Shadowbeam

Hey all, getting my new tank soon and Iv'e decided on the Fluval roma 200 (200 litres).
With it I get the Fluval U4 (doesn't state which one but I'm assuming it will be the 130-240ltr). Has anyone had these filters before and got a review to share?

Would getting 2 be overkill or would it do good in the tank?

aquarist48

Hello Shadow. Hope you're doing well. Have you checked the "Reviews" section of the forum? I'm sure you'll get some responses soon.
Keep us posted!
Ken

ccb04

Hello Shadow.

I haven't seen much discussion on the Fluval U series here. I believe Practical Fishkeeping magazine (UK) named the U series as the 'freshwater product of the year' in their magazine.

The U4 is rated at 260 gallons per hour. Here is a link to one review at Pet Solutions website: http://www.petsolutions.com/Reviews....5510465&Mode=R

Matt Clarke from Practical Fishkeeping takes a look at the U series in an online video. Simply search via typing in: reviews for Fluval U series.

Internals don't seem to be as popular here in the US as they are in the UK. HOB filters like the AquaClear are more popular here. However, the U series is one of the first internal filters I've considered using as a secondary filter (I like to run two filters on most all my tanks). I really like that it uses biomax and the sponge just like the AquaClear. It also offers finer particulate and chemical filtration with the poly/carbon cartridge insert. IMO, the primary drawback would be their size due to the fact that it's inside the aquarium and taking up space. Other than that, they look to be well thought out with unique features like the 3 adjustable water flow outlets, flip top lid for media changes, and being able to remove the filter without removing the bracket that attatches it to the aquarium wall.

Shadowbeam

Thanks for the replies I totally forgot to look at the reviews section, will go do that now
And thanks ccb04 for the detailed answer! Appriciated ^^

ccb04

No problem at all, Shadow. Glad to help.

Shadowbeam

No reviews that i can see for Fluval U4, so when i get it I'll be sure to write my own

ccb04

Sounds good. I look forward to reading it.

Big_Phil

Hi, I have a 180 litre (50 Gal) juwel vision tank with a coldwater set up. I have had the Fluval U4 filter for around 3 weeks now, which replaced the monstrocity of the internal juwel filter that came with the tank. I can honestly say that the water is clearer than it has ever been. I had the old juwel filter in the tank for around a year and the difference is amazing!!! Not only is the U4 filter very easy to use, but it is also very easy maintain, replacing the internal filters is very very easy. Installation is very easy, the main filter sits in a casing which is attached to the tank by rubber suckers which can be easily removed for cleaning-this was a major down fault of the internal juwel-you had to cut the old filter out, keep the water level low, then re-glue the filter back into the tank which usually took aound a day to complete because the sealant took a long time to dry. There are two outer spomges, with two inner carbon sponges and in the middle is the bio max. Removing them is so so easy compared to my old juwel. So far, 4 weeks in, i have not needed to change the filters, but I am looking at them closely. It advises that the outer sponges are changed every 4-6 months with the inner sponges being changed every 3-4 weeks.
There are three power settings, the top out flow for max pressure, the bottom out flow nozzle for the lighter of the three pressures, and the middle setting to activate a vertical three way directional bar which is built in. This is the setting that I use. It is great because you can change the direction of flow, so if you want the filter positioned on the far right of you tank, you can either point the veritcal to the middle or the left so the flow points away from the corner that it positioned in a and vice versa.

I bought mine of e-bay for £30 I think this is around $27. They are guaranteed for 3 years. I got it from an aquarium store. There were no postage costs.

I would give the Fluval U4 filter 5 stars all the way.....so far so good!!

Phil