Frequently asked questions Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ filters

In theory, Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ filter elements have an unlimited shelf life. If you have already used your filter elements, the following applies: for long-term storage, we recommend that you dry the filter elements completely first. Make sure they are bone dry (no more moisture) before storing them for an extended period. Shake excess water off the elements and then let them air dry by placing them on a windowsill or other sunny spot for 3-4 days until they are completely dry. Once the elements are bone dry (no more moisture), store them in a sealable plastic bag (of at least 4 litres) - this will prevent the filter elements from absorbing odours. When you want to reuse your filter elements, clean them by scrubbing the outside with a hard brush or a (Scotch-Brite) scouring pad under cold running water. Then prime the filter elements again before replacing them in your water filter.

If the flow decreases and/or there is dirt, scale or mineral deposits on the outside of the filter elements, follow these instructions to clean them:

1. Empty the water filter and remove the Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ filter elements from the top tray of your water filter.
2. Carefully scrub the elements with a hard brush or a (Scotch-Brite) scouring pad under cold running water (never use soap or other cleaners on the filter elements).
3. Prime the filter elements again and replace them in your gravity water filter.
4. Finally, fill the booby tray of your gravity water filter and perform a test with red food colouring, as described in the filters' instructions, to check that the filter elements are correctly fitted and that there are no internal leaks or damage.

Since the same instructions apply to Black Berkey® Elements, you can also refer to the following article for more detailed information and instructions: When and how do I clean the Black Berkey® filter elements?

The maximum flow rate of the Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ filter elements is approximately 15 litres per hour when using 2 filters. The flow rate is calculated with the upper chamber fully filled. The flow rate decreases as the water level decreases. In addition, the filtration rate increases when used in larger gravity fed water systems, such as the Imperial Berkey® and Crown Berkey™ water filters.

Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ filter elements and Black Berkey® elements are designed to remove heavy metals, but do not remove mineral salts, which are added by a water softener. Using softened water in systems equipped with Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ filter elements and/or Black Berkey® elements will prematurely clog the pores and reduce the filter's absorption capacity. We therefore do not recommend using softened water with your Berkey® system and/or these filters. Using softened water in your Berkey® system (with any of these filter elements) will void the warranty.

Laboratory tests show that Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ filter elements initially reduce fluoride in drinking water up to 75.5%. However, carbon-based elements that reduce fluoride typically lose this ability quite quickly. Therefore, Berkey PF-2® fluoride & arsenic filter elements be used in combination with Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ filter elements to reduce fluoride to a use of 3,750 litres or 1 year.

No microbiological statements are made by the manufacturer regarding Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ filter elements. Water whose microbiological safety is questionable or suspected to be unsafe should be sanitised or treated with known EPA/CDC/WHO approved disinfection methods (such as chlorination and boiling) before filtering with Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ filter elements to address alleged non-biological contaminants that may be present in the water.

Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition™ filter elements contain a dense and compact matrix of millions of microscopic pores. These pores form a "tortuous path" that traps sludge, sediment, colloids (turbidity), rust, etc., as well as the undissolved forms of herbicides, pesticides, heavy metals, etc., and prevents them from penetrating through the pores into the filter wall - a process known as microfiltration.

In addition, the adsorption properties of the activated carbon adsorb and bind organic pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), man-made substances, compounds and chemicals, such as perfluorinated "forever chemicals" (PFAS, PFOA and PFOS), industrial and toxic chemicals (SOCs), disinfectants, pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals and chlorine; some inorganic elements and compounds are reduced, such as various heavy metals. This process is enhanced by a longer contact time, where the water is gently pulled through the filter by gravity. This creates a longer interaction with the medium and efficiently removes contaminants. This removes or reduces contaminants and improves the taste and odour of the filtered drinking water.