Fluval U1 geni.us/H3lubB Fluval U2 geni.us/hlIFG Fluval U3 geni.us/P4xh Fluval U4 geni.us/x5xzC Check online for compatible foams - they are really cheap. Foams and Biohome Ultimate: www.filterpro.co.uk (FilterPro site has links to suppliers in other countries) As the U series of filters only has a limited space for biological media the chance of achieving a full cycle on a normally stocked tank is close to zero. However that is the case with the vast majority of internal filters. To have any provision for media is nice to see and the cartridge system is very well thought out. I love the idea of being able to lift the whole filter off its housing (leaving the suckered part stuck to the glass) and the flip top lid is a great idea for fast, clean removal / changing / cleaning of cartridges. Like most cartridge based systems the cost of 'official' parts is crazy but cheap alternatives are plentiful online. A very well designed filter. Fluval 'U' series video: bit.ly/2UyfNXv WHAT IS A FULL CYCLE? A full cycle is completed by bacteria - the aerobic part of biological filtration which processes ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate followed by an anaerobic part which processes nitrate into soluble nitrogen which bubbles off to the atmosphere. Therefore it requires a suitable amount of excellent quality filter media to be able to provide the environment for both aerobic AND anaerobic bacteria - that is what Biohome ultimate does perfectly but even with such good media there are limitations and we recommend the following amounts for different stocking scenarios: (1 US gallon = 3.8 litres) (1kg = 2.2 lbs) Average community tropical aquarium = 1kg per 100 litres Average coldwater aquarium = 1kg - 1.5kg per 100 litres Predator aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres Large cichlid aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres Malawi / Tanganyikan aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres Marine aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres Average mixed fish pond = 1kg per 200 litres Average koi pond = 1kg per 150 litres You may be disagreeing with the above figures but remember that they are for a FULL CYCLE not half a job - achieving 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite is quite easy since aerobic bacteria grows freely on any surface but the anaerobic bacteria responsible for COMPLETING the cycle needs more a specialized habitat. Size a filter properly, set it up sensibly and you will have perfect water - it's that simple....and your filter won't be the dreaded 'Nitrate factory'. This series of videos is all about trying to squeeze more efficiency out of internal and external aquarium filters which generally have a limited filtering capacity - If you have a filter you'd like me to feature in a video then please contact me on: sales@filterpro.co.uk 07772848730 (Richard) Anyone who sends a filter (UK only at present) will have it upgraded and returned to them for free and the only cost you will pay is how much it costs to ship it to me - I'm helping to boost your filter and the resulting videos will hopefully be useful to viewers all over the world so it's a win/win. The following videos will be useful to anyone interested in learning more about filtration, bacteria and making the conditions for your fish as good as possible: Sizing a canister properly and filter set up: goo.gl/om19un Looking INSIDE different filter media: goo.gl/hZWS6c Bacteria and filter media: goo.gl/123gAF How to clean an aquarium: goo.gl/bPMhvh Aquarium tips / filtration playlist: goo.gl/pXgqVj This channel is purely a hobby for me so I will never ask viewers to donate money for any of my projects or charge anyone for information - information should be shared freely and I certainly don't consider myself an 'expert' in anything I pursue as a hobby so please do your own research, never accept anything as 'fact', reject anyone claiming to be some sort of authority or 'expert' and make your own minds up about anything you wish to study. We all are on a long path of learning......... RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS ON AMAZON: goo.gl/jMaBWy INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/pondguru_outdoors/ FILMING EQUIPMENT: Panasonic HC-VX870 HD camcorder geni.us/3UwE +Rode stereo microphone: geni.us/4OL +Rode 'deadcat' mic cover: geni.us/1pmn JVC Everio quad proof HD camcorder: geni.us/e09e +Rode 'deadcat' mic cover (opened up and held between tripod and camera base) geni.us/dee24 Zomei Z666 tripod: geni.us/1a1af3 Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI mini tripod: geni.us/87f7 If you've enjoyed this video please check out the playlists on my channel for hundreds more - on a variety of subjects. Feel free to share or link any of my videos on facebook, twitter, forums etc. for the benefit of anyone you think may also enjoy watching. See you next time. Pondguru

This was meant to be scheduled to upload at 7.30pm, not 7.30 am......closing in on 1000 video uploads and I still have no idea what I'm doing, lol

I bought a smaller version of the U2, two of them, and did exactly this even before this video, extrapolating from the principles demonstrated in your previous videos. The only thing I did different was, I didn't use any of the cartridges, not even the middle one, and put media in wife's stocking instead, to maximize the amount of media in available space, sandwiched it between two foam pads, and shoved the lot in. Cycling both filters now as I will be moving the fish in a plastic box before renovating the tank. Thanks again for the wealth of knowledge on your channel.

I just bought this and thanks to you I am more confident in how to pump my filters. Thank you for your knowledge because I can now enjoy my hobby without going broke. 🙂

I've been using the Fluval U2 for a while now and have had absolutely no issues! I recently picked up a U3 for another tank and love it just as much. Quiet, easy to hide and cost effective here in Canada.

You're a legend my mate. I have 5 tanks at home with many different filters. Always watch you're videos related to my filters and follow you're suggestions. Thanks for all you're tips and honesty. Not forgetting the money saving tips. Take care and keep up the good work 👍🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠

i have this filter, very quiet, easy to sleep next to the tank. doing the job great video again!44

Iv done the bio stones in the coffin found out it blocks very quickly whit them in found out it’s better to get rid off the coffin and use a bag then u can get so more in

I’ve just brought a second hand tank with this filter so found this very helpful and done just what you’ve done. Saves replacing every couple months

I have a fluval U1, U2 and U4 filter of which I use none of them.. The only issue with this filter is probably the same as most internal filters, when you lift them out for maintenance they spew a ton of crap straight back into the tank, especially when restarting the filter as theres no way of priming it into a container like you can with a external to avoid spewing crap back into the tank on restart. I found they have very little capacity for bio media, this filter is best used as a mechanical & chemical secondary filter to supplement your main filter. And to save money on cartridges I found the blue medium pond foam cut to size replaced the cartridges worked nicely, with the media box filled with carbon.

Morning Richard. This was my filter in my 65 L tank before I bought that Aquael minikani 120 I've sent you. Thanks again for that. It was useless and just taking up space. A canister is so much better. I wish I knew this when I bought the U2. Good video as usual.

This filter actually kicks butt y’all. I think he underestimates how well this filter can do on a 30 gallon, which i am using this filter in. I filled the middle with some ceramic rings - the cheapest bio media i had laying around. I don’t replace those stock floss pads until they are falling apart - I just gently rinse them in a bucket of tank water when I’m doing tank service. There is tons of surface area in the stock sponges. I think the bio media in the center is just the icing on the cake. This little guy gets 2 thumbs up from me on a 30 gallon tank. (African cichlids in my case - mbuna). If you feel like you have to have more, slap a sponge filter on your air line and you have yourself an affordable backup AND extra filtration.

Thanks for this! I've been searching for a filter for my quarantee tank which could work with simple plain cut slips of matured foam sheets without the need to buy or craft any more complicated shaped pads, cartridges etc. The spraybar is a good feature to even the flow out and the wee chamber a bonus for biomedia if fish need to be quaranteed longer or cor activated cardon in a sock for removing medication. 👍

I just ordered this filter because I'm planning a small aquarium for a tight space and don't have much room for a HOB. I'm planning on using 1 inch coarse black foam (so it's not visible) and filter floss on each side and a bag of Sera Siporax down the center. Not using the little plastic "coffins" as you say, should marginally (maybe half an inch down the length?) increase the amount of space for biological filtration and Siporax is even more porous than standard ceramic rings. Sera claims that a third, anaerobic, nitrifying bacteria can colonize those deep pores and break down nitrate. I'll be using this in a heavily planted tank, so it may be hard to determine if that's the case, but I'll be giving it a go.

Another option for the Intake area is sides of the blue cartridges could of been drilled and several lines of hikes added. The the factory media replaced with fine or medium density foam cut to fit. That would increase the flow and usefulness of this filter. This filter with those upgrades and with the center cartridge filled with biogravel should be used on anything more than a 10-15 gallon lightly stocked aquarium or a 29 gallon planted aquarium.

Got this new in box from thrift store for 5 dollars Great filter i put it in my 15gal column tank and does great,crystal clear, plants seem to like it also ,, my neon tetras give it a good rating

I'm sure you cant use top and bottom jets together

I use these filters for my breeding tanks. They work great because they clean well and you can adjust water flow.

I have done the same but used black coarse sponge on the outer trays. And it fits a treat.

You can’t use the top and the bottom outlets at the same time it’s only one at a time top bottom or spray bar

Had this filter for over 7 months and cant fault it,easy to maintain and silent,water is crystal and middle chamber is full of biomax,i always buy the no brand polycarb pads,i think biomax does a good job,also good bacteria live on all hard areas of the tank,glass,rocks,gravel etc so every bit helps

Very good video! I have the U4. Good filters. Thank you!

I've been using the fluval U1 for my turtle hatchling for 3 months. I managed to fit 6 of those biological media tubes (sipporax?) in the center, where a Fluval cartridge would be placed. Not much more you can do on these filters really. The filter was useful for me because it was cheap, it's small so it fit inside the tank completely (no noise) and it has adjustable flow (the current was too strong for the hatchling for the first few weeks). The turtle is doing really well and I'm moving him to a bigger tank with a bigger filter this weekend, but I'll still probably use the U1 to help with mechanical filtration and generating extra water flow below the basking area.

GOOD JOB

I still haven't had regret about replacing the obnoxious internal filter of my little 70 litre with a canister filter. More space, more aesthetics, more filtration, more water flow, more BIOHOME hahaha

I've been using the Fluval U2 for over 5 years and have never had any issue. Fully stocked 90l tank (yes it's tiny) , partial water change once a month and fortnightly water testing. Never had any issue whatsoever with nitrates etc. People say they "feel" like there's not enough media or there's not enough carbon or sponge or debate whether there is enough power for a full cycle but there clearly is. Definitely. Never had any mysterious illnesses, behaviour or random deaths. The water quality is always spot on and the fish are happy enough to breed. I've got 10 new bristlenose catfish babies wandering about which is fab to see and it is a very quiet pump to boot. Also the pump is also easily accessible simply by unclipping from the bottom of the filter body.

I have U4 in a 140l tank, it seems to serve me well as the corys, Colombian red fin tetras, cherry barbs have all bred in it. Thanks for the tips on the pads and biohome

I think the Fluval U serie holds far to small amount of media to be considered a good filter! I think Aquael turbo, Oase bioplus, Eheim biopower for example are a better choice.

Hi mate, I've removed all the sponges, and put in nitrate removal resins. The same as you have!

I run two fluval 4,s in my big tank one is set up normal but i usually dont use the carbon pads the other one i have removrd the pads and filled the center with biomax and both sides also where the sponges should be running two fluval 4's this way has always worked well for me tank is 600 litres with bala sharks and tiger barbs plus couple of alge eaters .... It is planted and also has two big sponge filters .... I have used this filter setup for a good number of years without any real water issues ..... Even with goldfish the amount of dirt this fikter setup captures compared to even a large canister filter is amazing ..... Especially if you have fish with large poop... As i found external filters and spray bars etc do not create anywhere near as much circulation as two fluval 4's do

Glad to see posts from you again. Thank you so much for all you do! I am considering using this or another internal filter in my 55 gallon tank to replace the powerhead and for polishing the water. (High flow tank, Fluval 405 and Aqua Clear 110 already on it.) As a polisher only, I would just put Polyfill in the side cartridges and replace when I do water changes. If I’m not needing extra polishing, maybe I could just fill all cartridges with bio media to have extra on hand for quarantine or new tank set ups? Not sure, still considering my options. I need some directional flow. I have tiny fish in most of my aquariums where circulation pumps are dangerous. I think the flow on this filter could be just what I need without harming my little ones.

Both sponges fit in 1 cartridge, done this with u4, and filled other half with bio balls- works fine

Not included but is an option, you can put a Fluval U Series - Clean & Clear Cartridge in the bottom section of the central cartridge. 😉

We have this on a lightly stocked 75 litre, using eheim substrat. Not best for bio, but they are quiet and reliable.

I had medium one side. 50 micro pad cloth (reusable forever)as well. In the other I had the standard foam x2.. and middle I had biohome Polished the water real well, and having both side cartridges means you can do diff things on each side. And it won’t block

I use ultimate in all my u series filters

Why not remove the bio cartridge and fill it up with bagged bio media?

This was really helpful. I have a U3 which is currently in my 95L tank and has been doing okay with my fantail goldfish. But it does work out expensive and I was looking for ways to reduce cost and increase the filtration at the same time. I will definitely be trying your suggestion and will let you know how it goes. I only have two fantail goldfish but they are very messy and this will hopefully make them happier. Thankyou for this video.

Used to have this for my 54L mainly because it was silent, now I understand why algae took over and the tank failed, it's stores so little bio media but I didn't realise it then. For a larger aquarium I first used Aquael turbo, aquarium felt cloudy, not so much bio media in it and the quality of Aquaels media might not have been so good. Then I switched to Hydor, terrible noise but clean water, then to Eheim with Bio Homme, it makes so much difference compared to all those inner filters, just wish I had learned this before...Maybe the U-series would be good for mechanical filtration in a turtle tank or something like that, but to be honest the output wasn't that impressive, it wasn't like debris and dirt were sucked into it very fast..

Great video buddy 🙌🏻

Brilliant advice thanks

Another awesome pimp my filter video today !!

I have the U3, and it filters GREAT! However, I question the outer sponge/carbon filter housing as it appears that the outer face solid blue portion blocks intake?

Pondguru love you videos you give out a lot of information on products what would be your ideal/best internal filter for a 100ltr tank

There are carbon filter pads that you can cut to size!

So i got the U2 now, replaced 1 carbon pad with filter floos, water are crystal cleer. (ps it's a bit to big for a 60 Liters, on the other hand it filters about 12 times in 1 hour the hole tank, so nothing to complain about.

got the the u4 with my roma 200 and sold it instantly!

I got this for free off facebook marketplace, its missing a few parts but I think I can make it work

Would you replace the carbon with a finer sponge pad if you wanted to or floss?

My guess as far as biological filtration goes, the biological 'coffin' as you called it is probably meant to do a minimal filtration of the water, so that changing the cartridges doesn't throw the tank into another cycle. If you stagger replacement of the cartridges by waiting an additional four weeks after replacing one side to replace the other, you lower that risk. I kinda like this filter though, seems like a nice powerhead.

£46.00 pounds in the UK for the U3

I like my fluval U2, though I intend to remove the carbon as they don't help my planted aquarium. Very glad I'll also save some cash in the long run.

So you reave 1 side of the cartridge at a time or both at the same time. Also why do you say every 7 to 8 weeks to replace when it's every month?

I preferred the older designed fluval internals and externals

Hello , what internal filter you would recommend for stuffing purely bio-rings only ? The bigger the better.

I had one of the u4 filters it was load rubbish not alot of power out of it. I sold it and got the fluval plus 4 filter loads better in performance

Just dug this filter out of the cupboard , used it good few years back and thought it be ideal for 65l heavily planted tank in setting up with a few fish. The only issue I recall from when I was using it before is when you remove the filter to clean it as half the crap falls straight in the tank . Wonder if using coarser sponges / carbon helps at all with this ?

Do you think this would work well on a 60l tank that's mod to heavily stocked? Guppies and gourami. I was thinking take all the cartridges out and put some filter floss either side with a layer of sponge and bio media in the middle? Currently I have a ciano filter with a spray bar that does up to 80 litres and its just not cutting it anymore.

If noise isnt an issue a large sponge filter is better in almost every way

Such a pity there isn't an internal filter that provides enough space for enough bio media. Wouldn't matter if it took a full side up. Just keeps everything in the tank. No tubes running outside or to uncouple.

Awesome 🐠🐠🐠

1:51 Unfortunately, it doesnt work that way. I have this filter, you have only 3 settings : 1. the upper stream, 2. the lower stream 3. The middle wall of stream, which you can direct to the middle, left or right..... It doesnt allow you to turn multiple of them on at the same time... 2:42 weird, mine came with a sponge that was a lot bigger & covered the whole lenght of the trail.....By the way, if you consider buying this filter I can only recommend! I was sceptical at first seeing the media and the media spacing but my water is crystal clear and the most important part is - it is very quiet. This filter is the best choice if you are fed up with regular internal filters but for some reason you cannot purchase external filter, as this filter almost behaves like external one. Another great thing is, compared to other internal filter that you dont have to turn the whole thing off when cleaing the media. You just need to clean them one by one. Each trail has a chamber at the bottom to prevent build up spillage to the tank when slided off. In case there is, any spillage, it keeps being circulated around thanks to the possibility to clean one trail and leave other two in while doing so

What about the water flow? For example, is it powerful enough to suck in some small leaves floating around? Aquael asap filters are able to suck in a lot of leaves that are falling off

Thanks for this great info. I would be really interested how to Pimp the Fluval Spec V. The build in filter seems very good structured, but the foam and media is not only little, but leave lots of space. I was also thinking if one could not shorten the pipe between the pump and the tank, so to make much more space for Biohome media. Could you please have a look and let us know about possibilities. Sorry I can send you a tank from Australia:-) thanks!

Thanks

Have you tried adding carbon to the central compartment? I'm doing it to remove the treatment for whitespot.

Can u rewash these pond foams and re use them and put them back in the filter has i have the fluval u2, and like u i thinck what u did was better than the ones u had to change that came with it

Hello Richard! do you think you could pimp the filter system in the fluval flex series? Because when i look at it, it just seems that there is a lot of foam and not really as much biological filtration. Have a nice sunday and greetings from Denmark

Pond guru I have a 55 gallon tank with an aqua clear 110 with 1kg of biohomme unltimate and the sponge that came with the filter. Would I be better off with a canister filter to add more bio media. Lightly filled community tank with no plants. Thank you

Any chance of a follow up vid on the rock filter you designed a few vids back ?. Did it work as expected?. Was there any issues with it further down the line ?. How was it to clean ?. It's a great design and it is something I would be interested in doing with my tank.. nice bronzy by the way 👍

i know this video old but could you put instead of one of the sponges a full bag of biological media bag ?

Please do the AquaClear 110 hang on the back filter. It's a huge filter and it's the most popular filter as far as hang on the back goes. I'm going to keep asking until you do it. LOL

Am i correct in that only the top half of the cartridges get water flow? It looks like there are no flow slots for the bottom half of each of the 2 outer cartridges.

Love vids just subscribed fluval u3 what grade sponges did you put in it ?

i dont know much about bio mass, but can it be filled with kitty litter

Quite an interesting video. I have a 55 Gallon tank using a Sicce Shark Pro internal filter (not enough surface area), so I thought I would get (based on your recommendation as well as others) a Tidal 110. Only problem is my motor is so so loud its . Its still within the 30 day Amazon return period so I might have no option but to return it, even though I don't want to. Tank is in my office, so filter has to be super quiet for zoom meetings. I have a U2 in my upstairs 20 US (or Canadian) gallon tank, so my option might be a U4 for the main tank. If I do that, I can either get rid of cartridge and use sponge direct in U4 body (same as in this video) or get a Dremel and carve out slat in plastic cartridge so more water is exposed to sponge (you can see bottom half of cartridge is closed). Any thoughts ?

I have the U4 and I still feel like there isn't enough room for media. Considering going down to 1 medium sponge on each side and then a mesh bag of biogravel in the middle instead of the blue cartridge. Would free up about an inch or two by not using coarse sponges on each side. Not sure if that's a good idea or not though? How important is the coarse sponge, and is it more important than almost doubling the amount of media?

Great video! I have a Japanese Kotobuki Powerbox SV1200 for my 180 litre stocked with one red ear slider. How can I get the most out of the filter? I'd appreciate your help!!

Thanks, Richard. I think filtering for nano tanks is a challenge. I find these internal filters ugly. HOB not much better. The idea is to have everything hidden and not in the tank. Small canisters seem the best way but they are not cheap and some reviews needed. Just my thoughts.

Can I add filter floss to this for fine filtration?

Can you do one for all pond solutions 1000ef please

What sponge are you using instead of replacement cartridges. I want to do this with my U4. Thanks

that seem to had a redesin since i had a u4

They really forcing you to by those expensive cartridges. This is an unpimpable filter. I don't think I buy one ! lol. well design = unpimpable means that you have to buy what they make for it for replacement so you don't use your own way and what you want in it and how to work it only way is the manufacture way. So good design for them but expensive for the user and only the manufacture way can be used. Good vid Rich !

I have the u2 one but how do you get it to flow from the top and bottom jets as mine is only one at a time

How would u upgrade the Fluval U4? Not sure what Bio home to use? Could u add a fine pad along with coasre and medium?

I am interested to see how you gonna pimp the quanvee sponge filters that you have at the side. Currently running one and the media that came with it look inadequate

Just getting into larger aquariums, your videos are excellent! I'm wondering, you mention quite often to halve the stated tank size for filters - would a Fluvial U4 work OK with a ~112 L tank, with plants, and plenty of fish? I'm guessing the U3 would be too small to be properly effective at that size?

Quick question as the media holder is bigger in the U4 would i benefit in using biohome in a 140l tank?

Just want to warn anyone that has young or small fish about the Venturi opening on top of these filters. If you are not using the Venturi option then please put the little attachment on regardless, if it’s under the water it won’t make the bubbles. I didn’t have the attachment on my U4 and I have just found one of my little Corydora who was only about half an inch sucked on to the opening, the suction is very weak but for a tiny fish it was fatal. I only got them this Tuesday and I am so upset and feel so guilty.

Hi, where can i buy blue and black foam? Thanks

Hello I live in the US . I have a magnum 350 canister and was wondering how I could make it better . could you do a video on it or tell me how to . have not seen you do that one yet . its made by marineland .big fan thank you .

Could you not just get rid of the plastic container for the biomedia and put mesh bag in the slot with as much as possible? I imagine you'd get a lot more in that way.

Hallo, welches Filter Medium ist das und welche Filter kann ich anstelle der Patronen für den Fluval U2 nehmen

I have a fluval u3 if I wanted to add in polyfill would I be able to do it with this filter?

How goes your pond filter guru?

hi can you pimp an ALL POND SOLUTIONS HOB - 500 hang on filter it as 5 baskets cost £22 i have had ago i put in the fisrt basket pre filter nodes the next one i put corse mediem and fine white filter matting then the other three baskets filled up to the with your bio home the grey one cant think of the other part any way you can make it better all my bio media are the last three so clean water is going over the media the back up through a hole back out of the top pumps 500 LT an hour you can pay a dam site more for a filter with 5 baskes cheers happy fish keeping

I just bought a sponge filter identical to the one at the right of the screen. Could you do a video on that one?

I was given this filter with an aquarium around 15 us gallons, but was thinking to upgrade to an external canister type. Any recommendations?

Would this be the same for the u4