Used Fluval 405 Canister Filter?

I got a 92-gallon corner tank from Craigslist last weekend! I emptied it, gave the fish to my LFS, and the empty tank is in my garage now. It came with a Fluval 405 canister filter. I have never used a canister filter before and I'm totally intimidated by them! I can't even figure out how to get this thing open to see what's inside!

Is this a good filter? Would I be better off getting a different one? Honestly I'd prefer another HOB filter like I usually use but I don't think it would fit... it's kind of a weird shaped tank/top.

 

Dont be intimidated, once you start using the canister you will wonder why you were hesitant.

I have a fluval 306 and love it. The 406 should be similar, but I think it has an extra media basket. To open it you lift the gray handles on the two sides. Then lift the top off. It should be a little hard, since it has to form a good, water tight seal.

Then inside there should be some vertical sponges in a frame on the side and 5hen 4 media baskets stacked up. It in thes baskets you place your media. I havethree baskets. In the bottom I have course sponges. In the middle basket I have ceramic rings and in the top basket I have carbon on one side and crushed coral on the other side.

So don't be scared...give it a try

 

Dont be intimidated, once you start using the canister you will wonder why you were hesitant.

I have a fluval 306 and love it. The 406 should be similar, but I think it has an extra media basket. To open it you lift the gray handles on the two sides. Then lift the top off. It should be a little hard, since it has to form a good, water tight seal.

Then inside there should be some vertical sponges in a frame on the side and 5hen 4 media baskets stacked up. It in thes baskets you place your media. I havethree baskets. In the bottom I have course sponges. In the middle basket I have ceramic rings and in the top basket I have carbon on one side and crushed coral on the other side.

So don't be scared...give it a try

Thanks so very much for the how-to and the encouragement, jdhef!! I'm going to copy your setup exactly. Maybe I can figure it out...I'll try anyway! You don't happen to live in Northern California, do you?? lol

 

No, but if you want to fly me out...

 

Yes, the handles act as a "pry" bar in a way to open the lid. Then when you close it has the reverse function to help close and seal it.

I have both a Fluval 206 and 306 - real easy to maintain - and it gives a ton of options on how to set it up. Good luck!

 

I live in Socal, pretty close to you. If you live in California, you should know what that means.

 

I live in Socal, pretty close to you. If you live in California, you should know what that means.

 

TikiBird - actually canister filter are the best as there is constant circulation of water and water keeps getting exposed to beneficial bacteria in a separate chamber away from tank and keeps ammonia and other stuff low ..

I also switched to canister filter just recently and will update on my experience , but sure having so much filter media and continuous water circulation will help ...

About your filter you can just go to you tube and search for your filter type you will find many useful videos that will explain all in detail, also you can contact fluval , they will help you as well ...

Bobby

 

bobby1978, on my way to YouTube right now!

Wow, I never thought I'd be watching videos of people putting together a fish tank filter on a Saturday night

Yes, the handles act as a "pry" bar in a way to open the lid. Then when you close it has the reverse function to help close and seal it.

I have both a Fluval 206 and 306 - real easy to maintain - and it gives a ton of options on how to set it up. Good luck!

sheehanje, great to know! Glad it will be worth the learning curve!

jdhef, I wish I could!! We could have a giant fishlore party. And everyone could work on my tanks for me

 

I live in Socal, pretty close to you. If you live in California, you should know what that means.

I was just in Banning for a month - loved it out there. May be my retirement location when I'm ready to take the plunge. Definitely better weather than the Northeast this time of year!

 

That's like out in the desert. I'm in Chino, it got to the 70s temp today.