Just thought I'd ask if anyone else finds fluval filters hard to clean. I have a fluval 3 (old type) and a fluval 4 plus. I dread every time I have to clean the filters, even though there are indentions and parts that indicate where to take them apart, I always end up trying to prise them apart with a knife............on advice from someone else I bought a magic-jet filter and do not have the problem with this one, it just comes apart easily. Is it just me or does everyone have this problem. I am seriously thinking of getting rid of them and just buying the equivalent in Magic-jet filters

Hi

Although you're talking about Fluval internal filters, lot's of people complain that the externals/canisters are difficult to maintain - although personally I don't think they are.

I also have Fluval internals on some tanks - a 1 plus and a couple of 3 plus's and again, I've never had a problem with them.

To release the powerhead/pump section hold it firmly with one hande and gently squeeze the bendy clips on the casing with the other and it should just pull off.

You can then remove the impeller and rinse it off and clean out the impeller shaft and the outflow nozzle.

Next, take the actual filter body - hold those clips again with one hand and at the bottom there should be two raised bits with arrows pointing downwards, just pull those and the media holders should just come away. You're right, it is a tight fit but that's to keep the suction - if you pull hard in one go it should release.

Rinse out the main plastic body, take the two halves of the media holders apart, rinse the media and the holders, and put it all together again.

If you hold the clips as I described the filter should come apart quite easily (on the "plus" models) As for the older internal model I'm not so sure of that one, as it was yonks since I had one, but I know you can download an instruction manual from the hagen.com website though - that may help with maintenace.

Overall, I've found that for what you pay the Fluval internals work very well - but if you find another brand you prefer then that's fine too - you want to have something you have confidence in and are happy with after all

I have a fluval 2 plus, they're easy to clean, but its hard to make them sink

I hated my Fluval hard to clean hard to start up. I have a Rena Pro 3 and I just love it worth every penny. Easy to start up lots of room for media and just all around great.
I prefer HOB but since I needed more filteration and had no more room really for a HOB I got this one and really like it.

I have a fluval 3+ internal filter and i must admit it was tricky to clean when i first got it. am used to it now and it pops open quite easily.