Fluval 404 Vs 405

[wslinky]

I have searched and it looks like the changes are minimal but wanted some input on the 2 filters. Basically if I get a 405 new it is ~150 where I can get a new 404 for ~90. So to me the 404 would be a much better buy if there wasn't any major changes.

I currently have a 304 and have had no problems with it for the almost 5 years I have been running it.

Thanks for you input.

 

[three-fingers]

I'd say the 404 is more risky, it's the 04 models that put lot's of people of fluvals - I've never seen anyone complain about an 05 model leaking or otherwise failing...but the at least first batch of 04 models are pretty much famous for it.

Not sure on the any big differences though...other than the 04 models have a slightly lighter colour .

 

[wslinky]

I'd say the 404 is more risky, it's the 04 models that put lot's of people of fluvals - I've never seen anyone complain about an 05 model leaking or otherwise failing...but the at least first batch of 04 models are pretty much famous for it.

Was it just the 404 or is it all the 04s? Like I said I have had a 304 with no issues, but I think mine was a later version since it came with the ribbed hoses instead of the rubber ones. It also came with the new version of the impeller.

Thanks for the info

 

[three-fingers]

The 04's in general. I've never had an 04 model, I have a 305. I've seen 404's that have been running for years, but when the 04 range was first introduced they had serious problems.

Newer 04 models are probably fine, but there's an increased chance your going to get a filter that will drain your tank overnight if you go for an 04 .

 

[adamgreen240]

i would definatly go for the 05 range, i have a 405 and have never had any problems

 

[bigstevo]

Had both and to be honest they both seem as good as each other..... but have known the 04 range to leak, think they go out of shape or something

 

[rabbut]

I think that the changes are minimal realy. I haven't ran a 05 yet, but have looked at them out of their box, and nothing much is different, though I diden't look at the impeller, that I belive is different. Hagen (makers of Fluval) can be a little noughty with spares IMO, as once the last of a model finishes its garrentee at the end of maufacture, the spares line is disscontinued, making repairs of failures difficult. For this reason, I'd go for the 05 series, for longer spares support

All the best
Rabbut

 

[kev0101]

Never had anything from the 04 range but I have been running a 405 for the last year with no promblems.

But I do have 2 minor issues with it;

1. Every now and then it can be a real pain to restart after cleaning. You have to push the priming leaver up and down for a minuet or two even though it is full of water.

2. It sometimes requires a little shake once running to remove trapped air.

But over all it has been a very good filter, hope this helps.

 

[wslinky]

Never had anything from the 04 range but I have been running a 405 for the last year with no promblems.

But I do have 2 minor issues with it;

1. Every now and then it can be a real pain to restart after cleaning. You have to push the priming leaver up and down for a minuet or two even though it is full of water.

2. It sometimes requires a little shake once running to remove trapped air.

But over all it has been a very good filter, hope this helps.

Those are the same issues I have with my 304, I have found a few used 404s so I may get one of them for about $50. I also found a used 305 but I think I need more flow. Is there some way of telling what version of the 04 it is, I know the really old ones had rubber hoses instead of ribbed. Any thing else that I can look for?

 

[rabbut]

Impeller shaft design. The newer ones have a solid ceramic shaft. The old ones have the shaft fitted to a plastic insert

HTH
Rabbut