# Aquasana Claryum AQ-5300 Replacement Filters: Which Set Fits the AQ-5300, AQ-5300+, AQ-5200 and Direct Connect

> Aquasana AQ-5300 takes AQ-C3-R (600 gal), AQ-5300+ takes AQ-C3M-R (800 gal), AQ-5200 takes AQ-C2-R (500 gal), Direct Connect AQ-MF-1-R (784 gal), all 6 months.

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| Source | https://ownerspec.com/water/parts/aquasana-claryum-aq-5300-replacement-filters/ |
| Publisher | OwnerSpec (https://ownerspec.com/) |
| Published | 2026-09-14 |
| Updated | 2026-09-14 |
| Facts verified | 2026-09-14 |
| Disclosure | Contains affiliate links. OwnerSpec may earn a commission at no cost to the reader. |

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## Short answer

Aquasana's Claryum under-sink filters take a cartridge set matched to the housing generation,
and Aquasana's own replacement pages name each one. The AQ-5300 and AQ-6300 take AQ-C3-R,
sold as AQ-5300R, rated 600 gallons. The AQ-5300+ and AQ-6300M take AQ-C3M-R, sold as
AQ-5300+R, rated 800 gallons with a 5 micron sediment pre-filter. The two-stage AQ-5200 and
AQ-6200 take AQ-C2-R at 500 gallons, and the single-cartridge Claryum Direct Connect (AQ-MF-1)
takes AQ-MF-1-R at 784 gallons and 1.5 GPM. Every set is on a 6 month interval per Aquasana's
replacement instruction sheet, which also has you fit a new CR2450 battery with each change.
The spec that must match is the plus sign: AQ-C3-R and AQ-C3M-R are different housings, and
neither is listed as fitting the other. The AQ-4000 countertop line takes AQ-4035 at 450
gallons, not any of these.

## Fact sheet

- **Answer:** Aquasana's replacement pages match the cartridge set to the housing generation: AQ-C3-R (sold as AQ-5300R) fits the AQ-5300 and AQ-6300 at 600 gallons, AQ-C3M-R (AQ-5300+R) fits the AQ-5300+ and AQ-6300M at 800 gallons, AQ-C2-R fits the AQ-5200 and AQ-6200 at 500 gallons, and AQ-MF-1-R fits the Claryum Direct Connect at 784 gallons. Every set is replaced every 6 months, with a new CR2450 battery.
- **Applies to:** AQ-5300 / AQ-6300; AQ-5300+ / AQ-6300M; AQ-5200 / AQ-6200; AQ-MF-1 (Claryum Direct Connect)
- **Compatibility basis:** Aquasana AQ-5200R / AQ-5300R / AQ-5300+R replacement instruction sheet (PDF), plus the four Aquasana replacement-filter product pages
- **Assumptions:** Certification claims (WQA to NSF/ANSI 42, 53 including P473, and 401) are as stated on Aquasana's pages and insert; no NSF database record was retrieved this session.; Flow rate in GPM is published only for the Direct Connect cartridge (1.5 GPM); the AQ-C3-R, AQ-C3M-R and AQ-C2-R pages do not print one.; Cross-fit compatibility for the Waterspecialist WS851 and WS852 is the seller's claim from the listing title, not an Aquasana document.
- **Method:** Part numbers, system fit, gallon capacity and the 6 month interval taken from each Aquasana replacement product page and restated on the replacement instruction sheet; cross-fit claims taken from the listing titles opened this session.
- **Primary source:** [Aquasana, AQ-5200R / AQ-5300R / AQ-5300+R replacement instruction sheet (PDF)](https://www.aquasana.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-aquasana-Library/default/dw7ce1ad19/PDF/AQ-5200R-5300R-5300+R_Replacement.pdf) (manufacturer or vendor document)
- **Facts verified:** 2026-09-14
- **Last updated:** 2026-09-14
- **Canonical URL (cite this):** https://ownerspec.com/water/parts/aquasana-claryum-aq-5300-replacement-filters/

If the label on your housing reads AQ-5300 with no plus sign, close the Max Flow listing now: the 800 gallon AQ-5300+R is the wrong part for the 600 gallon housing, and the cheaper AQ-5300R is the right one.

## Which cartridges fit the AQ-5300, AQ-5300+ and the rest of the Claryum line?

Aquasana sells one set per housing generation and prints the fit on each replacement page. The retail box name (AQ-5300R, AQ-5300+R) and the part number (AQ-C3-R, AQ-C3M-R) refer to the same set.

| Set (retail name) | Fits | Stages | Capacity per Aquasana | Interval | Genuine listing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AQ-C3-R (AQ-5300R) | AQ-5300, AQ-6300 | 3: 2 Claryum plus 1 sediment pre-filter | 600 gallons | 6 months | AQ-5300R |
| AQ-C3M-R (AQ-5300+R) | AQ-5300+, AQ-6300M | 3: 2 Claryum plus 5 micron sediment pre-filter | 800 gallons | 6 months | AQ-5300+R |
| AQ-C2-R (AQ-5200R) | AQ-5200, AQ-6200 | 2 | 500 gallons | 6 months | Not verified this session |
| AQ-MF-1-R | Claryum Direct Connect (AQ-MF-1) | 1 | 784 gallons, 1.5 GPM | 6 months | Not verified this session |
| AQ-4035 | AQ-4000 countertop (also AQ-4500, 4501, 4600, 4601) | 1 | 450 gallons | 6 months | Not verified this session |

Certification is listed per the maker's page: Aquasana's replacement sheet states the AQ-5200R, AQ-5300R and AQ-5300+R are tested and certified by WQA to NSF/ANSI 42, 53 and 401 when used in the AQ-5200, AQ-5300 and AQ-5300+, and the AQ-C3-R and AQ-C3M-R pages add that Standard 53 includes P473. What each of those numbers covers is on the [NSF/ANSI standards guide](/water/guides/nsf-ansi-water-filter-standards-explained/).

The Max Flow page prints no GPM figure, only "44% faster" than the prior generation, and the AQ-C3-R and AQ-C2-R pages publish no flow rate at all. Only the Direct Connect page gives a number, 1.5 GPM.

The reduction claims Aquasana lists for the AQ-C3-R and AQ-C3M-R sets are 99.99% for cysts, 99.6% for microplastics, PFAS and lead, 99% for VOCs and asbestos, 97% for chlorine and 91% for chloramines. Those are the maker's published figures under the standards named above; nothing was tested here.

## What else fits the same housing?

Two third-party sets claim to fit the 3-stage housings. Both claims come from the listing title, not from an Aquasana document, and Aquasana's replacement sheet says to use only certified, genuine Aquasana replacement filters for continued contaminant removal and system performance.

| Alternative | Claims to fit | Capacity per the listing | What differs from the genuine set |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterspecialist WS851 | AQ-5300+R, AQ-6300M, Claryum 3-Stage Max Flow | 800 gallons, matching Aquasana's figure | Listing text claims chlorine, taste, odor and sediment reduction only; no NSF/ANSI number in the text pulled this session |
| Waterspecialist WS852 | AQ-5300R, AQ-6300, AQ-C3-R, AQ-5300.55/.56/.62 | 500 gallons, against Aquasana's 600 for the same housing | Same reduction claims as the WS851; the 100 gallon gap between the two capacity figures is not resolved by either source |

Skip both Waterspecialist listings if the label needs to show a stated NSF/ANSI certification number, or if the unresolved 500 versus 600 gallon gap on the WS852 is not something you are willing to accept.

Two things are not on this page on purpose. The AQ-6300M-BN listing that search returns for "Claryum 3-Stage" is a complete system with faucet and installation kit, not a cartridge set. And Aquasana publishes no counterfeit guide (hologram, serial lookup) that this session could find, so the only authenticity check is the "genuine Aquasana" line on the sheet.

## How often do they need replacing?

Aquasana's replacement instruction sheet sets the interval at 6 months for every set, or earlier at the gallon cap: 500 gallons for the AQ-5200R, 600 for the AQ-5300R and 800 for the AQ-5300+R.

The gallon figure arrives first in a household drawing more than about 3 gallons a day from the filtered tap on the AQ-5300, which is 600 divided by the roughly 180 days in the interval.

The same sheet lists two more items on the schedule. The CR2450 3 V coin battery behind the reminder indicator is replaced with each filter change (step 7), and the housing itself must be replaced every 5 years or risk property damage from leaks.

**Which set to order**

The genuine sets are the only ones with a certification statement behind them, and they cost more per change than the cross-fits; that is the trade. The WS852 listing also rates itself 100 gallons short of Aquasana's figure for the same housing, so a saving on the box can be spent on an extra change.

Read the label under the sink before ordering: AQ-5300+ or AQ-6300M takes AQ-5300+R, AQ-5300 or AQ-6300 takes AQ-5300R. On 14 September 2026 the AQ-5300R and both Waterspecialist listings showed no featured offer from this session's location, so check the buy box before you count on either.

<!-- FAQ and Sources render from front matter. Do not write them in the body. -->

## The picks

- **Aquasana AQ-5300+R (AQ-C3M-R)**: AQ-5300+ or AQ-6300M: the genuine Max Flow set (3 cartridges, 800 gallons or 6 months, 5 micron pre-filter, WQA to NSF/ANSI 42, 53 (P473), 401 per the maker's page) Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LB0L6MS/?tag=ownerspec-20
- **Aquasana AQ-5300R (AQ-C3-R)**: AQ-5300 or AQ-6300, no plus sign: the genuine set (3 cartridges, 600 gallons or 6 months, WQA to NSF/ANSI 42, 53 (P473), 401 per the maker's page) Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CHYLYPM/?tag=ownerspec-20
- **Waterspecialist WS851**: AQ-5300+ owner who accepts a seller's fit claim (3 pack, 800 gallons per the listing; chlorine, taste, odor and sediment claims only, no NSF/ANSI number in the listing text) Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DP4999NN/?tag=ownerspec-20
- **Waterspecialist WS852**: AQ-5300 owner who accepts a seller's fit claim (3 pack, 500 gallons per the listing against Aquasana's 600 for the same housing; no NSF/ANSI number in the listing text) Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYT478C2/?tag=ownerspec-20

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the difference between AQ-5300 and AQ-5300+ replacement filters?

The plus sign marks a different housing generation. Aquasana's AQ-C3-R page rates that set at 600 gallons for the AQ-5300 and AQ-6300, and the AQ-C3M-R page rates the Max Flow set at 800 gallons with a 5 micron sediment pre-filter for the AQ-5300+ and AQ-6300M. Neither set is listed by Aquasana as fitting the other housing, so check the label for the plus.

### How often do Aquasana Claryum filters need replacing?

Every 6 months, or sooner at the gallon cap for the model. Aquasana's replacement instruction sheet gives 500 gallons for the AQ-5200R, 600 gallons for the AQ-5300R and 800 gallons for the AQ-5300+R, and the Direct Connect product page gives 784 gallons for the AQ-MF-1-R. The same sheet says the housing itself is replaced every 5 years.

### What NSF standards are the Aquasana AQ-5300 filters certified to?

Per Aquasana's instruction sheet, the AQ-5200R, AQ-5300R and AQ-5300+R are tested and certified by WQA to NSF/ANSI 42, 53 and 401 when used in the AQ-5200, AQ-5300 and AQ-5300+. The AQ-C3-R and AQ-C3M-R product pages add that Standard 53 includes P473, the PFOA and PFOS protocol. That is the maker's statement; no database listing was retrieved.

### Does the AQ-5300+ filter change also need a new battery?

Yes. Aquasana's replacement instruction sheet lists a CR2450 lithium coin battery at 3 V as the compatible type and, at step 7, has you remove the old battery and insert a new one at each filter change. The battery runs the change-reminder indicator, so an old cell left in place means the 6 month reminder stops working.

### What cartridge fits the Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect?

The AQ-MF-1-R. Aquasana's product page for it names the Claryum Direct Connect (AQ-MF-1) as the compatible system and rates the single cartridge at 784 gallons or 6 months and 1.5 GPM, which the page calls the highest flow rate of any Aquasana drinking water filter. It is a different housing from the AQ-5200 and AQ-5300 family and takes none of their sets.


## Sources

- [Aquasana, AQ-5200R / AQ-5300R / AQ-5300+R replacement instruction sheet (PDF)](https://www.aquasana.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-aquasana-Library/default/dw7ce1ad19/PDF/AQ-5200R-5300R-5300+R_Replacement.pdf) (manufacturer or vendor document)
- [Aquasana, Claryum 3-Stage replacement filters (AQ-C3-R, part 100236384)](https://www.aquasana.com/water-filter-replacements/under-sink-water-filter-replacements/claryum-3-stage-filter-replacements-100236384.html) (manufacturer or vendor document)
- [Aquasana, Claryum 3-Stage Max Flow replacement filters (AQ-C3M-R, part 100236367)](https://www.aquasana.com/water-filter-replacements/under-sink-water-filter-replacements/claryum-3-stage-max-flow-filter-replacements-100236367.html) (manufacturer or vendor document)
- [Aquasana, Claryum 2-Stage replacement filters (AQ-C2-R, part 100236330)](https://www.aquasana.com/water-filter-replacements/under-sink-water-filter-replacements/claryum-2-stage-filter-replacements-100236330.html) (manufacturer or vendor document)
- [Aquasana, Claryum Direct Connect replacement cartridge (AQ-MF-1-R)](https://www.aquasana.com/water-filter-replacements/under-sink-water-filter-replacements/claryum-direct-connect-replacement-cartridge-100329887.html) (manufacturer or vendor document)
- [Aquasana, Claryum Countertop filter replacement (AQ-4035, fits the AQ-4000 line)](https://www.aquasana.com/water-filter-replacements/countertop-water-filter-replacements/claryum-countertop-filter-replacement-100236133.html) (manufacturer or vendor document)

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Citation: OwnerSpec, "Aquasana Claryum AQ-5300 Replacement Filters: Which Set Fits the AQ-5300, AQ-5300+, AQ-5200 and Direct Connect", https://ownerspec.com/water/parts/aquasana-claryum-aq-5300-replacement-filters/, facts verified 14 September 2026.
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