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Fluval C4 Power Filter, Fish Tank Filter for Aquariums up to 70 Gal.
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Purchase options and add-ons
- 5-stage clip-on power filter designed for freshwater and saltwater aquariums between 40 and 70 gallons
- Two mechanical stages trap large and fine debris, foams easily slide out for quick cleaning
- Chemical stage with activated carbon effectively removes toxins
- Biological stage features Bio-Screen pad, blocks debris and provides massive surface area for beneficial biological activity
- Biological Trickle Chamber super charged for fast and efficient nitrification when loaded with Fluval C-Nodes
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Price | -29% $48.49$48.49 List: $67.99 | $7.99$7.99 | -19% $47.99$47.99 List: $59.49 | $7.29$7.29 | $58.29$58.29 | $11.89$11.89 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | — | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Easy to clean | 4.3 | 4.5 | 3.9 | 4.8 | 4.1 | 4.4 |
Suction power | 4.1 | — | 3.9 | 4.4 | 4.1 | 5.0 |
Noise level | 3.7 | — | 3.8 | 4.3 | 3.9 | 5.0 |
Value for money | 3.2 | 4.4 | 3.9 | 4.6 | — | 4.3 |
Sheerness | 4.0 | — | 3.9 | — | 4.1 | — |
Sold By | Amazon.com | Reefing Art | Amazon.com | CLL Pet Supplies | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
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From the manufacturer
C-SERIES CLIP-ON FILTERS
The Italian-made Fluval C Series combines the best features of a canister filter with the ease of a hang-on. Providing extensive mechanical, biological and chemical filtration through a 5-step cleaning process, each media stage permits easy replacement or customization to suit any setup.
C2 Power Filter | C3 Power Filter | C4 Power Filter | |
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Customer Reviews |
4.1 out of 5 stars
4,598
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4.1 out of 5 stars
4,598
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4.1 out of 5 stars
4,598
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Aquarium Capacity | 30 Gal (115 L) | 50 Gal (190 L) | 70 Gal (265 L) |
Filter Circulation | 119 G/h (450 L/h) | 153 G/h (580 L/h) | 264 G/h (1000 L/h) |
Dimensions | 7 x 5 x 6 in (17.7 x 12.7 x 15.2 cm) | 7 x 5 x 7 in (17.7 x 12.7 x 17.7 cm) | 9 x 6.5 x 8.5 in (22.8 x 16.51 x 21.5 cm) |
Product guides and documents
Product details
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- Product Dimensions : 9 x 6.5 x 8.5 inches; 2.73 Pounds
- Item model number : 14003A1
- Date First Available : August 19, 2004
- Manufacturer : Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp.
- ASIN : B003SJXTIU
- Country of Origin : Italy
- Best Sellers Rank: #12,111 in Pet Supplies (See Top 100 in Pet Supplies)
- #120 in Aquarium Filter Accessories
- Customer Reviews:
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Product Description
Product Description
The Fluval C4 Power Filter features 5 stages of filtration: 2 mechanical, 1 chemical and 2 biological stages for top performance. The C4 Power Filter is equipped with the Fluval C4 Poly/Foam, Activated Carbon, C-nodes and Bio-Screen pad. An integrated trickle chamber filled with C-Nodes is where biological filtration is super charged for fast and efficient nitrification. The mechanical filtration is performed by a dual layer of foam and polyester, and is easily removed for quick cleaning. The patented recirculation grid enhances mechanical filtration when the flow rate is reduced. A convenient chemical insert basket directs water flow to maximize toxin removal. Maintaining only one stage at a time will preserve beneficial bacteria, resulting in a stress-free environment, while ensuring aquarium water stays clear. The Fluval C4 Power Filter clips on, and is ideal for use on aquariums up to thirty gallons. It is the perfect way to provide your fish with refreshing and clear water.
For more fish tank accessories, check out other Fluval products including aquarium filters, aquarium heaters, aquarium air pumps, aquarium lights, aquarium rocks, aquarium thermometers, and aquarium stands. Fluval has a wide variety of products that are perfect for your pet fish to enjoy in any large fish tank, small fish tank, saltwater tank or freshwater tank. Fluval broke onto the aquatic scene in 1975 by introducing the world’s first 3-stage filter with synchronous motor technology – a breakthrough that is still applied in the industry today. Since then, Fluval has built a legacy around this pioneering spirit, relentlessly adapting in a changing world to launch innovative aquarium products that remain at the forefront of technology, and which set the bar in quality, style and functionality. Fluval’s mission is not just about building products that mimic the natural world, but inspiring aquarists of all skill levels to enjoy and respect the hobby for generations to come.
Amazon.com
Fluval C Series Power Filter
Maximum Versatility and Premium Performance
Engineered to create superior water quality, the Fluval C Power Filter provides extensive 5-stage filtration for outstanding results. The Power Filter is designed to provide maximum surface area and optimum dwell times in all stages of the filtration process.
New 5 Stage Filtration System
Stage 1 & 2: Mechanical- Poly/Foam Pad Effective mechanical filtration is essential for efficient chemical and biological filtration. The large surface area of the Poly/Foam pad effectively performs two stages of Mechanical filtration. The first stage of porous foam traps large particles and the second stage of dense polyester captures fine debris.
Stage 3: Chemical- Activated Carbon Insert The Fluval Activated Carbon Filter Insert contains 100% premium research grade carbon, which provides large amounts of surface area for adsorption of undesirable impurities. The activated carbon filter insert removes unwanted odors, discoloration and impurities, resulting in a crystal clear aquarium.
Stage 4: Biological-Bio-Screen An additional hydraulic circuit conveys part of the intake water to the Bio-Screen placed at the top of the Trickle Chamber cover. Fluval’s Bio-Screen removes any debris before dripping into the biological chamber. It also ensures that the water pumped to the Trickle Chamber is evenly spread through all areas before it drips on the C-Nodes, which are contained in the chamber. The motion of water dropping slowly through the grids mimics the rain.
Stage 5: Biological- C-Nodes The surface of the C-Nodes is made up of a complex pore system that provides optimal living space for beneficial bacteria to thrive and enhance the removal of ammonia and nitrites. The new “Star Shape” provides a higher filtration surface and more biological power than a traditional cartridge, resulting in a healthy aquarium environment.
Patented Refiltration System
Sometimes delicate fish and plants require a more gentle water flow. Fluvals’ patented re-filtration system allows you to control the flow rate without compromising filtration efficiency. When the flow rate is reduced, up to 50% of the water within the filter chamber is re-processed multiple times. More impurities are filtered out, creating a healthier tank with sparkling clean and clear water
What’s In The Box?
1. Filter Cover 2. Filter Case 3. Leveling Device 4. C-Nodes 5. “U” Tube 6. Telescopic Intake Tube 7. Bio-Screen 8. Mechanical Frame 9. Chemical Basket 10. Impeller Cover Assembly 11. Impeller 12. Biological Trickle Chamber with Cover 13. Poly/Foam Pad 14. Activated Carbon 15. Motor Unit with Seal Ring
Media and Accessories
Media Replacement
Fluval Poly/Foam: Replace poly/foam every 4-6 weeks.
Biological C-Nodes: Replace half the quantity every 6 months. Never replace all c-nodes at once.
Activated Carbon Insert: Replace Activated Carbon every 2-4 weeks.
Bio-Screen: Replace Bio Screen every 2-3 months.
Motor O-Ring: Replace once a year to prevent leaking.
Power Filter Maintenance
For optimal performance it is recommended to clean the impeller cover assembly once a year. The motor should be thoroughly cleaned every three months. Always unplug the Fluval C Power Filter prior to cleaning. Remove cover, filter media and discard water remaining in the filter case. Thoroughly rinse collected debris from the case, impeller cover and impeller assembly using clear lukewarm water. The intake "U" tube and extension tube can be cleaned with a filter stem brush to remove any buildup of deposits. When all parts have been cleaned and thoroughly rinsed, reassemble filter and replace any scheduled media. Install the filter once again back on the aquarium making sure that the filter is tipped slightly forward. Then fill the Fluval C filter box with aquarium water. Finally plug the filter into an electrical outlet and the Fluval C Power Filter will self-prime and begin running in a few seconds.
Model Fluval C2 Power Filter Fluval C3 Power Filter Fluval C4 Power Filter Aquarium Capacity 10 to 30 US Gallons 20 to 50 US Gallons 40 to 70 US Gallons Dimensions 4.5 x 6 x 8 inches 4.5 x 7 x 8 inches 6 x 8.2 x 8.5 inches Stages 5-stage filtration 5-stage filtration 5-stage filtration Max Flow Rate 119 US Gal/H 153 US Gal/H 264 US Gal/HFluval C Filtration/Media
Fluval Poly Foam Pad - 3-PackFluval Poly Foam Pad - 3-Pack
The Fluval C Poly Foam Pad Replacement Media, 3-pack, has two sides that combine to provide thorough and effective mechanical filtration. The Fluval C Poly Foam captures large particles of debris on it porous foam side, while the polyester side filters out finer debris and contaminants.
Fluval Bio-Screen - 3-PackFluval Bio-Screen - 3-Pack
The Fluval C Bio-Screen Replacement Media provides massive biological surface area for friendly bacteria to colonize. It also works to block debris and evenly distribute the water flow before it drips into the Power Filter's biological trickle chamber.
Fluval Carbon - 3-PackFluval Carbon - 3-Pack
The Fluval C Activated Carbon Replacement Media, 3-pack, is capable of adsorbing most liquefied impurities and dyes present in aquarium water. The carbon works to remove odors and discoloration from your tank. Fluval C Activated Carbon is suitable for freshwater or marine aquariums, but was exclusively designed for the Fluval C Power Filter.
Fluval Zeo-Carb - 3-PackFluval Zeo-Carb - 3-Pack
The Fluval C Zeo-Carb Filter Insert combines ammonia removal with ultra-grade carbon purification. Working together, these highly effective media eliminate liquefied impurities, odors and discoloration, while simultaneously removing toxic ammonia, for a clean, healthy aquarium.
Fluval Ammonia Remover - 3-PackFluval Ammonia Remover - 3-Pack
The Fluval C Ammonia Remover Media, 2-pack, is ideal for new or heavily populated freshwater aquariums. It removes and controls harmful ammonia and nitrite, which helps reduce stress on fish. Use this product to provide a healthy environment when setting up a new aquarium or maintaining one that contains a high fish stock.
Fluval C-NodesFluval C-Nodes
luval C-Nodes feature a complex pore system where beneficial bacterial will thrive. Their star shapes provide a higher filtration surface and more biological power than most biological media, resulting in a healthy aquarium environment. The Fluval C-Nodes are for use with the Fluval C Power Filters.
Fluval Water Care
Aquarium supplements and conditioners are a convenient way to create water conditions that mimics those found in nature; they make water safe for aquarium use by removing harmful toxins, help plants grow by providing them the necessary trace elements and are an easy way to maintain water quality in a tank by removing waste and adding beneficial bacteria to the environment. Developed by our dedicated team of specialists and manufactured in Canada at our state-of-the-art liquids facility, new Fluval water treatments are scientifically formulated to produce clean, clear and safe living conditions for aquarium fish and plants.
Hagen Fluval Water Conditioner for Aquariums
Hagen Fluval Water Conditioner for Aquariums
Fluval Water Conditioner is highly efficient comprehensive water conditioner that makes tap water safe for fish by removing chlorine and chloramines and neutralizing toxic heavy metals. Fluval Water Conditioner features a patented stress relief formula and is also effective at protecting scales and fins and preventing the inflammation.
Hagen Fluval Biological Enhancer for AquariumsHagen Fluval Biological Enhancer for Aquariums
Fluval Biological Enhancer is a responsive biological aquarium supplement that ensures that all aquariums are immediately inoculated with a powerful team of beneficial bacteria, providing a safe biological habitat for your fish. These highly effective micro-organisms will create a biological flora that quickly metabolizes lethal ammonia and nitrite.
Hagen Fluval Biological Cleaner for AquariumsHagen Fluval Biological Cleaner for Aquariums
Fluval Biological Cleaner helps reduce aquarium maintenance by helping to reduce waste in gravel, power filters, decoration and on interior aquarium surfaces. Fluval Biological Cleaner rapidly reduces organic waste from overfeeding, fish waste, and other decaying material such as plant leaves.
Hagen Fluval Plant Micro Nutrient for AquariumsHagen Fluval Plant Micro Nutrient for Aquariums
Fluval Plant Micro Nutrients is a balanced supplement essential for healthy, vibrant aquarium plants. Tap water is often devoid of necessary trace elements required by aquatic plants and plants rapidly deplete available micro-nutrients, regular supplementation is necessary.
Fluval Quick Clear for Aquarium Water TreatmentFluval Quick Clear for Aquarium Water Treatment
Fluval Quick Clear effectively helps eliminate undesirable particles that cause cloudy aquarium water, such as suspended organic and inorganic particles, dirt, slit and fine sand. Its special formulation clumps together particulate waste by ionic attraction, vastly enhancing filtration absorption and creating crystal clear water.
Fluval Clarify Bio for Aquarium Water TreatmentFluval Clarify Bio for Aquarium Water Treatment
Fluval Bio Clear contains fast-acting enzymes that naturally clarify cloudy aquarium water. Its biological formulation effectively clears cloudy water by rapidly consuming free floating organic food sources, proteins and other organic elements. Bio Clear is recommended for clarifying cloudy water caused by new tank syndrome.
Important information
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the filter of the aquarium pond water treatment. They mention that it filters pretty well, with a multistage filter system. They appreciate the ease of cleaning, saying that the whole removable cartridges make quick cleaning. Customers are also satisfied with clarity, and ease of use. However, some customers have mixed opinions on performance, noise, quality, and value.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the filter. They say it's a wonderful filter with a multistage filter system. They mention that it filters pretty well, has filtration capability, filtration capacity, flow rate, and custom filtration. The filter is designed with little to no filter bypass, which is a very important function for maintaining the filter media. The 5 stages of filtration are also great, and the filter is still going strong.
"...To clean it is incredibly easy. Each compartment of filtration is seperate and can be taken out easily as needed for maintenace...." Read more
"...Update.....2/6/2019. The filter is still going strong. Have not replaced any parts except for the foam that i mentioned before...." Read more
"This thing is powerful, has SO MUCH media room and is ideal if it weren't for the fact that you can't really adjust the flow rate that much, and if..." Read more
"...The biological filtration is theoretically superior. I say give it a try." Read more
Customers find the aquarium pond water treatment easy to clean. They mention that the filter is incredibly easy to access, clean, and replace the media. They appreciate the whole removable cartridges for quick cleaning, and the fact that the filters keep the water pretty clean. Customers also mention that it has a built-in cleaning indicator that pops.
"...To clean it is incredibly easy. Each compartment of filtration is seperate and can be taken out easily as needed for maintenace...." Read more
"...All the positives you've read about this filter is true.It's easy to clean, the red tab that notifies you that your filter foam needs cleaning..." Read more
"...I opted for an HOB filter. I wanted one that was simple to clean and maintain. I looked at the AC's, Fluval C series and the Eheim Liberty series...." Read more
"...1. Awesome design with the water trickle and the whole removable cartridges for quick cleaning...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the clarity of the water after using the filter. They mention that it keeps their water clearer than it has ever been. Some customers also mention that the filter does a good job keeping the water clear. Overall, customers are happy with the quality and clarity of their water.
"......" Read more
"...Less water by-pass. The bio-wheel design is very reliable and the Emperors come with an extra media basket for your carbon...." Read more
"...filters, this one is my favorite because it does a good job at keeping the water clear. It's easy to clean...." Read more
"...But it's filtration capability and capacity is superior. It did take a few weeks for it to quiet down, it was very noisy in the beginning...." Read more
Customers like the ease of use of the aquarium pond water treatment. They mention that it is easy to setup, quick, and fun to do. They also say that it's super easy to maintain, has replacement parts, and is designed with ease of maintenance and performance in mind. Overall, customers are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.
"...Everything is designed with ease of maintenance and performance in mind. To clean it is incredibly easy...." Read more
"...The power filter's main advantages are lower purchase price, ease of set up, and ease of maintenance when compared to a canister filter...." Read more
"...It's a quick fix and afterwards you have a great silent filter!" Read more
"...Set up is a breeze. Rinse off everything (housing, pipes, and media), put the media into their appropriate basket, and put it all together...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the performance of the aquarium pond water treatment. Some mention that it's the most excellent and best value HOB, while others say that it would start and stop, and eventually stopped working altogether.
"...It works amazingly for biological filtration and can even be used effectively to reduce nitrates with Seachems denitrate!..." Read more
"This thing is powerful, has SO MUCH media room and is ideal if it weren't for the fact that you can't really adjust the flow rate that much, and if..." Read more
"...when I moved the system 3 inches to the side to clean the glass, it stopped working and wouldn't come back on again. I primed it with water...." Read more
"...Less water by-pass. The bio-wheel design is very reliable and the Emperors come with an extra media basket for your carbon...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the noise of the aquarium pond water treatment. Some mention it's extremely quiet, while others say it'd be better without the noise. Some say the pump is also dead silent, while other customers say it makes a small rattling sound.
"...with a little fish safe silicone lubricant or even vaseline it is incredibly quiet. I would not consider the dependability a factor/problem as..." Read more
"...The filter has some noise on start up...." Read more
"...My filter is so quiet that you don't know it's on. What I did was apply some vaseline onto the impeller shaft and into the hole of the impeller...." Read more
"...It is just as quiet, or just as noisy, as an Aquaclear. Depending on whether you consider the AQ to be loud or silent...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the quality of the aquarium pond water treatment. Some mention it's the best design they have seen or used for a HOB filter, with a neat telescope design for the intake. However, others say it'd be better off buying a different filter.
"...They really thought this HOB filter design thorougly. It is much sleeker and attractive than the older Aquaclears as you can obviously see, but..." Read more
"...It had a lot of slime. I just rinsed off the slime from the impeller and shaft and reapplied some vaseline and it was of and running like new...." Read more
"...The water is much clearer now. The output is designed so that you do not get the "water noise" that some HOB's have...." Read more
"...It’s a simple fix. The impeller is loose on the end of the magnet and rattles...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the value of the aquarium pond water treatment. Some mention that it's worth every extra dollar spent over the competition, has no expensive replacement cartridges, and works great for the price. However, others say that it is a waste of money, too expensive, and can dirty up fast.
"...The power filter's main advantages are lower purchase price, ease of set up, and ease of maintenance when compared to a canister filter...." Read more
"...movements of the spinning motor and I thought this thing was a piece of garbage...." Read more
"...Quiet & efficient !! replacement pads are very reasonably priced !I would highly recommend the over any brand out there !!" Read more
"...It is certainly user friendly. But Hagen needs to work on their quality control...." Read more
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Everything is designed with ease of maintenance and performance in mind. To clean it is incredibly easy. Each compartment of filtration is seperate and can be taken out easily as needed for maintenace. You don't even have to turn off the filter to maintain it. If you want to clean the mechanical sponge (the only thing I clean really) it's as simple as pulling up the back compartment which is seperate from the other compartments. Unlike the Aquaclear which you have to take out everything on top of the sponge first to get to the sponge which needs the most frequent rinsings. This makes for much easier regular maintenance than the Aquaclear.
The mechanical filtration on this filter is also upgraded from the Aquaclears. The sponge has a material similar to the Aquaclear's sponge but now also has a tweak/improvment made to catch the tiny particles that float around in your tank. It is a two part sponge fused together which is a coarse sponge with a material similar to polyfil batting attached into one. The mechanical filtration even has a indicator that pops up when the sponge needs rinsing.
If you choose to use carbon (I don't I filled that compartment with more biomedia) you just lift out the integrated wet dry and pull out the basket that holds the carbon and replace. Drop the basket that holds the carbon back in and put the wet/dry system back on top it's super easy.
Now we get to the integrated wet dry system. The wet dry system needs the least cleaning and no replacement. The only part that could use a rinse once in a while is the pad on top that keeps detrius out. Maybe once every six months to a year you could lighly rinse the biomedia in the integrated wet dry. This is what makes the system AWESOME. It is the first true integrated wet dry system on a HOB filter! It works amazingly for biological filtration and can even be used effectively to reduce nitrates with Seachems denitrate! To me this is the best and most ingenious part of this filter.
The Fluval C series also has an adjustable intake tube that adjusts to any height you want without having to deal with extensions that you may have to cut to the right length or add on in specific increments. I have to add how QUIET it is. It is SILENT. Well... at first it was a little noisy. Nothing unbearable or out of the ordinary with Hagen HOB's. Though after lubing up the shaft of the impeller with a little fish safe silicone lubricant or even vaseline it is incredibly quiet.
I would not consider the dependability a factor/problem as they use the same motors as Aquaclears which have a reputation for reliablility. The only complaint I have is that they don't make it in a larger size that could be comparable to the Aquaclear 110. If they made a Fluval C5 model I would be all over it! I definitely recommend this filter for all of you looking for a great (the best) smaller HOB filter on the market today. For larger tanks though I would still have to go with the Aquaclear 110 for its power. Buy it, set it up, lube the shaft (for quietness), and let it do its job. You won't regret it. There is a great and complete review on Youtube for those who need a little more convincing and are seriously looking to buy one of these awesome filters.
It's great and I have been in the hobby for over 30 years.
I am using it on a 20 gallon tank.
You can never have too much flow rate.
To slow the turbulence I use a Fluval Edge prefilter, the flow adjuster and an aquaclear 50 foam sponge at the water output.
Let me comment on a few negatives people have written about this filter.
1) The water in my tank is crystal clear and as Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise said in "A Few Good Men" ...."It's that simple." "Are we clear?" "Yes, sir." "ARE WE CLEAR!?" "Crystal" ..... LOL,love that movie.
To those who said the water is cloudy, yes, it was at first. I think it was because of the C nodes. You need to either rinse it clear for hours before using it or just let the filter do it in the tank. It took about 2-3 days to clear up but once it did, the water in my tank is crystal clear. I have been running it for 2 weeks and without the charcoal. I replace it with the aquaclear Biomax to increase the biological media. The Biomax and C nodes' fine powder dust clouded the water but like I said, it's clear crystal clear now. Just let the filter do it's job and the water will be crystal clear in a couple of days.
2) My filter is so quiet that you don't know it's on. What I did was apply some vaseline onto the impeller shaft and into the hole of the impeller. I did this without hearing if it needed to or not. I just applied it before I used it. The motor has NO noise at all and the lid does not rattle. The only thing you hear is the water cascading out of the filter.
3) The self priming issue is that you need to fill the filter box with water before you start it. Once it is filled with water, it will self primes when you plug it in. It will take about a minute to self prime as it sucks up the water through the siphon tube. To help the self prime and make it more efficient, I clogged the hole on top of the U intake tube. Now when you unplug the filter and replug it it starts right up without it needing to refill (self prime) the intake tube. If you do a water change and the water in the tank falls just above the bottom of the U intake tube inside the filter box you will need to refill the filter box otherwise it won't self prime. So add water into the box when you refill your tank and when you replug your filter, it will self prime.
4) Try to buy the larger filter (C4) if you can. You can always change the impeller to the smaller impeller if you feel the flow it too much or modify it like I did with prefilter sponge and aquaclear 50 foam. With the bigger filter, it'll clean more and hold more beneficial bateria. And if and when you upgrade your tank, you won't need to buy a new filter. The impellers for the fluval C series and aquaclear are the same. Matter of fact, the motors are the same for all fluval C series and aquaclear except for the 110 model. It's the impeller that determines the flow rate and they are interchangeable between models and sizes except the 110.
All the positives you've read about this filter is true.
It's easy to clean, the red tab that notifies you that your filter foam needs cleaning is great; you are not stuck with any proprietary media which usually cost a lot more to replace; the foam pad and bio media DO NOT need to be replaced - just rinse the foam pad or bio media in used or dechlorinated water. They should last for several years. If you use activated carbon/charcoal which I don't, you'll need to replace them every so often depending on your tank load. You can buy any brand of activated carbon and put it into a nylon bag and it's save you money.
Try to use a prefilter. It's attached to the bottom of the intake tube. It helps to catch the debris and uneaten food before it goes to the foam pad keeping it cleaner. It'll also increase your beneficial bacteria load and your fish will love to peck on it for the uneaten food. The only thing is that you'll need to rinse it once in a while or it will clog up completely and slow the filter down to a trickle. Just rinse it when you do your water change.
Hope this helps.....may your fishes be happy and healthy
Update: Feb 22, 2013. The filter is still going strong. The reading of the water has been 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and 5 nitrate with weekly water changes. It would probably be the same with a water change every other week. And this is in a very overstocked aquarium. The only thing I need to do is rinsed the prefilter with every water change or it will clog up and restrict the water flow to a trickle and the water to the trickle part of the filter will not get any water. That's how good the prefilter is in catching the debris and keeping the foam and biomax clean. The red tab pop up device has never moved and when I check the foam it is very clean but I do rinsed the foam every 3 months and LIGHTLY rinse/shake the biomax every 6 months in used aquarium water. DO NOT buy NEW foam or biomax. Just rinse them. They will last several years if not forever especially if you use a prefilter and the prefilter does not need to be changed just rinsed also. I had to clean the impeller just recently since it wouldn't start back up/spin. It had a lot of slime. I just rinsed off the slime from the impeller and shaft and reapplied some vaseline and it was of and running like new. The water is crystal clear also.
Update: Jan 13, 2015. The filter is still going strong. Still quiet as when I first bought it. I have upgraded my tank to 25 gallons and it's still working like a charm. I have not bought any replacements, just rinsed the prefilters, pads, biomax, c nodes and impeller. My readings are still 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and 5 nitrate and I'm changing my water once a month and sometimes once every two months (getting lazy). This is a great filter.
Updated.... Feb 22, 2016. The filter is till going strong. Quiet as when it was new. I did replace the form as it was wearing down from squeezing it when I clean it. All the bio medias are still in good and hasn't broken down. M water reading are the same. Changing water less frequent. Getting lazy because of the good water quality from the filter but not good for the fish which needs the minerals from new water and removal of nitrates.
Update.....2/6/2019. The filter is still going strong. Have not replaced any parts except for the foam that i mentioned before. The motor is still quiet and pumping like new. The biomedia are still intach and have not broken down. I have not been as diligent in chaging the water as before. Been changing the water about every three months and the numbers still reading 0,0,5. Upgrading the biomedia and using the C4 will do wonders for your aquarium and ease maintenance care.
Top reviews from other countries
Anfangs war er sehr laut. Nach ein paar Tagen Einlaufzeit angenehm ruhig. Klare Empfehlung
Compré el producto filtro fluval C4 y me vino un primer envío, el producto era completamente nuevo pero tenía una esquina del filtro con un pequeño roto. Pedí el cambio y en 24 h me lo reemplazaron por otro filtro completamente nuevo en condiciones perfectas y rapidísimo. Sin queja ninguna. Servicio excelente.
Lo coloqué y comenzó a funcionar, lo tengo aproximadamente un mes. El cambio ha sido fantástico. El filtro funciona perfecto. A los 2 días de funcionar ya tenía el agua limpia, cristalina, transparente, y así la tengo desde entonces.
El aparato mide aprox. 21,5 centímetros (cm) de ancho, por 16 cm de profundidad total y de altura total mide 22 cm de altura (sin contar el tubo de captación).
La mochila sobresale por detrás o lateral 10 cm respecto del acuario
De altura sobresale del acuario 7 cm por arriba.
El tubo de captación de agua yo lo tengo a 25 cm de profundidad por debajo de la cota de agua. Puede llegar un poco más. Es regulable en altura, se puede bajar o subir y con ranuras en la captación para evitar que entren partículas grandes.
No hace prácticamente ruido, sólo el ruido propio de un pequeño aparato, que casi ni se nota, y es completamente normal. Y además lo que se oye es el tranquilizador y relajante sonido del agua al caer por la cascada.
Ya lo que es el filtro tiene primero el filtro C esponja o foamex o poliester, el carbón activo, una tela filtrante, las cánulas cerámicas o vidrio, y el agua vuelve a verterse por la cascada. Creo que es un filtrado completo.
Se limpia fácilmente, cada 2 semanas retiro los filtros, los enjuago en un recipiente con la propia agua, y los vuelvo a poner, muy fácil.
Tiene 2 velocidades, se regula con una palanca parte superior a izquierda, yo lo tengo al mínimo y es suficiente. Algún rato lo pongo al máximo pero casi nunca. Esta palanca no regula la potencia del motor de extracción, parece que sólo regula la entrada de captación de agua, pero el sistema yo lo veo bien.
Tiene un pivote rojo, arriba a derecha, que sube cuando está sucio. Pero a mi no me ha subido nunca.
El autocebado, con el nivel de agua de acuario alto, he comprobado que desconectando unos minutos la corriente eléctrica, y volviéndolo a enchufar, el mismo se autoceba y vuelve a extraer agua y bombearla. Quizás si pasa más rato, y el nivel del agua del acuario es muy bajo, el filtro perdería agua acumulada y podría no funcionar.
Algo en contra, que no tiene esquimer de recogida de residuos superficial. Pero creo el sistema como está es suficiente.
Por tanto, es eficaz filtra y limpia perfectamente, gran calidad, silencioso, calidad precio buena, totalmente recomendable.
Reviewed in Spain on March 29, 2022
Compré el producto filtro fluval C4 y me vino un primer envío, el producto era completamente nuevo pero tenía una esquina del filtro con un pequeño roto. Pedí el cambio y en 24 h me lo reemplazaron por otro filtro completamente nuevo en condiciones perfectas y rapidísimo. Sin queja ninguna. Servicio excelente.
Lo coloqué y comenzó a funcionar, lo tengo aproximadamente un mes. El cambio ha sido fantástico. El filtro funciona perfecto. A los 2 días de funcionar ya tenía el agua limpia, cristalina, transparente, y así la tengo desde entonces.
El aparato mide aprox. 21,5 centímetros (cm) de ancho, por 16 cm de profundidad total y de altura total mide 22 cm de altura (sin contar el tubo de captación).
La mochila sobresale por detrás o lateral 10 cm respecto del acuario
De altura sobresale del acuario 7 cm por arriba.
El tubo de captación de agua yo lo tengo a 25 cm de profundidad por debajo de la cota de agua. Puede llegar un poco más. Es regulable en altura, se puede bajar o subir y con ranuras en la captación para evitar que entren partículas grandes.
No hace prácticamente ruido, sólo el ruido propio de un pequeño aparato, que casi ni se nota, y es completamente normal. Y además lo que se oye es el tranquilizador y relajante sonido del agua al caer por la cascada.
Ya lo que es el filtro tiene primero el filtro C esponja o foamex o poliester, el carbón activo, una tela filtrante, las cánulas cerámicas o vidrio, y el agua vuelve a verterse por la cascada. Creo que es un filtrado completo.
Se limpia fácilmente, cada 2 semanas retiro los filtros, los enjuago en un recipiente con la propia agua, y los vuelvo a poner, muy fácil.
Tiene 2 velocidades, se regula con una palanca parte superior a izquierda, yo lo tengo al mínimo y es suficiente. Algún rato lo pongo al máximo pero casi nunca. Esta palanca no regula la potencia del motor de extracción, parece que sólo regula la entrada de captación de agua, pero el sistema yo lo veo bien.
Tiene un pivote rojo, arriba a derecha, que sube cuando está sucio. Pero a mi no me ha subido nunca.
El autocebado, con el nivel de agua de acuario alto, he comprobado que desconectando unos minutos la corriente eléctrica, y volviéndolo a enchufar, el mismo se autoceba y vuelve a extraer agua y bombearla. Quizás si pasa más rato, y el nivel del agua del acuario es muy bajo, el filtro perdería agua acumulada y podría no funcionar.
Algo en contra, que no tiene esquimer de recogida de residuos superficial. Pero creo el sistema como está es suficiente.
Por tanto, es eficaz filtra y limpia perfectamente, gran calidad, silencioso, calidad precio buena, totalmente recomendable.