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Fluval FX4 High Performance Canister Aquarium Filter - Multi-Stage Filtration, Built-In Powered Water Change System, and Basket-In-Basket Tray Design

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 5,067 ratings

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FX4

Purchase options and add-ons

Brand Fluval
Product Grade Performance Part
Item Weight 0.4 Kilograms
Style Canister

About this item

  • Enhanced Performance: Multi-stage filter pumps out 700 US Gal (2,650 L) of water per hour, with the patented Smart Pump advanced microchip technology continuously monitoring and optimizing pump performance.
  • Self-Starting: Just add water, plug in and Smart Pump technology will take over. Any trapped air is auto-evacuated every 12 hours to ensure maximum efficiency.
  • Multi-functional Utility Valve: Drain at the base makes it possible to empty the canister and perform seamless water changes by draining and refilling water directly from it. Convenient lid-mounted hosing clips offers clean storage when not in use.
  • 4-Stage Filtration: Four removable filter baskets eliminate water bypass and hold up to 1 US Gal (3.9 L) of media: mechanical, chemical, and biological. These baskets enable you to stack in the precise combination that will work best for your aquarium.
  • Compact and Quiet Design: FX4 canister filter stands 16.5” (42 cm) tall and easily fits under most aquariums. Unidirectional impeller has fewer mechanical joints for reduced noise. Rubber feet reduce vibration and add stability.

Customer ratings by feature

Sheerness
4.5 4.5
Suction power
4.4 4.4
Noise level
4.4 4.4
Value for money
4.4 4.4

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From the manufacturer

-

Fluval FX4High Performance Aquarium Canister Filter

About

Building on the mighty FX performance and reliability platform, the FX4 high performance canister filter is a compact 'little brother' to the FX6. The FX4 bridges the gap between the Fluval 406 and the FX6 canister filter, making it an ideal choice for aquariums up to 1000 L (250 US Gal).

Key Features

  • Multi-stage filter pumps out 2650 L (700 US Gal) of water per hour
  • Smart Pump advanced microchip technology continuously monitors and optimizes pump performance
  • Self-starting – Just add water, plug in and Smart Pump will take over. Trapped air auto-evacuated every 12 hours to ensure maximum efficiency
  • Easy water changes eliminate need to lift heavy buckets. Simply attach hosing to output and Smart Pump does the rest

  • Removable, stackable media baskets eliminate water bypass and hold a total of 3.9 L (1 US Gal) of media
  • All filter media included - mechanical, chemical and biological
  • Aqua-Stop valves with leak-proof Click-Fit attachment system
  • Valves positioned at convenient 45-degree angle for easy installation and rotation
  • Multi-directional output nozzles can be fully adjusted to create customized water flows

  • Rubberized feet help ensure quiet operation 
  • Compact 41.9 cm (16.5 in) tall design - easily fits under most aquariums
  • Made in Italy 
  • For use in freshwater and saltwater aquariums
  • Utility Valve with drain hose for easy maintenance and flushing of canister
  • Anti-clog, telescopic strainer ensures continuous water flow

Product guides and documents

Looking for specific info?

Product details

  • Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
  • Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.6 x 15.6 x 17.7 inches; 14.11 ounces
  • Manufacturer recommended age ‏ : ‎ 1 month and up
  • Item model number ‏ : ‎ A214
  • Date First Available ‏ : ‎ July 17, 2016
  • Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp.
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00N45GLZQ
  • Country of Origin ‏ : ‎ Italy
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 5,067 ratings

Product Description

Fluval FX4 is a high performance canister filter with many outstanding features designed to make aquarium fish keeping easier and more convenient than ever. This super capacity yet compact canister filter has a pump output of 700 gallons of water and has a filter circulation of 450 GPH, which both work to produce cleaner and healthier results. Filtering material can easily be placed in a removable stack of media baskets, which is at the heart of Fluval's multistage filtration. The baskets are precision-engineered to eliminate water by-pass, making filtration more efficient. The baskets can hold a total of 1 gallon of media and can be stacked in the precise combination of layers that will work best for your aquarium. Each one is lined with a foam insert for effective mechanical pre-filtering. Instant-release T-handles let you lift and separate the baskets quickly and easily, making routine maintenance simpler. FX4 also features Smart Pump Technology, which provides optimal filter performance. This advanced technological feature employs an electronic circuit board that continually monitors the pump. Impeller speed and force are constantly measured to ensure powerful output and energy efficiency. It also manages the filter's self-starting feature and evacuates air that may enter or build up within the filtration system. On a 12-hour cycle, the pump will pause and allow trapped air to escape, ensuring the best filtration efficiency. Only 16.5 inches in height, FX4 fits under most aquariums.
Fluval first broke onto the aquatic scene in 1975 by introducing the world’s first 3-stage filter with synchronous motor technology. Since then, Fluval has built a legacy around this pioneering spirit, relentlessly adapting in a changing world to launch innovative aquarium products. Fluval’s mission is not just about building products that mimic the natural world, but inspiring aquarists of all skill levels to enjoy and respect the hobby for generations to come.

Important information

Directions

Use as directed on packaging

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
5,067 global ratings

Customers say

Customers like the ease of cleaning, appearance and clarity of the pet supplies. For example, they mention that it helps reduce frequency of cleaning and that it has a great design. They appreciate the clarity and noise level of the water. Opinions are mixed on value.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

318 customers mention226 positive92 negative

Customers like the quality of the pet supplies. They mention that it works well to keep their tank crystal clear, is powerful enough to suck the waste off the bottom, and is reliable. Some say that the filters are well made and easy to operate shutoff valves.

"...3. Starts instantly and runs like a dream.4. Reliable - I've been running an FX5 continuously for 7 years; and an FX6 for 5 years...." Read more

"...That's it.The performance is amazing - the modular design of bucket within bucket allows for a huge amount of volume in a fairly compact..." Read more

"...The hoses are beefy and very stiff, which is the only troubling issue that I'm dealing with...." Read more

"...The fx5 is very good, best filter I have owned.Flow rate is important, but also is volume. These fx6/fx4 are huge...." Read more

185 customers mention161 positive24 negative

Customers like the noise level of the pet supplies. They mention that the motor runs completely silent and is nearly vibration free.

"...Then when you put it back together, the smart pump is not only quiet but it also makes super easy to prime - just plug it in. That's it...." Read more

"...At some point I realized that the filter WAS running and is just whisper quiet. I mean unbelievably quiet for the size of the thing...." Read more

"...Very quietGood flow through aquarium... can be a negativeI use mine on a 75g tank, and a sand substrate...." Read more

"Product is quiet, suction seems to be working good...." Read more

179 customers mention161 positive18 negative

Customers like the filter. They mention it's an excellent, well-known external canister filter that keeps water crystal clear. Some say that it'll be quiet when properly maintained. Overall, most are satisfied with the filter's performance and recommend it to others.

"...2. Moves a lot of water, and keeps the tank sparkling.3. Starts instantly and runs like a dream.4...." Read more

"...The fx5 is very good, best filter I have owned.Flow rate is important, but also is volume. These fx6/fx4 are huge...." Read more

"...and has kept my over crowded 55gal aquarium clean and healthy with filter maintenance every two weeks...." Read more

"...PositiveYou can take the entire filtration system out and clean it..." Read more

154 customers mention129 positive25 negative

Customers find the filter easy to set up and to prime. They say the instructions are great and the filter is fast to set-up. Customers also mention that the filter has a self-priming solution and runs gracefully.

"...After those experiences, the FX5/6 were such a joy. They're simple to assemble, and they prime immediately...." Read more

"...together, the smart pump is not only quiet but it also makes super easy to prime - just plug it in. That's it...." Read more

"...(no where near as good as the older Magnums, but very easy to service)...." Read more

"...Instructions are great if you have a small glass aquarium with straight sides. But then why then would you need this moose of a filter?..." Read more

134 customers mention111 positive23 negative

Customers like the ease of cleaning the filter. They say it keeps their aquarium perfectly clean, helps reduce frequency of cleaning, and is easy to use and clean. Customers also mention that the motor and impeller are relatively easy to remove and clean, and the water remained pure clean for over 2 months.

"...No poop water splashing everywhere, no mess. It's a great design...." Read more

"Little pricey, but well worth it! Easy to clean and it handles the turtle that is messy.! Highly recommend this pump." Read more

"Been using now for two months and has kept my over crowded 55gal aquarium clean and healthy with filter maintenance every two weeks...." Read more

"...Keeps the tank sparkling clean, Ammonia/nitrites at zero, and Nitrates are 10ppm after a couple months of use..." Read more

101 customers mention96 positive5 negative

Customers are satisfied with the clarity of the water in their aquarium after using the FX6 filter and pump. They mention that the water looks crystal clear and is spectacular.

"...full, how I did it still not sure, but when it happened, outflow was nice and steady...." Read more

"...The next morning (about 14 hours) it was crystal clear. I cannot take my eyes off it. The tank is beautiful...." Read more

"...I use mine on a 75g tank, and a sand substrate. The flow is so nice that all the detritus ends up in the canister, and I never have to gravel vac..." Read more

"I have a 130 gallon fish tank and the water is so clear it looks like glass. Best filter I have ever brought...." Read more

51 customers mention42 positive9 negative

Customers like the appearance of the pet supplies. They mention it looks good, has a better design, and is a much more elegant solution compared to fiddling around with a siphon. They also appreciate the media trays and the tank mounts for the hoses. Overall, customers are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.

"...No poop water splashing everywhere, no mess. It's a great design...." Read more

"...It’s easy to set up and use, quite and there are many options available for different media and filters to be used...." Read more

"...cichlids for 15 years, I like the Malawi Mbuna because they are colorful and easy to keep but they do produce a large amount of detritus and are..." Read more

"...The directions are quite clear and very specific with plenty of illustrations...." Read more

116 customers mention68 positive48 negative

Customers are mixed about the value of the filter. Some mention that it's worth the price, and will save them money on fish. However, others say that it is a bit pricey and awfully spendy for a plastic piece.

"...This filter is definitely worth the money, you shouldn't be disappointed." Read more

"...6. Expensive. It just is. That's a lot of money to drop on a filter. But I think it's well spent...." Read more

"...As we know, turtles are very dirty, this filter is phenomenal. So worth the money. My previous filter was a Flavill 307 which also was great...." Read more

"...However, there is a lot to love about the Fluval FX6. The price is much cheaper...." Read more

Fluval FX6
5 Stars
Fluval FX6
This filter is amazing! I use this filter for turtles. As we know, turtles are very dirty, this filter is phenomenal. So worth the money. My previous filter was a Flavill 307 which also was great. But this just amazing job.My turtles only spend half the season inside the house. The other half outside. which means I will probably not have to change this filter until it’s time to put them outdoors in the spring!This filter is quite large, I will have to rearrange my tank area set up. But so worth it!The ease of putting this together was great. My favorite part is it primes itself! This was half the battle with my other Fluval.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2024
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2023
11 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2024
Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2018
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5.0 out of 5 stars Moves a lot of water; Rock-solid construction.
Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2018
I bought an FX5 in 2011. Seven years later it is still running like brand-new.
I bought an FX6 in 2013. Five years later . . . .like brand new.

I've been keeping fish for more than 25 years. During that time I've used many different types of canister and HOB filters. My main recollection with previous canisters was the rage and frustration of priming them, fitting finicky rubber gaskets, dozens of fussy parts. . . After those experiences, the FX5/6 were such a joy. They're simple to assemble, and they prime immediately.

Nothing is perfect, so here are pros and cons to help the prospective buyer:

PROS:
1. Huge capacity. Imagine a 4-gallon bucket filled with media, with a powerful motor in the lid.
2. Moves a lot of water, and keeps the tank sparkling.
3. Starts instantly and runs like a dream.
4. Reliable - I've been running an FX5 continuously for 7 years; and an FX6 for 5 years. I've never once had any repair issues or problems of any kind. The only maintenance I do is clean or change the media as needed.

CONS (and these would probably be better described as "things to consider before getting one").

1. Powerful enough to suck up fish. In my 120g, I previously had jewel cichlids. They spawned, and whenever I would clean the filter I would find babies inside. Again, this is not a defect, this is just a cautionary note to be smarter than I was about where you use the filter. I currently have guppies in the 120g. They have hundreds of babies. Again, on any given day I'll find a dozen babies in the filter. (FWIW, you can adjust the flow, although I'd suggest that if you need reduced throughput, you might just get a smaller and cheaper filter).

2. It's heavy and awkward. Hey, it's a 4-gallon-ish bucket filled with water and filter media. It's heavy. As another reviewer noted, I have to heave it out of the cabinet and haul it outside to maintain it.

3. You may need to tinker with the selection and placement of filter media. A Google search will yield multiple hits from people who have suggestions and opinions on the topic. I may still be doing it wrong. From bottom to top I have a water polishing pad, two foam pads, and ceramic tubes. For some reason, the polishing pad gets saturated first, and ends up being the reason for reduced flow, while the others are only somewhat dirty. My tank is moderately planted, and I can go through perhaps 4-5 weeks between filter cleanings/media changes.

4. You'll want a towel when disconnecting the filter from the hoses for cleaning. I have not found a way to keep about half a cup of water from escaping whenever I disconnect.

5. It may take some elbow crease to depress the "buttons" (wrong term) to release the hose from the filter body. You have to depress them and lift the hose off, and sometimes it requires some effort.

6. Expensive. It just is. That's a lot of money to drop on a filter. But I think it's well spent. I imagine you're paying for a powerful and well-built motor. No other piece of aquarium equipment (excluding the tank, of course) has lasted me 7 years - let alone in like-new condition. I feel that I easily have another 7-plus years out of it.

Bottom line? I see no need to look for alternative filters for large tanks. I just bought a 300g aquarium, and when it arrives I will be furnishing it with another FX5 or FX6.
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215 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2024
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Sp
5.0 out of 5 stars Works incredibly well, maintenance is a breeze
Reviewed in Canada on March 7, 2024
Rafael ugarte
5.0 out of 5 stars Es un excelente filtro
Reviewed in Mexico on January 30, 2024
Nadya
5.0 out of 5 stars Hallelujah
Reviewed in Canada on December 25, 2023
Vicky
5.0 out of 5 stars Pepino de filtro con un nivel de ruido casi inapreciable.
Reviewed in Spain on March 19, 2023
Danny
5.0 out of 5 stars Beest van een filter
Reviewed in the Netherlands on December 19, 2021