Canon PIXMA MP990 Ink Cartridges
Your Canon PIXMA MP990 uses the PGI-520 and CLI-521 ink cartridges. Ink Depot has been supplying reliable consumables for this premium 6-ink photo printer since Aug 2026. Dedicated CLI-521GY grey ink works alongside CLI-521 colour tanks for neutral monochrome tones, while PGI-520BK pigment black handles plain text documents independently. Our 4.8 Google rating reflects a long-standing track record of premium cartridge performance.
Expected Page Output and Ink Depletion Rates
Page yield for Canon CLI-521 and PGI-520 cartridges is calculated using ISO/IEC 24711 testing specifications under standard printing conditions. In photographic setups, CLI-521GY grey and CLI-521 dye colour cartridges deplete according to image balance, while PGI-520BK pigment black is reserved for document text.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLI-521BK | Standard | Black | 1,875 | $0.012 |
| PGI-520BK | Standard | Black | 350 | $0.067 |
| CLI-521C | Standard | Cyan | 505 | $0.046 |
| CLI-521M | Standard | Magenta | 471 | $0.049 |
| CLI-521Y | Standard | Yellow | 505 | $0.046 |
| CLI-521GY | Standard | Yellow | 1,370 | $0.017 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Genuine cartridges.
Performance Options: Genuine vs Compatible
Choosing compatible CLI-521 and PGI-520 cartridges offers substantial savings for everyday photo prints and document printing. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. Every compatible cartridge is engineered to match factory specifications for colour fidelity. To learn more about performance, read our genuine vs compatible cartridges comparison.
Selecting the Right Ink Supplies
If you print mostly text documents, stock up on PGI-520BK pigment black tanks. If you print photo media, multi-packs containing CLI-521 colour and CLI-521GY grey cartridges offer better value across frequent replacements. Choosing compatible tanks provides budget savings backed by our money back guarantee if they do not work to your satisfaction. Refer to our returns policy for total confidence. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99, dispatched quickly from our Australian warehouses in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Browse our complete range of Canon ink cartridges.
Pro Tip
Always check whether your print run requires document text black or photo black. The PIXMA MP990 uses PGI-520BK pigment ink exclusively for plain paper documents, while CLI-521BK dye black and CLI-521GY grey work together for photo prints. Stocking both types prevents unexpected printing halts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Canon PIXMA MP990 require both CLI-521BK and CLI-521GY grey cartridges?
The CLI-521GY grey cartridge is specifically designed to work alongside CLI-521BK dye black and colour inks to produce smooth monochrome photo gradations and suppress graininess. Without grey ink, black-and-white photos rely solely on blended colours, which can introduce subtle tint shifts.
What is the difference between PGI-520BK and CLI-521BK cartridges?
PGI-520BK contains pigment-based black ink designed for crisp, water-resistant text printing on plain paper. CLI-521BK contains dye-based black ink optimised for photo media, producing deeper black tones on glossy and semi-gloss photo papers.
Can I replace individual CLI-521 colour cartridges as they run out?
Yes, each colour in the PGI-520 and CLI-521 series operates as an independent ink tank. You only need to replace the specific colour cartridge (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Grey, or Black) that indicates low ink levels, avoiding wasteful replacement of full tanks.
