Author's product rating: 
| Advantages: |
cheap, easy installation and maintanence |
| Disadvantages: |
media is expensive |
| Recommend to potential buyers: |
yes |
When I got my new tank I decided to do something different with it, I wanted to keep tropical fish instead of goldfish and the tank was going to be decorated and on display, so I wanted to keep it free from "space wasting" internal filters.
After browsing the internet for ages, looking at the prices of sump filters, I decided I did not want to part with so much money and so began looking at Canister Filters.
I came across the fluval 204 and liked it. I read reviews on it and decide to go for it, mainly because it was cheap and boasted a higher turnover rate compared to other model on the market.
**What You Get For Your Money**
I was impressed when I removed the filter form its packaging it looked modern and well made. Also it looks tidy and clean.
It came with a foam wall (a plastic frame with a foam insert), which the water has to pass through.
And then the water goes up into the media baskets (three of them), the top one has a smaller basket whih sit in and divides the top compartment into two setions (vertically).
There is flexability in the media thet you choose to go in the filter, the media included being two bags of ceramic rings (biological), two bags of fine grade caebon (chemical) and the foam wall (mechanical).
All the pipework needed is included, apart from a spray bar and venturi for the return pipe, there is however a horizontal flow adapter.
The pump unit has a ceramic impellor which is supposed to last longer than a plastic one (but it's fragile so be careful with it). It also has a priming mechanism which you pull the handle up and down to prime the filter (this is very useful and is a time saving device).
**Installation**
Installation is relatively simple, however you should take your time to think about things like cutting the pipe as mistakes can be easily made.
I did not have any instructions included in mine and so had to download them from Hagens website.
the instructiosn are easy to understand and have a lot of diagrams to help you.
**The Advantages**
Cheap to run - 6watts consuption. This will cost £5 a year to run constantly.
Extremely Quiet - you wont even know its running.
Ease of maintanance - quick, easy maintance with minimum amount of effort and mess.
Easy to setup
**What Do I Think Of It**
I think it is a really good product that does its job really well. I would recommend it to anyone and it is also within reach of those on a budget.
A really good filter. You will be pleasantly pleased with it.
| More Reviews |
 fluval 204 canister filter
Review of Hagen Fluval 204 (680 L/Hr)200L Tank by
lukmek
Advantages: cheap, sturdy
Disadvantages: hose connection, expensive media
This canister external filter has been on the market for few years now, replacing the old 203.
Very cheap to buy and the quality of the unit is very good.
the main pump is located in the lid and the impeller is easily replaced if in need of a new one.( after 2 years the original one is still going well)
the hose connection are a little bit down on quality.
it's a bit complicater to screw in the hose pipe and you need a certain degree of patience, ...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful |
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somewhat helpful
09.02.2003
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This product has not yet been reviewed. 
