"Looks like a quality item" Id say it looks and feels like shit quality. Im opening the top hatch very carefully cause it feels like really cheap plastic that will break if your not careful with it. Having said that, I absolutely love this, cant recommend it enough. The cheap feel of it is probably why we can get such a potent product for as cheap a s this is.
Lmao!! Thank you!! 🙏 Cause I just bought one, I came on to watch a video because the manual is less user-friendly. I'm about to set it up. No more second-guessing my purchase now. Gratitude 🤜💥🤛 Sudbury, Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦✌️
I have completly replaced the Filter medium with Fine cotton ! Now its super Crystal clear and i have Much more Filter Volume ! Better than orginal Filterpads and also its Cheap
What size filters recommending for 180 juwel aquarium for a turtle I only have it halve filled but would bigger filter save me having to clean so often ?
Hi Daniel. Excellent and informative videos. Could I with the Fluval U4 use a couple more foam paddings on the sides instead of the polycarbon filters?
Yeah I would say so too or at least one all over colour (people have different backgrounds after all). I mean they are really nicely designed and look great the way the are until you drop them in the water where it counts. They should be better looking and as inconspicuous as possible once in position in my opinion but then maybe they don't stand out as well on the shop shelve or in online images if that's the case and don't sell as well in that case then. Not sure.
Why did the manufacturer change the design of the cartridges? What was their goal? The holes are made only for half of the cartridge. It's inefficient. In older versions, the holes were all over the cartridge area.
Sorry Cam I just seen this. If you use the cartridges with them they are really really good. Can't fault them other than having to replace the cartridges now and then. I tried them without the cartridges and doubling up on the sponges plus a wee bit of filter floss in the middle section with the bio-media and again they were great. Only complaint I'd have is you don't quite get the options for customisation that I like but think you could say that for most internal filters and not everyone looks for that of course.
i have one that came with the fluval roma 125 i dont like the filter i have been in touch with fluval and asked them why do you need to put carbon on your polly cartridge as i use pro plant food and carbon takes it out and to replace all the lot each month and add it it up over a year its a lot of money thats why i dont like them i use the fluval 206 and the all new aquael altra max 1000 it as a 11LT canister big pre filter and you can take the prefilter out without taking it all apart and it as 8 clamps its had a good review and tested with practical fish keeping they say its up there with the best like the fluval fx and the price for the aquael is £134.99 where the new fluval 207 is about £107.99 thats the only reason i dont like the u 2 3and 4s as you cant do alot with the media you cant pimp the filter up but you get what you pay for and what you like as long as it does the job
Yeah I'm with you, I don't see why anyone makes a filter these days that doesn't have customisation opportunity. That said there is probably a market for fish keepers who like the convenience of simply changing out the cartridges every now and then and that's their filter maintenance largely done. It that scenario the carbon is probably helpful in removing unwanted chemicals and substances because they never really have a cycled filter. I did have some other points that I wasn't too keen on with these filters, I don't know if you saw that video: th-cam.com/video/U5SEf2Di71I/w-d-xo.html The Ultramax filters look great, I've not had a chance to play with one yet. I really like the Oase Biomax. They're really well designed and have a pre-filter design also: th-cam.com/video/M21mNWEDwZ0/w-d-xo.html
Need advice? My tank is 36x15x18 (LxWxH). I think it's 161 litres? Tank is 3 foot long so will I need U3 or U4? U3 pumps up to 150 litres and U4 pumps upto 240 litres? Do you think U4 may be too powerful for a 3 foot tank???
Just want to warn anyone that has young or small fish about the Venturi opening on top of these filters. If you are not using the Venturi option then please put the little attachment on regardless, if it’s under the water it won’t make the bubbles. I didn’t have the attachment on my U4 and I have just found one of my little Corydora who was only about half an inch sucked on to the opening, the suction is very weak but for a tiny fish it was fatal. I only got them this Tuesday and I am so upset and feel so guilty.
Ah Becks I'm sorry to read this. Generally Cories spend most of their time at the bottom of the tank but sometimes they dart to the surface which is when they might be near the intake. With most filters except sponge filters it's normally a great option to add some sort of pre-filter to intakes if you're expecting fry. I hope your wee Cory is okay.
Oh thanks so much for the feedback. It's great to know it was useful. Please notice I did have some second thoughts once I had used it for a while: th-cam.com/video/U5SEf2Di71I/w-d-xo.html I am very impressed with the SuperFish XL I must say: th-cam.com/video/6Nqa_aAQC9E/w-d-xo.html Also the Eheim pickups are well established favorites although they only utilise sponge media: th-cam.com/video/0GeATV6FOdY/w-d-xo.html Thanks again for letting me know that video was useful. It's really great to hear back in that regard.
If you don't stuff it in too tight it shouldn't clog. I'd either put it in some of the central chamber if you've got bio-media in there too. Alternatively you could cut thin sheets of it to fit in behind the sponge on the two side chambers.
My coldwater tank is 170 litres so opted for a U4 which does 130 - 240 litres. The water flow too strong when using the top water outlet. Is the middle spray the best option to reduce strong water flow?
@The helpful hobbyist haha not sure that's true but that's what we're all here for; to help each other enjoy our hobby and share a few tips hey. You can also aim the current towards the glass rather than out into the middle of the tank by the way. Should further reduce the current. 👍
@@DanielKeepingFish Just to let you know after watching your other video about the Eheim 400 air pump. I bought it for my 3x15x15 tank, to power a pair of double sponge filters. It's quite powerful but does get noisy! To deal with the noise I bought an Air-pad 2 silencer (Superfish product). Not 100% effective but reduced the noise between 20-30%? But better than nothing.
I hope you looked at a few reviews, always good to get a range of opinions before deciding. That said most people I've spoken to who have tried these filters seem to like them. I hope you enjoy yours. 👍
I have a used tank that came with the U4. I am reading it says the filter can go in horizontally which I would like for the multi spray hole function. If you can not submerge the venturi when putting the filter into the tank vertically, how does it work if you put the filter in horizontally as the entire side of the filter would have to be above water to keep the venturi above water.
Either you would not be able to use the venturi clip or you could get a piece of airline tubing long enough to reach the surface with the venturi clip one end and the other end going to the filter.
I ended up emailing Fluval asking why the filter doesn't work horizontally under water.. they said it does. I put the filter in horizontally completely submerged and it works.. I just need to figure out why the spray feature does not work, but the top and bottom outputs work fine. [Thus us a second hand filter so maybe something in the spray feature needs to be cleaned-not sure] From Fluval. Quote: Thank you for contacting us with your question, The Fluval U4 filter can be completely submerged including the venturi valve, both vertically and horizontally without worry. The top of the filter is the side that the water outputs from! We hope this helps.
Thanks for your follow up information and advice. Appreciate your honest opinions but I will still go with the Fluval. I think it will fit my needs perfectly. Kind regards.
Oh yes indeed. I think it's a great filter in the right application. It's all about what suits our set ups best. I just wanted to give you a range of options since I have experienced the others and had the information sitting there. Enjoy you new filter!
How often does the Poly Carb need to be replaced? And concerning the middle cartridge box? Other than ceramic media balls, what other media can I add???
I don't particularly like internal filters but the U2 & U4 that you have reviewed and demonstrated is certainly very impressive. Fluval has put a lot of engineering into them. What I like is the choice of output. Thanks, Daniel I will keep that in the back of my mind..
Robert Fletcher I think they have their place Robert. Each type of filter has it's benefits and draw backs I reckon. These for example will never leak on your floor and if you need a powerhead to move water in a big tank then why not double it up as filtration? I try to select the correct filter for the situation rather than rely on one kind but I can see why internal filters wouldn't be everyone's first choice. Thanks for the comment though as ever. You've actually given me an idea for another video.
@@DanielKeepingFish it does Dan I had a biomaster 850 running it but every time I cleaned my filter it took me 1 hour to start it up even sucked pipe to fill it up it was sucking air would not fill awesome filter when running once you stop it your knackered u4 best filters by far
Hi Daniel I'm going to fit 2 of these into my 75 gallon you reckon the water current sufficient to reach the other end if I mounted both on one end of the tank?.. Thanks
Hi Daniel, great video! Would the slots in the side be a concern for dwarf shrimp in a tank do you think? Im looking for a good second filter but have Blue rili.
Yes I think shrimp would be able to find their way inside there. I think adult shrimp would be able to resit and only go in through choice but wee shrimplets would definately run the risk of being drawn in. I reckon you could say the same of most internal filters, I'm struggling to thing of a model that doesn't share that. Saying that I'm forever finding shrimp and fry in filters when I do my maintenance. Many seem to get through without getting injured and it's just a case of tipping them out again. If you're not happy no run that risk it may be best to consider another type of filter Carolyn.
I notice it don’t suck it as much dirt as the aqua one 104f and it’s cheaper I think it’s cause to many holes in the u4 as the aqua one only has the bottom hole so you can see the dirt go in
Have you noticed that the outer "cases/frames" for sponge and carbon are in different versions. Some have cutouts from top to bottom, but some have like you and me only cutouts in the lower part.. Ex th-cam.com/video/el83TyZH5XE/w-d-xo.htmlm18s th-cam.com/video/B_vzqU3TdLo/w-d-xo.htmlm55s
Unfortunately carbon doesn't last too long. They need to be changed roughly once every month. I would alternate them so change one, two weeks later change the other in cycle. The sponges and the biomeadia should last a long long time. I would just squeeze the sponges out in some tank water and shake/rinse the biomeadia in tank water. I'd start by doing that twice a month and then further apart up to a month if you can. It depends on how heavily stocked your tank is with fish and plants and how heavily you feed. The quicker they get clogged up, the more often they will need rinced out. Hope that helps.
I know with the fluvial flex 57 litre tank fluvial recommend changing the carbon every month,biomedia every 3 months and the sponge every 12 I was just wondering if it was the same with canister filters
I wish they provided more room for biological media. The little middle cartridge still isn't large enough, even on the U4 model. The fact that it sucks in water from both sides is a detriment in that regard, because you need foam on both sides to stop the media becoming clogged with detritus, which takes up so much room. If it only came in one from side, you'd be able to remove one side of foam and double up on biological media.
Yes both those things you say are correct there. You can use it horizontally but you do forfeit the venturi in that case. Alternatively I imagine you could simply get a spare piece of air tubing and run it from the filter up to the venturi at the surface. I haven't tried that but it seems the solution here. I don't see any reason you can't replace the short tube that comes supplied.
Daniel I am going to be a bit off topic if that's alright. What medicine do you use for fungal infections? We don't have the good stuff they have in the US. I have some King British Fin Rot and Fungus Control. My neons have developed white fungus on their mouths, I put it down to the weather the tank temp is fluctuating. Any suggestions? EDIT: Just remembered the Indian Almond Leaves. I have just add 4 crushed up. That may do it what do you think?
Robert Fletcher Methylene Blue bud. King British does one that you can get from Amazon. You need to remove the fish from your tank though because it's a dye so it will dye your decorations, seals etc so you just set up a hospital tank (bare tank with a heater and air bubbler) and treat the fish in their. If you don't have a spare tank you can just use a plastic tote box you'll find in the likes of B&M or Home Bargain so quite cheap or even a jar if necessary. I don't have a video on it yet but there's a few good ones out there, I'll try to find a couple for you. Hope your fish recover real soon.
If you want to treat the tank you can try Melafix and Pimafix. Just remember to remove any carbon if you use it in your filter. Also using medication reduces available air in the water so make sure you have an air bubbler or two running.
Thanks, Daniel something that went over my head is I have a few shrimp in the tank. There is nothing on the Pimafix bottle to say it is contraindicated from shrimp. I have also dosed with Cattapa leaves as it is antifungal and has been used in the commercial fishing industry in Thailand. So I will see how it goes over the next few days. Thanks for your help.
Robert Fletcher Melafix and Pimafix should both be shrimp safe bud. I think we have discussed Indial Almond leaves previously and aye I think that will definately help. They certainly do have anti-fungal properties right enough and I toss a couple in when medicating too. Which is most effective in curing the conditions; the medication or the leaves, probably both, I am not sure but using both methods, one of them a tried and tested natural remedy can surely be no bad thing. Hope your fish improve speedily bud.
Yeah they don't hold a lot of media at all. They are only really good for lightly stocked tanks where good waterflow is required or as a secondary filter. I'm in the middle of trying to get a follow up video done on them now I've had the chance to use them. If you're looking for an internal filter that holds more media and picks up more waste I'm a big fan of the Eheim pickups: th-cam.com/video/0GeATV6FOdY/w-d-xo.html
Hi PLEASE tell me if the Fluval U4 can be put inside the tank upside down (I.e motor on top and spunges at the bottom). The reason I am asking this is because as I was taking the filter apart to clean it as it was new, I accidently opened the lid that covers the motor and which is not meant to be opened while setting it up. I closed it again but I'm not sure if it FULLY sealed like before and am worried some water could leak into the motor and maybe electrocute my fish? :( Thank you.
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"Looks like a quality item" Id say it looks and feels like shit quality. Im opening the top hatch very carefully cause it feels like really cheap plastic that will break if your not careful with it. Having said that, I absolutely love this, cant recommend it enough. The cheap feel of it is probably why we can get such a potent product for as cheap a s this is.
I've still got the original Version U4 from the first release in 2009. 10 years old and still going strong.
That's what you want from a filter. Effective and durable. 👍
Lmao!! Thank you!! 🙏
Cause I just bought one, I came on to watch a video because the manual is less user-friendly. I'm about to set it up.
No more second-guessing my purchase now.
Gratitude 🤜💥🤛
Sudbury, Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦✌️
I have completly replaced the Filter medium with Fine cotton ! Now its super Crystal clear and i have Much more Filter Volume ! Better than orginal Filterpads and also its Cheap
What’s the best setting to use top,bottom or middle and what does each of them do
What size filters recommending for 180 juwel aquarium for a turtle
I only have it halve filled but would bigger filter save me having to clean so often ?
Hi Daniel. Excellent and informative videos. Could I with the Fluval U4 use a couple more foam paddings on the sides instead of the polycarbon filters?
Yes. I bought extra sponges for it and used them in place of the polycarbon cartridges. Worked a treat.
All filters should be black. So they can be hidden
Yeah I would say so too or at least one all over colour (people have different backgrounds after all).
I mean they are really nicely designed and look great the way the are until you drop them in the water where it counts. They should be better looking and as inconspicuous as possible once in position in my opinion but then maybe they don't stand out as well on the shop shelve or in online images if that's the case and don't sell as well in that case then. Not sure.
Why did the manufacturer change the design of the cartridges? What was their goal? The holes are made only for half of the cartridge. It's inefficient. In older versions, the holes were all over the cartridge area.
Assuming you have been using this for a couple years now mate, how are you finding it?
Sorry Cam I just seen this.
If you use the cartridges with them they are really really good. Can't fault them other than having to replace the cartridges now and then.
I tried them without the cartridges and doubling up on the sponges plus a wee bit of filter floss in the middle section with the bio-media and again they were great.
Only complaint I'd have is you don't quite get the options for customisation that I like but think you could say that for most internal filters and not everyone looks for that of course.
Really useful video. I inherited a U4 filter with a second hand tank; no box or instructions, so this was very helpful. Thanks.
Oh that's great.
Delighted that you found it useful then. 👍
i have one that came with the fluval roma 125 i dont like the filter i have been in touch with fluval and asked them why do you need to put carbon on your polly cartridge as i use pro plant food and carbon takes it out and to replace all the lot each month and add it it up over a year its a lot of money thats why i dont like them i use the fluval 206 and the all new aquael altra max 1000 it as a 11LT canister big pre filter and you can take the prefilter out without taking it all apart and it as 8 clamps its had a good review and tested with practical fish keeping they say its up there with the best like the fluval fx and the price for the aquael is £134.99 where the new fluval 207 is about £107.99 thats the only reason i dont like the u 2 3and 4s as you cant do alot with the media you cant pimp the filter up but you get what you pay for and what you like as long as it does the job
Yeah I'm with you, I don't see why anyone makes a filter these days that doesn't have customisation opportunity. That said there is probably a market for fish keepers who like the convenience of simply changing out the cartridges every now and then and that's their filter maintenance largely done. It that scenario the carbon is probably helpful in removing unwanted chemicals and substances because they never really have a cycled filter.
I did have some other points that I wasn't too keen on with these filters, I don't know if you saw that video:
th-cam.com/video/U5SEf2Di71I/w-d-xo.html
The Ultramax filters look great, I've not had a chance to play with one yet. I really like the Oase Biomax. They're really well designed and have a pre-filter design also:
th-cam.com/video/M21mNWEDwZ0/w-d-xo.html
Need advice?
My tank is 36x15x18 (LxWxH). I think it's 161 litres?
Tank is 3 foot long so will I need U3 or U4?
U3 pumps up to 150 litres and U4 pumps upto 240 litres? Do you think U4 may be too powerful for a 3 foot tank???
I think if it were me I'd be going for the U3 bud.
@@DanielKeepingFish thank you brother ❤️
@@thehelpfulhobbyist5355 no worries man. Have fun with it.
Just want to warn anyone that has young or small fish about the Venturi opening on top of these filters. If you are not using the Venturi option then please put the little attachment on regardless, if it’s under the water it won’t make the bubbles. I didn’t have the attachment on my U4 and I have just found one of my little Corydora who was only about half an inch sucked on to the opening, the suction is very weak but for a tiny fish it was fatal. I only got them this Tuesday and I am so upset and feel so guilty.
Ah Becks I'm sorry to read this. Generally Cories spend most of their time at the bottom of the tank but sometimes they dart to the surface which is when they might be near the intake. With most filters except sponge filters it's normally a great option to add some sort of pre-filter to intakes if you're expecting fry. I hope your wee Cory is okay.
Looking for a new pump and your superb review has made my mind up. Thank you.
Oh thanks so much for the feedback. It's great to know it was useful.
Please notice I did have some second thoughts once I had used it for a while:
th-cam.com/video/U5SEf2Di71I/w-d-xo.html
I am very impressed with the SuperFish XL I must say:
th-cam.com/video/6Nqa_aAQC9E/w-d-xo.html
Also the Eheim pickups are well established favorites although they only utilise sponge media:
th-cam.com/video/0GeATV6FOdY/w-d-xo.html
Thanks again for letting me know that video was useful. It's really great to hear back in that regard.
Hi Daniel, I'm planning to get this filter for my turtle tank. Is it a quiet filter and do you think it will be okay for turtles?
Hi Justin. If you come back later I'm going to record a video to answer your question.
Here you go bud:
th-cam.com/video/uARGWotkHMs/w-d-xo.html
@@DanielKeepingFish Thanks man!
How do I go about adding polyfil to my fluval U4 and will it help or just or just clog it?
If you don't stuff it in too tight it shouldn't clog. I'd either put it in some of the central chamber if you've got bio-media in there too. Alternatively you could cut thin sheets of it to fit in behind the sponge on the two side chambers.
@@DanielKeepingFish thanks for getting back to me :)
My coldwater tank is 170 litres so opted for a U4 which does 130 - 240 litres. The water flow too strong when using the top water outlet.
Is the middle spray the best option to reduce strong water flow?
Yeah spreads it out a wee bit so not so concentrated. That's what I'd be doing. 👍
@@DanielKeepingFish thank you brother. I'd be lost without you 🙏
@The helpful hobbyist haha not sure that's true but that's what we're all here for; to help each other enjoy our hobby and share a few tips hey.
You can also aim the current towards the glass rather than out into the middle of the tank by the way. Should further reduce the current. 👍
@@DanielKeepingFish Just to let you know after watching your other video about the Eheim 400 air pump. I bought it for my 3x15x15 tank, to power a pair of double sponge filters. It's quite powerful but does get noisy!
To deal with the noise I bought an Air-pad 2 silencer (Superfish product). Not 100% effective but reduced the noise between 20-30%? But better than nothing.
Hi Daniel, iv just bought this based on your review, i will leave feedback on the filter in 4 weeks.
I hope you looked at a few reviews, always good to get a range of opinions before deciding.
That said most people I've spoken to who have tried these filters seem to like them. I hope you enjoy yours. 👍
Still going Strong, i recommend it highly 😁
I have a used tank that came with the U4. I am reading it says the filter can go in horizontally which I would like for the multi spray hole function. If you can not submerge the venturi when putting the filter into the tank vertically, how does it work if you put the filter in horizontally as the entire side of the filter would have to be above water to keep the venturi above water.
Either you would not be able to use the venturi clip or you could get a piece of airline tubing long enough to reach the surface with the venturi clip one end and the other end going to the filter.
@@DanielKeepingFish Thanks for such a quick reply and clearing that up for me. :)
@@Isaiah-hy2xf no worries. Happy to help if I'm able. This might interest you:
th-cam.com/video/xwSQy4H2d2k/w-d-xo.html
I ended up emailing Fluval asking why the filter doesn't work horizontally under water.. they said it does. I put the filter in horizontally completely submerged and it works.. I just need to figure out why the spray feature does not work, but the top and bottom outputs work fine. [Thus us a second hand filter so maybe something in the spray feature needs to be cleaned-not sure]
From Fluval.
Quote: Thank you for contacting us with your question,
The Fluval U4 filter can be completely submerged including the venturi valve, both vertically and horizontally without worry. The top of the filter is the side that the water outputs from! We hope this helps.
Thanks for your follow up information and advice. Appreciate your honest opinions but I will still go with the Fluval. I think it will fit my needs perfectly. Kind regards.
Oh yes indeed. I think it's a great filter in the right application. It's all about what suits our set ups best. I just wanted to give you a range of options since I have experienced the others and had the information sitting there.
Enjoy you new filter!
Daniel, I noticed there's no bubbles if using the spray bar? Does the spray bar slow down filtration?
How often does the Poly Carb need to be replaced?
And concerning the middle cartridge box? Other than ceramic media balls, what other media can I add???
Looks like a good feature filter that is well made.
They're great filters. Definitely one of the best internal filters in many ways.
@@DanielKeepingFish I’m going to buy one for my 130 Litre aquarium soon! I’ve seen good things about these filters.
I removed the cartridges and filled with coarse sponge, ceramic bio rings and floss. Would that still be a good idea you think?
Yeah I reckon that should work well. Without knowing your set up I may be temped to swap the course foam for medium but otherwise...
I don't particularly like internal filters but the U2 & U4 that you have reviewed and demonstrated is certainly very impressive. Fluval has put a lot of engineering into them. What I like is the choice of output. Thanks, Daniel I will keep that in the back of my mind..
Robert Fletcher I think they have their place Robert. Each type of filter has it's benefits and draw backs I reckon. These for example will never leak on your floor and if you need a powerhead to move water in a big tank then why not double it up as filtration?
I try to select the correct filter for the situation rather than rely on one kind but I can see why internal filters wouldn't be everyone's first choice.
Thanks for the comment though as ever. You've actually given me an idea for another video.
I use 3 on thease on my 6 foot tank saltwater
Sounds like that would do the job for sure!
@@DanielKeepingFish it does Dan I had a biomaster 850 running it but every time I cleaned my filter it took me 1 hour to start it up even sucked pipe to fill it up it was sucking air would not fill awesome filter when running once you stop it your knackered u4 best filters by far
Hi Daniel
I'm going to fit 2 of these into my 75 gallon you reckon the water current sufficient to reach the other end if I mounted both on one end of the tank?.. Thanks
Hi Daniel, great video! Would the slots in the side be a concern for dwarf shrimp in a tank do you think? Im looking for a good second filter but have Blue rili.
Yes I think shrimp would be able to find their way inside there. I think adult shrimp would be able to resit and only go in through choice but wee shrimplets would definately run the risk of being drawn in.
I reckon you could say the same of most internal filters, I'm struggling to thing of a model that doesn't share that. Saying that I'm forever finding shrimp and fry in filters when I do my maintenance. Many seem to get through without getting injured and it's just a case of tipping them out again.
If you're not happy no run that risk it may be best to consider another type of filter Carolyn.
@@DanielKeepingFish Aquael turbo is totally shrimp safe
I have the U4 and I even add filter floss too as well as the other filteration already in there and does a great job.
I notice it don’t suck it as much dirt as the aqua one 104f and it’s cheaper I think it’s cause to many holes in the u4 as the aqua one only has the bottom hole so you can see the dirt go in
Mine makes a humming noise done all checks still don't work without the humming any help would be appreciated
Did you check the impeller? If any part of it is worn it may be the issue and need to get replaced.
Have you noticed that the outer "cases/frames" for sponge and carbon are in different versions.
Some have cutouts from top to bottom, but some have like you and me only cutouts in the lower part..
Ex
th-cam.com/video/el83TyZH5XE/w-d-xo.htmlm18s
th-cam.com/video/B_vzqU3TdLo/w-d-xo.htmlm55s
Peter Magnusson well potted! No I hadn't realised that.
I'm going to try to customise mine anyway, I don't want to be using the carbon pads.
I've covered my filter grill with a thin layer of sponge on the inside works great plus babies don't get sucked up either
Good bit of customising there. Sounds like you solved it. 👍
i know Im pretty randomly asking but do anybody know a good site to watch new series online?
@Thaddeus Noel Flixportal xD
@Zain Matthias Thank you, I signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :D I really appreciate it !!
@Thaddeus Noel you are welcome =)
How often should you replace the media
Unfortunately carbon doesn't last too long. They need to be changed roughly once every month. I would alternate them so change one, two weeks later change the other in cycle.
The sponges and the biomeadia should last a long long time. I would just squeeze the sponges out in some tank water and shake/rinse the biomeadia in tank water. I'd start by doing that twice a month and then further apart up to a month if you can. It depends on how heavily stocked your tank is with fish and plants and how heavily you feed. The quicker they get clogged up, the more often they will need rinced out.
Hope that helps.
I know with the fluvial flex 57 litre tank fluvial recommend changing the carbon every month,biomedia every 3 months and the sponge every 12 I was just wondering if it was the same with canister filters
Personally I've not replaced my media in 6 months and I'm changing them today as long as you clean it all it will last ages
Would this pump be ok with guppy fry are would it sick them up
I suspect small fry could find their way inside and struggle to get back out if I'm honest.
I wish they provided more room for biological media. The little middle cartridge still isn't large enough, even on the U4 model. The fact that it sucks in water from both sides is a detriment in that regard, because you need foam on both sides to stop the media becoming clogged with detritus, which takes up so much room. If it only came in one from side, you'd be able to remove one side of foam and double up on biological media.
Yeah a lot of internal filters struggle to afford plenty of space for bio-media but these do hold up well. A lot of people seem to swear by them. 👍
Are you sure you can run these horizontally, doesnt doing that render the venturi useless ?
Yes both those things you say are correct there. You can use it horizontally but you do forfeit the venturi in that case.
Alternatively I imagine you could simply get a spare piece of air tubing and run it from the filter up to the venturi at the surface. I haven't tried that but it seems the solution here. I don't see any reason you can't replace the short tube that comes supplied.
it would be good if it could be run horizontally on the bottom of the tank as it would really circulate the water column from bottom to top.
Daniel I am going to be a bit off topic if that's alright. What medicine do you use for fungal infections? We don't have the good stuff they have in the US. I have some King British Fin Rot and Fungus Control. My neons have developed white fungus on their mouths, I put it down to the weather the tank temp is fluctuating. Any suggestions?
EDIT: Just remembered the Indian Almond Leaves. I have just add 4 crushed up. That may do it what do you think?
Robert Fletcher Methylene Blue bud. King British does one that you can get from Amazon.
You need to remove the fish from your tank though because it's a dye so it will dye your decorations, seals etc so you just set up a hospital tank (bare tank with a heater and air bubbler) and treat the fish in their. If you don't have a spare tank you can just use a plastic tote box you'll find in the likes of B&M or Home Bargain so quite cheap or even a jar if necessary.
I don't have a video on it yet but there's a few good ones out there, I'll try to find a couple for you.
Hope your fish recover real soon.
th-cam.com/video/t4VM_tiu1Ls/w-d-xo.html
If you want to treat the tank you can try Melafix and Pimafix. Just remember to remove any carbon if you use it in your filter. Also using medication reduces available air in the water so make sure you have an air bubbler or two running.
Thanks, Daniel something that went over my head is I have a few shrimp in the tank. There is nothing on the Pimafix bottle to say it is contraindicated from shrimp. I have also dosed with Cattapa leaves as it is antifungal and has been used in the commercial fishing industry in Thailand. So I will see how it goes over the next few days. Thanks for your help.
Robert Fletcher Melafix and Pimafix should both be shrimp safe bud.
I think we have discussed Indial Almond leaves previously and aye I think that will definately help. They certainly do have anti-fungal properties right enough and I toss a couple in when medicating too. Which is most effective in curing the conditions; the medication or the leaves, probably both, I am not sure but using both methods, one of them a tried and tested natural remedy can surely be no bad thing.
Hope your fish improve speedily bud.
ridiculous small amount of media so what can it actually do?
Yeah they don't hold a lot of media at all. They are only really good for lightly stocked tanks where good waterflow is required or as a secondary filter.
I'm in the middle of trying to get a follow up video done on them now I've had the chance to use them.
If you're looking for an internal filter that holds more media and picks up more waste I'm a big fan of the Eheim pickups:
th-cam.com/video/0GeATV6FOdY/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/U5SEf2Di71I/w-d-xo.html
I just bought some bio chem zorb to add to it!
Hi PLEASE tell me if the Fluval U4 can be put inside the tank upside down (I.e motor on top and spunges at the bottom).
The reason I am asking this is because as I was taking the filter apart to clean it as it was new, I accidently opened the lid that covers the motor and which is not meant to be opened while setting it up. I closed it again but I'm not sure if it FULLY sealed like before and am worried some water could leak into the motor and maybe electrocute my fish? :(
Thank you.