If you are looking for a large, powerful, and affordable aquarium filter, you’ve come to the right place. This article reviews a very large, powerful, and highly efficient filter.
Fluval 07 Series Performance Canister Filter
The Fluval 407 Canister Filter is a true beast of an aquarium filter. It’s big and has plenty of power, yet is quiet and easy to maintain. What stands out about this unit is that it is pretty reasonably priced for everything you get.
Who Is This For?
The Fluval 407 canister filter is for people with large aquariums who need plenty of processing power. This unit can handle massive tanks and even smaller models. It’s a good filter for those who want a unit that sits outside the tank, not taking up tank space. Even better is not having to reach into the tank for filter maintenance is even better.
What’s Included?
When you purchase the Fluval 07 Series Performance Canister Filter, many things are included. You can choose from the 107, 207, 307, and 407 models. The 407, the model we are discussing, has a pre-filter, four media baskets, six different kinds of media, all the necessary tubing, and a power cable.
Overview of Features
The 407 is the largest of the four models available. This is a massive unit that can process up to 383 gallons of water per hour. As a result, this aquarium filter can easily handle tasks that are 100 gallons or even larger. Also, this unit is designed for aquariums as deep as 2.25 meters.
The flow rate on this unit is adjustable. However, there are smaller models available, including the 107, 207, and the 307. All in all, the power that this unit has is nothing short of impressive.
In addition, the 407 uses only 23 watts of power. This equates to about $40 per year. In other words, it doesn’t cost very much to run this filter. On that same note, this filter is said to be about 25% quieter than comparable models; it won’t disturb you or your fish as it cleans the tank.
This is also a very user-friendly aquarium filter. It sits outside the tank, which makes getting to the inside for maintenance very easy. It also comes with so-called Aquastop valves. Plus, it features an ergonomic design with a raised lip for very smooth and easy operation. The lift-lock motorhead clamps make getting to the interior very easy.
There is a quick primer that doesn’t require much effort to get the filter running. And, in terms of filtration capacity, this is a fantastic unit. In addition, the EZ-lift media baskets are easy to remove from the canister for easy maintenance. Moreover, they also have a lot of room.
Remember, this filter comes with four media baskets, as well as a pre-filter. The pre-filter helps clean the water of debris before it gets to any of the four media baskets. You can choose your own combination of mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration media to go in the four media baskets. There are also a total of six different types of media included. So this filter comes with everything that you need to get started.
How to Use it
What is really cool about an aquarium filter like this is that it is straightforward to use. First, add the included media to the baskets as needed. Then, you can arrange the media as you want.
That said, the filter comes with instructions on where the various types of media should be placed. Once you have done this, simply attach the input and output lines. Then, plug it in, prime it using the easy primer, and it’s good to go.
Pros
- Very durable and reliable design
- Four different sizes are available
- Plenty of processing power for big tanks
- Very easy to maintain
- Solid connections to prevent leaks
- Very quiet
- Energy efficient
- Four media baskets + pre-filter
- All media comes included
Cons
- Fairly large
- Requires a good deal of space
- Needs a good deal of maintenance
Alternatives
If you prefer a smaller hang-on-back power filter, the Fluval C3 Power Filter might be better suited for your needs.
Conclusion
If you have a large tank and need efficient filtration, the Fluval 407 is a great choice. It’s not cheap, but for what it is, it is reasonably priced. It’s powerful, efficient, and will keep your fish healthy in a clean tank.
Ben Morales
Aquarist & Writer 15+ Years