Purchasing an aquarium tank is one thing; it is another thing to start looking for a much-needed filtration system that lives up to your expectations. In the hunt for a good filter system, you may have considered getting the Fluval G3 or FX4 – both which we will compare in this review.
Cleaning up an aquarium is among the things that is so tiring about owning it, but it is a task that must be done – otherwise, you will end up with a smelly and murky tank that you do not want to look at. Getting a high-quality filtration system will take out the tiring task of cleaning up your tank manually, but looking for one can prove intimidating if you do not know where to begin your search.
Canister filters are among the most versatile filtration systems you can find, and Fluval specializes in making them. The G3 is a good pick for a small or medium-size aquarium, while the FX4 is great for larger aquariums; we will discuss most of their distinctions in the next sections.
Contents
What are the differences between the Fluval G3 and FX4?
Fluval G3 | Fluval FX4 |
|
|---|---|---|
Dimensions (in inches) | 10 x 10 x 9 inches | 16.5 x 15.7 x 15.7 inches |
Aquarium capacity | 80 to 100 US Gallons | 250 US Gallons |
Pump output | 340 US Gallons per hour | 700 US Gallons per hour |
Maximum head height | 6.1 feet | 6.9 feet |
Filter circulation | 185 US Gallons per hour | 450 US Gallons per hour |
Wattage | 18W | 30W |
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Fluval G3 vs. FX4 – How do they compare?
Aquarium capacity
The Fluval G3 and FX4 are impressive filters, considering their sizes. In the case of the G3, you can use it in a tank that has a capacity of between 80 and 100 Gallons, and its efficiency allows it to be popular in its user base. On the other hand, the FX4 can take on a capacity of 250 gallons, although you can put it in a smaller aquarium after making some adjustments to its flow rates and design.
Both filters use a self-priming technique to make cleanups easier, but keep in mind that the G3 has a noisier operation compared to the FX4. In terms of capacity, the FX4 is a better choice as it can handle both smaller and larger aquariums without any issue.
Filter circulation
The filtration rate for the G3 is lower than the FX4, but this is understandable due to its capacity. It filters your water about 2 times every hour, and can regulate up to 185 gallons per hour, metrics that are quite impressive despite its size.
On the other hand, the flow rate of the FX4 is significantly powerful, coming at 450 gallons per hour. If you plan on adding it to a tank that has some slow-moving fish or organisms, you will need to adapt its speed such as through attaching a filter sponge to its nozzles, angling it on the tank’s sides, slightly closing its output valve, or adding a spray bar. Considering this, the FX4 is our preferred choice for its more powerful mechanism that remains flexible enough to adjust in different aquarium environments.
Fluval G3 vs. FX4 – A comparison review
Fluval G3
This is a filter that uses advanced monitoring mechanisms to clean your aquarium water. It is an ideal option for smaller tanks because it will not take up as much space. Its best feature is that you will not need to pump water out of the tank when using it, because it has a priming mechanism that you activate through a push button, and this will empty the tank.
It is easy to control the whole filtration process, since you can do so with the system’s touch screen. You can also use three filtration media – mechanical, chemical, and biological, depending on your tank’s needs. The filter is compact, easy to access, and durable, and works equally well for saltwater and freshwater environments.
Pros
- The use of a self-priming system allows for easy drainage of water
- Compact design
- Easy touch-screen accessibility
- Shows you plenty of water parameters
- Includes mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration mechanisms
Cons
- Quite heavy
- Noisy during filtration
Fluval FX4
The Fluval FX4 is a great product that comes in a great design. It is quite lightweight in contrast to the G3, but still functions as a heavy-duty and robust option that can last for a long time and works well for all aquarium sizes. Its design may not blow you away because it emphasizes simplicity, but it is definitely going to grow on you with its elegance.
Setting it up in your aquarium is very easy, although it is good to note that you should make sure all its connections are secure to avoid the chances of potential leaking. Similar to the G3, it also includes a self-priming mechanism, making cleaning your tank easier and less hassling.
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Its high flow rate and self-priming cleans your tank very well
- Easy to set up and maintain
- Its smart pump tweaks improve its performance over time
- Quiet operation
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Pricey
- Its included hose tanks may be unsuitable for some aquariums
Conclusion
The G3 and FX4 are both powerful and compact canister filters that will work efficiently for your tank, with the G3 working best in smaller tanks and the FX4 being more versatile in its tank capacities.
Verdict: So, which is better? The Fluval G3 or FX4?
Overall, the Fluval FX4 is the better choice because it packs plenty of punch, works quietly, and its lightweight design allows for easy setup and removal when you need to do so. It will also include plenty of setup options for media filters depending on your tank’s needs, and its flexibility is a plus to look forward to.
FAQs
Is there anything to look out for when using a canister filter?
You need to maintain them properly, but this is not a difficult task because they can allow you to change your filter media depending on your needs, and they are generally easy to remove and install.
Is the FX4 loud?
It has a quiet general operation, but it will be noisy when evacuating air from itself, which happens after every 12 hours, with the process lasting around 2 minutes.
