Fluval 103 Multi Filter390 Liters per Hour (103 gph)Fluval 203 Multi Filter420 Liters per Hour (111 gph)Fluval 303 Multi Filter840 Liters per Hour (222 gph)Fluval 403 Multi Filter1200 Liters per Hour (317 gph)Hagen - Fluval Series 3 Canister FiltersI have been using a Fluval 403 for several years in an unusual application. I have an indoor flight with about 40 finches, budgies, softbills and cockatiels. I set up a bird bath with the Fluval circulating and cleaning the water. I just disassembled and cleaned it, and I agree with the complaints about how difficult it is.
I suspect all canister filters have this problem. It is hard to position the O-ring properly. You have to test the assembled filter with air pressure before filling it with water, or else you have a big mess.
The filter is very powerful and certainly does its job in a demanding application. It keeps working even when bird seed sprouts inside. I am able to change the water every few days, so it stays fresh even when 40 birds bathe and crap in it.
Contributed byI have 2 Fluval 403 filters on a 125 and 90 gal tank. They do a wonderful job, but I usually break off the plastic tabs on the impeller cover. This time I got lucky, but to my surprise I think the magnetic motor is fried. I always swore by these filters as they are quite easy to change and clean ( I have 2 Magnum 350's on the tanks too and the impellers eat through the plastic sump and make a wonderful flood every once and a while).
I also have an Eheim 2229 and 2227 which are wonderful but truly a horror to clean with all the o-rings. I just can't believe that the motor burned out, but would recommend the Fluvals over the others for ease of cleaning and price.
Contributed byI have used the same Fluval 303 on my 75 gallon tank since 1989. Only parts I have replaced have been O-rings.
Fluval 403 Filter Manual Download
I clean it every six months and the major difficulty is connecting the input and output hoses with no leaks. Yes, you also have to be careful with the main canister O-ring when reassembling the filter. I keep mine running inside a two gallon bucket beneath the aquarium.
This makes it easier to check for leaks and move. I have used this with undergravel filters and now with a biowheel and it has done the job for me for a long time. The impeller assembly has outlasted many powerheads. Contributed byI have had a Fluval 304 for about two years and as a first canister filter it was OK. As others have said it is a pain to clean and is fragile. The impeller broke and then I bought a replacement impeller and it still was broken.
I also cleaned it every 2 weeks. So instead of buying a new fluval I bought a Eheim Pro 2. The Eheim is a lot better except that the intake and output are swiched right to left instead of left to right like on other canisters. I give fluval a 5 out of 10 and think if you want good filtration buy a Eheim which I give a 10 out of 10 for the Pro 2. Other Eheims get a 8.5 because they do not self-prime.
Contributed byI have been using a Fluval 403 on a 90 gallon freshwater tank for over 7 years with no problems. The o-ring is only tricky the first or second time.after that it is very easy. The only parts I have broken have been one of the tank clips and an ear off the impeller cover.not bad for 7 years+. Any serious aquarium hobbyist should keep a supply of spare parts on hand for any filter or pump.just common sense. Keep an extra o-ring, set of clips, impeller cover and o-ring, and an impeller and your Fluval will last many many years. I would rate the Fluval 403 a 9 of 10.
Fluval FX6 is a high performance canister filter with many outstanding features designed to make aquarium fish keeping easier and more convenient than ever. This super capacity yet compact canister filter has a pump output of 925 gallons of water and has a filter circulation of 563 GPH which both work to produce cleaner and healthier results. Filtering material can easily be placed in a removable stack of media baskets which is at the heart of Fluval’s multistage filtration. The baskets are precision-engineered to eliminate water by-pass, making filtration more efficient.
The baskets can hold a total of 5.9 liters of media and can be stacked in the precise combination of layers that will work best for your aquarium. Each one is lined with a foam insert for effective mechanical pre-filtering. Instant-release T-handles let you lift and separate the baskets quickly and easily, making routine maintenance simpler. Fluval FX6 also features Smart Pump Technology, which provides optimal filter performance. This advanced technological feature employs an electronic circuit board that continually monitors the pump.
Impeller speed and force are constantly measured to ensure powerful output and energy efficiency. It also manages the filter’s self-starting feature and evacuates air that may enter or build up within the filtration system. On a 12-hour cycle, the pump will pause and allow trapped air to escape, ensuring the best filtration efficiency at all times. Only 21″ in height, Fluval FX6 fits under most aquariums.
Quite Operations.Precise-engineered Bearing minimizes impeller vibration and cover reduces noise. Fluval FX6 DetailsMulti-directional Output Nozzle – Twin-output nozzle can be adjusted to create specific water flow to reach all corners of the aquarium.Electronic Circuit Board Continuous monitoring of impeller speed and pump power ensures optimum output and efficient energy usage. Motor will turn itself off if impeller is impeded.Maintenance Reminders Monthly Indicator Dials allow you to remember the date of your last filter maintenance and water change. AquaStop ValvesThe AquaStop valve makes maintenance easy by allowing you to stop the water flow with an easy 90-degree turn of the valve lever. This means you can separate the hosing from the filter in one step. The valve lever can also be used to regulate water flow with no harm to the motor or its components. Two valves are provided: one for the intake, one for the output.The FX6 helps meet the desired objectives of any aquarium.
For the best performance, the Fluval FX6 Filter should be placed completely beneath the aquarium. Powerful Motor. Maintains strong flow between scheduled maintenances. Self-Priming Instant-Start SystemWith the FX6, there’s never any need for manual siphoning. As soon as you plug the filter in, the canister fills with water from your aquarium. It pumps for 1 minute, pauses for 2 minutes to evacuate air from the system, then immediately begins the filtering process.
Purge ValveThe FX6 canister features a purge valve drain at its base. This makes it possible for you to empty the canister for maintenance before moving it. Multi-Directional Output NozzleThe flared spout of the adjustable output nozzle sends multiple streams of purified water toward all corners of the aquarium, creating currents that agitate the water to break down wastes and help hold them in suspension until they can be drawn into the filter by the intake strainer. Clog-Proof Intake StrainerThe wide, rounded mouth of the FX6 intake strainer is shaped to siphon water quickly. Covered by a fine screen that’s beveled to repel debris, it is virtually clog-proof, so there is never a build-up of solids that could impede water flow.
High Capacity CanisterThe Fluval FX6’s superior performance and capability are backed by Fluval’s well-earned reputation for the best fish and aquarium care. Hagen Aquatic Research Station certification is your assurance of the most up-to-date and reliable research in aqua-care science. The use of the Fluval FX6 will help provide your fish with the aquatic home they deserve.The FX6 helps meet the desired objectives of any aquarium. For the best performance, the Fluval FX6 Filter should be placed completely beneath the aquarium. Fluval Water CareAquarium supplements and conditioners are a convenient way to create water conditions that mimics those found in nature; they make water safe for aquarium use by removing harmful toxins, help plants grow by providing them the necessary trace elements and are an easy way to maintain water quality in a tank by removing waste and adding beneficial bacteria to the environment.
Developed by our dedicated team of specialists and manufactured in Canada at our state-of-the-art liquids facility, new Fluval water treatments are scientifically formulated to produce clean, clear and safe living conditions for aquarium fish and plants. Fluval Bio Clear contains fast-acting enzymes that naturally clarify cloudy aquarium water. Its biological formulation effectively clears cloudy water by rapidly consuming free floating organic food sources, proteins and other organic elements. Bio Clear is recommended for clarifying cloudy water caused by new tank syndrome.Multi-Stage Filter that produces healthy aquarium water, freshwater or marine aquariumsFeatures Smart Pump Technology for optimal filter performance, efficiency and managementSelf-starting filter-just add water and plug in. Head height (maximum): 3.3 m (10.8 feet)Built with a monthly maintenance reminderFor aquariums up to 400 gallons.