In our four-week testing window, the only issue encountered was needing to adjust the suction cups. Then you simply lift the lid for instant access to the easily swappable filter media.The U2's build quality was also high, with our tester giving it the highest possible rating for durability.Ĭleaning the sponge and adjusting the flow is easy, with clear instructions provided by the manufacturer. All it takes is tilting the filter forward in order to remove the U2 from its bracket. It was also one of the easiest to clean, making maintenance a cinch. Plus, with its built-in aeration contributing to your tank's oxygenation it's possible to supplement with a quieter, less obtrusive bubbler. While the Fluval U2 Underwater Filter wasn't the quietest filter we tested, it was close. You can even mount the Fluval U2 horizontally, though this option is only really useful for very shallow tanks. The adjustable water flow is a particularly useful feature, allowing you to pick whether the filter sprays out its cleaned water from the top, bottom, or across a tall spray bar, minimizing the water pressure output-a perfect pairing for planted tanks. The Fluval U2 allows for a variety of setup options, making it ideal for a broad spectrum of tank configurations.

This underwater model is slightly tricky to align the aerator function optimally, but its adjustable flow and quality sponges made up for the finicky setup, which only took us around five minutes. The FLUAL U2 is still the Best Overall choice for its range of sizes, customizable options and ease of cleaning.įluval is a quality brand for many aquarium filters. We have added on a few more that we have additional first hand experience with in order to guide you to the best model for your tank setup and species. Three of these models, FLUVAL U2, JackSuper and Tetra, were all tested in person by the author. Using water tank water will preserve your bacterial colonies and keep your tank on the path to success. Once you have done your water change, using a gravel siphon, use the collected bucket of water to disassemble and rinse your filter. No matter what type of filter you choose, routine filter cleaning should be part of your weekly routine. Internal filters reside inside your tank, usually taking up a bit of room, and need to be kept mostly below the water line, depending on your model. If you have a small system, or no room for an external filter, you need to take a look at these internal aquarium filters. Your filter is responsible for taking some of your fishes’ waste and converting it from toxic to less toxic. If you have a fish tank, of any size, you need a filter.

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