404 Fluval throw it off the balcony party!

[Beverly]

Leeanne,

I'm fond of Hagen 802's with Quickfilter. You've seen them in my tanks and I think I explained how I use them. If you need more info, PM me and I'll explain further.

I usually buy them at Super Pet at Mayfield Common. Cheaper there than at AI. Don't think BA's carries them.

[reefphish]

I've had a fluval 104? for almost 18 years.

Used it off and on with numerous setups (fresh and salt) and most recently as an "easy-peasy" calcium reactor for my reef.

sorry to hear they have caused some grief and will be discontinued

[kuatto]

what if any mods did u do to make it a calcium reator?

Jim

[bulletsworld]

Hear the smaller models have no probs but I got the big model. The 404. JUNK! But its got a good bio filter system i though besides others.

I'm runnin a SW tank, 77gal with LR & LS.

I ran around last night after work to find Fluval 404 filter parts. YEAH! Got sales guy to look at my broken filter, sold me some parts, even tested. Got it home, installed parts & after the stores closed the Fluval died...AGAIN! Overheating. AHHH!! On emergency backup only a 200Aquaclear & prism skimmer.

Suggestions on a new filter?

[bulletsworld]

Originally Posted by Beverly

I'm fond of Hagen 802's with Quickfilter.

Yeah I remember those filters you have Bev, now that you mentioned it. I was just concerned that those filters have to be pulled apart and cleaned every week. Hmm... thanks for the tip though I will go to that store and check em out.

[Beverly]

Originally Posted by bulletsworld

Yeah I remember those filters you have Bev, now that you mentioned it. I was just concerned that those filters have to be pulled apart and cleaned every week. Hmm... thanks for the tip though I will go to that store and check em out.

The 802s don't HAVE to be pulled apart every week to be cleaned, but they, like evrything else, work a heck of a lot better when they are cleaned weekly. The Quickfilter attachment comes off easily. This is where the foam media (or the fibre media that comes with the Quickfilter) is located. The media, ime, should be cleaned at least once a week to get rid of the vast amounts of crap and other crud it pulls from the water. If left too long, the media gets too full of crud and reduces water flow.

Hey, I'm wondering why your Fluval overheated. How often did you clean the media in that thing? Could be that sporadic cleaning may have made the thing work harder causing it to heat up and burn out. Just a thought, anyway. Fluvals and their ilk give me the shivers

Anyway, in a 77g, I'd use two 802s. In our 72g, we have two on full throttle. If you'd like to stop by tonight before heading to the store, let me know and you can see how we've set them up for maximum water movement throughout the tank. Better than just looking at boxes and trying to figure out what the heck they do ...

[RobbAdams]

I have always used EHEIM canisters, and NEVER had any problems, but this was in FW tanks, but with high bio load(African cichlids) I would only have to clean it 3 or 4 times a year. they cost more, but are worth every cent in my opinion! Saw them advertised on sale in the paper today for I think $199, this was for the 2026 which could handle your 72 no problem. Check the Calgary sun in their little pets section, it was one of the Chain type pet stores, but Big Al's should match it.

[RobbAdams]

OOps your in Edmonton, sorry! I think it was petsmart, or petland, so the sale may be on there as well.

[bulletsworld]

hey thanks for the tips guys.

Hey bev, I might just call ya stop buy and take alook. Cause so many boxxes out there and yeah really confusing!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey RobbAdams,

yeah I was looking at the Ehiem's. But I got SW not FW. Wonder if one would be good..Hmmm

[bulletsworld]

Any have a:

Rena FilStar xP3 Canister Filter?

How about Ehiem, anyone got one on SW on a 75gal+?

Damn so many filters dont know which to choice. What does everyone have?