Review on Watts FM 1A 975 Micron Filter Cartridge by Allen Hart

2nd stage sediment filter behind ribbed flushed sediment filter nominal size 5 micron. This is the second folded cartridge I have purchased with similar results. This particular cartridge lasted about a year with minimal buildup on the curled fibers. This $40 filter was advertised as a permanent replacement that can be cleaned regularly. None of the filters lasted more than a year with similar results. Due to the plastic mesh that acid cleaning leaves behind, there is no way to directly clean the pleated material. The problem is that quite a bit of gum on the top and bottom of the cartridge seems to have gone bad, settling on the bottom and dissolving into a goo. The elastic top is completely open. It has a chemical smell. In recent months I have noticed a decline in the health of aquatic plants and fish; Apparently I've found the culprit now.