Fluval 307 vs 407: Which Is Better For You?
There are many canister filters available in the market. Fluval itself has so many options available. But which is right for you?
Confused between Fluval 307 vs 407?
The Fluval 407 has higher capacity, better pump performance, and most importantly, more filter circulation. It is because of the bigger size and higher power consumption of the 407. The Fluval 307 is smaller, cheaper, and does everything aptly for its size.
This is just the gist of the differences between the two canister filters. There is so much more you can know. And we have everything right in this article.
Fluval 307 vs 407-General Overview
The Fluval 307 and 407 are two different products in the same product line. But they are not the same. The table should give you an idea about their differences.
| Differences | Fluval 307 | Fluval 407 |
| Capacity | 90-330 L | 150-500 L |
| Pump Performance | 1150 L/h | 1450 L/h |
| Filter Circulation | 780 L/h | 930 L/h |
| Size | 9.5 x 7 x 16.5” | 9.5 x 7 x 19.3” |
| Power Consumption | 16 Watts | 23 Watts |
| Packaging | Basic | Two extra charcoal bags, |
| Warranty | 3 year limited warranty | 3 year limited warranty |
This is just an overview comparing the two products.
In-depth Comparison Between Fluval 307 and 407
When comparing the Fluval 307 with the 407, there is so much you need to know. This section will give you a detailed overview of everything.
Capacity
The size of your fish tank is one of the first considerations you’ll make when choosing an aquarium. Different fish require various tank sizes. Most cannot flourish in tanks too small for their species.
Once you’ve chosen the size of your tank, you’ll have to select a filter capable of handling it. The capacity of a filter is the largest aquarium it can adequately filter.
The Fluval 307 has a capacity of 40-70 Gal or 90-330 L. The Fluval 407, on the other hand, has a capacity of 50-100 Gal or 150-500 L.
A filter that is too tiny will not be able to manage the waste generated by the fish. A filter that is too big just wastes energy.
Winner: There is no particular winner for this round. The capacity you need depends on your aquarium’s size. So any of the two can be good for you.
Pump Performance
Canister’s pump performance is a little tricky to understand. It is the volume of water the pump section of the filter can move. It is specific to when entirely unconstrained by filter material. The pump output is measured in gallons per hour (Gal/h) or liters per hour (L/h).
The Fluval 307 has a pump performance of 303 US Gal/h or 1150 L/h. The Fluval 407, on the other hand, has a pump performance of 383 US Gal/h or 1450 L/h.
Winner: The winner of this section is the Fluval 407. It is because the pump performance of that canister is better than that of the 307.
Filter Circulation
Filter circulation is also measured in gallons per hour or liters per hour. It relates to the volume of water that the filter can move when the proper filter material is used.
One of the most crucial factors to consider when purchasing a new filter is filter circulation. It’s important to understand your filter’s pump performance. Because you will almost certainly never have to operate your filter without filter media.
This is the reason filter circulation is so much more important than pump performance. So what is the most reliable indicator of how well your filter will operate in your home aquarium? Well, it is the filter circulation rate.
The Fluval 307 has a filter circulation rate of 206 US Gal/h or 780 L/h. The Fluval 407’s rate is 245 US Gal/h or 930 L/h.
Winner: The winner of this round is the Fluval 407. This is because it has a higher filter circulation rate. And we already mentioned how important this aspect is.
Size
Canister filters are often housed beneath an aquarium. They aren’t commonly tied to the aquarium due to their size and strength.
Some of you just have a little amount of room beneath your fish tank. It’s critical to know the size of your new canister filter. Or else you might get something that will not fit in the spot.
The Fluval 307 measures 9.5 x 7 x 16.5″ or 24 x 18 x 42 cm. On the other hand, the Fluval 407 is 9.5 x 7 x 19.3″ or 24 x 18 x 49 cm.
The only difference in dimension is in the height of the canister filters. So both of the canister filters will take up the same amount of space in the ground. But the Fluval 407 is taller and will require more headroom.
Winner: The winner of this round is the Fluval 307. It is because of its lower height. So it will be able to fit in more compact spaces, where the 407 might not fit.
Power Consumption
Your canister filter will be running 24/7. So cannot run your aquarium without the filter. So power consumption of such items that run for prolonged periods is a huge factor.
A canister filter with a higher power draw will consume more electricity. That in turn will rack up your electricity bill. Higher power consumption may lead to more heating as well.
The Fluval 407 is bigger and more capable than the Fluval 307. So naturally, the 407 requires more power.
The Fluval 407 requires 23 watts. So How many watts is Fluval 307? The 307 only needs 16 watts.
So you can run both of the canister filters for the same amount of time. But the Fluval 307 will require significantly less energy than the Fluval 407. So running the Fluval 307 is cheaper as well.
Winner: The Fluval 307 wins this round due to having significantly less power draw. But remember that the higher power draw of the Fluval 407 is because of its higher performance.
Packaging
Now this section is about what you get right out of the box. Of course, you will get the canister filters themselves. But what else do you get?
Both of the canister filters come out of the box with months worth of supplies. Both will come with 6-months worth of supplies
Here is what you can expect to see while unboxing the Fluval 307:
- 12 x Carbon 100 g
- 6 x Quick Clear Polishing Pads
- 12 x Phosphate Remover Pad
Now the Fluval 407 comes with two extra bags of charcoal or carbon.
Winner: The winner of this round is the Fluval 407 because it comes with more right out of the box.
Warranty
All electronics have the risk of malfunctioning. So a warranty helps ease the mind and gives you reassurance.
Both of the canister filters in the discussion are from the same company, Fluval. They are just different products in the same product series.
So you can expect to get the same warranty and service from both of the canister filters. Both of them come with a base warranty of 3 years.
This warranty will repair or replace non-replaceable and non-serviceable items. The warranty excludes wear and tear components such as the impeller assembly and motor seal ring. The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear or items that have not been properly or appropriately maintained.
Winner: This round is a draw. Both canister filters have the same warranty policies.
Price
Price is a significant factor when it comes to making any purchase decision. So let us see which of the two canister filters is more budget-friendly.
The price of the Fluval 307 gph is around $185. While the Fluval 407 costs around $220.
So just based on the price tag, the Fluval 307 is quite a bit cheaper. The cost of operating the 307 is also less as it has a lower power consumption.
But the higher price tag of the Fluval 407 might be justified. The 407 has more power and is more capable.
Winner: purely based on the price, the winner of this round is the Fluval 307.
Verdict
Both the Fluval 307 and the 407 are excellent options. The choice boils down to what you need in your aquarium.
If you have a bigger aquarium, with more space, then go for the Fluval 407. But if your aquarium is smaller, then go for the Fluval 307.
FAQs
What Size Tank Is A Fluval 407 For?
The Fluval 407 is best for tanks with a volume of 50 to 100 gallons. But the exact number will depend on the size as well as the content of the aquarium. But if your aquarium is around 50 to 100 gallons, then you can get a Fluval 407 without any worry.
Is Fluval 307 Quiet?
Yes, the Fluval 307 is quite quiet. Even though the canister filter offers great performance, it does not produce much sound while working. But make sure the 307 is working in an appropriate environment. Overworking it may produce noises.
Is Fluval A Good Filter?
Yes, Fluval filters are quite good. Fluval filters are one of the top-selling filters in the world. It speaks for the quality of the filters themselves. They also offer filters for all different sizes of aquariums. Get the right filter for your aquarium and you won’t have to worry for years.
Conclusion
And with that, we know so much more about Fluval 307 vs 407. Both are excellent choices.
The final choice comes down to your needs and your aquarium’s size.
Good luck!
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