Fluval Aquaclear xxx Series
The Fluval tray has provision for three layers. You will probably want to retain the provided foam. You might consider replacing it with GreatWave Medium Foam.
Based on the similarity with Fluval’s media we believe approximately the same amount of Biohome media would be required. Recommended Biohome media for these filters are: Standard, Plus, Mini or Ultimate. The Fluval specified media quantities and required Biohome quantities are shown in the table below:
xxx Filter Biological Media Requirements | |||
Model | BioMax Size | BioHome Required For 1 Stage | BioHome Required For 2 Stages |
20 | 60 gr | 500 gr (minimum order) | 500 gr (minimum order) |
30 | 65 gr | 500 gr (minimum order) | 500 gr (minimum order) |
50 | 125 gr | 500 gr (minimum order) | 500 gr (minimum order) |
70 | 195 gr | 500 gr (minimum order) | 500 gr (minimum order) |
110 | 390 gr | 500 gr (minimum order) | 1 kg |
Fluval x03 Series
All models have 3 trays. Normally the first tray would be used for mechanical filtration (foam) leaving two trays for biological filter media.
x03 Filter Capacity Based on Using 2/3rds of Published Filtering Area Volume | ||||
Media | 103 Capacity | 203 Capacity | 303 Capacity | 403 Capacity |
Fluval Specified Filter Volume | 1.182 lt (72 cu in) | 2.216 lt (135 cu in) | 3.7 lt (226 cu in) | 6.48 lt (395 cu in) |
Standard | 500 gr | 1 kg | 2 kg | 4 kg |
Plus | 500 gr | 1 kg | 2 kg | 4 kg |
Mini | 500 gr | 1 kg | 2 kg | 3 kg |
Ultimate | 500 gr | 1 kg | 2 kg | 3 kg |
BioMotion | 1 lt | 1.5 lt | 2.5 lt | 4 lt |
Note: The capacity estimates based on Hagen specifications. If you have actual experience with these filters, GreatWave would be greatly appreciative to learn how much media the filters actually hold.
Fluval x04-7 Series
x06 Filter Capacity Based on Published Biological Volume | ||||
Media | 104-7 Capacity | 204-7 Capacity | 304-7 Capacity | 404-7 Capacity |
Fluval Specified Biological Volume | 1.37 lt (84 cu in) 2 Trays |
2 lt (122 cu in) 3 Trays |
3 lt (183 cu in) 3 Trays |
4.2 lt (256 cu in) 4 Trays |
Standard | 500 gr |
1 kg | 1.5 kg | 2.3 kg |
Plus | 500 gr |
1 kg | 1.5 kg | 2.3 kg |
Mini | 500 gr | 1 kg | 1.5 kg | 2.3 kg |
Ultimate | 500 gr |
1 kg | 1.5 kg | 2.3 kg |
SuperBioGravel | 500 gr | 1 kg | 2 kg | 3.3 kg |
Note: Feedback from Bill Eisenhard indicates that the 206 will only hold 1 kg of Biohome. In May, 2015 we rebuilt two Fluval 406 filters with Ultimate media and measured 2.3 kg of media to fill three trays. All other capacity estimates are based on Hagen specifications. If you have actual experience with these filters, GreatWave would be greatly appreciative to learn how much media the filters actually hold.
A mechanical Prefilter can used so that all trays may be filled with Biohome. Brett has upgraded a 407 this way which you can see here.
Fluval FX4 Series
The FX series is more complex than most canisters. Incoming water travels to the bottom and then back to the top through passages around the outside. The water then passes through Foam Filters to passages surrounding the bio media trays where it continues to the top and then flows back down through the bio media to the pump at the bottom and then back up a pipe to the outlet and then back to the tank.
GreatWave recommends replacing the fairly coarse stock foam with sheets of Medium Foam on the outside and sheets of Fine Foam inside. All of the trays can then be filled with Biohome.
View our video of the suggested upgrade
FX4 Filter Capacity | |
Media | Capacity |
Fluval Specified Volume | 3.9 lt (238 cu in) |
Standard, Plus, Mini, Ultimate, Ultimate Marine | 3 kg |
BioGravel, SuperBioGravel | 4 kg |
Fluval FX5 & 6 Series
The FX series is more complex than most canisters. Incoming water travels to the bottom and then back to the top through passages around the outside. The water then passes through Foam Filters to passages surrounding the bio media trays where it continues to the top and then flows back down through the bio media to the pump at the bottom and then back up a pipe to the outlet and then back to the tank.
GreatWave recommends replacing the fairly coarse stock foam with sheets of Medium Foam on the outside and sheets of Fine Foam inside. All of the trays can then be filled with Biohome.
View our video of the suggested upgrade
FX5 & 6 Filter Capacity | |
Media | Capacity |
Fluval Specified Volume | 5.9 lt (360 cu in) |
Standard, Plus, Mini, Ultimate, Ultimate Marine |
5 kg |
BioGravel, SuperBioGravel |
6 kg |