Hi,
I have a fluval 403 and a 303 for about 6 years now. IMHO, they are okay as long as you don't need to take them apart. Priming is a bit fun, but there are a couple of ways to make it work. The easiest way is to fill the canister with water and flip the fluval upside down while you turn it on. It is a bit hard to do this, but if you have the room...it will work. The other ways are trickier, but it is possible. Another way is to tip the canister on its side (make sure there canister is full of water) and let it run like that for an hour or so.
I still hate fluvals and I don't really recommend them. The 404 is much better than the 403/303...lets say...at least you can put the lid easily. I would recommend the Marineland Magnum 350, HOT Magnum or the Eheim Classic family. All three of these are workhorses and can easily last 7 to 10 years.
How much do you spend on the 404 ?
- Victor.
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