Suits tanks
150–300 L
Water type
Freshwater
Fits
Fluval G3
Part no.
A421
Fluval Nitrate Cartridge G3
A drop-in nitrate scrubber sized specifically for the Fluval G3 filter. The Fluval Nitrate Cartridge G3 (Fluval part A421) is chemical filter media pre-loaded into a cartridge that seats directly into the G3 canister, rated to remove up to 13,000 mg of nitrate ion from freshwater aquariums before it's exhausted.
Key features
- Purpose-built for the Fluval G3 — drops straight into the G3's media stack; no repacking of loose resin.
- Removes up to 13,000 mg of nitrate ion — aimed at keeping freshwater nitrate below the commonly recommended 20 mg/L.
- No cycle disruption — chemical media only; doesn't touch the biological or mechanical stages running alongside it in the G3.
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Fits | Fluval G3 Advanced Filtration System |
| Manufacturer part number | A421 |
| Nitrate removal capacity | Up to 13,000 mg nitrate ion (freshwater) |
| Media type | Chemical (nitrate-adsorbing resin) |
| Target parameter | Keep freshwater nitrate below approximately 20 mg/L |
Suitable for, and not suitable for
- Suitable for Fluval G3 filters running on freshwater aquariums with elevated nitrate.
- Not suitable as a substitute for regular water changes — it's rated as a supplementary reducer, not a replacement for husbandry.
- Not rated by Fluval for marine/reef nitrate control at this capacity — treat it as a freshwater-specific cartridge.
Care and maintenance
Fluval doesn't publish a fixed replacement calendar for this cartridge — capacity depends on your tank's nitrate load. Test freshwater nitrate periodically; once levels stop falling, or the cartridge has been running several months under normal freshwater bioload, replace it. If you're using it as a one-off fix for a nitrate spike rather than ongoing control, it can be removed once levels have settled back down.
Warranty and delivery
Standard parcel delivery. As a chemical filter media, it's a consumable and isn't covered by a separate warranty term beyond your rights under Australian Consumer Law.
Common questions
Does this fit the Fluval G6?
No — the G6 uses its own nitrate cartridge (Fluval A422), rated for a larger 24,000 mg capacity to match the G6's bigger media volume.
Will it affect my biological filtration?
No — this is a chemical media cartridge that sits alongside the G3's biological and mechanical stages without disrupting them.
Can I use it in a marine tank?
Fluval rates this cartridge specifically for freshwater nitrate removal; we don't have a published marine capacity figure for it.




