Fluval 304

[Kieron1]

What is everyone's opinion on the Fluval 304? Are they decent filters?

 

[rdd1952]

I have 2 on my 75 gallon (one on each end) and really like them. It has been set up since March and I haven't had any problems. From what I gather, most people prefer Ehiem canisters. Try posting in the Hardware section and you may get a better response.

 

[CFC]

The original models were great, i have had one running for 5 years without any problems. The new models (the ones with the square shaped canister and corregated hoses) is a piece of rubbish IMO, i bought one and had no end of problems with priming it and it leaking until i had enough of it and kicked across the room )

 

[breezer40]

The self priming is about as much use as a chocolate fireguard! Apart from that I have them on quite a few tanks and they do a great job.

 

[SirMinion]

We have a 304 (and a 204 and a 404 too) and it seems to do the job just fine. We've had all three of them for a little over a year.

I know what CFC means about priming them, it can be a bugger sometimes, but each time I do it it seems to get easier. Perhaps it just needed running in.

No problems with any of them leaking though.

 

[nagus]

Although I haven't had mine running very long (about 4 months) - Iv'e never had any problems with it. It was also very easy to set up, and cleaning or changing filter media is a doddle

 

[freddyk]

I've found they've always worked well enough, but it's lacking in quality and longevity. Although it's a bit louder, I find the Filstar a higher quality machine altogether for a simlar price. Eheim Pro's are far superior, but the price is that much more so it's not a fair comparison.

 

[Clairel]

Ive got the Fluval 2 in my 90 litre, and its great... No problems at all...

C x

 

[rdd1952]

I'll agree with the priming issue. It takes forever to get it primed (and I have 2 on that tank). I guess it also depends on how much tubing you have on the intake side. When you're trying to reach under the cabinet in a tight space and pump that think, well, let's just say there were a few choice words uttered and leave it at that.

 

[The-Wolf]

all fluvals "04" models are now "old hat" and have been superceeded by
"05". Apparently they have improved the design again, almost admitting the "04" were badly designed.

Also look out for the fluval fx serise of cannisters, they look promisingFX 5

 

[SirMinion]

all fluvals "04" models are now "old hat" and have been superceeded by
"05". Apparently they have improved the design again, almost admitting the "04" were badly designed.

Also look out for the fluval fx serise of cannisters, they look promisingFX 5

Interesting
Hmm Fluvel's (Hagen) Website makes no mention of the nx5, but the 05 range is actually an older model, not newer and was replaced by the 04 range.

The nx5 looks promising though. It looks like a cross between a pond pump and an eheim filter!

 

[bunjiweb]

Stick to the Eheim classics, 2213-2217. Good price and they get the job done and are simple. With the double valves supplied it is easy to start by syphoning the water down the tube and stopping the valve, then attach them to the filter and fill it up. Start it up and away you go...

Thats just my opinion, they maybe a bit old fashioned compared to the Eheim Pro 3 but i would rather them over the Fluvals any day!

Ben

 

[plainlazy]

I use the Filstar xp3, had it for a year or so. Works amazingly in my opinion, and it was middle of the road pricewise. Really easy priming and media changing.

 

[The-Wolf]

the 05 range is actually an older model, not newer and was replaced by the 04 range.

I'm sure it is "05" that is comming out
or I could be wrong and it is "03" they are bringing out,
either way "04" is redundant now.
I'll check the trade cataloge at work tomorrow and let you know.

 

[Kieron1]

Its the 05 that they are bringing out. From what I have read there doesn't seem to be much difference from the 04 apart from a few design tweaks.