API Bio-Chem Zorb Filter Media Pouch
API’s Bio-Chem Zorb pouch stands out for its high-surface-area polymer sachet construction that combines mechanical, biological and chemical adsorption in a single, low-cost pack; that combination gives it excellent all‑around performance for routine maintenance. Compared with Seachem Purigen and Boyd Chemi‑Pure Elite, Zorb is positioned as the most budget‑friendly polymer sachet option with simple replacement economics and broad compatibility with common filter setups.
High capacity
Quick adsorption
High capacity
Quick adsorption
Review Summary
"Users report it effectively reduces ammonia, nitrite and odors for short periods and is easy to use, though it exhausts relatively quickly and requires frequent replacement in higher bioload tanks."
Sponge-like charm
Single-use sachet with high-surface-area polymer media that adsorbs dissolved organics and discoloration.
Sponge-like charm
Single-use sachet with high-surface-area polymer media that adsorbs dissolved organics and discoloration.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
API’s Bio-Chem Zorb pouch stands out for its high-surface-area polymer sachet construction that combines mechanical, biological and chemical adsorption in a single, low-cost pack; that combination gives it excellent all‑around performance for routine maintenance. Compared with Seachem Purigen and Boyd Chemi‑Pure Elite, Zorb is positioned as the most budget‑friendly polymer sachet option with simple replacement economics and broad compatibility with common filter setups.
High capacity
Quick adsorption
Sponge-like charm
Single-use sachet with high-surface-area polymer media that adsorbs dissolved organics and discoloration.
Compact pouch designed to fit hang-on and canister filter compartments for easy placement.
High capacity
Quick adsorption
Sponge-like charm
Single-use sachet with high-surface-area polymer media that adsorbs dissolved organics and discoloration.
Compact pouch designed to fit hang-on and canister filter compartments for easy placement.
$6-12 USD
Seachem Purigen Bagged Media
Seachem Purigen in bagged form is widely regarded for its very high organic loading capacity and the unique advantage of chemical regeneration, delivering a superior cost-per-use over time despite a higher upfront price. In the context of polymer sachets, Purigen’s bagged format provides a finer engineered containment that outperforms disposable sachets on longevity and polishing power, making it the preferred choice when long‑term value and clarity are priorities.
Polishes water
Long-life media
Polishes water
Long-life media
Review Summary
"Most reviewers praise its long life, high capacity for removing organic waste and the ability to regenerate it, calling Purigen a top chemical media for consistently clear water; a few note initial dust and careful handling is needed."
Regenerable wizard
High-capacity synthetic adsorbent polymer that removes soluble organic waste and polishes water.
Regenerable wizard
High-capacity synthetic adsorbent polymer that removes soluble organic waste and polishes water.
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
Increased Safety & Security
Seachem Purigen in bagged form is widely regarded for its very high organic loading capacity and the unique advantage of chemical regeneration, delivering a superior cost-per-use over time despite a higher upfront price. In the context of polymer sachets, Purigen’s bagged format provides a finer engineered containment that outperforms disposable sachets on longevity and polishing power, making it the preferred choice when long‑term value and clarity are priorities.
Polishes water
Long-life media
Regenerable wizard
High-capacity synthetic adsorbent polymer that removes soluble organic waste and polishes water.
Regenerable with bleach and rinsing for multiple reuse cycles.
Polishes water
Long-life media
Regenerable wizard
High-capacity synthetic adsorbent polymer that removes soluble organic waste and polishes water.
Regenerable with bleach and rinsing for multiple reuse cycles.
$10-25 USD
Boyd Chemi-Pure Elite Nano Packets
Boyd’s Chemi‑Pure Elite Nano packets use a blended-media polymer sachet that targets multiple contaminants (organic, heavy metals, and odors) and are formulated for steady, predictable performance in smaller systems. Technically more comprehensive than single-purpose sachets like Fluval’s phosphate media or AquaClear’s ammonia insert, Chemi‑Pure Elite trades a higher price for broader contaminant control and refined particle containment in polymer sachets.
Targeted toxin grab
Compact power
Targeted toxin grab
Compact power
Review Summary
"Users like the broad-spectrum contaminant removal and compact sachet format that fits small filters, reporting improved clarity and odor control, though many mention the premium price and occasional packet breakdown over extended use."
Nano-might
Proprietary blend combining adsorptive polymers and bioactive components to reduce organics, ammonia and nitrate load.
Nano-might
Proprietary blend combining adsorptive polymers and bioactive components to reduce organics, ammonia and nitrate load.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Boyd’s Chemi‑Pure Elite Nano packets use a blended-media polymer sachet that targets multiple contaminants (organic, heavy metals, and odors) and are formulated for steady, predictable performance in smaller systems. Technically more comprehensive than single-purpose sachets like Fluval’s phosphate media or AquaClear’s ammonia insert, Chemi‑Pure Elite trades a higher price for broader contaminant control and refined particle containment in polymer sachets.
Targeted toxin grab
Compact power
Nano-might
Proprietary blend combining adsorptive polymers and bioactive components to reduce organics, ammonia and nitrate load.
Sized as nano packets for small filters and tight spaces for easy placement.
Targeted toxin grab
Compact power
Nano-might
Proprietary blend combining adsorptive polymers and bioactive components to reduce organics, ammonia and nitrate load.
Sized as nano packets for small filters and tight spaces for easy placement.
$12-30 USD
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 USD
AquaClear Ammonia Remover Filter Insert
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.
$10-25 USD