Fluval Aquarium Power Filter

I purchased this filter to try on one of my Axolotl tanks. Axolotls are very dirty creatures, and I figured the 5 way filtration would be better. Boy, was I wrong! The 5 way filtration means that each filtration chamber is tiny. So tiny, that it gets clogged with sludge almost immediately. In the few months that I was using this filter, I had to rinse out the filter sponges almost daily. And, with as quickly as it became clogged, it would stop filtering regularly, leaving my tanks looking yucky. This might be fine for a tank with a single fish, or a few less dirty fish, but definitely not for Axolotls.

This filter works great. It is a powerful filter that has multistage filtration action to keep my water clean. I only have a few minor complaints. The flow is pretty strong for some of my fish even at the lowest setting. My tiny clownfish likes to sleep on the top of the water and sometimes gets pushed By the current, like fish in a toilet bowl. I had to install a makeshift baffle out of a water bottle for now. Also I am a little worried that if the power goes out and I am not home that the bio rings will dry out and all the beneficial bacteria will die on them. The bio rings are only wet when the filter is turned on and then water runs over them.

It’s an ok filter system. The aquaclear Verizon is better and more customizable not to mention more quieter. I wish I can return this after it being used for a couple of weeks. I tried every known trick to help with the propeller vibration noise. I bought the Fluval 207 canister for my 36G tank and it’s the best.

i bought this filter a little over 5 months ago and it was great, at first. it's rated for a 70 gallon tank and i'm using it on a 40 gallon. after about 3 months i started noticing the motor making a noise. i took everything apart and did a very thorough cleaning and worked well again for about 2 more months. when the motor started making the noise again, i did the thorough cleaning but the noise didn't go away this time. i guess the filter was only designed for a 6 month life. i am very disappointed as i've always had great experiences with fluval products being top quality. makes me question whether to purchase another fluval again as i'm typically a very brand loyal person.

I’ve been disappointed in the “long term” capability of this filter. I replaced my first one after 18 months of use with a second one in 2019. Now this replacement is operating similarly. The motor and or impeller assembly is now very noisey. Perhaps something is amiss internally or is out of alignment, but repeated assembly fails to correct the problem. Also getting the intake siphon tube lined up precisely over the impelled is hit or miss. Initially, these filters were superb, but once out of warranty, start saving your spare change for a replacement!

I like the filter but not so much the sponge filter seams to get dirty fast and clouds the water, so I changed it out to standard filter material and it’s working better and clearing up the water, I have to admit it’s a very quiet filter

Honestly, I hate this thing. It’s SO annoying. Sometimes it just decides to stop pumping. It takes forever to prime. I stand there for 30 minutes to tickle its fancy just right for it to properly soak up water. I HATE this thing. 0/10 would not recommend this ever to anyone. Don’t go through this headache.

I gave this four stars, because it was too strong for my betta and mollies. The filter itself is easy to set up. I liked the look of it. Even on the lowest setting it was too strong and a little louder than I expected. Chewy was great with communication on how to return it. Thanks, Chewy!

So far I’ve gotten 2 of these filters and I love them both. I bought the 50 gallon one at Christmas time for my 40 gallon goldfish tank and it made a world of difference in my tank. I just got a 55 gallon and wanted to get another one of these for it since the other has been doing so well. I got the 70 gallon filter this time. It arrived quickly, and was very easy to set up. It circulates the water really well and is doing a great job so far. My only complaint is that it’s a little noisy, but I can easily get over that. I have the one on my 40 gallon in my bedroom and it’s not loud enough to keep me up but you can definitely still hear it. It’s difficult to find a cheap and quiet filter for a So far I’ve gotten 2 of these filters and I love them both. I bought the 50 gallon one at Christmas time for my 40 gallon goldfish tank and it made a world of difference in my tank. I just got a 55 gallon and wanted to get another one of these for it since the other has been doing so well. I got the 70 gallon filter this time. It arrived quickly, and was very easy to set up. It circulates the water really well and is doing a great job so far. My only complaint is that it’s a little noisy, but I can easily get over that. I have the one on my 40 gallon in my bedroom and it’s not loud enough to keep me up but you can definitely still hear it. It’s difficult to find a cheap and quiet filter for a tank that big so it doesn’t bother me too much. I’d definitely recommend buying this. … more

It's an upgrade from the 3 stage Fluval. The unit is not wrapped in plastic so you will have scuff marks. Guess i got one not chipped or cracked. Test it for leaks with motor inserted after you make sure motor works. If you have noises there is air in the tube, the tube isn't pressed down all the way. I don't like the lid, had to tape it down. The flow adjuster not as good as the 3 stage. But the watet stays clearer longer. Only owned the 5 stage for a short time.