Fluval Filters Review Apr 2024
We all know how precious our aquatic pets are to us.
And we can do anything to keep them safe from all forms of external as well as internal water pollutants.
So, who better to know what’s best for your fish, than the fish people themselves?
By “fish people” here I mean Fluval Aquatics; those who have been in the aquarium and the aquarium treatment scene for over decades now.
They have an extensive range of fish care products like filter canisters, bio-foams, and fantastic aquariums that have grown to be incredibly popular over the years.
Not only are Fluval an incredibly sought after aquarium brand, but they were also pioneers in many of the aquarium and filter technologies that we see today.
So, take a seat back and let us tell you a bit about this amazing brand and some of their top-selling products.
Table of Contents
About Fluval the Fish Company
Fluval first appeared in the aquatic scene all the way back in 1975 and was the very first to pioneer a 3-stage filter system that boasted a synchronous motor technology.
This was more or less like a groundbreaking technology at that point of time but has become an aquarium standard ever since.
1975 onwards, Fluval has garnered a reputation for being one of the best brands in the fish tank cleaning and aquarium scene and has built up quite a legacy around their pioneering spirit.
However, unlike most of their competitors, Fluval was open to change and quite flexible about both their technology as well as filter/tank designing style.
This was one of the reasons why it helped the company adapt to a changing fish market, which was coming up with newer and better aquarium solutions every day.
Fluval products such as canister filters and aquariums are characterized by how efficient they are in their workings. They provide higher flow rates and flexible media selections which treat the aquarium water for chemical, phosphate as well as for other biological pollutants.
The Fluval filter setup process is rather easy as well. They come with a thorough and easy to follow instructions, which will help you have your tank up and running in no time at all.
Their products are also very convenient to clean. Each of them is so designed in such a way that any user will be able to dismantle them and have proper access to all the internal components for better cleaning and maintenance.
Quiet operations are also something the Fluval canisters are hailed for. It hardly emits any sort of noise, and can further minimize the sound and vibrations of the host aquarium by stabilizing the water flow as well as the filtration process.
Some of the top Fluval products
Fluval FX4 Review
One of Fluval’s best-selling products, the Fluval FX4 unit, caught our attention with its smart pumping feature. However, while testing, we were impressed with a lot more that it offers at such a reasonable price tag!
Why Buy This Product?
As we said, the best thing about this product is its Smart Pump feature, which evacuates air automatically to enhance its performance several notches. We were impressed to find that this unit can pump up to 450 gallons in an hour. On that note, unless you have a large fish tank, the FX4 could be an overkill.
Moreover, the product also comes with leak-proof valves, utility valves, and a drain hose, which combines to provide a convenient user experience. Also, the filter media enables a 5-stage filtration process, starting from mechanical filtration to chemical filtration. Last but not least, the performance of this filter is further enhanced by the self primer, making it a lot more self-sufficient.
- Multi-stage filter pumps out 700 US Gal (2650 L) of water per hour
Last updated on 2020-09-26 at 23:13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What Could’ve Been Better?
There’s hardly anything wrong about this product; however, we’ve noticed that the filter can be quite noisy for a while after every 12 hours. But it shouldn’t be a significant problem unless you have installed the aquarium in your bedroom.
Pros
Pros:
- Pumps 450 gallons in an hour
- Leak-proof valves and utility valves
- 5-stage filtration
- Self primer for improved efficiency
Cons
Cons:
- Can be a little noisy
Fluval FX6 Review
The Fluval FX6 is a powerhouse canister filter with several outstanding features designed to produce fresh and healthy aquarium water. Besides, this superior multi-stage filter is suitable for use in both freshwater and saltwater fish tanks, ensuring optimal output by employing the top-notch pump technology.
Why Buy This Product?
To begin with, we’re impressed with the astounding capacity of the FX6, pumping out 925 gallons of water every hour. What further enhances its performance is the advanced microchip technology-enabled smart pump that constantly monitors and optimizes the productivity of the unit.
Therefore, all you gotta do is simply add water and plug it in while the Smart Pump takes over and does the rest. Other than that, we like the auto-evacuate function that lets out trapped air every 12 hours to maximize efficiency. Also, the anti-clog, telescopic strainer works continuously to ensure unobstructed water flow.
But that’s not all! We like the fact that the unit comes included with all filter media – mechanical, chemical, and biological, a feature amiss in most other canister filters with similar specs. Furthermore, it’s quite easy to clean and maintain as the built-in purge valve coupled with a drain hose flushes the canister for a quick and effective cleanse.
- Multi-stage canister filter pumps out 925 GPH, suitable for freshwater and saltwater aquariums up to 400 gallons
Last updated on 2020-09-26 at 23:13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What Could’ve Been Better?
We find this model exceptionally powerful and functional, but the only glitch is the weight of the canister when it’s full. That being the case, it can be a little difficult to carry and move around, especially when you need to clean it.
Pros
Pros:
- High capacity pump; produces water at 950 gallon/hour
- The auto-evacuate function lets out trapped air every 12 hours
- Mechanical, chemical and biological filter media included
- Telescopic strainer ensures continuous water flow
Cons
Cons:
- Model is too heavy
Fluval 206 Review
The Fluval 206 is one of the better 06 series canister models in their entire line up.
It comes with a lot of improved and advanced features such a more powerful motor which enhances the water flow rate.
The canister can also hold 30 to 50 percent more water than the previous models and thus cleans the tank significantly faster.
The canister also comes with the Fluval patented “Aqua-Stop Valve” system which allows the hose to disconnect with one single motion. This makes maintaining the canister incredibly easy, as you can effortlessly detach it from the tank whenever you want.
The addition of filtration baskets is another thing which we absolutely love about this canister. It comes packed with all the necessary media which treats biological, chemical as well as solid aquatic wastes.
The Fluval 206 Canister Filter is a complete tank cleaning package through and through.
Last updated on 2020-05-22 at 03:27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What could have been better?
Thought this Fluval canister filter is easy to clean and maintain, it doesn’t need frequent maintenance, the lack of which can harm the filtration process of the machine and can clog up the system of the mechanical cleaning process, thereby leading to leaks.
Pros
Pros:
- A much more improved filter model than the previous Fluval series
- The motor is much more powerful, provides a smoother water flow
- Consists of all the cleaning media for multiple water pollutants
Cons
Cons:
- Needs periodic maintenance, the lack of which can lead to the filter jamming up
Fluval 207 Review
Fluval has been making waves with the Fluval 207 canister filter. Once it caught our attention, we couldn’t wait to check it out. After testing, we think it’s safe to say that it’s an excellent choice for homeowners with compact aquarium tanks.
Why Buy This Product?
Right off the bat, the 207 unit comes equipped with Fluval’s patented eTEC feature that helps it pump around 220 liters of water in an hour. Moreover, this product also appears to consume about 10 watts of energy, which makes it quite smart and energy-conserving. Also, we’re in love with its rubberized feet, which come in handy for dampening the motor’s vibration.
When it comes to cleaning, the lift-lock clamps attached to the device make it a cakewalk. Also, look out for its sound-dampening impeller design, which results in the device making 25% less noise while in use. Overall, if you have a small fish tank in your home, this filter is the most suitable choice for you.
- Ergonomic design and raised lip for smoother operation
Last updated on 2020-09-26 at 23:13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What Could’ve Been Better?
We think that it’s too pricey for a medium-size canister filter. Fluval has been selling more powerful filters at a slightly higher price, which makes its price a little inconvenient.
Pros
Pros:
- Groundbreaking eTEC feature
- Energy-efficient motor
- 200 GPH pumping capability
- 25% quieter motor
Cons
Cons:
- Price could’ve been lower
Fluval 306 Review
When it comes to cleaning your aquarium of all biological wastes and products, not many products will be able to provide you with the same level of performance as that of the Fluval’s Bio-Foam Pad.
When initially put in the water, this pad acts as a medium through which the aquarium water is drawn. It provides mechanical filtration, and when the sponge finally matures and grows bacteria colony on it, it starts to clean up the tank for all biological waste.
This 2-in-1 working mechanism is what makes this Fluval pad such a must-have for all aquarium owners.
You can also power up the cleaning prowess of these pads with the aid of air pumps, powerheads, or even another filter type.
It allows increased motor hydraulic performance for your aquarium that can reduce the maintenance frequency by improving the flow rates and head pressure.
- Value pack includes the following media, which will last approximately 12 months: Filter Foam Block, Bio-Foam Filter Media, Water Polishing Pads
Last updated on 2020-09-26 at 23:13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What could have been better?
One major issue that we do have with the Fluval Bio-Pad is the complete lack of any sort of chemical filtration. As sponge filters have no means to include chemical media in them, they are only limited to providing mechanical and biological filtration.
Pros
Pros:
- Provides both mechanical as well as biological filtration for the tank
- Helps to improve the overall water flow rate of the aquarium
- Its cleaning process can very easily be enhanced with the use of certain devices
Cons
Cons:
- Doesn’t provide any sort of chemical filtration
Fluval 406 Review
Now this phosphate cleaner from Fluval is just perfect if you have a relatively higher phosphate level in your aquarium and are in need of an effective solution for it.
Phosphates may not directly harm the fish, but they do form a breeding ground on which algae blooms. So, an elevated phosphate level can indeed cause problems and deplete the oxygen content of the tank dramatically.
Phosphates naturally occur as bi-products of waste in the tank, and this is exactly what this filter model from Fluval seeks to remove.
Phosphates are internally induced from uneaten food, plant decay, fish feces as well as from dead fishes themselves.
Hence, it’s essential to always be on top of your fish tank phosphate problems, and how better to do it than with this pre-filter?
We absolutely love how easy it is to use it, and this value pack also comes with 2 months worth of media which is just fantastic.
No products found.
What could have been better?
As this is a full-blown filter and pre-filter, it would have been better if it treated more than the chemical wastes in the water. A bit of bio cleaning on the side would make this the ideal product in our eyes.
Pros
Pros:
- Cleans up phosphates from the water extremely well
- Easy to use and install
- Comes with 12 months worth of media
Cons
Cons:
- Is only capable of phosphate and chemical cleaning, and does no bio and solid particle cleaning
Fluval 407 Review
We were searching for a compact filter that delivers decent performance at an affordable budget when we came across the Fluval 407 unit. We became fans of its futuristic design at first glance, and its filtering performance convinced us to recommend it to anyone looking for a smart purchase.
Why Buy This Product?
The design of the Fluval 407 combines sharpness and subtlety, which adds a futuristic touch to your typical aquarium appearance-wise. Moreover, it comes equipped with a powerful motor that can pump up to 500-1,400 liters of water in an hour, which sounds like an absolute value for money experience.
Noteworthy to mention, the stand out feature of this model is its trailblazing eTEC (efficient technology) interface, which makes it quite an energy-conserving filter. To be precise, the filter consumes as little energy as a single LED bulb! On top of that, we’ve also found it to produce less noise than the other filters, which is a relief.
- The 07 series features new engineering solutions that work cohesively to produce a fluent operation that is up to 25% quieter than before
Last updated on 2020-09-26 at 23:13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What Could’ve Been Better?
Many buyers have complained that this model has a significant leakage issue, which is mainly because the canister has a slight seam that dumps the water all over the floor. Furthermore, we’ve noticed that the gasket shoots in both directions, which should be fixed by the manufacturers ASAP.
Pros
Pros:
- Energy-efficient motor
- Quieter than other models
- Pumps up to 1400 liters per hour
- Sharp design
Cons
Cons:
- Leakage issue
Final Thoughts
When it comes to maintaining the perfect aquarium and the perfect aquarium environment, the filters, the water flow, and even the lighting play a very crucial role. And Fluval and all of their products keep all of these things in mind to give you the best in aquarium treatment that not many can compete with.
Can’t make up your mind yet? Read our buying guide for fish tanks before you proceed with your purchase.
You should also check out our reviews of other models:
- Aqueon Aquarium Fish Tank Kit Review Apr 2024
- Biocube 32 Review Apr 2024
- biOrb Classic 15 Aquarium Review Apr 2024
- Current USA Orbit Marine Aquarium LED Light Review Apr 2024
- Fluval Flex 15 Gallon Review Apr 2024
- GloFish Aquarium Kit Fish Tank Review Apr 2024
- Kessil A360X Tuna Blue LED Aquarium Light Review Apr 2024
- MarineLand Contour Glass Aquarium Kit with Rail Light Review Apr 2024
- Red Sea Max Nano Aquarium Review Apr 2024
- SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Review Apr 2024
- SunSun 5-Stage External Canister Filter Review Apr 2024
- Waterbox Aquariums Review Apr 2024
