Fluval 404??????????

[KingNeptune]

I am confused about the whole canister filter thing, but I really only have one question about it, the ceramic pieces as they are refered to. My question is are they important to have or is this where everyone says the Nitrates build up? I have since taken them out and I'm currently running only the carbon and the white sponge kinda stuff. I'm using the fluval 404 and before it's all said and done I will be getting the RemoraC Skimmer with the Mag 3 on a 50 gallon set up. I would probably go without the Fluval but the wife would kill me cause I just bought it and I got to make it look as if it is needed, LOL. Thanks in Advance

[icebear]

its ok for circulation, just run it without the media...

i have a 304 and don't use it anymore, got too annoyed with it....

[Harpo]

You are better off using the carbon only.

Bill

[KingNeptune]

remove the sponge thing too? The tank is in the process of being set up, so none of the media is needed in the cycle process? and will the tank cycle with just the fluval minus the media until I get the protein skimmer? thanks again

PS yes there will be LR and LS

[icebear]

if there will be LR and LS there is no need for anything else but saltwater and bacteria and time for the cycle.

i don't think you'd have to put anything in the fluval

[wanareef]

After it's setup, you can just put in carbon and run it in through the tank for polishing the water up. This would be great for a quarentine tank.

hth

[KingNeptune]

So the Fluval is great for water movement and water polishing and that's about it huh? I guess it was an expensive powerhead. So the sponge and the circular round pieces can go?

[icebear]

yeah, they'll just gunk up and help give you a nitrate nightmare.....


i also found out that Fluvs aren't good for much more than circulation after i dropped more than i really could afford on one.

[Junkzoo]

ditto on the prev comments about running the Fluval,
i run one onna 75, only thing in it is carbon/Purigen,,and replace the carbon often,,
one thing on the Fluval, watch when you remove the cover over the impeller, when you clean it,,,the lil tabs on the sides tend to wanna break of if you squeeze them to hard,,,use just enuf pressure to release the cover,and remove,,,
same thing on the yellow bracket that holds the impeller shaft,,use the lil metal hook thingie to remove the shaft holder once inna while to keep it freed up in it's slot,(a real bummer to try to remove a stuck one if/when a shaft removal is needed)
also , the impeller cover tends to get brittle over time,and those tabs i was talking about might break , just from running the filter,(been there, seen that) make sure you ,in the future , have a spare handy,or your LFS carries them on a regular basis,,
i've had my 404 since they came out, went thru a "recall" on them over the orig impeller cover(dang thing would stop when ever it wanted to) thinks are ok on the current ones tho,,,
love my Fluval,even tho i gotta send mine back to Hagen for checking out,,,,right now , mine stops for no reason,and having that kind of motor stalled is not a good thing for it,,,,Hagen said ,send it to them ,and they will repair/replace whatever it takes to remedy the problem..(free)just another thumbs up for a manufactor that takes care of , and stands behind thier product,,,,and my 404 is more than a few years old,,,,
sorry for the long post, just wanted to pass along personal input to you,,,

[icebear]

and don't lose the giant O ring *rolls eyes*

LOL

[Junkzoo]

sorry, yup on the Bio rings,and foam pads,,,
u don't need/want them in it,,,,
you still have a great "filter" to use on your tank anyway ,even tho it's not gonna be used "fully loaded"

[Junkzoo]

Originally posted by icebear
and don't lose the giant O ring *rolls eyes*

LOL

got that right,,,and keep 'em silicone'd up too!
plus, ALWAYS double check for leakin' after a removal for cleaning/replacement of media