Is the Berkey Phoenix carbon loose inside the filter?

No. Phoenix uses a solid carbon block composite. The media is formed into one complete block rather than loose pieces.

Are Berkey Phoenix filters better than black berkeys?

Not necessarily. Phoenix filters are a strong, lower-cost replacement option with performance that is very close to black berkeys under normal gravity use.

13. Final Summary

Berkey Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ Filters use premium coconut carbon with a CTC-60 adsorption media blend and a solid carbon block design. They offer performance very close to black berkeys, work with PF-2 for fluoride removal, and fit the most popular 12-month replacement routine many gravity filter owners prefer.

For many homes, Berkey Phoenix filters are a smart, reliable replacement choice that balances strong filtration, availability, and value.