Equipment Review and Discussion :: New Line of Fluval Filters

[marisa]

There's talk out there of a new line of Fluval canister filters, the 05 Series. One, the FX5, is supposed to be for really large tanks. I've noticed a display model of the Fluval 205 (the models go 205, 305, etc.) in the Petco near me, but without any info. They're apparently not for sale in the U.S. yet (with the exception of an isolated sale on Ebay), but supposedly are in Canada (on-line).

Not being a Fluval user, I don't know if this series is truly a big change from the current one (04) or if they're basically the same and the 05 series will just replace it. Anybody know anything about them?

[steve]

They got my attention a week ago, though the estimated price was much more than what I would be willing to pay for a filter. I've seen the FX5 go for $260 and is rated for a 400 gallon tank. I've also seen that the media is wrapped in cylinder form but I'm not sure what is kept in the center, probably bio or chem media.

[marisa]

There were questions about the space in the middle---the purpose of having it seems to be currently unknown (it would be nice to actually get your hands on one rather than just looking at a picture...).

[steve]

I've always envied those product review sites that received free products to test and review, even if they have to return it sometimes.

[marisa]

That would be nice...

[sublime1008]

I have the FX5 and every 5 minutes it shoots out like an air bubble. How do i get rid of this?

[sublime1008]

Errr scratch that, I have the fluval 405...... And it shoots out air every 5 minutes (my old one did this but would stop, but mine keeps going). Can this damage my filter over time? Or is it just annoying? HOw do i get rid of it?

[steve]

Is the inlet near the outlet? It might be sucking in air bubbles and it builds up inside the filter before it shoots it out again. My XP3 does it but not very often.

[sublime1008]

I think i figured it out. The intake tube has a rubber connector to the plastic piece. This connection was above the water level...thats hwere the air was getting in.

As for the 405 DVD, its pretty cool and shows how to set up the hoses, filter, maintenance etc.... Overall, I think the 405 is worth the money bc the siphon system is so much better. Saves me hours of time.

[steve]

What filter did you use previously? For me, priming is easier with the XP3, though I prefer the flexible hoses on the Fluval - though those hoses are harder to thoroughly clean.

[sublime1008]

Previously I had the fluval 304 canister. The tubes are virtually the same, and I agree they are difficult to clean. Well, the openings are easy, but the pipe cleaners dont reach the middle of the tubes (so by that point I will just pay 3$ and buy new tubes).

But the Intake opening is huge so it gets lots of dirt. I think the 405 was a good trade up...tho the fx5 looks sweet too

Just For clarity sake: There is an 05 series of fluvals (305, 405 etc) AND there is a Fx5 series. Totally different. The 05 series is just like the 04 with marginal improvements (See previous posts).

The Fx5 is a totally different animal and has crazy new features with a crazy big pricetag. Dont know anything about it otherwise.

[marisa]

You can find a brief comparison of the 3 models here: http://www.aquatics-online.co.uk/Z031050.asp

[sublime1008]

I have to concur with the site...those seem to be the only changes...however i think its totally worth the money. The connectors are much easier....the intake strainer makes my tank cleaner, and the pre-assembly saved me mad time. The dvd is informational too.

The outake is so powerful tho that it bends the tube up which is annoying. I had to take the suction cup for the intake strainer and use it as a barrier so the tube wouldnt bend. Anyone got any other ideas how to stop this ?

[Rusty]

You can buy replacement suctioncups and support clips for heaters that will fit the output hose of the filter.

[missibsu]

Are they planning on fixing the problem with the handles on the new series? I know that I am not the only one who had a problem with the handles snapping and then not suctioning tightly. It's the reason I went with the xp3...which by the way, I LOVE!