I am going to be adding a second filter to my 46 gallon tank. I want a canister filter and was looking at getting a Fluval 304. I already have a HOB filter, but I forget the brand ( I think emporer 400). I have a few questions though. First, are canister filters noisy at all? Also, would that particular model (the 304) be a good choice? Any input on this, including other brand canisters that may be just as good or better is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
adding a second filter, need opinions...
- Thread starter jujubee
- Start date
I have never found canister filters noisy - I have two 303 and one 403 running in my living room and never notice them at all. In fact the spray bars make a lot more noise unless they are carfully positioned, so don't worry about noise as long as they are well maintained ie the impeller cleaned regularly etc.
Fluvals are very good filters, Eheim is another make that I have also used over the years with great success. Best bet is to check which brands your retailer stocks (especially spare like sealing rings, tubing etc.) and how available these are.
Here in England both filters seem to be equally popular.
Fluvals are very good filters, Eheim is another make that I have also used over the years with great success. Best bet is to check which brands your retailer stocks (especially spare like sealing rings, tubing etc.) and how available these are.
Here in England both filters seem to be equally popular.
what exactly is a spray bar, and do i need to get one?? I just ordered the fluval 304. Also, when i add the second filter how do i get bacteria to start growing in this one. I want the fluval to be pretty much just biological filtration. The tank is already cycled, but recently crashed a bit. There is still biological filtration occuring and that tank has made a come back. I am just adding this second filter so the tank doesn't crash again.
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Spray bar is a plastic tube with small holes in blocked at one end. You fit it on the outlet of the filter so the water comes out as a number of jets of water. If you angle the bar to spray the jets across the water surface it oxygenates it, without making too much turbulence in the tank. Many fish love playing in the surface current as it must be similar to a flowing stream. I know my bala sharks love it.
Fluval filters are great, I've got the 204 model and I've never looked back, way better than any internal filter. Your Fluval should have come with some biological rings that you put in one of the baskets, once you start passing water through the filter the bacteria will automatically establish themselves on these rings as water passes through them. Your Fluval will also probably come with a carbon media and the actual foam spunges too, infact everything to get you started.
Just one word of warning never ever lift up one of the side clips which holds the top of the filter to the main bucket area while the filter is still switched on. I was worried one day that the clip wasn't securly locked into place so I went to lift it up in order to reclip it down. Once I lifted the clip; up water gushed everywhere and soaked the whole living room, which was made worse by the fact the pressure is so strong you can't then get the clip back down. Lets just say it wasn't a pleasent experience and I dont reccommend anyone else try this.
Just one word of warning never ever lift up one of the side clips which holds the top of the filter to the main bucket area while the filter is still switched on. I was worried one day that the clip wasn't securly locked into place so I went to lift it up in order to reclip it down. Once I lifted the clip; up water gushed everywhere and soaked the whole living room, which was made worse by the fact the pressure is so strong you can't then get the clip back down. Lets just say it wasn't a pleasent experience and I dont reccommend anyone else try this.