FLUVAL Filter 404 question

[Vinh]

1)I just got the filter in this morning, currently using, baskets, bottom being 1st.

[4]Biomax
[3]Biomax
[2]Nothing
[1]Carbon

Im wanting to remove the carbon in a day or so because it might be taking nutrients plant needs and plant fertiliser out of my water.

Anyone know if "fluval polywool" is the same wool as a typical low brand "filter wool"? or is polywool special because its made for fluval and is stronger or something so it dont get lose and go to the repeller unit? Because dont think I can get my hands on "Fluval Polywool" Havent tried physically go into store but the net of which country I live in, seems no online store sell that, one did but just the basic fluval foam and fluval biomax.

2)I like the Lever you can use to see set the waterflow, Anyone know the waterflow perhour settings with the lever? I cant seem to find it anywhere in the book.

 

[Managuense]

the type of filter wool you use does not have to be the expensive stuff from the company.

i used the "HBH filter-floss" which came in a large bag at Petsmart for WAY less than the other stuff costed, and it was the same stuff.

you can also check walmart for "poly fill" in the crafts section, as it works well too.

just make sure to not buy any stuff that says "treated" or contains any anti-allergenics, or any other chemicals in it for obvious reasons.

i assume you want to filter out even smaller particulates than the 2 sponges will do?

 

[Vinh]

Got the canister because shoving wool in the aquaclear just dont cut it and water leaks out the top, the sponge fluval uses seems like the sponge aquaclear has, kinda has big holes.. Wool seems to be like the only way to get a particleless free tank?

 

[Managuense]

i have heard of people placing a thin sheet of polyfill in between the 2 sponges of the aquaclear filter and having pretty good luck with it, but if you say yours is leaking over the top......

micron filtration is not really necessary, but i agree that it does make a tank look good along with good biological filtration.

just experiement a little with the polyfill in your canister......you may find a better way to do it than people already think!

just be weary that it tends to clog-up pretty fast, so you will need to keep up with your filter maintenance while you are running it in the filters.

it is cool to watch it go from solid white to solid brown in a couple of weeks or so.

 

[Vinh]

I was 25mins of frustration when I couldnt get the filter working again, Turn back on filter, it just made a dry kinda noise or no water output is coming out. If I used the prime starter... it just blows away the ball and filter nozzle..

I even got a bucket undid the lever and try to suck water down the tube using my mouth.. it only came out a bit, so I sucked it evne more and drink like abit of it to get the flow going constant.. didnt work too well.. After a few mouthfuls of some fish water.. I relise you had to put the output nozzle out of the water to get it started :S

 

[Vinh]

few questions on my mind though.

1)Is the canister suppose to be as loud as your airpump or pretty close to it? What type of noise is it suppose to make?

2)How do you put the top back on, do you just put it on then use one hand each on both sides and pull up to clip on? (heard some people clips breaking not doing the right way after a while or something?)

3)For the Australians, Know any place that sell parts for the fluval incase of parts needed down the track?

Thanks alot.

 

[Purple]

1) - Fluval 404's are as noisy as an airpump - (204's are almost silent). Once all the small air bubbles are out, it gets a bit quieter, but not much.

2) - Know what you mean - try applying an even pressure on the lid and get both sides to go down together - the clips will locate by themselves, and all you need to do is that last bit of clamping. Doing it one side at a time may hurt the clip. Make absolutely sure that the lid is free to go on, and not being stopped by the media baskets being proud of their intended height.
Note - on the 204 it is possible to get the foam screen bit in the wrong way round, and this causes clamping probs.

3) - no

Keep an eye on the Fuval can for dribbles after re-fitting the lid. The 'O' ring can be pesky sometimes. If it's playing up, then remove the O ring, clean the groove and the ring, wet the ring, and re-fit. If it's not leaking after 30 mins then it won't happen - so relax.

Chuck some floss into the bottom trays, and get your carbon up into the middle. That way the carbon won't clog so quickly.

 

[Vinh]

Thanks for that man.

For 2) I just put it on the groud, line it up, push the top down, sometimes it needs a bit of pressure, once down, both clips come on with out pressure or resistant anymore, before I just put top on and when it gets closed to shutting, just use the side clips to pull the 2 togerther which i think would put load of pressure on the clips.

 

[dana307]

also be careful of putting the propeller cover thing back on the right way. had that break when i didn't pay attention once. that small pin that holds the propeller in the top part is expensive...
I now keep a spare around cuz they are hard to find right away. also have learned to buy a backup gasket or oring for when it stretches out on ya. words to the wise.