Fluval 404

[BobK]

Hi All,

I'm going to be adding a second filter to my 75G freshwater tank in the next couple of months. I have an Emperor 400 and I'm very happy with it. I've ruled out an AquaClear 500 although it is an excellent filter. I'm thinking of another Emperor 400 but I may want to plant the tank so I'm looking at Canisters too. Does anyone use a Fluval 404? What do you think of it, specifically:

Frequency of maintenance
Ease of maintenance
Reliability
Noise level - hopefully silent
Cost of operation
Leaks?

Any information would be great. I've been doing a lot of research on the web for HOB filters and now it's time for canisters.

Thanks in advance everybody,

Bob

 

[lady_tanksalot]

i have one on my juwel trigon 350

its quiet, (well i never notice any noice, although it is in the lounge and telly noice is sometimes a contributing factor)

the only problem i find is getting it started again after maintanance (which i might add is very easy). i've tried all the suggestions in the book but always end up sucking on the pipe to get it started again,( not a good look for me if visitors decide to pop by)

saying that its ran this 75 uk gallon tank happily for 12 months with no problems

 

[Matty]

Unless you're bent on the fluval, why not consider an eheim 2213? They're around the same price and filteration power, but many people here use eheims and have nothing but good things to say about them

 

[a.i.m]

Ive 2 external fluvals. A 304 old type with NO self priming pump, to which i have to suck the pipe to get restarted after maintenance. Also got a new 104, which COMES with a self priming pump, extremly easy to prime and get started, no noise easily maintained.
A big thumbs up to the newer fluval cannisters from me.

 

[lady_tanksalot]

mine's supposed to be self priming but still end up sucking on the pipe

maybe i just haven't got the action right

 

[BobK]

Well I never ruled out an Eheim, looking at them too. Price is a consideration and the 2213 has a lower output than a 404. I also think Hagen is a good name seeing the sucess of the AquaClear series. How's the cost and frequency of maintenance/media changes?

Thanks to all for the quick responses.