- Sku: PM-RC1
- Vendor: Aquatop
Aquatop Forza Polishing Micron Filter | Crystal-Clear Water for Tanks up to 120 Gal
The Aquatop Forza Polishing Micron Filter is a fast-acting internal polishing filter that pulls fine particles, discoloration, and odor out of cloudy aquarium water in hours — not days. Drop it in, plug it in, and let the carbon-infused micron cartridge do the work. Available in two sizes plus a replacement cartridge, the Forza is the cleanup tool you wish you had the last time your water clouded up. Browse our full filter media & cartridges or shop all aquarium equipment.
How It Works
The Forza is a fully submersible internal filter — no priming, no external plumbing, no canister to fuss with. Water is pulled through a high-density micron cartridge with a carbon-infused core that traps fine particulate, organic discoloration, and odor molecules in a single pass. The cartridge is rechargeable, s you can rinse and reuse it across multiple cloudy-water events before swapping in a fresh one. The Forza is designed for occasional polishing duty — it's not meant to replace your main biological/mechanical filter.
Features — All Variants
Choose Your Size — Variant Comparison
Select a variant in the tab section below for the full individual spec sheet.
| Spec | PM-300 | PM-500 | PM-RC1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tank Size (Max) | Up to 55 gal | Up to 120 gal | Fits PM-300 / PM-500 |
| Flow Rate | 317 GPH | 476 GPH | — |
| Filtration Stages | Single-stage | Dual-stage | — |
| Micron Cartridges | 1 included | 2 included | 1 replacement |
| Carbon-Infused Core | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| No Priming Required | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| SKU | PM-300 | PM-500 | PM-RC1 |
Detailed Variant Specifications
Click a model below to view its full specification sheet.
PM-300 · 317 GPH · Up to 55 Gal · Single-Stage
The compact pick for nano, small, and medium tanks. The PM-300 uses a single carbon-infused micron cartridge to polish tanks up to 55 gallons — perfect for a 20-long, 29-gallon community, or 40-breeder where you need to clear a haze fast without overpowering the flow.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | PM-300 |
| Tank Size | Up to 55 gallons |
| Flow Rate | 317 GPH |
| Filtration | Single-stage internal |
| Cartridge | 1 × carbon-infused micron cartridge (PM-RC1 compatible) |
| Setup | No priming required |
| Use Type | Submersible internal polishing filter |
| Compatibility | Freshwater & saltwater |
PM-500 · 476 GPH · Up to 120 Gal · Dual-Stage
Built for larger displays. The PM-500 packs two carbon-infused micron cartridges into a dual-stage chamber, doubling the surface area for faster clarification on 75, 90, and 120-gallon tanks. Same drop-in simplicity as the PM-300, with the throughput to handle a heavily stocked or freshly disturbed tank.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | PM-500 |
| Tank Size | Up to 120 gallons |
| Flow Rate | 476 GPH |
| Filtration | Dual-stage internal |
| Cartridges | 2 × carbon-infused micron cartridges (PM-RC1 compatible) |
| Setup | No priming required |
| Use Type | Submersible internal polishing filter |
| Compatibility | Freshwater & saltwater |
PM-RC1 · Replacement Cartridge · Fits PM-300 & PM-500
The drop-in replacement cartridge for both the PM-300 and PM-500. Same carbon-infused micron media — swap one in when your cartridge has reached the end of its rinseable life and you're ready for peak filtration again.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | PM-RC1 |
| Fits | Aquatop Forza PM-300 & PM-500 |
| Media | Carbon-infused micron cartridge |
| Quantity | 1 cartridge per pack |
| Rechargeable | Yes — rinse and reuse before final replacement |
| Compatibility | Freshwater & saltwater |
Which Size Is Right for You?
PM-300 (317 GPH) — Pick this if your tank is 55 gallons or smaller. Plenty of throughput for community tanks, planted setups, and nano builds without blowing fish around.
PM-500 (476 GPH) — Pick this for 75 – 120 gallon displays where you need more polishing capacity. The dual-stage design clears large volumes faster, and the two cartridges run longer between rinses.
PM-RC1 (Replacement Cartridge) — Stock a spare so you're never stuck with a worn-out cartridge mid-bloom. Fits both filter sizes.
How to Use the Forza
Submerge the filter fully in the tank, route the power cord up and over the rim, and plug it in. There's no priming step — water enters the cartridge chamber the moment it's submerged. Run it until the water clears (typically a few hours to overnight depending on how cloudy the tank was), then unplug, remove, and rinse the cartridge in tank water for next time. For stubborn cloudiness, add Aquatop's Clear Magic powder to bind fine particles into clusters the Forza can grab faster.
FAQ
Can the Forza replace my main filter?
No. The Forza is a polishing tool for occasional use — clearing cloudy water after a water change, substrate stir, or bacterial bloom. Keep running your main canister, HOB, or sump for ongoing biological and mechanical filtration.
How often should I replace the cartridge?
The cartridges are rechargeable, so rinse and reuse them across multiple polishing events. Replace when flow drops noticeably or the carbon stops pulling tint from the water — typically after several cycles of use.
Is it safe for reef tanks?
Yes — both the PM-300 and PM-500 are rated for freshwater and saltwater, including reef systems. The activated carbon is reef-safe and pulls discoloration without disturbing trace elements over short polishing runs.
Does the cartridge remove medication?
Yes — the carbon-infused core will absorb most aquarium medications. Remove the Forza or pull the cartridge before dosing meds, and re-deploy after the treatment period ends to polish out any residual color or compounds.
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Aquatop Forza Polishing Micron Filter | Crystal-Clear Water for Tanks up to 120 Gal
