Just wanted to share my thoughts on my new Fluval U4 filter.
I have a 550 L tank. 4w x 2.5h x 2d feet.
It contains 25 cherry shrimp (more being born soon), about 30 tetras like neons, and one 12" pleco.
Some plants.
I used to have a Fluval FX5 external filter, which is really made for a 1500 L tank. But I had concerns about shrimp being sucked in. Tried to cover the intake with foam and pantyhose, but it was clogging up so fast.
So I took the plunge to replace my FX5 with an internal Fluval U4 - a gamble I thought.
I LOVE IT!!!!!!
The U4 is only rated for a 240 L tank. Yet it's so powerful! I think it is seriously underrated, it is very powerful. The output is very fast so I even had to turn the dial at the top to reduce the power. It moves all the water around the tank (and it's pretty large tank). It's VERY easy to clean and it actually doesn't get clogged up that quickly either. I clean it once every two months. I used to clean the FX5 massive external every 3 months so it's not far off.
Even when I clean it, there's not too much dirt in there, just a general amount. And the water stays crystal clear. I do change 25% water every 3 weeks though to keep it fresh.
Also, the U4 internal filter keeps the sponge inside very close to the inside walls of the filter housing, so if any baby shrimp get close, they shouldn't get sucked in at all. It's perfect! Babies tend to stay in the plants and wood anyway so I'm not too worried about them. When they start swimming around when they're a bit larger, I certainly don't have to worry about them getting into the U4.
So to anyone thinking the U4 is too small and not powerful for a large tank like mine, it's brilliant! So easy and cheap to clean and maintain, and perfectly safe with shrimp, especially when you have babies in the tank.
Maybe this will help someone.
I have a 550 L tank. 4w x 2.5h x 2d feet.
It contains 25 cherry shrimp (more being born soon), about 30 tetras like neons, and one 12" pleco.
Some plants.
I used to have a Fluval FX5 external filter, which is really made for a 1500 L tank. But I had concerns about shrimp being sucked in. Tried to cover the intake with foam and pantyhose, but it was clogging up so fast.
So I took the plunge to replace my FX5 with an internal Fluval U4 - a gamble I thought.
I LOVE IT!!!!!!
The U4 is only rated for a 240 L tank. Yet it's so powerful! I think it is seriously underrated, it is very powerful. The output is very fast so I even had to turn the dial at the top to reduce the power. It moves all the water around the tank (and it's pretty large tank). It's VERY easy to clean and it actually doesn't get clogged up that quickly either. I clean it once every two months. I used to clean the FX5 massive external every 3 months so it's not far off.
Even when I clean it, there's not too much dirt in there, just a general amount. And the water stays crystal clear. I do change 25% water every 3 weeks though to keep it fresh.
Also, the U4 internal filter keeps the sponge inside very close to the inside walls of the filter housing, so if any baby shrimp get close, they shouldn't get sucked in at all. It's perfect! Babies tend to stay in the plants and wood anyway so I'm not too worried about them. When they start swimming around when they're a bit larger, I certainly don't have to worry about them getting into the U4.
So to anyone thinking the U4 is too small and not powerful for a large tank like mine, it's brilliant! So easy and cheap to clean and maintain, and perfectly safe with shrimp, especially when you have babies in the tank.
Maybe this will help someone.
