Fluval Canister Filters - Fluval 304
Fluval 304
Fluval 304 - Review
This is my favorite filter to date. I admit, the older models were frustrating, but Hagen has fixed many problems. First, and foremost, the filtration is excellent. The water is directed in an efficient manner throughout the filter, forcing it through a lot of customizable media.
With 4 foam cartridges down one side of the canister to remove large debris, and 3 media baskets with 2 compartments each, this filter is perfect for those who continuously change their filtration methods based on the situation.I cannot overstate the convenience of these baskets...
Second, the ease of cleaning. Lift one lever and the tubes detach and cut off the waterflow with almost no spilling. Lift the large clamps on the sides and the top comes off...rinse the foam, change basket media if necessary, scrub inside and reassemble. It's really designed well for quick cleaning. The whole process only takes a few minutes. And it's convenient enough to do something quick, such as removing a carbon pack, or putting one in...which, for a canister filter, is really nice.
Third, it primes itself easily. Just clamp the tubes with the one lever...and water begins to flow in. Pump the primer thingy, and you can get a lot of air out. Plug in and your in business. I admit, thumping the canister and angling it to get the rest of the air out is annoying, but only takes a minute...seems like forever if you have it placed under your tank, making the whole process awkward. Oh yeah, moving the filter from tank to tank is easy.
Inside Fluval 304
Fluval tubes
Brand New Fluval Filters
The Cons
Now the cons...whoever designed the output tube should be shot. Mine keeps falling off. It's just not tight enough to stay on...you see, it just slips inside another tube and is held in place by friction. Yes, I could easily fix this, but I figure I'll wait for enough build-up of minerals, or whatever, to increase the friction and let it correct itself. But that's really the only complaint right now.
For a planted, 280 Liter tank with only a few gold tetras, rams, koolies, and a few zebra plecos...it's overkill...but I don't care...I love it...I'll post future problems as they occur...and maybe swindle my friend to buy an Eheim...those seem like quality filters as well...and some day I'd like to check em out.
The Perfect Aquarium!
Official Fluval Links
- HAGEN - manufacturers of quality pet supplies for fish, birds, cats, dogs, small animals
Hagen is one of the biggest companies that produces and distributes pet supplies around the world. It is the owner of Fulval - Hagen Fluval Canister Filters - Guide Product Review
Despite the numerous problems with the old 03 Series, such as breaking latches, being hard to clean, difficult to put back together and get started, aquarists still seemed to rave about them. When the new and improved Fluval 04 Series came along, som
Take a look at my other Hub's
- Eheim Professional Canister Filters
The Eheim line of aquarium filters is by far the best on the market. They are the most durable, well made and efficient filters one can buy. The Professional series are somewhat more expensive than the... - How to introduce new fish into your aquarium guide
Few things are more disappointing for fish fan than buying a new beautiful fish found in any store and to see it die in one week. Perhaps the most frequent cause of these deaths is the lack of research by the... - How to hatch Brine Shrimp to feed newborn fish
The Artemia Salina is an ocean crustacean, widelly used and very important for raising and reproducting some species.In adults they are very difficult to maintain and store, as they require too much and...
