Fluval c3

mochaclown · May 28, 2013

My friend told me that I should get the fluval c3 power filter and that is the filter that I am going to get. Anyways I would like to know if anyone has one or has any reviews on it. The thing that I want to know is what things on the filter do you need to change and how often?

sredzins · May 28, 2013

What size tank? And you will need to change everything in it, and keep it very clean. The sponge will cause problems if not maintained. The carbon will need to be replaced every so often, I would replace with chemi pure or a more high end carbon and the bio nodes every 6 months. But this filter is nothing compared to what a skimmer and other filtration set ups could do

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mochaclown · May 28, 2013

My tank is a 30 gallon and since the bio nodes are the biological filtration couldn't I put live rock in place of the bio nodes? And what does the carbon exactly do?

sredzins · May 29, 2013

Carbon basically polishes the water, it can absorb toxins and help clear your water. And yes you could but the bio nodes will just add more bio filtration. My suggestion is a skimmer or different filtration. If you're dead set on the C series, go with the c4 or canister. I had a c4 on my 20 gallon

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mochaclown · May 29, 2013

I will eventually get a skimmer, but for now I want to have the c3 since it is for 20-50 gallon. how do I know when to change the bio nodes, the filter sponge, and the carbon

brentsreef · May 29, 2013

sredzins said:
But this filter is nothing compared to what a skimmer and other filtration set ups could do

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+1, a skimmer setup would be much better for your tank.

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sredzins · May 29, 2013

When I used a hob filter I replaced as follows:

Filter pad:6-8 weeks and cleaned regularly
Carbon: every 3 -4 months
And never changed the nodes because I pitched the filter after 6 months.

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mochaclown · May 29, 2013

aquaman.15 said:
+1, a skimmer setup would be much better for your tank.

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Shut up Brent I know what I am getting and eventually I will get a skimmer and HOB sump and skimmer so shut up

mochaclown · May 29, 2013

is there a way to tell if the carbon has to be changed

mochaclown · May 29, 2013

Oh and what about a canister filter I was looking at a fluvlal 206 canister filter would that work any better than the c3 and what would it do for my tank that the c3 wouldn't. Also how does the canister filter work

brentsreef · May 29, 2013

mochaclown said:
Shut up Brent I know what I am getting and eventually I will get a skimmer and HOB sump and skimmer so shut up

I'm trying to help you sorry if you don't like my opinion. I'm just telling you what's better for your tank. So if you would like to talk to me, feel free to pm me.

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cdness · May 29, 2013

Is this a fish only tank or are you going reef?

If it is a fish only tank, go for the filter if you want to. It will require more maintenance than other equipment out there but it can be done as you are not as concerned about nitrates with a fish only tank...

If you are going reef, and especially SPS reef, do not get the canister filter. It will cause you nothing but issues and money out your pocket when you realize you should have just bought the skimmer in the first place. Just saying you will save some cash by buying the better stuff up front rather than buying something to get you by for awhile only to spend it again when it needs to be replaced...

Just mu $.02

mochaclown · May 29, 2013

Well its gonna be a fish only with live rock and I'm gonna eventually have a reef tank with some lps and mushrooms and zoas

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mochaclown · May 29, 2013

But I'm gonna have a fish only for a while

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cdness · May 29, 2013

OK, well if you are looking at a mixed reef in the future, I don't see why you would ever want a canister filter... A good skimmer will be the best way to keep your system as clean as possible to support the reef ecosystem. You don't want the buildup of nitrates in your rock when you move to a reef.

mochaclown · May 29, 2013

Ok so I can use the c3 for a fish only with live rock and then when I move to a reef tank I should get a sump and skimmer

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cdness · May 29, 2013

Yes and no... It sounds like you have already made your decision though and you are phishing for someone to agree with you...

You CAN use anything you want to whether or not it is recommended or not. In the end it is your choice, but you need to keep the livestock's life in mind when making this decision...

If you use the C3 for now, you will end up with built up nitrates in your tank which is not good for any coral. This can take invasive steps to correct which can include acid bathing the rocks and starting the cycle over again. I don't know why you would ever want to risk this...

If a reef is in the future you should go with the skimmer up-front so you start with reef capable equipment instead of cutting corners from the start. Your corals will thank you for it and so will your pocketbook...