Types of Fluval External Canister Filters
Introduction
Fluval external canister filters have been around for some time, with the series five being the latest model from the Hagen Corporation who manufacture this heavy duty range of aquarium filters. The interesting thing about these filters as any veteran aquarist will tell you are that each model that is introduced is mechanically better than its predecessor.
Hagen is a company that obviously listens to feed back from their customers and acts on them. The model five series has had all the “glitches” ironed out of what were relatively minor problems with the series four filters, and the same rule appears to apply with series three models. Nowadays the Fluval series five canister filters are mostly widely marketed, online as well as in the pet shops and aquarium suppliers worldwide.
What has always made this series of filters heads up amongst their competitors was their solid feel, The series five are square and even bulkier than their predecessors and their ease of operation has increased the satisfaction levels of aquarium owners and operators, especially those with large volume tanks ranging from 40 to 70 gallons or more to operate. For many people what makes the Fluval series five filters their number one choice is the simplicity required in routine maintenance, especially when it comes to cleaning the prefilter sponges. This function can be carried out without the need to disturb the media trays, and the parts fall back in place with the minimum of upheaval. Each Fluval Filter is modularly designed allowing for versatility of use, with each model in the range incorporating twin pre-filters that will increase flow of water in and out of the tank, whilst refusing to allow any form of blockage. Fluval filter containers are characterized by their highly functional, totally secure lift-lock clamps designed to secure the canister lid in place under the highest of pressures. In the event of an emergency, Fluval’s exclusive “Aqua-Stop” feature is primed to detect increase and decreases in water pressure and will immediately shut itself off to prevent damage. To demonstrate the Hagen Corporation’s desire to provide the ultimate in customer service, each Fluval filter comes complete with a DVD as well as instruction manual to explain to the inexperienced and the “technically challenged” how to assemble and disassemble the filter’s as well as every facet of the filter’s operation.
The first impressions that anyone who acquires a Fluval series five canister filter are of their relative mass as well as their distinctive rectangular shape. The Fluval filter is almost 16 inches tall and ten inches wide and more than six inches deep. Designed to be placed under larger aquariums, these filters, by virtue of their shape are capable of efficiently filtering more than 25% more water than their competitors by virtue of their design and robustness.
A unique feature of the Fluval design is their ability to adjust water flow, through a custom designed spout that can be either vertically or horizontally adjusted to control how the water flows to and from the aquarium.
Each of the Fluval models are self-priming and comes complete with its own air release valve, highly important to prevent pressure bumps that can damage the filter and cause “kinks” in the line.
Despite its strength and capability to handle large water flows. The Fluval canister filters operate in almost complete silence. The sound of the motor is almost inaudible and the design team at Hagen Corporation came up with a master stroke by fitting the filters body with runner feet, that are non slip to prevent even the most minimal of vibration.
Fluval five series filters come in three categories designed to handle different levels of water flow.
The 105 model
is designed to handle water flows of 125 gallons per hour with a filter capacity of three quarters of a gallon. Ideally suited for aquariums holding up to 25 gallons, this version can be found on line at a price ranging from $95.00The 205 model
is designed to handle water flows of 180 gallons per hour with a filter capacity of one and one quarter of a gallon per hour. Ideally suited for aquariums holding up to 40 gallons, this version can be found on line at a price ranging from $115.00The 305 model
is designed to handle water flows of 260 gallons per hour with a filter capacity of one and three quarters of a gallon per hour. Ideally suited for aquariums holding up to 70 gallons, this version can be found on line at a price ranging from $145.00The 405 model
is designed to handle water flows of 340 gallons per hour with a filter capacity of two and one quarter of a gallon per hour. Ideally suited for aquariums holding up to 100 gallons, this version can be found on line at a price ranging from $200.00
The Fluval five series of filters are not the least expensive but may well be the best range of filters available on the market today, for people who take their aquarium hobby seriously.
Footnote
This article isn't advertisement of the Fluval series, no-one at Aqua-Fish.Net was paid nor is affiliated with Fluval/Hagen. Staff of Aqua-Fish.Net didn't receive any compensation for publishing this article.