FitMatch
Fluval Poly-Carb Cartridge for U2 Underwater Filter, 2-Pack

Aquarium filter media

Fluval Poly-Carb Cartridge for U2 Underwater Filter, 2-Pack

A490

Fits 1 model · replace every month

Wrong part, or your model missing? Tell us. A person checks every report.

Genuine

$7.94 each

2-pack $15.88

Aquarium Spare Parts · 30 Oct

Compatible

$2.65 each

6-pack $15.88

Aquarium Spare Parts · 30 Oct

Check seller

Genuine: made by Fluval. Compatible: another brand.

Lowest compatible · $2.65 each · 6-pack $15.88

Aquarium Spare Parts. Out of stock when we checked. Compare with genuine below. Some links earn us a commission.

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Compare 4 listings from 3 sellers

AUD, before delivery. Each price shows when it was checked.

Open cheapest seller · $7.94 each · 2-pack $15.88

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How to change the A490 aquarium filter media

Watch the guide or follow the steps.

Fluval U Series Filter Maintenance · Fluval Aquatics (official)
  1. 1Unplug the filter and lift it out of the aquarium.
  2. 2Open the filter and slide out the foam pad and the cartridge (U2 to U4 also hold BIOMAX).
  3. 3Rinse foam in water from the aquarium; rinse BIOMAX in aquarium water only: Fluval says never to rinse it with tap water.
  4. 4Fit a new carbon cartridge about every month (Fluval says carbon lasts about a month, and to change Poly-Carb cartridges every 2 to 4 weeks).
  5. 5Close the filter, put it back in the aquarium and plug it in.
Every number this part goes by
Retail name:
A-490
Retail name:
A490

Sellers list any of these; they are the same part.

Will it fit your appliance?

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Fits this Fluval model

Fluval1 model

Common questions
What does the A490 fit?
The Fluval Poly-Carb Cartridge for U2 Underwater Filter, 2-Pack (part A490) fits the Fluval U2. Compatible filters made to the same specification also fit.
How often should I replace the A490?
Every month. It works less well as the filter fills up, so it's worth doing on time.
Where can I buy the A490 in Australia?
We track 3 Australian sellers for the A490; the lowest listed price when we last checked was A$7.94 at Aquarium Spare Parts. Prices are re-checked daily and dated on this page.
How do I fit the A490?
No tools, a few minutes: 5 steps, listed on this page with the replacement video where the maker has one.
What happens if I don't change it?
Spent carbon stops removing odours and discolouration, and clogged pads slow the flow, so the filter moves less water through the tank.

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