Fluval 407 vs fx4: Find the Right One 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 407 vs fx4?
The Fluval FX4 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 FX4. The Fluval 407 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 407 vs fx4 : General Overview
The Fluval 407 and FX4 are two different products by the same company. But the canister filters themselves are not the same. The table should give you an idea about their differences.
| Differences | Fluval 407 | Fluval FX4 |
| Size | 9.5″ x 7″ x 19.3” | 15.75″ x 15.75″ x 16.5″ |
| Capacity | Up to 100 gallons | Up to 250 gallons |
| Pump Performance | 383 gallons per hour | 700 gallons per hour |
| Filter Circulation | 245 gallons per hour | 450 gallons per hour |
| Power Consumption | 23 W | 30 W |
This table paints a vague picture of fluval canister filter 407 vs fx4.
In-depth Comparison Between Fluval 407 and fx4
When comparing the Fluval 407 with the FX4, there is so much you need to know. This section will give you a detailed overview of everything.
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 407 size is 9.5 x 7 x 19.3″ or 24 x 18 x 49 cm. On the other hand, the Fluval FX4 is 15.75″ x 15.75″ x 16.5″ or 40 cm x 40 cm x 42 cm. So it is evident that the FX4 has a much bigger footprint.
Note that the dimensions do not tell the full story. The shape of the FX4 is quite different from the 407.
The Fluval FX4 has a circular shape. While the 407 has a cylindrical, tall structure. So best if you look at both of the items and then make the decision.
Winner: There is no winner in this round. The requirement of size and shape will vary from person to person.
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 407 has a capacity of 100 gallons. The Fluval FX4, on the other hand, has a capacity of up to 250 gallons.
So the Fluval FX4 is clearly a bigger hitter. It has almost 150% more performance than that of the Fluval 407. But bigger numbers always are not better.
A filter that is too tiny will not be able to manage the wastes generated by the fishes. 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 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 407 has a pump performance of 383 Gal/h or 1450 L/h. The Fluval FX4, on the other hand, has a pump performance of 700 Gal/h or 2650 L/h.
So when compared to Fluval 407, Fluval FX4 has a substantially greater flow rate. The pump of FX4 performs almost 80% better.
The higher flow might mean the Fluval fx4 too strong for some aquariums.
Winner: The winner of this section is the Fluval FX4. It is because the pump performance of that canister is better than that of the 407.
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 407 has a filter circulation rate of 245 Gal/h or 930 L/h. The Fluval FX4’s rate is 450 Gal/h or 1700 L/h.
The filter circulation of Fluval FX4 is 80% more than that of Fluval 407.
Winner: The winner of this round is the Fluval FX4. It is because it has a higher filter circulation rate. And we already mentioned how important this aspect is.
Power Consumption
Your canister filter will be running 24/7. So cannot run your aquarium without the filter. So, the 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 FX4 is bigger and more capable than the Fluval 407. So naturally, the FX4 requires more power.
The Fluval 407 requires 30 watts. Meanwhile, the 407 only needs 23 watts. Note that these numbers can change depending on the voltage and Hz of electricity.
So you can run both of the canister filters for the same amount of time. But the Fluval 407 will require significantly less energy than the Fluval FX4. So running the Fluval 407 is cheaper as well.
Winner: The Fluval 407 wins this round due to having significantly less power draw. But remember that the higher power draw of the Fluval FX4 is because of its higher performance.
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 407 is around $220. While the Fluval FX4 costs around $300.
So just based on the price tag, the Fluval 407 is quite a bit cheaper. The cost of operating the 407 is also less as it has a lower power consumption.
But the higher price tag of the Fluval FX4 might be justified. The FX4 has more power and is more capable.
Winner: purely based on the price, the winner of this round is the Fluval 407.
Verdict
Both the Fluval 407 and the FX4 are excellent options. You cannot go wrong with any of them as long as you keep your aquarium’s requirements in mind.
The Fluval FX4 offers a lot of bang for the buck. Though it is not significantly more expensive than the 407, the performance is significantly better. So get the FX4 if you can accommodate it in your aquarium.
But if your aquarium is not big enough for the FX4, the Fluval 407 is the way to go. It is an excellent canister filter.
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 the fluval FX4 loud?
The Fluval FX4 can sometimes get loud. But it happens for only 2 minutes every 12 hours. It only gets loud while exhausting air from itself. But the noise might be quite unpleasant, even if it’s for only 2 minutes.
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 407 vs FX4. Both are excellent choices, you cannot go wrong with any of them.
But while making the purchase decision, keep the needs of your aquarium in mind. And make the decision accordingly.
Good luck!
- 7 Reasons For Anubias Leaves Turning Yellow [Solution] - February 3, 2024
- Types & Sizes Of Aquarium Explained: Guide To Pick The Best One - January 27, 2024
- 15 Best Carpeting Plants For Aquascaping -Beginner’s Pick - January 11, 2024
