Fluval 403

[shari2]

Anyone out there use one? I'm thinking I may attempt to use it on the 45 with the clowns. I have a 303 on a 55 upstairs that someone gave me. Works fine, once I get the hoses hooked up right. They are a pita. (excuse the language, but they are a two person job, really.)

The 403 looks just like it, but bigger...

[Martin Thoene]

You mean this model right?

http://www.aquahobby.com/products/e_fluval.php

http://www.hagen.com/usa/aquatic/manuals/fluve21.cfm

http://www.hagen.com/usa/aquatic/manuals/fluve10.cfm

I've used the 3 series Fluvals for years. I've got a 403 and 2 x 203's in use at present. They're dead reliable and you can get parts easily.....not that I've ever found much need. Main gripe is bleeding air out of them after servicing. A bit of cannister flipping is in order.
A 403 on a 45 will give you a fair bit of water movement. I have one on a 4 x 2 x 2 120 gallon tank and it gives good water movement via a spraybar return.

Martin.

[USFMarine]

I have one on my 55 gallon, been using it on and off w/ tanks for the good part of 4 years now. Very reliable.. priming it after cleaning it out is kind of annoying, but once you figure out your way of priming it, you'll love the 403. I'm assuming you can get it for a cheap price..? They go on ebay for about ~$40. Also, the Fluval 303 is a nice device as well, my good buddy has been using one for years as well without incident.

The replacement parts are everywhere, and for decently cheap!


How I prime it:

1. Fill it up when disconnected with tank water..
2. After placing the lid back on the canister, and connecting the tubes..
3. Put your mouth around the output tube, with the input being in the tank water...
4. suck the water, like a syphon from the ouput until you hear the cannister tubes completely fill up, if they are translucent you can see the water leve.
5. Shake the cannister to get any extra air out...
6. plug in the cannister after attaching the output to your spray bar/spout whatever...

I hope that made sense.. it does to me

Marshall

[shari2]

I did go to the Hagen site and started reading...and reading...

The reason I hesitate is because I have so much trouble reconnecting the hose lines after I service the 303 upstairs. AND the getting rid of air thing.

Thanks for the tips on how you do it USFoooorrahh, but ... eeeeewww And I think the hoses are black.

And the price for this one was right. Got it from a former member here for gratis. Right now it's hooked up to an underwater pump that he was going to use for a pond, or something.

I'll give it a try next week probably cause the clowns are really messing up the 45! Better filter has to be next step to attempt to keep them.

[adampetherick]

That's an added bonus of the fx5 self priming and bleeding

[Martin Thoene]

Tip: I'm assuming it's got the top mount hoses and maybe the (alleged) quick disconnect taps?

Replace with (or fit) Eheim taps which are truly Q/D. Makes servicing a breeze because water stays in the inlet pipe and when you open the taps, just fills up the cannister easily. Plus you can walk the whole gizmo to the bathroom or wherever you clean it without spills.

You still have to mess about with priming. I just switch on and flip it upside down to get water into the impeller housing. Then slowly rotate it back to vertical to allow air to vent out slowly but not so quick you refill the housing with air. It's an acquired art

Another tip: If you do have the Fluval taps,and don't want the (considerable) expense of the Eheim ones, a smear of Vaseline round the tap seals makes them slip together much easier. But keep a stock of spare nut things that hold them together 'cos they're very easy to break.
Eheim bits are just about nuke proof...you get's what yer pays for

Martin.

[sophie]

I've got a 205, which is a lovely filter. got just a lovely disconnect mechanism for the hoses, which makes it a complete and utter piece of cake to clean.

I know, not helpful. but even without the disconnect thing, I like it a great deal.