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Fluval 407 is one of the best canister filters for your tank. But is it made for you? Does it have any flaws? Read on till the end as I share a complete review of the Fluval 407 canister filter.
The best thing about the Fluval 407 Canister Filter is the silence you get. It’s hands down one of the super quiet canister filters you can have. Only by getting too close can you hear a very low humming.
The next thing I like the most about this canister filter is its easy cleaning. The filter is well-designed, and there is a handle for the media trays. So it becomes quite easy to separate and clean them.
In terms of maintenance, you don’t have to worry about the Fluval 407.
Another advantage of this filter is you can throttle the flow rate and adjust it according to your needs.
It is also easy to get it running. You need to simply pump it a few times and let it fill up. Then, you can just plug in the canister filter, and it will work.
What I Don’t Like About Fluval 407 Canister Filter:
The first thing I didn’t like about the Fluval 407 Canister filter is that it doesn’t come with a Spray Bar.
Canister filters typically intake water from the fish tank and pass it through different filter media. Once the filtering is done, the filtered water is returned to the fish tank through a spray bar if it is connected.
The spray bar is connected to the filter outlet and spreads the water evenly across the tank surface. (The spray bar is installed in a horizontal position.) It sprays water and churns the water surface (creating surface agitation), thus, allowing more oxygen to get into the water.
Without the spray bar, the water will only get poured into one spot of the tank.
It is not like you absolutely need a spray bar in your tank. If you have enough surface agitation in the tank (for example, by placing air stone), it’s fine.
But otherwise, having a spray bar can help you generate surface agitation, have a gentle water movement, and avoid dead spots in your tank. So why not have it?
Another thing that caught my attention is the ribbed hose that comes along with Fluval 407 canister filter. You will likely not enjoy the ribbed hose tubing if you prefer the standard smooth wall tubing.
The ribbed hoses are not great at bending. So while setting up the Fluval 407 canister, it can be a bit challenging to maneuver the hose and set it up as per the needed curvature along the tank wall.
Also, the hoses are black; if you like transparent piping work, that’s a drawback.
But overall, the ribbed hose can be good for you if you don’t have any issues with its aesthetics.
And although moving the ribbed hoses and setting them up in the right locations can be a bit challenging, you can do it.
It’s not that hard, and the rest of the Fluval 407 canister filter installation is relatively simple.
The installation instructions are easier to grasp. Just be prepared to have some time in your spare and be attentive while going through the installation and setup process (especially if you are doing this type of setup for the first time – to minimize any chances of errors).
And suppose you don’t prefer the black ribbed hoses. Then, you can simply swap them with transparent, smooth-walled hoses.
Here’s a video that explains how you can replace the black Fluval hose with a clear hose:
Even if you are looking to buy this for your turtle tank, it can still be an issue where your turtle’s body parts can get sucked into it.
You can purchase a filter intake guard like this one (available on Amazon), which should solve the problem.
Finally, the Fluval 407 canister filter can be relatively expensive. But the thing is, although it’s pricey, it can be a worthwhile investment for you in the long run.
In short, the Fluval 407 Canister Filter unit has everything you need to set it up and run.
What Has Changed?
As per Fluval, their Fluval 07 series canister filters are about 25% quieter, more robust, easy to use, and energy-efficient than before.
But here’s the reality. If you have a Fluval 05 or lower series canister Filter, upgrading to the Fluval 07 can be a great move.
The canister filter is now more robust, and they have improved the aquastop valve opening mechanism.
The impeller cover of the 07 canister filter is almost the same as that with the 06 series. But it is, after all, one of the best upgrades from the 04 or 05 series of canister filters.
Also, the filter is relatively more silent than the previous models. So in total, it’s a good upgrade.
However, if you are an existing Fluval 06 series user, don’t expect too much out of the Fluval 07 canister filter.
Comparison:
Fluval 06:
Fluval 07
Aquarium Capacity
Up to 100 US Gallons
Up to 100 US Gallons
Pump
383 US Gal/h
383 US Gal/h
Filter Circulation
245 US Gal/h
245 US Gal/h
Dimensions
10 x 8 x 20″
9.5 x 7 x 19.3”
Between Fluval 06 and Fluval 07, there is not much noticeable difference except for larger rubber feet and the plastic handle. So if your Fluval 06 is running in good condition and you are happy with it, I would suggest you continue with it 🙂
However, if you are excited to try out the new version and think your Fluval 06 is not performing well, you can definitely try the upgrade.
Features & Specs:
The Fluval 407 Canister Filter is suitable for up to 100 Gallons (500 L) of freshwater or saltwater aquariums.
The Fluval Canister filter is quite energy efficient as it draws energy comparable to a single household LED light bulb.
To allow smoother operation, the aquastop valves of the filter come with a raised lip.
There are large rubber feet with the Fluval 407 canister filter that helps in damping the vibration and also gives added protection to the unit.
The Primer is redesigned with easy grip handles and thus offers easy startups with only a few pumps.
The Media Basket comes with a new center handle allowing you to remove the media stack with just one finger.
There is also a unique vertical pre-filter cartridge that allows better mechanical filtration.
Apart from the features, the Fluval 407 canister filter also comes with 3 years limited warranty (and a 2-year extended warranty if you do the registration).
Final Verdict – Is Fluval 407 Canister Filter For You?
Even though it may feel there are many cons with the Fluval 407, neither of them is significant enough to be considered for the benefits you get.
You can buy a spray bar, replace the ribbed hosing if you don’t like it, and purchase a filter guard to prevent your fish from getting sucked inside.
And installation – although slightly challenging, overall, it’s not that difficult either. With a careful reading of instructions, you can get the thing running without any worries.
And although the canister filter can be a little pricey for you, it’s worth it in the long run for the benefits and features you get.
In short, the canister filter is for you if you are looking for:
A good quality canister filter for your fish tank (50-100 gallons).
An easy-to-clean and maintain filter that works well.
A filter that keeps the water crystal clear and comes from an established brand.
Hi! I’m Praveen Ghoshal, the founder of eFishkeeping.com. Inspired by my Dad, I got interested in fishkeeping when I was a kid. Since then, I have been involved with this hobby. Currently, I have 3 fish tanks at our home, and I enjoy this hobby with my full family. Read more about me here.
