Canister Filters: When You Need One, and Fluval's 07 Series Compared
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Canisters hold a lot of media and keep equipment out of sight. Specs below are from Fluval's 07 Series page. We haven't tested them.
Fluval 07 Series compared
| 107 | 207 | 307 | 407 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tank size | 10-30 gal | 20-45 gal | 40-70 gal | 50-100 gal |
| Pump output | 145 GPH | 206 GPH | 303 GPH | 383 GPH |
| Circulation with media | 95 GPH | 121 GPH | 206 GPH | 245 GPH |
| Power | 10W | 10W | 16W | 23W |
| Canister volume | 3.9 L | 5.3 L | 7.3 L | 9.2 L |
From Fluval's 07 Series spec page.
Why circulation matters
Habitattitude says an effective pump "will circulate your entire tank's volume several times each hour." Fluval's circulation figure is the realistic one. For example, the 207's 121 GPH on a 30 gallon tank is about four turnovers an hour (our arithmetic).
What's in the box
Fluval lists mechanical foams, carbon for chemical filtration, and BIOMAX biological media, which it says "promote beneficial bacteria growth." The listing says the EZ-Lift baskets let the media stack be removed "with just one finger."
Fluval 107 Canister Filter
- For aquariums up to 30 gallons (title)
- Listed as up to 25% quieter than before
- EZ-Lift media baskets
Fluval 207 Canister Filter
- For aquariums up to 45 gallons (title)
- Listed as up to 25% quieter than before
- EZ-Lift media baskets
Fluval 307 Canister Filter
- For aquariums up to 70 gallons (title)
- Listed as up to 25% quieter than before
- EZ-Lift media baskets
Fluval 407 Canister Filter
- For aquariums up to 100 gallons (title)
- Listed as up to 25% quieter than before
- EZ-Lift media baskets
Extra media
Fluval BioMax (500 g)
- Porous biological filter media, per the listing
- Fits many Fluval canisters
- Listing says replace only half at a time to keep bacteria
Torn between two sizes? See Fluval 207 vs 307. For smaller tanks, a hang-on-back filter is simpler.
FAQ
Pump output vs circulation?
Circulation is the flow with media loaded.
Which size?
Match Fluval's rated tank range.
Quiet?
Fluval says up to 25% quieter than before.