Fluval multi Stage Filters, anyone?

Mr Fish · 09-15-2005, 10:43 PM

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...1&N=2004&Nty=1

Apparently, the 125gal aquarium I won on ebay has two of these. Not sure which kind (I hope the largest ones which are for aquariums sized 65 to 100 gallons maximum...)

- are these good filters?
- how much maintenance do I need to do?

now, if this isn't enough - I can add extra filters or something, right?

Anyone?

**Damon** · 09-16-2005, 07:06 AM

I use a Fluval 204 on my 20 gallon high tank. Even with Co2 directly injected into it, it works great. Not as quiet as an Eheim, but much more cost effective and better waterflow. I use a Rena Filstar XP3 on my 75 (soon to at least). Cant go wrong with any of these 3 filters.

DavidDoyle · 09-16-2005, 10:50 AM

Fluval is the Hayundi of Canisters, Eheim is the Rolls Royce. There is not comparison.

Simpte- how many years have you been pushing co2 through your Fluval? For my Eheim its over 3.25 years w/o missing a beat nor uttering a peep.

**Damon** · 09-16-2005, 11:22 AM

Pressurized, about 2 months. DIY about 2 years. Eheims are great but very costly and the flow rate is not good. Very quiet and reliable though. If money is no object, get an Eheim, but Fluval is a very good filter also.

euRasian32 · 09-16-2005, 11:49 AM

They're decent filters. I was going to get an eheim, but got two 404's for 95 bucks apiece.

The 404's on my 125. I have a surface skimmer on one. I maintain them once a month, but I always find that I can wait a little longer. I don't use carbon, so I could probably go 6 weeks before I have to maintain them, and that consists of rinsing the foam. I've had them for close to 4 months now, and my foam will most likely last another 3 months.

In my bottom tray, I have Hagen PreFilter mixed with Eheim's Effimec, in the second, I use the Bio Max that came with it, and in the upper two I have bio balls and Rena's bio-chem stars.

Get a surface skimmer for one of them, 9.99. The only draw back, it throws off the "self priming system" a little bit because it doesn't have the "ball" on the intake.

C

duke33 · 06-13-2007, 07:07 PM

I have 3, no complaints.

**Scuba Kid** · 06-13-2007, 07:10 PM

This is a very old thread. No point in posting on it now.

09-15-2005, 10:43 PM	#1
Mr Fish Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Age: 36 Posts: 128	Fluval multi Stage Filters, anyone? http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...1&N=2004&Nty=1 Apparently, the 125gal aquarium I won on ebay has two of these. Not sure which kind (I hope the largest ones which are for aquariums sized 65 to 100 gallons maximum...) - are these good filters? - how much maintenance do I need to do? now, if this isn't enough - I can add extra filters or something, right? Anyone? __________________ FISH FOR LIFE

09-16-2005, 07:06 AM	#2
Damon Aquatic Naturalist Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Dayton, Ohio Age: 32 Posts: 14,982	I use a Fluval 204 on my 20 gallon high tank. Even with Co2 directly injected into it, it works great. Not as quiet as an Eheim, but much more cost effective and better waterflow. I use a Rena Filstar XP3 on my 75 (soon to at least). Cant go wrong with any of these 3 filters. __________________ For in much wisdom [is] much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. Member of the AGA (Aquatic Gardner's Association) Member of the IBC (International Betta Congress)

09-16-2005, 11:22 AM	#4
Damon Aquatic Naturalist Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Dayton, Ohio Age: 32 Posts: 14,982	Pressurized, about 2 months. DIY about 2 years. Eheims are great but very costly and the flow rate is not good. Very quiet and reliable though. If money is no object, get an Eheim, but Fluval is a very good filter also. __________________ For in much wisdom [is] much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. Member of the AGA (Aquatic Gardner's Association) Member of the IBC (International Betta Congress)

09-16-2005, 11:49 AM	#5
euRasian32 Why So Serious? Join Date: May 2005 Location: Virginia Age: 33 Posts: 771	They're decent filters. I was going to get an eheim, but got two 404's for 95 bucks apiece. The 404's on my 125. I have a surface skimmer on one. I maintain them once a month, but I always find that I can wait a little longer. I don't use carbon, so I could probably go 6 weeks before I have to maintain them, and that consists of rinsing the foam. I've had them for close to 4 months now, and my foam will most likely last another 3 months. In my bottom tray, I have Hagen PreFilter mixed with Eheim's Effimec, in the second, I use the Bio Max that came with it, and in the upper two I have bio balls and Rena's bio-chem stars. Get a surface skimmer for one of them, 9.99. The only draw back, it throws off the "self priming system" a little bit because it doesn't have the "ball" on the intake. C __________________ “Corporations pay people just enough money so they won’t quit. People work just enough so they don’t get fired. What's that about?” – Christopher Walken, Pool Hall Junkies Last edited by euRasian32; 09-16-2005 at 03:36 PM.

06-13-2007, 07:10 PM	#7
Scuba Kid Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: RI Age: 18 Posts: 4,224	This is a very old thread. No point in posting on it now. __________________ Current setups: 1800 gallon koi pond, 10 gallon planted, 150 gallon reef, other FOWLR tanks

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09-16-2005, 10:50 AM	#3
DavidDoyle Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Age: 89 Posts: 497	Fluval is the Hayundi of Canisters, Eheim is the Rolls Royce. There is not comparison. Simpte- how many years have you been pushing co2 through your Fluval? For my Eheim its over 3.25 years w/o missing a beat nor uttering a peep.

06-13-2007, 07:07 PM	#6
duke33 Fishy Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Age: 46 Posts: 16	I have 3, no complaints.

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