Fluval U4 filter in an 80L tank

[AngelDreams]

Hi

I bought a Fluval U4 filter for an 80L tank...will it be ok ?

Well, there's no such thing as overfiltering- as in, you cannot have 'too much' filter media, because you will get the amount of bacteria that you need. But the flow might be too strong.

But the main reason I wouldn't want a U4 is because the U series is crap- I have a U2 and I hate it. Unfortunately I didn't find out until after I'd had it for a while, but small fish get stuck in the gap between the filter and the glass. The customer service is shite too, if you complain they just ignore you until you give up. Any chance you can return it and swap it for an Eheim?

oh bugger - it had really good reviews on Amazon, and rather good on Pets at home....

I haven't got around to my scathing Amazon review yet, I must get it done. If you google U4 fish getting stuck then you might find a few hits. Of course it depends on the size of the fish so you might be OK. You can always modify it by sticking a bit of sponge in the gap so the fish can't get in. Really Fluval ought to change the design but they won't because it will cost them ££££.

Well, its in, its amazingly quiet, fish seem quite happy - not cleaned it yet - waiting to build up some good bacteria

where do they get stuck? (not seen it yet)

Mine were getting stuck between the glass and the filter- there's a space for them to swim in downwards but no space to turn around or stick their fins out to swim backwards. So you have to pull the filter away from the glass to get them out. If any fish disappear, check there!

The previous Fluval filter had a space both ends of the clip, my peacock gobies used to spawn in the gap.

Thansk I'll keep an eye out