Fluval U4 internal filter
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denizen
Jul 19, 2010, 8:18:51 PM7/19/10
to The Freshwater Aquarium
I bought one of the new-style Fluval U4 internal filters yesterday and
put it in my 90gal planted aquarium, to supplement the very old
canister filter that's there too. So far the new filter seems very
nice. I'm using the tall vertical spraybar that's built into the
filter, and my fish appear to appreciate the water movement. Foam
pads, a little chamber with sintered glass biological media, plus
poly/ carbon pads. It looks like the pads can just be left out once
they clog, so the filter should be economical to maintain.
Is anyone else using a similar filter??
d.
put it in my 90gal planted aquarium, to supplement the very old
canister filter that's there too. So far the new filter seems very
nice. I'm using the tall vertical spraybar that's built into the
filter, and my fish appear to appreciate the water movement. Foam
pads, a little chamber with sintered glass biological media, plus
poly/ carbon pads. It looks like the pads can just be left out once
they clog, so the filter should be economical to maintain.
Is anyone else using a similar filter??
d.
denizen
Aug 23, 2010, 9:05:08 PM8/23/10
to The Freshwater Aquarium
OK guess I'm the only one using an internal filter :) ? Tonight I got
a second one of the large U4 internal filters, cleaned the original,
split the used & new media among the two filters and placed one near
each end of my 90gal plant aquarium. The 19+ year old Fluval canister
filter on there is leaking a bit: probably just an o-ring, but I'm
going top retire it in a week or so and just run on the internal
filters.
Looked at a Filstar external canister too, but all the little hose
bits left me cold.
Re: the U4 it picked up quite a lot of grunge in a month. Not quite as
easy to clean as hoped, because my wooden canopy and sliding glass
tops get in the way a bit. Will have to work on that.
d.
a second one of the large U4 internal filters, cleaned the original,
split the used & new media among the two filters and placed one near
each end of my 90gal plant aquarium. The 19+ year old Fluval canister
filter on there is leaking a bit: probably just an o-ring, but I'm
going top retire it in a week or so and just run on the internal
filters.
Looked at a Filstar external canister too, but all the little hose
bits left me cold.
Re: the U4 it picked up quite a lot of grunge in a month. Not quite as
easy to clean as hoped, because my wooden canopy and sliding glass
tops get in the way a bit. Will have to work on that.
d.
videoman
Aug 24, 2010, 12:44:14 AM8/24/10
to The Freshwater Aquarium
Bottom posted.
> > d.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
Thanks for the review denizen! Is this new fluval internal filter any
better than the original fluval (not msf, not 03, 04 series) internal
filters? Is hagen going to stop manufacturing the original (as in the
last many years original) fluval internal filter series? What do you
think of the new internal fluvals (yes or no?)? I do use a whisper 40i
internal filter but might consider a new fluval u4 filter to replace
it if it can handle a 2 inch water depth. My whisper filter I
previously mentioned tends to bypass because gravity doesn't work well
enough for the water to be forced through the media so the water with
detritus tends to flow over the media, the pump in it is powerful but
in my estimation the filter isn't deep enough to prevent bypass, but
other than that I love it, so I just hope it turns out over time to
work good. Good luck and later all!
>
> - Show quoted text -
Thanks for the review denizen! Is this new fluval internal filter any
better than the original fluval (not msf, not 03, 04 series) internal
filters? Is hagen going to stop manufacturing the original (as in the
last many years original) fluval internal filter series? What do you
think of the new internal fluvals (yes or no?)? I do use a whisper 40i
internal filter but might consider a new fluval u4 filter to replace
it if it can handle a 2 inch water depth. My whisper filter I
previously mentioned tends to bypass because gravity doesn't work well
enough for the water to be forced through the media so the water with
detritus tends to flow over the media, the pump in it is powerful but
in my estimation the filter isn't deep enough to prevent bypass, but
other than that I love it, so I just hope it turns out over time to
work good. Good luck and later all!
denizen
Aug 24, 2010, 8:17:30 PM8/24/10
to The Freshwater Aquarium
On Aug 24, 12:44 am, videoman <video...@ccountry.net> wrote:
>
> Thanks for the review denizen! Is this new fluval internal filter any
> better than the original fluval (not msf, not 03, 04 series) internal
> filters? Is hagen going to stop manufacturing the original (as in the
> last many years original) fluval internal filter series?
been in production a year or two, and the "U" series seems to have
replaced earlier submersible Fluval filters.
There's a previous-series Fluval submersible filter running here on a
15gal aquarium. It's filter #2 in the series, one up from the
smallest. This older filter lacks the carbon pads of the newer filter,
which pads I will discontinue using in any case, and the new filter
has a small but useful "bio-media" box that's mainly lacking on older
Fluval internal filters. The older Fluval has a red button-like flow
indicator (not useful) and very good flow control (useful). The U4 may
possibly be throttled by setting it partially to one of the 3 possible
discharge modes, but I haven't tried that yet. OTOH the upper or lower
or integrated discharge mode choices are actually useful. The older
Fluval also uses foam media, so I'd consider it a draw between the new
filter and the older one. Perhaps the new filter is more voluminous
than earlier models, with more media and better filtration at the cost
of visual bulk.
Manufacturers are always bringing out newer stuff. At the store I saw
a giant Fluval external fiter on which the lid seemed to be attached
with screws. It was grey with orange fittings, and the pump at the
bottom: impressive, affordable, but 'way too powerful for my
aquariums :) .
I previously had a still older internal Fluval filter from about 1991,
and it was also fine once its disposable cartridge was replaced with
the foam tube alternative. This older filter was supposed to have its
top out of water (Canada, eh). A result of the top being out of the
water is, that after 6 or 7 years the electric wire dried and cracked
near the filter top - dangerous so I discarded the filter. It was from
the nearby T12 fluorescent tube UV light, and possibly the type of
wire insulation used then. I've not seen the issue with the newer
internal filter or the heaters.
> What do you
> think of the new internal fluvals (yes or no?)? I do use a whisper 40i
> internal filter but might consider a new fluval u4 filter to replace
> it if it can handle a 2 inch water depth.
even lying on its back it would need 5 inches or more of water depth.
If lying on its back the filter mainly takes water in the sides, and
it's discharged upwards. The smaller models (U4 is the biggest) might
handle shallower water, but my impression is the "U" series are fatter
than earlier Fluval submersibles.
> My whisper filter I
> previously mentioned tends to bypass because gravity doesn't work well
> enough for the water to be forced through the media so the water with
> detritus tends to flow over the media, the pump in it is powerful but
> in my estimation the filter isn't deep enough to prevent bypass, but
> other than that I love it, so I just hope it turns out over time to
> work good.
has no real possibility of bypass. Immediately behind the intake
screens covering 2 sides of the filter there are foam slabs, and in
the middle there's a hollow rectangular media box that feeds into the
water pump. The pump draws water out of the media box and discharges
it.
d.
NetMax
Aug 25, 2010, 9:19:36 AM8/25/10
to The Freshwater Aquarium
Yes, thanks for the review. Sorry for the lack of feedback. I don't
use internal filters, at least not voluntarily or for very long ;~)
They just seem to have too many disadvantages; heating the water,
introducing noise into the aquarium, spilling debris back into the
water column during servicing, sometimes not giving enough indication
of malfunction or non-operation, taking valuable space from the
interior of the tank, unattractive and difficult to access through
covers and light hoods (those were off the top of my head).
The closest I'll get to an internal filter is a powerhead operated
sponge filter, which shares only a few of the disadvantages of the
internal filter (space and evidence of operation) if correctly sized
(big!) for zero maintenance.
We're lucky that there are so many different filtration systems so we
can pick & choose what best suits each application. Of course with
all these choices, I still like to design my own : ) My next tank
project is for 3 turtles which keep outgrowing their home. I think
I'm going to pump up to a tray of bog plants, and then trickle back
down into the tank with some kind of a waterfall. Zero maintenance
except for cutting the plants periodically (suits my supreme
lazyness ;~)
cheers
NetMax
use internal filters, at least not voluntarily or for very long ;~)
They just seem to have too many disadvantages; heating the water,
introducing noise into the aquarium, spilling debris back into the
water column during servicing, sometimes not giving enough indication
of malfunction or non-operation, taking valuable space from the
interior of the tank, unattractive and difficult to access through
covers and light hoods (those were off the top of my head).
The closest I'll get to an internal filter is a powerhead operated
sponge filter, which shares only a few of the disadvantages of the
internal filter (space and evidence of operation) if correctly sized
(big!) for zero maintenance.
We're lucky that there are so many different filtration systems so we
can pick & choose what best suits each application. Of course with
all these choices, I still like to design my own : ) My next tank
project is for 3 turtles which keep outgrowing their home. I think
I'm going to pump up to a tray of bog plants, and then trickle back
down into the tank with some kind of a waterfall. Zero maintenance
except for cutting the plants periodically (suits my supreme
lazyness ;~)
cheers
NetMax
Andy Gratton
Aug 25, 2010, 12:29:03 PM8/25/10
to the-freshwa...@googlegroups.com
I still use Internal filters of various makes but i am looking at replacing one of my older ones due to wear and tear taking its toll ( and old age )
Currently I have Fluval +2 & +3 versions running alongside External filters as well as Interpet IPF Duo 2 +3 (Duo2 is up for replacement)
also have 2 Fluval +1 filters running in my Q\Hospital tank, as well as a Juwel internal system and one Fluval 1 running in seperate tanks,
I am looking at the U3 to take over in my 60L tank not a great bio load in it only 1 Ancistrus catfish and a large Cichlid who was placed there after being bullied and a host of Snails who do their own thing .
In PFK they did a comparison test and the only fault they pin pointed was a difficulty with the lid when coming to clean things,
Makes it easier for me now to decide on what filter to choose to replace my old Duo2
denizen
Aug 27, 2010, 8:35:18 AM8/27/10
to The Freshwater Aquarium
On Aug 25, 9:19 am, NetMax <computeral...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Yes, thanks for the review. Sorry for the lack of feedback. I don't
> use internal filters, at least not voluntarily or for very long ;~)
> They just seem to have too many disadvantages; heating the water,
> introducing noise into the aquarium, spilling debris back into the
> water column during servicing, sometimes not giving enough indication
> of malfunction or non-operation, taking valuable space from the
> interior of the tank, unattractive and difficult to access through
> covers and light hoods (those were off the top of my head).
>
> The closest I'll get to an internal filter is a powerhead operated
> sponge filter, which shares only a few of the disadvantages of the
> internal filter (space and evidence of operation) if correctly sized
> (big!) for zero maintenance.
>
points. There's nothing hanging off the aquarium, and if air driven
then electricity is kept away from the water.
It is the lack of things hanging off the tank or under the tank, which
attracts me to the internal power filters. That plus their streamlined
modern appearnce :o).
I've read that internal filters are popular in Europe and Andy's
written he uses them for fish. From his filter brands would guess he's
from Europe or G.B. I recall that in Europe people lived in smaller
homes than many North Americans. That might explain the popularity of
internal filters there: clean, compact, nothing hanging off the
aquarium...
d.
Andy Gratton
Aug 27, 2010, 9:37:13 AM8/27/10
to the-freshwa...@googlegroups.com
Yep most definitely UK based lol,
Internal Filters were chosen on cost and size plus when i started Externals were only used in the shops lol most of us started with box filters and upgraded as things came on the market,
I use Internals now as extra filtration on only the 2 biggest tanks alongside external filters, all the smaller tanks 90L to 15L are all run on internals ,
I do have a spare external filter but due to leaking taps and too much fiddling around to get it just right to get no leaks is a pain so it is a last resort filter.
Also due to a very limited budget cost is an over all decision,
If I got the Lottery lol then wish list would be the new Gseries filters ( just have to find a way to programme it to make tea)
NetMax
Aug 27, 2010, 7:48:20 PM8/27/10
to The Freshwater Aquarium
I'm with you on not having anything hanging out of the aquarium.
You'll never have a leak : )
I aquaform so I don't see any heater, filters, airlines, hoses or
wires. It's very hard to completely hide an internal filter :
( Requires an abundant supply of slate.
With a large enough tank, you can section off the filtration/heating
functions. I've done this, but with mixed results.
NetMax
On Aug 27, 9:37 am, Andy Gratton <anglerfis...@googlemail.com> wrote:
> Yep most definitely UK based lol,
>
> Internal Filters were chosen on cost and size plus when i started
> Externals were only used in the shops lol most of us started with box
> filters and upgraded as things came on the market,
> I use Internals now as extra filtration on only the 2 biggest tanks
> alongside external filters, all the smaller tanks 90L to 15L are all
> run on internals ,
> I do have a spare external filter but due to leaking taps and too much
> fiddling around to get it just right to get no leaks is a pain so it is
> a last resort filter.
>
> Also due to a very limited budget cost is an over all decision,
> If I got the Lottery lol then wish list would be the new Gseries filters
> ( just have to find a way to programme it to make tea)
>
You'll never have a leak : )
I aquaform so I don't see any heater, filters, airlines, hoses or
wires. It's very hard to completely hide an internal filter :
( Requires an abundant supply of slate.
With a large enough tank, you can section off the filtration/heating
functions. I've done this, but with mixed results.
NetMax
On Aug 27, 9:37 am, Andy Gratton <anglerfis...@googlemail.com> wrote:
> Yep most definitely UK based lol,
>
> Internal Filters were chosen on cost and size plus when i started
> Externals were only used in the shops lol most of us started with box
> filters and upgraded as things came on the market,
> I use Internals now as extra filtration on only the 2 biggest tanks
> alongside external filters, all the smaller tanks 90L to 15L are all
> run on internals ,
> I do have a spare external filter but due to leaking taps and too much
> fiddling around to get it just right to get no leaks is a pain so it is
> a last resort filter.
>
> Also due to a very limited budget cost is an over all decision,
> If I got the Lottery lol then wish list would be the new Gseries filters
> ( just have to find a way to programme it to make tea)
>
videoman
Sep 1, 2010, 2:15:18 AM9/1/10
to The Freshwater Aquarium
Bottom posted.
That's right - turtles! Thanks for the review denizen! I have come to
a conclusion about my whisper 40i - it has way too much bypass. The
water in that tank got cloudy and I gave it a week. Then when nothing
improved I whipped out the old fluval 404 msf I used to use with that
aquarium and viola! The tank cleared crystal clear in 4 hours. What
ever it was that made me try removing this 404 and using a whisper 40I
is gone - I can use my fluval 404 msf for the turtle tank again! I
think it's important to have a filter with a large debris chamber(s)
to store debris until cleaning. The whisper 40I has that chamber but
the bypass causes the debris and water to flow right back out instead
of trapping it inside. I love the power of the pump that came with the
whisper 40i but the bypass is too bad for me to even get a handle on.
Every time I cleaned the whisper 40I I would notice no debris buildup
trapped inside it's collection chamber - the whisper 40i wasn't doing
it's job. I am glad I am back with the fluval 404 msf! Good luck all
and later!
a conclusion about my whisper 40i - it has way too much bypass. The
water in that tank got cloudy and I gave it a week. Then when nothing
improved I whipped out the old fluval 404 msf I used to use with that
aquarium and viola! The tank cleared crystal clear in 4 hours. What
ever it was that made me try removing this 404 and using a whisper 40I
is gone - I can use my fluval 404 msf for the turtle tank again! I
think it's important to have a filter with a large debris chamber(s)
to store debris until cleaning. The whisper 40I has that chamber but
the bypass causes the debris and water to flow right back out instead
of trapping it inside. I love the power of the pump that came with the
whisper 40i but the bypass is too bad for me to even get a handle on.
Every time I cleaned the whisper 40I I would notice no debris buildup
trapped inside it's collection chamber - the whisper 40i wasn't doing
it's job. I am glad I am back with the fluval 404 msf! Good luck all
and later!
Andy Gratton
Sep 1, 2010, 2:31:05 AM9/1/10
to the-freshwa...@googlegroups.com
Hmmmmmmmmm 404 (msf) I inherited mine from Gill along with the Mbuna etc , Cautionary Tale : Sunday 29th Cleaned filter, made sure all was in place, attached back to tank, refilled via self syphon action , Everything Hunky Dory so I thought, as a precaution I have the filter standing in a plastic tray with a "miracle cloth" just in case, switched on filter nothing untoward noticed , However 3 hours later I noticed a nice little river creeping across the Lounge floor. Panic Stations . much rushing around switching power off grabbing towels & bucket,
No obvious sign of a leak anywhere turns out a small amount of algae I had not noticed was responsible for breaching the seal so allowing the water under pressure to seep out unoticed.
filter was rechecked and placed back into action and another 20L added lol
videoman
Sep 6, 2010, 7:11:30 PM9/6/10
to The Freshwater Aquarium
Bottom posted.
On Aug 31, 11:31 pm, Andy Gratton <anglerfis...@googlemail.com> wrote:
> Hmmmmmmmmm 404 (msf) I inherited mine from Gill along with the Mbuna etc
> , Cautionary Tale : Sunday 29th Cleaned filter, made sure all was in
> place, attached back to tank, refilled via self syphon action ,
> Everything Hunky Dory so I thought, as a precaution I have the filter
> standing in a plastic tray with a "miracle cloth" just in case, switched on
> filter nothing untoward noticed , However 3 hours later I noticed a nice
> little river creeping across the Lounge floor. Panic Stations . much
> rushing around switching power off grabbing towels & bucket,
> No obvious sign of a leak anywhere turns out a small amount of algae I
> had not noticed was responsible for breaching the seal so allowing the
> water under pressure to seep out unoticed.
>
> filter was rechecked and placed back into action and another 20L added
> lol
>
> > and later!- Hide quoted text -
lubricate the connections (hose input / output -s and o-ring seal)
after it may have not been used for a while. I don't recommend
Vaseline - it is petroleum based and might dissolve some plastics.
You can get silicone lubricant for aquariums from some online sources
and possibly locally (rainbow lifegard brand) - it makes a big
difference in the reliability of seals (especially o-ring seals).
On Aug 31, 11:31 pm, Andy Gratton <anglerfis...@googlemail.com> wrote:
> Hmmmmmmmmm 404 (msf) I inherited mine from Gill along with the Mbuna etc
> , Cautionary Tale : Sunday 29th Cleaned filter, made sure all was in
> place, attached back to tank, refilled via self syphon action ,
> Everything Hunky Dory so I thought, as a precaution I have the filter
> standing in a plastic tray with a "miracle cloth" just in case, switched on
> filter nothing untoward noticed , However 3 hours later I noticed a nice
> little river creeping across the Lounge floor. Panic Stations . much
> rushing around switching power off grabbing towels & bucket,
> No obvious sign of a leak anywhere turns out a small amount of algae I
> had not noticed was responsible for breaching the seal so allowing the
> water under pressure to seep out unoticed.
>
> filter was rechecked and placed back into action and another 20L added
> lol
>
>
> - Show quoted text -
Sometimes a person needs to use aquarium safe silicone lubricant to
> - Show quoted text -
lubricate the connections (hose input / output -s and o-ring seal)
after it may have not been used for a while. I don't recommend
Vaseline - it is petroleum based and might dissolve some plastics.
You can get silicone lubricant for aquariums from some online sources
and possibly locally (rainbow lifegard brand) - it makes a big
difference in the reliability of seals (especially o-ring seals).
Andy Gratton
Sep 8, 2010, 4:50:52 AM9/8/10
to the-freshwa...@googlegroups.com
With the 404msf there are some little areas by the handles that make me wonder how it is that it does not leak more often as they are right next to the O ring and open at the end to allow water to trickle down the sides, This also could of been where water escaped from,
As I Inherited the Filter from Gill I have no idea how old it is possibly it is due for a new Oring etc , I know I have replaced the impeller cover twice now due to the clips becoming brittle in use and snapping as the cover is placed over the impeller, but I put that down to the liquid rock we have here ,
All I need now is someone to commercially produce a long enough Hose Cleaning brush those available currently are too short. ( new project for Gill lol )
greg...@gmail.com
Sep 8, 2010, 8:06:50 AM9/8/10
to the-freshwa...@googlegroups.com
I love the Fluval 404/405 series filters. They really do a great job. As for a filter brush, I tied a string to the end of my brush that's longer than the hose. Run water through the hose and feed the string until it pops out the other end. Keep running the water and pull the string until the brush pops out. Repeat until the hose is as clean as you like.
Does that make sense? Its still way too early for me.
Greg
Does that make sense? Its still way too early for me.
Greg
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
From: Andy Gratton <angler...@googlemail.com>
Sender: the-freshwa...@googlegroups.com
Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2010 09:50:52 +0100
ReplyTo: the-freshwa...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [TFA] Re: Fluval U4 internal filter
Andy Gratton
Sep 10, 2010, 6:06:20 AM9/10/10
to the-freshwa...@googlegroups.com
Yes Greg it does make sense I have done something similar in the past , but a commercially made proper length brush to clean the pipes on externals would be nice lol instead of having to fiddle around making modifications to existing items,
Also the Brushes need to be a bit more robust than current ones that seem to "collapse" after a few weeks use or is maybe I am too hard on them lol
videoman
Sep 15, 2010, 8:06:47 PM9/15/10
to The Freshwater Aquarium
Bottom posted.
On Sep 8, 1:50 am, Andy Gratton <anglerfis...@googlemail.com> wrote:
> With the 404msf there are some little areas by the handles that make me
> wonder how it is that it does not leak more often as they are right next
> to the O ring and open at the end to allow water to trickle down the
> sides, This also could of been where water escaped from,
>
> As I Inherited the Filter from Gill I have no idea how old it is
> possibly it is due for a new Oring etc , I know I have replaced the
> impeller cover twice now due to the clips becoming brittle in use and
> snapping as the cover is placed over the impeller, but I put that down to
> the liquid rock we have here ,
>
> All I need now is someone to commercially produce a long enough Hose
> Cleaning brush those available currently are too short. ( new project
> for Gill lol )
>
> > difference in the reliability of seals (especially o-ring seals).- Hide quoted text -
sealed somewhere, but I don't know where. If some water gets into the
cover release latch (not the internal one for the impeller well) it
escapes out those areas, preventing problems down the road. These
canister filters are a totally sealed system unless a breach occurs
which I have never had during the 4 or 5 or whatever years I have been
using canister filters (04 series). I run my 04s on their sides -
proving no leaks form those "areas" and a total seal. Sometimes a leak
develops (after years of use, I even have yet to have one after 5
years), silicone, aquarium pet safe, lubricant revives the O-ring (s)
unless they are just too far-gone. These canister filters are totally
sealed. Good luck all and later!
On Sep 8, 1:50 am, Andy Gratton <anglerfis...@googlemail.com> wrote:
> With the 404msf there are some little areas by the handles that make me
> wonder how it is that it does not leak more often as they are right next
> to the O ring and open at the end to allow water to trickle down the
> sides, This also could of been where water escaped from,
>
> As I Inherited the Filter from Gill I have no idea how old it is
> possibly it is due for a new Oring etc , I know I have replaced the
> impeller cover twice now due to the clips becoming brittle in use and
> snapping as the cover is placed over the impeller, but I put that down to
> the liquid rock we have here ,
>
> All I need now is someone to commercially produce a long enough Hose
> Cleaning brush those available currently are too short. ( new project
> for Gill lol )
>
>
> - Show quoted text -
That area near the handles that looks like it might leak - it is
> - Show quoted text -
sealed somewhere, but I don't know where. If some water gets into the
cover release latch (not the internal one for the impeller well) it
escapes out those areas, preventing problems down the road. These
canister filters are a totally sealed system unless a breach occurs
which I have never had during the 4 or 5 or whatever years I have been
using canister filters (04 series). I run my 04s on their sides -
proving no leaks form those "areas" and a total seal. Sometimes a leak
develops (after years of use, I even have yet to have one after 5
years), silicone, aquarium pet safe, lubricant revives the O-ring (s)
unless they are just too far-gone. These canister filters are totally
sealed. Good luck all and later!
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