Fluval Number 106 External Filter

After many years tolerating an internal filter I researched heavily into external filters (You Tube etc.) and found this a perfect fit for my 100 litre cold water tank. I also bought the spray bar which I found essential to stop the plants being dislodged by the fast flow from a single outlet. Also purchased extra filter material to reduce cleaning. First six weeks water became crystal clear. Don't be put off by reviews about the noise - this is easily avoided if you follow the instructions exactly. Do be careful to only cut the tubes once you are happy with the location of the filter. Also be aware that if you have a lid on your tank you may have to cut larger holes to accommodate the inlet and outlet tubes (I used a hacksaw). It's easy to clean using the valve stop to disconnect the water. And do remember to only rinse the filter media and the parts of the unit in water from the tank itself, not tap water. A great piece of kit with much thought put into the design and construction.

Great filter and easy to set up. I find it completely quiet and have to put a finger onto the intake or output pipe to feel for vibration to know that it is actually working. Other reviewers points about noise - if there is any air trapped in the system this can cause running noise. Something I hadn't expected was to have to cut the intake tube as it was longer than I expected (my tank is quite shallow mind you). The tube must have been about 25cm before cutting (a very easy operation). I am very pleased with the new 06 range - I have a 305 in another tank that is as good today as when I got it 5 years ago but this 106 seems even sturdier. It goes without saying that the water is crystal clear.

This is a really well made Filter. I have to admit to being surprised how large the whole unit is. That said I'm well pleased with the instructions explain in simple steps how to assemble and get the Filter installed. It's very quiet and extremely efficient. I did purchase the Sprinkler bar which had no installation instructions, and left to connect it up using my own initiative, I wondered if the elbow coupler is intended to be used as I installed it. All in all this Filter and the spare filters which can be purchased for future use will definitely do the cleaning job I bought it to do without any problems.

I have always hated internal filters because they take up so much space in the aquarium. That's why I love this filter as only the intake and outlet are in the tank. It reasonably quite but does make some wired ratterly noises when first setting up the filter, these stop very quickly though when you burp and prime the filter properly. The reason I only gave it 4 stars was the reason of the plug. It is one of the plugs that's would be on you're electric toothbrush, luckily I had an adapter.

This filter is amazing and would highly recommend it. It is very easy to install and once installed very easy to clean the filter. The only gripe I have is that the inlet and outlet (which is in the tank) cannot be removed for cleaning. To clean the filter simply turn off the pump and the hoses have a shut off valve for easy removal so you can clean it. Make sure you do not remove to top off the filter until you either have in the sink or have removed some of the water or you will make a mess. Also when cleaning the filter it's worth opening the pipes up and empty some water from the tank through them into a bucket. This ensures there is no dirty water left in the pipes.

Bought this to replace a Fluval U2 which was awful. Having had an external filter in the past I thought it was a good idea to get this to save messing around in my tank when doing maintenance. The filter is advertised as being "silent" and most reviews back this up. However, after installation as per the instructions when I fired this thing up I was alarmed at how loud it was. An awful mains like hum and a rattling impeller. The impeller noise didn't worry me too much as I know impellers quieten down as air is passed through the system and slime builds up inside the unit that lubricates. But the hum was what really bothered me. I tried tilting sideways, upside down, shaking, disassembly, re-assembly, impeller removal, check, clean refit, switch on and off, re-prime but the noise was so bad it could be heard in the next room! The filter is a nice design and appears to be well made. Maybe I've been unlucky but for me this thing was unusable. Sounded like a little generator! After my experience with the Fluval U2 and now this I'm not buying Fluval again.

Have used for 7 months, Not recommended unless you have very few fish. Several issues... 1) Poor pressure/Flow rate, this leads to buildups in the ribbed hoses and eventually flow so bad the tanks starts to stagnate. 2) Subpar filtration for a tank of half the rated size (50L). 3) Poor clamping mechanism for lid, had it pop open once and then had to youtube the "fix" for better clamping.Filter sits in another tank under the other just because I do not trust it. 4) Terrible priming, the FX6 I have self primes, this one I fill the filter full and then still spending 5-10 mins priming. 5) Spray bar Whistled, no idea what that was about but I bout the Fluval Spray Bar Kit and it whistled even submerged so have never used. I like Fluval but frankly I'll stick to the FX range. I could handle all of the above if it just had decent pressure but it does not, it's flow rate is very low.

tengo una pecera de 300l alargada y necesito un filtro en cada lado. Ya tengo el modelo 206 que va fantástico y compré este para sustituir el antiguo eheim. Filtra estupendamente, sin ruido y es fácil de instalar.

Après 7 ans d’utilisation j’ai racheté le même modèle, efficace et facile d’installation. J’ai des tortues. A noter que initialement le modèle est silencieux, le mien ronronne légèrement peut être lié à un léger défaut de fabrication. A part cela, je le recommande vivement pour le prix, efficacité

First of all, I would like to thanks amazon for the discount on shipping costs, it is a pleasure to make purchases like this. Now, the review. I have a small (+/-40L) aquarium with a few guppies, corydoras, plants and a huge piece of wood. I was using 2 internal filters, but the water was still very dark (brownish from the wood) and was starting to show up some signs of algae, now...its clear like tap water. The filter is installed under the aquarium, in a Kallax shelf from IKEA, but I have to pull the book shelf forward because the Aqua-Stop Valves wouldnt fit in the shelf (they do not turn). I had a few problems at the first start since the filter stoped sending/pushing water, and it was making a little noise, but after that it stoped doing the noise and it is working like a swiss watch. The filter is very, very, very quiet, and very easy to assemble. When i upgrade my tank, probably I would buy a 2nd unit. I couldnt be happier.

Without too much detail, this is a solid unit that works right away. One and DONE until next month!!! Just FOLLOW the instructions and even visit the Fluval website for helpful videos. Be sure the O-ring is in the proper position (the unit should fully close and seal - I had initially put it in the wrong groove and spilled water by accident.) Shortlist of the best: Easy startup- be sure to use the primer properly and not turn on the unit until you clear most of the air. Excellent system to allow custom placement - the pump has a lift limit of 4.5 ft. and plenty of hose to reach that limit. Solid construction initial coarse foam chamber has excellent flow 2 Media trays for bio, floss, and chemical filtration Excellent construction of inlet and sprayer to allow full cleaning! runs nice and Quietly!!!

Bit pricey, but worth every penny.As it s from hagen, built quality is really nice. works like a charm. Absolutely silent motor operation that u won't feel also. Flow rate s also good. Keeps my aquarium water crystal clear.Highly recommend to anyone who s in the hobby. Abt delivery arrived late coz of courier service. N seller response is Good. Packaging needs to be improved by the seller. But I m pretty happy with the purchase..