Fluval 306/406 - Shinyitis

So my LFS is doing a great deal on the Fluval 306 ($115 USD) and 406 ($165 USD)

It's really tempting - but do I really need one?

I have a planted 50 gallon (36x18x18 inches)
Moderately stocked: 1x Pearl Gourami, 4x GBR, 2x Apisto Caca, 16x Red Eyed Tetra

I'm running a Fluval C4 H.O.B filter rated at 70g - it's been doing a great job - always 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, low nitrates <10 (although I now add SeaChem Nitrogen to push this up to <20 - it's good for my plants)

The only complaint I have with the C4 is it's a little bit noisy - but too be honest it's just fine.

I think I have a nasty case of Canister Filter Shinyitis -

All my fish like low flow - I took out my power head because it was too much flow (the pearl and GBR were staying on the substrate) and they are all much happier without it.

So do I really need a Canister?

Are there any real advantages?

I guess I would go for the 406 and then end up turning the flow right down - ha ha - it doesn't even make sense to me - but the Shinyitis has got me.

 

I'm running 6 fluval from 306 to fx4 they do a great job and at that price if in the UK I'd buy even if I didn't need it as those offers don't come round often and soda law when the offer goes your job will fail so in a way I'm exactly like you, with all those trays it gives you a open book on what media you want to use, for me I've filled them with Biohome

 

Another thing I done when you say about strong flow rate is change the outlet nozzle this 3ft tank as two filters 306&406 on the 406 I've left it open ended and put an elbow on, the other as standard fitting, this way I keep full filteration and light flow

 

Another thing I done when you say about strong flow rate is change the outlet nozzle this 3ft tank as two filters 306&406 on the 406 I've left it open ended and put an elbow on, the other as standard fitting, this way I keep full filteration and light flow

Thanks richie.p

Does leaving it open ended significantly reduce the strength of the flow?

Do you have a photo of the whole tank.

 

Yes if you leave it open it will cut the flow down. I have left the end open with no elbow on the end so the flow goes straight down the glass on the back of the tank befor. I had an angel before that hated any flow at all.

 

There you go its surprising how much it dose reduce it

 

There you go its surprising how much it dose reduce it

Nice tank like the set up very much.

 

What model would I need for a 75 gallon Cichlid tank. About 18 Mbuna Cichlids.is a 406 big enough.

 

Just spent 30 minutes clearing out the right side of my fish cabinet.




Looks like there's a 406 in my near future.

 

What model would I need for a 75 gallon Cichlid tank. About 18 Mbuna Cichlids.is a 406 big enough.

I would say 406 would be the minimum at 383gph if it’s in your budget I would say a 406 and 206.

 

What model would I need for a 75 gallon Cichlid tank. About 18 Mbuna Cichlids.is a 406 big enough.

This is the official recommendation but agree with grump299 if the budget allows gave two I'd go 406/,& 306 you can always reduce the flow,

 

Thanks 406 & 306 it is.

 

Be advised the 7th gen Fluval x07 series canisters were released in the U.K. last month, and just now hitting the U.S.

Kensfish.com is the only place I've seen that actually has them in stock.

Once they are stocked regularly by all the main retailers, the x06 series should drop even more in price

 

Theres been no decrease in prices over here on any of them yet, I bought a new 406 this week still at the same price, not even with the introduction of the G3 series

 

What is the difference in the 406 and the X07.

 

looking at the video they have spruced them up, the siphon is a bit sturdier rubber feet, integrated handle to lift out the media baskets

 

What is the difference in the 406 and the X07.

406 comparison to 407:
GPH: 383 (no change)
Watts: 20/23 (no change)
Impeller / Impeller housing (407 claimed to be 25% quieter)

Main changes are ergonomic & design:

Stronger priming pump handle

Stronger lid locks

Stronger release lever on auto-stop valve

Bigger rubber feet

New multI tray removing handle

Intake and outake assembly is now black (406 was transparent white)

You certainly wouldn't change your 406 for a 407 unless your 406 was broken, but each of the little changes they have made to the 407 are improvements IMO.

 

How would you configure a 75 gallon Cichlid tank. 2 407's. 1 407. What's your thoughts. I have 2 HOB's on the back of the tank and always nervous about the canisters leaking. I will put them in a big tote inside the stand or a 20 gallon tank underneath.

 

I always run two filters on my tanks with the exception to my 3gal betta tank. IMO go with two filters as big as your budget will allow but get at least 5-6x turnover with combined filters..
I would go with two 407’s on the set up which will give you almost 8x turnover but on the minimum I would use two 406’s.

 

Almost forgot I have each of my filters in a tote with a battery operated leak detector in each one and a third one On the floor behind my stand. You can find them on amazon for under $30

 

Ed1957 , I was also hesitant myself before getting my first canister.

After more research at the time, I think at least half, if not more, of problems or leaks with canisters are from user error.

If you set yours up correctly and understand the direction of flow through it, there should be very little chance of leaks as others have stated, get a water alarm so if there is a leak, you will be alerted.

 

I think I've decided to wait for the 407.

It appears that Fluval only upgrade this range once every 5+ years or so, so I may as well wait and get the latest greatest.

I know there's not much difference between the 406 and the 407 but I do like the changes Fluval have made.

I called RC Hagen (the Malaysian distributor) this morning. They said it might be a bit of a wait until they get it.

Somewhere between 3 to 6 weeks looks likely.

Oh I hope it's not too long. Not sure I can stand the rattle from my C4 much longer.