Canon PIXMA iX6550 Ink Cartridges
Your Canon PIXMA iX6550 printer uses the PGI-525 and CLI-526 ink cartridge series. Ink Depot has been supplying reliable consumables for this compact A3+ printer since Mar 2011. Designed for wide-format document and poster printing, this printer relies on PGI-525BK pigment black for sharp text and CLI-526 dye inks for rich graphics. Our 4.8 Google rating reflects a long-standing track record of premium cartridge performance.
Expected page yield and ink usage
Page yields for Canon PGI-525 and CLI-526 cartridges are measured using ISO/IEC 24711 standard test pages. Yields vary significantly based on coverage; high-density A3 photo prints consume dye ink faster than standard A4 text pages, while PGI-525BK pigment black handles plain document output efficiently.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLI-526BK | Standard | Black | 2,185 | $0.011 |
| PGI-525BK | Standard | Black | 311 | $0.076 |
| CLI-526C | Standard | Cyan | 462 | $0.051 |
| CLI-526M | Standard | Magenta | 437 | $0.054 |
| CLI-526Y | Standard | Yellow | 450 | $0.052 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Genuine cartridges.
Genuine vs compatible CLI-526 and PGI-525 cartridges
Choosing between genuine Canon cartridges and compatible options depends on your budget and printing volume. Compatible CLI-526 and PGI-525 cartridges deliver exceptional value for everyday colour printing and large A3 drafts without compromising output quality. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. Learn more in our genuine vs compatible cartridge guide.
Selecting the right ink packs and delivery details
If you print heavy text documents, stocking up on PGI-525BK pigment black keeps page costs low. For photo printing or presentation graphics, multi-packs containing CLI-526BK, cyan, magenta, and yellow ensure balanced ink replenishment. Compatible multipacks offer money-back protection under our returns policy. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99. Orders dispatch rapidly from warehouses in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Explore our full range of Canon ink cartridges today.
Cartridge Buying Pro Tip
Never substitute PGI-525BK pigment black with CLI-526BK dye black when ordering replacements. The PGI-525BK cartridge is physically wider and uses pigment ink formulated specifically for plain paper text, whereas CLI-526BK is a narrow cartridge containing dye ink designed solely for photo media shadow tone depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Canon PIXMA iX6550 take two different black cartridges?
The PGI-525BK is a large pigment black cartridge used exclusively for sharp, smudge-resistant text on plain paper. The CLI-526BK is a smaller dye-based black cartridge used only when printing photos or colour graphics on glossy media to deliver deep black contrast.
Do CLI-526 colour cartridges dry out if I only print black text documents?
During plain text printing, the printer uses PGI-525BK ink. However, small amounts of CLI-526 dye ink are routinely drawn during automatic printhead maintenance to prevent nozzles from clogging. Keeping active cartridges installed ensures reliable operation even during low colour use.
Can I install compatible PGI-525BK and CLI-526 cartridges alongside genuine Canon inks?
Yes, compatible PGI-525 and CLI-526 cartridges can be mixed with genuine Canon cartridges in the same printhead without causing colour variance or physical conflicts.
