Feedback on Fluval 404 canister filter

[doubleace]

Fluval is not a new brand. I remember I used the Fluval 303 before I bought my eheim ecco. In terms of performance, I would say Eheim is better. However, if you take the price into consideration, one might feel Fluval is a more economical choice. I owned a china jebo cannister before. It is not bad too but mine broke down in less than a yr. Maybe unlucky..haha!

The last cannister I own is an eheim 2028. It seems like Eheim filters are getting more expensive. I remember I bought mine for less than $280 yrs ago. Now it cost $350?

There are pros and cons between Fluval and Eheim. 2028 is around the same price as Fx5. Fluval model series 4 and above will be better than the old series. No harm trying since is affordable compare to eheim.

[illumnae]

if properly maintained what would you say the lifespan of a fluval is compared to an eheim williamng? half?

[doubleace]

Sometime can do a comparation. Correct me if i'm wrong.

Fluval 404 compare with Eheim 2028
Price: Fluval 404 - $100+
Eheim 2028 - $300+

Flowrate: Fluval 404 - 1300l/h
Eheim 2028 - 1050l/h

As you can see that in term of flowrate and price i can get 2 Fluval 404 at a flowrate of 2600l/h as compare to 1 Eheim 2028 at a flowrate f 1050l/h.

If you talking about lifespan think have to compare those that are using series 4 for longer period. I am using both for a few months and no problem so far.

[williamng]

Well, my fluval 303 failed after 1.5 yrs of service. For some reason, the spindle shalf broke. I tried to get spares to replace but at that time, it is a challenge. Out of goodwill, the parent company did send me some spares. However, after trying I cant get it to work so I gave up. A great cannister in my opinion but no service support when faulty. As for Eheim, my friend encounter a broken seal after using the filter for near to 2 yrs. He sent it back to Qian Hu to get it fixed. It comes back and works very well. 2 yrs down the road and he is still using it.

I think a fluval will easily last for > 1 yr. The only concern is that whether the service support is available locally to fix minor problems. In the past, the support is almost non existance. Now, I am not sure.

[godprint]

I think a fluval will easily last for > 1 yr. The only concern is that whether the service support is available locally to fix minor problems. In the past, the support is almost non existance. Now, I am not sure.

wonder why then they give warranty for 2yrs when they can't help out much...

how about spare parts? easy to get??

thanks!

[doubleace]

spare parts can ask from C328 or can get the supplier number from them.

[williamng]

Yes. The price has increased but we still have to thank Qian Hu for holding stocks & providing good service support. I dont see any challenges in getting an Eheim and servicing it.

Personally, my colleague and I have been trying to get ADA tanks for 2 weeks however it is really a challenge to get these tanks. For some reason, even if you are willing to pay, there is no stocks for you. As for service, I dont really want to mention.

In summary, in terms of Fluval vs Eheim, you can buy 2 fluval with the price of Eheim. If budget is a problem, go for Fluval. If you can afford and price is of no concern, go for Eheim. Specs like flowrate is not so much of a concern to me.

[williamng]

Hi

If I recall correctly, I bought my fluval filter > 6 yrs ago. Maybe the service now is better. I am not too sure. As for Eheim, I am sure the support is there. I think my eheim has a 3 yrs warranty.

[doubleace]

Yup all eheim come with 3 yrs warrantly.

As you say for budget go for Fluval if not go for Eheim

So different people have different option. Depend on which you choose. Sometime if you are down to luck what you buy also will spoil within a year although alot of comments say that this brand is long lastly that brand is cheap.

Up to user preference.

[eddy planer]

Hi Gurus,

just went to Seaview farm at seletar, saw many boxes of Fluval 404 going cheap but the problem is only 1 month warranty! Being told by the staff that Fluval 405 is replacing the Fluval 404 stocks, so that why is cheaper by 40% to 50% and its warranty has cut to 3 years to 1 month.

So again i end up not buying any Fluval 404.. still skepcital that those stock must be in a poor QC problem or conditions.

Any suggestions , gurus?

[doubleace]

The uncle at sea view has been telling me since last two months till now he still say the same. 1 month is from his shop and 3 years is from the supplier i think.

That time he told me stock is going fast and say if he clear the stock here he will not import anymore stock already. But in the end he still importing stock in. I've bought from him and also intro my colleague to him too. He also bought the Fluval 304 caninster.

If you still cant make decision can approach auntie or uncle at C328 and can also ask them for the supplier number.

[stillife]

Hi, in terms of maintenance and cleaning of the canister filter. Does the Fluval brand allows the user to remove the canister to clean/wash without flowback. Basically flow locking device like Ehiem filter.

Pardon me if the question is lame or not clear.
Still new.

[doubleace]

Yup.. easy to clean also.

[stillife]

Which Fluval model is suitable for 2ft tank? Is it possible to split the output to two tank and a input from the two tank into the canister filter?

So that I can save some space and providing filtration for two tanks.

[doubleace]

Which Fluval model is suitable for 2ft tank? Is it possible to split the output to two tank and a input from the two tank into the canister filter?

So that I can save some space and providing filtration for two tanks.

Bro

204 or 304 will be better. Only Fx5 can split the output flow. But if you want to do that you can DIY yourself. Use a 'Y' splitter tube to join. Not sure that really works?

[godprint]

Bro

204 or 304 will be better. Only Fx5 can split the output flow. But if you want to do that you can DIY yourself. Use a 'Y' splitter tube to join. Not sure that really works?

i think that Y splitter tube does work...
saw it in some other fish forum...

but u mentione FX5 can spilt...do u mean it comes with a splitter??

haha... mmmm

what's going on about the 1month warranty for 404 left??

anyone can verify??

thanks!

[illumnae]

i've been told also that the FX5 can be split...but doesn't it come with custom ribbed hosing? i'm also abit wary of splitting as compared to 2 individual filters as any joint is a potential weakness for leaks to spring. does the FX5 cost less than 2x 404s or 2x Eheim 2028s?

[doubleace]

Yup Fx5 has a multi-directional twin output nozzles to create specific water flows.


For the 1 year warrantly think have to ask the supplier that will be more clearly.

[eddy planer]

If you still cant make decision can approach auntie or uncle at C328 and can also ask them for the supplier number.

Hi doubleace,

Just went to C328, auntie and uncle even told me.....no warranty for all Fluval models. And i did ask for the supplier number, they refused to give me but offer to order any Fluval spare parts and will be deliver in 3 days time with 50% downpayment if I order one.

So far, for your information , you being using Fluval 404 without any fuss or problem.Then I will consider getting one... since Fluval is better brand than the rest of all China's brand.

Another thing... I notice Rena XP2 canister look good but is aliitle pricey , almost the same price as Eheim 2208 or whatever Eheim products.

Anyone telll me about Rena cansiter?

Gurus , please advise me....

[eddy planer]

i've been told also that the FX5 can be split...but doesn't it come with custom ribbed hosing? i'm also abit wary of splitting as compared to 2 individual filters as any joint is a potential weakness for leaks to spring. does the FX5 cost less than 2x 404s or 2x Eheim 2028s?

Fluval Fx5 ...cost about 1 Eheim 2028 + 1 Fluval 404. I checked the price with auntie at C328. hmmmm i might well buy 2nd hand chiller Resun650,and Fluval 303 and Fluval 404, agree?