PetSolutions: Fluval 06 Series Canister Filters
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.พ. 2025
- Looking for the latest in aquatic filtration? The join Dr. Brown as he demonstrates the new Fluval 06 series canister filters.
The newest Fluval 06 series canister filters offer unique features to ensure reliable operation, maximum efficiency, minimum noise and trouble-free maintenance. The ultimate multi-stage filter comes with an improved self-priming system that requires a simple pumping motion that initiates water flow, without the requirement of manual siphoning. It contains a media chamber that is specifically designed to maximize the canister volume in each model and to offer versatility in media selection and maintenance. Each filter comes complete with media pre-packed into the baskets including the foam blocks for mechanical/biological filtration, Bio-max pre-filter media for mechanical filtration, and carbon for chemical filtration. You can customize your filtration by adding a variety of media in combination with the Fluval Media Module partitions included with the filter. Additional features consist of the unitized hose assembly, recessed seal ring, ceramic impeller shaft, aqua-stop hose shut-offs, adjustable outlet adapter and twin foam filter screens.
For more information on the Fluval 06 Canister Filter series, please click below.
www.petsolution...
First video I have seen explaining the white lever sequence. Thanks
I bought one of these to replace my 'AllPondSolutions' unit. It's really powerful and solid. 100% recommended.
I had the 406 running for 3 years no problem. Now gone over to FX5s ready for a new tank. Also made a spray bar for the FX5
I have one and this video was extremely helpful. It works great in my 55g tank. Quiet with no leaks and it is adjustable and easy to clean.
I had a 406 just like this for 4 years. It worked alright. I enjoyed the choice of filter media. However, I suffered weekly panic attacks whilst disconnecting the valves and cleaning it. It was hard to to prime and the lever was flimsy. The valve handle weakened with each for maintanence. One day it started leaking and didn't prime. So after that I distrusted external filters and stuck with hang-on-the-backs, because in case of failure at least I wouldn't have water everywhere.
Just bought a Fluval 206 and learned the hard way how bad Fluval products are. Had a leak at the rubber feet on the bottom. After looking online i noticed a lot of people having the same issue. I called and spoke with the manufacture and they informed me that this is a known defect. Needless to say I will be moving to the Rena models.
Just plug it in and pump the primer 4 or 5 times and it goes. It's easy. Great filter.
David Fairbairn Wrong you have to prime it a few times then you have to plug it in.
GeeMoney That is what he said.....
Yeah that's what I said. Fanny!
David Fairbairn No you said plug it in and then prime it. That'll damage the motor genius.
+David Fairbairn Wrong Wrong wrong.... "YOU MUST PRIME THE UNIT FIRST" Then plug it in...
I have two thing's to tell you..petsolution
1. I saw a sinking tube of marineland canister filter on the background of your video.
2. when you try to pull the tubing from your canister, don't be so hurry, you should pull the valve first then gently pull your tubing.
I love your video, I hope next time I could make a perfect video too
thankyou, i was given one of these filters today and i had no idea how to use it!! that is until now!!!
Very good step by step. Thank you
i got the 406 today, expensive but it works. yesterday i put in a driftwood not realizing it would cloud the water overnight. the water was cloudy n tainted. after setting up the 406, i let it run for a few hours. then i went for a nap, woke up, n the water was "crystal" clear! the pump is really powerful.
The sturdier Aquastop valve clip, stronger priming mechanism and tighter locking motor clamps are welcome. But why would they change the inlet/outlets parts from an inoffensive dark grey/black to a gaudy white - that's worse than 'Eheim green'. What were they thinking? Are the hose parts compatible with the 05 inlet/outlet?
It does have a fish guard on the intake, but it could definitely suck up shrimp. I keep small freshwater shrimp myself, which are even smaller than saltwater shrimp. What I would do is purchase your canister filter, and then buy a square foam block meant for one of the aquaclear filters, slice a hole in the center and slide it over the intake. Makes it totally shrimp safe. Buy 2 foam blocks so you can swap a new one in and rinse the other one out, so you always have one ready to go. :)
@TheTypewritergenius I went in and watched this video start to finish, and Dr. Brown sets it up correctly. I've set up these types of filters before myself, as well as some of the Fluval FX5's which use the same type of connectors and hangers.
I have hand my 406 for about a year now. I've cleaned the first filter media every. 2-3
Great video! Thank you so much!
Hi thanks for posting very helpful . I am thinking about buying a fluval to run along side my internal juwel filter which is not that good ! The thing I was worried about is the siphon does it have a fish guard on it ? I keep very small fish and shrimps could they get sucked up ??
Everyone has a different opinion on that. One thing is you can put the aquarium almost right up against the wall instead of having to leave a large space behind it for a filter to hang. Second, most people consider canister filters to be quieter. A third advantage is with a canister filter, there is a much wider variety of media which can be used with it and they generally have more capacity than a hang on back.
I just bought the 305 canister filter and love it, the charcoal takes forever to rinse though lol
@DantheMan0428 Yes, it should be pretty quiet. If it is making mechanical noises, you'll want to unplug the power, open it up and make sure the impeller is seated properly. Hook it back up and let it run for 24 hours and see if it quiets down.
Regular filter maintenance is generally recommended on all filters about once every 4 or 5 weeks.
i have the 105 canister filter i love it.. it is a great little fliter
I would like to point out 1 crucial mistake when you are pumping the instant-prime handle make sure that both of the levers on the AquaStop valve are both pushed all the way down not as shown in this video
Thanks so much for making this great video.
Thank you for the video. Appreciate it!
I run both a 406 and a hob. The 406 is the power of the cleaning which if I need to run different types of media I can. the hob is nice to skim the stuff off the top of the water which you can stuff with floss to get the cloudiness our of the water after tank maintence.
Awe that's too bad but thank you for all your help! Will have to look for new one!
I think he just talking to much
It is fine with sand, just make sure you don't have the intake too close to the sand so it doesn't suck it up.
What if your tank isn't completely full? Mine's halfway as its meant to be, and ALL of these canister filters just assume your water level is at the top and dont offer any extending hose at all.
I had to prime mine more than the 4 pumps when I first installed it. Itmworks good and really pushes the water. To remove some tannins in the water do you recommend leaving the carbon in the top media basket or a different media type.
Hi.
Ive followed the instructions step by step but no water will pump through.
I pushed both leavers all the way down,but nothing.
Have you any ideas please?
Very Helpful! Thanks very much.
I'm not sure if it will have the power to draw in water from an aquarium that isn't entirely full. I know it won't work properly on a tank with only an inch or two of water in it but you said yours was half full. Not sure it will work, and it may overwork your filter and cause its untimely failure, or it may work fine. I can't recommend that you use something in a manner it isn't intended to be used officially, but it would only cost you probably $5 to give it a shot if you decided to.
I had to prime with the white lever down. then you can control the flow by adjusting the lever.
Wow this was super helpful. Thank you so much for posting this!
@thom7667 You could shorten the intake tube, but you really want the filter drawing water from as low as possible. You might consider sliding a foam filter block over the intake to prevent your anemone from getting sucked in, just be sure to remove it and rinse it out regularly.
Thanks that was very helpful
I love my canister filter and the size of my tank does not justify the F4-F6. But lets be honest, Fluval cheaped out with the crappy one direction outpur nozzle on the 06 models. Can I use the F6 nozzle with a fluval rubber hose adapter and make it fit?
Is this a replacement for a protein skimmer?
I am debating between the Fluval 306 or a aquatop with a UV light for a 60 gallon tank. Not sure which one would be a better fit.
So one would work fine with just and extended inlet and/or outlet hose?
Mine doesn’t have water flow from time to time ! I dunno what I did wrong ?! I tried so many times in order to get the water flow but failed ! After I turn it on , no water flow but I can hear the sound from motor
Miss Girl Girl same I’m getting so mad
@paducahFishFan A very good point, you're absolutely correct about the priming. It is only needed if the vacuum is broken during the water change process.
I love you guys what happend to the site ??
Make sure there is no slack in hoses
@4:47 the fish attacks his finger hahaha.
I have a Fluval 406 that is less than a month old. It will not prime. Does anyone have a solution?
Wow thank you
I just got a 55 gallon aquarium
What's the best side filter I can use?
+beto cerv 55 gallon you can buy the super simple HOB FILTER, hang on back type. super simple to use vs this canister type which takes a bit of practice.
I would use the Fluval 306. I have a 45gallon tank and use the 306 model seem as it needs less maintenance in between cleanings. I have koi and I clean the tank every 2 to 3 months. I treat it as a pond not an aquarium, the water stays cleaner longer. I also use an LED light on a timer. The growth seems to take longer too. just leave the lid partially open so condensation can escape and do a water fill every one to 2 weeks using API water conditioner for ponds it seems to work better
Just wanted to let you know that my 306 won't prime unless the white lever is pushed down. Not sure if this is just a problem with my unit or what, but for a second I thought I broke something.
Howlin Mad Murphy 7 The 306 lever is supposed to be pushed down unless you are removing the AquaStop fitting. That is how you obtain suction. As these filters age they tend to become more difficult to prime. You may find that filling the filter half full of water before reattaching it to the AquaStop feature after a cleaning will help the 306 to prime faster. Remember to put the filter lever in the down position after you attach the AquaStop.
+Fishkeeper59 Same thing with the 406 .He goofed :)
Am I able to use this pump if my water is half way?, I have a turtle so she needs to be able to sunbath on her rocks. This pump seems wonderful, would love any advice. Much appreciated!
It's really designed for having the water level be within inches of the top. You will need the water level to be above the junction where the black tubes meet the out and in parts. The intake is about a foot long, you would have to saw the tube. This also uses a propeller motor, so any tiny bit of sand or rock will ruin it. If your tank was full and you built your basking area on top of the tank this filter would work good, but it's pretty expensive for taking such chances of short life of the system.
+RisSgoesRAWR Clean the Unit thoroughly. Then I usually try to fill the unit prior.. then I prime the unit,then plug it in..
We did everything like that, but no bubbles came out but we
heard the motor running?
Me to!! Help
Should the output nozzle above waterline or below ???
Why is it in all these videos the tanks all have lovely flat surfaces. I recently purchased a new 155 ltr tank from AA Aquariums think just do a straight swap over so I wouldn;t have to cycle the tank again but low and behold the new tank has a 100mm lip all the way round and the damn filter clips wont stretch far enough. 've tried looking for anything that will allow me to use my 406 but to no avail the 406 is now up for sale as it is no use to me.
Trouble is you wont be able to get the fish tank top back on, because the plastic pipe attachment is to thick.
Most are trimmable. It isn't no where as thick as a hang on filter so you shouldn't have any issues.
How often would u change the filter?
I another thing, they sell me a Fluval 406 with a 306 Impeller... its 306/406 impeller igual? The effciency its the same?
It seems so easy in the video, but I am having a problem with my quick release valve, when I push the red lever it doesn't go in but only makes a click sound but it does not lock up, any solution.?
Make sure the rubber seal is lubricated with a bit of spit, otherwise it won't seat properly.
STICKY_Inventor I lubricated all the rubber and rings but I guess I have to order a new valve cause the red lever broke.
Whoops!
@valodion1 Interesting. While that is far too broad of a statement, to say Fluval products are bad (many years of experience with them tells me otherwise), I had not heard about a possible manufacturing defect with the rubber feet on the bottom of the 06 models. I'll have to look into it further.
@thom7667 Yes, you would want to run the 406 for a setup like that.
nice video. thanks
If the white lever is in the up position the water is blocked from the tank, so how can the prime pump work. I primed pumped mine with the lever down. Took a while but the filter finally started working and has worked fine so far, no leaks. But I am a bit confused about this lock off lever. I'd like to know before I have to clean this thing.
mikel stevenson the little gray lever is your flow adjuster. All the way down is open all the way up is closed. If you’re taking the valve off then put the lever all the way up. I’d suggest returning this thing I had one for a week and hated it
, and
Make sure the white lever is down
A quick question, I've had a 206 for about 12 months now the flow rate is very poor would it be worth replacing the impeller? I've tried cleaning out the hosing, etc... but it's done little for flow rate...
pusc1f3r what size is your tank?
It's a 20G.
pusc1f3r that should be more than enough even heavy planted tank. Contact Fluval they might send you replacement.
I ended up returning it after Fluval repaired it and sent it back in a wet box, everything was lost when reshipped. It was utter incompetence from Fluval Australia. I would NEVER buy Fluval stuff ever again.
pusc1f3r so sorry to hear that.
Hi. I need help on my 206. its leaking on the side hatch(where the logo is) I already put lots of lubricants but it still leaks. Please help. thanks a lot.
+ajdoms4 Check that rubber seal,may be pinched or torn... no lubricants...
I bought a 306 today and in the box under the canister was two bags of media, they aren't the little tubes and it isn't activated charcoal, looks kinda brown. All my baskets (3) are full, but I'm not sure what the extra two bags are for, does anybody know?
Brian may be peat or crearmax sorry i cant help more
Fluval 06 can this work with any fish like goldfish?
Ive tried to prime mine all day and its not pumping or doing anything
I know this is an old post, but maybe this can save someone some time. You have to prime the pump with the valve open in the down position. The valve is located in the center of both hoses and is white. Also, in order to get a prime you have to be sure the hoses don't leak at the pump head.
Austin France check you intake and return, if it's in wrong position it will never prime. Ty
the intake is usually on the left and the return is on the right.
i found a video to solve this issue! but you just need to fill the intake hose with water then reattach and start motor it takes right off! dip the hose assy in the tank and move it to fill and get rid of air in the hose , best to use the aquarium water itself ...
Like to know if these fluval have a leaking problem
+Andy d My 406 is over year old.."No Problems"
Andy d never.
I've had my 306 for over 4 years and it did leak then I realized I was over priming it without it turned on unfortunately some will say its not possible to over prime but it is possible.
James Amari same here . Over prime and it leaks
These will leak if you don't smear the black rubber seal with silicone grease and replace the seal about once a year. The seals are not expensive if you avoid Fluval (Hagen) and use Amazon.
I'm looking to buy one of these instead of the Eheim 2217 am I making a mistake? all the videos I see look like the 406 is an easy set up.and is easier to deal with than the eheim..
***** They are both excellent filters. The advantage of the Fluval 406 is that it has trays for the different types of media, while the Eheim 2217media is free. That means that cleaning is a real PITA.
However, what you can do if you purchase the Eheim is to purchase large mesh bags to load the media into. This way when it comes time to clean the filter you can remove the media in sections, rather than having to load all of the bio media nodules back into the filter a handful at a time.
Fishkeeper59 Hello, since I posted this I decided to go with the eheim G160 I only recently decided to change that out for the FX6. I love it! I have them currently running on a 55 cichlid tank. I plan on upgrading to a 125 at some point during the summer I will most likely run another FX6...
Tighten the connecting hose anti clockwise I guess.
I'm starting up a 46 gallon bow front cichlid tank. Anyone have any comments on either going with the Fluval 306 or 406 canister filter?
jeb081998 go 406
Lovebetta 406 in a 46 gallon is too much as it is for a 100gallon tank. If he uses that much suction and his fish are small they will get sucked to the filter because the tank is too small. your allowed to use a filter up to 2x the size of your tank. 46gallon will require max 92gallon filter so the next size down which is the 306 it filters up to 70gallons perfectly without disturbing the quality of life for the fish.
This is just advertising copy.
It does not mention how hard it is to get the filter to "prime" with the white rod. Most times, it does not work. But I saw a TH-cam video that deals with this. You have to hold the hoses as high as you can, open the white lever, and pour water into the intake pipe. Then close the pipe (full of water) with the white lever, then re-attach the two hoses and snap down the red lever. Then, a few pushes on the primer rod will get the filter to fill. It violently belches air out of the hose exit. When it settles down, it can be plugged in. The fishes scatter when the noisy bubbles come out, lol.
Another serious issue is that you must NOT place any chemicals in the filter baskets. Fluval sells bags of chemicals, e.g. ammonia remover. If you have stuff like that in the filter, you will never get the aquarium to cycle. You will have ammonia always. A pet store employee told me that. Inside the filter, only have sponges (four different types) and "biomax", which is the porous pellets seen in the video (open the bag of those, of course). It is very irresponsible of Fluval to make the bags of chemicals.
Another serious problem is that the gaps in the water intake are too wide. Mine sucked in a panda cory and killed it. It also sucked two galaxy rasboras into the filter tub. I was able to rescue those. I now cover the intake with a mesh bag.
However, the filter works great if you do these extra things. Mine is the 306, but it operates the same way as the 406 in the video.
I just bought this filter and followed the guy in the video. However, I could not get the filter to work. I called the shop where I bought it and the manager told me to keep the lever down when priming not in the up position as is told in the video.
Ya that doesn’t work this is my second fluval and set up sucks and is so difficult to get water to flow
how much
I have a HOB filter (fully cycled) but have just got a 306
How long will i need to to keep the HOB running until the 306 is cycled?
i want this
Omg i feel so dumb right now😂😂😂 ive been putting water inside so It could start .. ive been doing it for months lol
you didnt asemble it correctly when you attached the tubes to the peice of plastic with suction cupes the semi circle somebody could break there by watching your video.
What are the advantages of a canister filter vs HOB?
hi I would like to know,,my electricity will be off for 5 hours 12 midnight to 5 am, should I leave my fluvial 306 plugged or unplugged from wall
you forgot to clean the glass and do water and algea change...😰
Most, if not all, canister filters do not work particularly well unless the aquarium is pretty full. Canister filters rely on gravity for the most part, and forcing the filter to work harder to bring water up further could lead to a shorter lifespan. You could probably work out a DIY solution if you take that intake into a hardware store and let someone there know you are trying to extend the intake. You could probably do it with vinyl tubing.
How loud should this filter be - 406? I feel like mine is way to loud
Would this be fit for a 25 gallon?
i have a 70 lt tank
@DantheMan0428 should be pretty quiet
Ordered this through Amazon,had holes in canister bottom when received,Amazon offered to send me a replacement. That too had a huge crack on side of canister. I am refunding and getting a RENA XP3 from a local dealer to avoid additional headaches from Amazon and Fluval in the future.
Fluval should inspect they're products of defects!!! Junk!
I just cant get mine to fill with water
No, it is a filter, it does not do what a protein skimmer does.
Bought 406 over a year, regret.This Filter leaks possibly due to high gpm rate and or poor design.Taken it apart watched videos still leaks,Its' just a bad buy.All in all got a year's worth of good water filtration,Would not recommend especially if you have a considerable amount of fish.
it is possible you are priming it too much. The will leak out of the sides where the top locks if your priming too much while not plugged in. The 306 model does the same. to avoid this fill the canister prior to putting the top on then prime it twice. then plug it in and continue to prime till all air is out of the line. any air left will come out by itself.
Perhaps you had not fitted the black rubber seal properly, or maybe you didn't lube it with silicone grease.
The Fluval manual does not make it clear where to fit the seal. I got it wrong and the filter emptied out half of the water in a few seconds. I had to disconnect the hoses in a hurry. What a mess. The seal was damaged. Fortunately, I live very near the U.K. Fluval distriubutor, and the nice lady there gave me another seal and fitted it in the right place, without charge.
These foreign user manuals leave a lot to be desired.
This is the hardest fucking filter to get started. Followed the instructions to the letter. And it still will not start. Save yourself some money people and avoid this like the plague
What about equilibrium of the aquarium, you are not suppose to clean in a sink, will kill the biology! Is to use water of the aquarium!
the trick is clean your filter any way you like jus clean it 2 days before doing a water change. This will acclimate the water in the filter then when you do your 20 to 50% water change you use a API water conditioner in the new tap water then add to tank/pond. the bacteria you built up in the filter will balance your water also never completely clean under the rocks (sift them every time you take out water but don't mix them) the bacteria is beneficial to balancing an eco system in the tank
white inlet terrible color should have been black or at least smoked
Get down.
WRONG,go to PONDGURU for the proper setup.
just as long the mechanical comes first, everything else that follows can be arranged in any order. coarse foam pads, then polishing pads, then everything else.
Damn man your going to fast and not explaining what all the pieces do