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What filter medias should you use for Fluval 06 and 07 Canister Filters?

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The Fluval 106, 206, 306, 406, 107, 207, 307 and 407 Filters come with multiple media baskets that filter various unwanted elements from your fish tank water.

This guide at Aquarium Blueprints will help you find the best filter media types to use with your Fluval 06 and 07 Canisters.

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Fluval 06 and 07 Filter Baskets

The Fluval 06 and 07 Series come with two different types of media baskets. The first is the red pre-filter basket while the second is the grey media basket.

You can see how many of each media basket is included in the different models below:

106:

  • 1X Pre-Filter Basket
  • 2x Media Baskets

206:

  • 1X Pre-Filter Basket
  • 3x Media Baskets

306:

  • 1X Pre-Filter Basket
  • 3x Media Baskets

406:

  • 1X Pre-Filter Basket
  • 4x Media Baskets

107:

  • 1X Pre-Filter Basket
  • 2x Media Baskets

207:

  • 1X Pre-Filter Basket
  • 3x Media Baskets

307:

  • 1X Pre-Filter Basket
  • 3x Media Baskets

407:

  • 1X Pre-Filter Basket
  • 4x Media Baskets

Included with 06 and 07 Canister Filters

The Fluval 06 and 07 come with a starter set of filter medias. You can see what are included in each model below:

106:

  • 1x Biomax Bio Rings
  • 1x Quick-Clear Polishing Pad
  • 1x Carbon Bag
  • 4x Pre-Filter Bio-Foam Blocks

206:

  • 1x Biomax Bio Rings
  • 1x Quick-Clear Polishing Pad
  • 1x Biofoam+ Sponge
  • 1x Carbon Bag
  • 4x Pre-Filter Bio-Foam Blocks

306:

  • 2x Biomax Bio Rings
  • 2x Quick-Clear Polishing Pad
  • 2x Biofoam+ Sponges
  • 2x Carbon Bag
  • 4x Pre-Filter Bio-Foam Blocks

406:

  • 2x Biomax Bio Rings
  • 2x Quick-Clear Polishing Pads
  • 4x Biofoam+ Sponges
  • 2x Carbon Bag
  • 4x Pre-Filter Bio-Foam Blocks

107:

  • 1x Biomax Bio Rings
  • 1x Quick-Clear Polishing Pad
  • 1x Biofoam+ Sponge
  • 1x Carbon Bag
  • 2x Pre-Filter Bio-Foam Blocks
  • 2x Fluval Bio-Foam Max Blocks

207:

  • 1x Biomax Bio Rings
  • 1x Quick-Clear Polishing Pad
  • 1x Biofoam+ Sponge
  • 1x Carbon Bag
  • 2x Pre-Filter Bio-Foam Blocks
  • 2x Fluval Bio-Foam Max Blocks

307:

  • 2x Biomax Bio Rings
  • 2x Quick-Clear Polishing Pads
  • 2x Biofoam+ Sponges
  • 2x Carbon Bags
  • 2x Pre-Filter Bio-Foam Blocks
  • 2x Fluval Bio-Foam Max Blocks

407:

  • 1x Biomax Bio Rings
  • 1x Quick-Clear Polishing Pads
  • 2x Biofoam+ Sponges
  • 4x Carbon Bags
  • 2x Pre-Filter Bio-Foam Blocks
  • 2x Fluval Bio-Foam Max Blocks

Optional Filter Media Types for Fluval 06 and 07 Series

Fluval also has a few optional media types for the Fluval 06 and 07 canisters. You can check out the list below:

  • Ammonia Remover
  • Aquatic Peat
  • Biofoam Max
  • Clearmax
  • Nitrite Remover
  • Phosphate Remover
  • Sea Total Clear
  • Zeo-Carb

You can check out our Fluval 06 and 07 versus guide if you want to know the other differences between the two series.

Best pre-filter type for biological and mechanical filtration

Fluval Bio-Foam Max Block (Premium Biological and Mechanical Filtration)

If you want to keep your water looking clean, then we recommend using Bio-Foam Max on the red pre-filter basket as it contains 30 percent more area when compared to the white Pre-Filter Bio-Foams that come included with the filters. Since beneficial bacteria will also grow on the blue foam, the biological filtration will also be increased. (Note: you can only place the Bio-Foam Max on one side of the pre-filter basket).

Fluval recommend that you clean the Bio-Foam Max monthly and then replace every six months. Based on our experience, you don’t have to replace the foam at all unless it starts to break down. It should remain effective as long as you clean it monthly.

You can purchase the Bio-Foam Max Block with the following links on Amazon:

Best media types for mechanical filtration

Fluval Quick-Clear Polishing Pad

When it comes to adding medias to the grey baskets in order to provide the best mechanical filtration, we recommend getting the Quick-Clear Polishing Pads. These contain thick micro-­fine polyester that will trap the smallest debris and particles.

Fluval recommends that you place the pads on the top-most grey basket in your 06 or 07 Canisters.

You should replace the pads every three months. With that said, if you notice a reduction of the water flow due to the micro-­fine polyester being clogged up with fish wastes, then you can replace polishing pads earlier than the recommend time.

Buy the Quick-Clear Polishing Pad with the following links:

Fluval Pre-Filter Media Rings (Premium Mechanical Filtration)

If you want even more mechanical filtration, you can also use the Pre-Filter Media. These rings are designed to filter out medium-sized particles from the water column.

You should place the Pre-Filter Media in the bottom-most grey media basket of the 106 and 107. For the 206, 306, 207 and 307 filters, you can use the middle basket. For the 406 and 407, you should put the rings on the second most bottom grey media basket. Before putting the rings into the basket, make sure you methodically rinse off any dust and other particles.

You should rinse the Pre-Filter Media monthly. There is no need to replace the rings.

Purchase the Pre-Filter Media Rings on Amazon. (#CommissionsEarned)

Best media types for biological filtration

Fluval Bio-Foam+ Sponge (Superior Biological Filtration)

If you want to grow as much beneficial nitrifying bacteria as possible, then you should use the Fluval Bio-Foam+ Sponge as it has a huge porous surface area. The sponge will also capture small particles from the water column in your fish tank.

You should place the Bio-Foam+ at the bottom-most grey media basket on the 06 and 07 filters.

Fluval recommend cleaning the sponge every three months and replacing every six months. Based on our experience, you do not need to replace the sponge at all unless it starts to break apart. Otherwise, the Bio-Foam+ will remain effective for many years with the occasional rinsing.

You can buy the Bio-Foam+ Sponge with the following links:

Fluval BioMax Rings (Maximum Biological Filtration)

The porous cores of the BioMax Rings should also give plenty of surface area to grow nitrifying bacteria.

You should place the rings on the bottom most grey basket of the 106 and 107 canisters. You can put the BioMax on the middle basket of the 206, 306, 207 and 307 canisters. For the 406 and 407 canisters, you should set the rings on the second most-bottom basket. Make sure you thoroughly rinse off any particles before putting these rings in the basket.

Fluval recommend you rinse the BioMax Rings monthly and replace them every six months. Based on our own experience, however, you don’t need new rings until the old ones completely breaks apart. Regular rinsing should be enough to keep the rings effective for many years.

You can purchase the BioMax Rings on Amazon. (#CommissionsEarned)

Best media type for ammonia filtration

Fluval Ammonia Remover (Premium Natural Clinoptilolite)

If you want to remove ammonia from your aquarium, then you might want to take a look at the Ammonia Remover as it uses natural clinoptilolite to absorb the toxic compound from your waters.

Fluval suggests that you place the Ammonia Remover at the top grey media basket of the 106, 206, 306, 107, 207 and 307 canister filters. With the 406 and 407 canister filters, you can use either of the top two media baskets. Make sure you rinse this media painstakingly before putting it into you filter.

You should replace the Ammonia Remover every month as it will lose its effectiveness over time. You can also swap them sooner (or later) based on what your test kit show.

You can purchase the Fluval Ammonia Remover on Amazon. (#CommissionsEarned)

Best media type for nitrite filtration

Fluval Nitrite Remover

To get rid of nitrites from your fish tank, you should use the Nitrite Remover. This media type will absorb the toxic compound from the water column. The pads will also trap small particles.

You should place the Nitrite Remover at the top grey media baskets in the 106, 206, 306, 107, 207 and 307. You can use either of the top two media baskets of the 406 and 407.

Fluval advises that you should replace the Nitrite Remover every month. You can replace the pads earlier or later based on the readings of your water tests.

Buy the Fluval Nitrite Remover with the following links:

Best media type for algae and/or phosphate filtration

Fluval Phosphate Remover

If you want to get rid of phosphate from your tank, then you should use the Phosphate Remover. For the uninformed, excess phosphate will lead to algae bloom. The pads will also capture small particles from the water.

You should place the Phosphate Remover in the top grey media basket if you have the 106, 206, 306, 107, 207 or 307. For fish keepers who have the 406 or 407, you can put the pads in either the top two media baskets.

Fluval suggests replacing the Phosphate Remover pads once a month. You can change them out more rapidly or slowly depending on your water tests.

The Fluval Phosphate Remover is available for purchase with the following links:

Best media type for lowering pH

Fluval Aquatic Peat (Compressed Granules)

If you want to lower the pH of your tank water and, thus, making it more acidic, then you should use the Aquatic Peat. The granules will leach humic acids and tannins, which will safely soften your aquarium waters over time.

You can put the Aquatic Peat on the top grey media baskets in the Fluval 106, 206, 306, 107, 207 and 307 Canister Filters. The compressed granules can be placed in either of the top two media basket of the Fluval 406 and 407 Canister Filters. You should rinse the peat moss before using it in your canister.

You can replace the peat granules if your test kit shows that your waters is rising in pH.

The Fluval Aquatic Peat (Compressed Granules) can be purchased on Amazon. (#CommissionsEarned)

Best media type for heavy metals, odors, discolorations and medicine filtration

Fluval Carbon (Premium Bituminous Carbon)

To remove heavy metals, odors, discolorations and/or medicine from your tank, you should use the Fluval Carbon. The microscopic pores of the bituminous carbon will absorb any of the aforementioned impurities from the tank water.

You can place the carbon in the very top grey media baskets of the 106, 206, 306, 107, 207 and 307 in addition to either of the top two baskets of the 406 and 407. Make sure you meticulously rinse the carbon before using it in your filter.

You can replace the bituminous carbon every month. You can swap them out earlier if you noticed an increase of the aforesaid impurities.

Purchase the Fluval Carbon (Premium Bituminous Carbon) on Amazon. (#CommissionsEarned)

Best media types for multipurpose chemical filtration

Fluval Sea Total Clear

The Sea Total Clear is the best chemical filtration from Fluval as it combines resin and carbon. As a result, it will be able to remove ammonia, nitrate (freshwater only) in addition to heavy metals, odors, discolorations and medicine.

The Sea Total Clear can be positioned in the top most media baskets of the 106, 206, 306, 107, 207 and 307 canisters. If you have a 406 or 407 canister, you can use either of the top two media baskets. Before putting it in, make sure you thoroughly rinse the substance.

Fluval recommend replacing Sea Total Clear every three to six months, depending on how much chemical filtration is needed in your aquarium.

You can buy the Fluval Sea Total Clear on Amazon. (#CommissionsEarned)

Fluval Zeo-Carb (Super Activated Zeolite and Carbon Mix)

If you just want to remove ammonia and want the extra benefits of carbon, then you should take a look at the Zeo-Carb.

You can place the zeolite and carbon mix on the top grey basket if you have the 106, 206, 306, 107, 207 or 307. The Zeo-Carb can be placed in either of the top two baskets of the 406 and 407. You should methodically rinse the mix before usage.

The Zeo-Carb can be replaced on a monthly basis. With that said, you can adjust the replacement schedule depending on what your water tests show.

You can purchase the Fluval Zeo-Carb on Amazon. (#CommissionsEarned)

Fluval ClearMax (Premium Grade Resin)

If you want to get rid of phosphate, nitrite and nitrate (note: this media type won’t remove nitrates if you have a saltwater tank), then you can check out ClearMax.

Fluval suggests that you put the resin in the top most grey media baskets for those that are using the 106, 206, 306, 107, 207 or 307 filters. You can put the material on either of the two top basket filters in the 406 and 407 filters. Before usage, you need to meticulously rinse the resin.

You should replace the ClearMax on a monthly basis. Of course, you can adjust depending on what your water test kit is showing.

You can buy the Fluval ClearMax on Amazon. (#CommissionsEarned)

Recap

Below is a quick summary for the best Fluval filter media to use in the 06 and 07 canisters based on the type of impurities you want to remove from your tank water:

  • Pre-Filter Mechanical Filtration: Fluval Bio-Foam Max Block
  • Mechanical Filtration: Fluval Quick-Clear Polishing Pad and Fluval Pre-Filter Media Rings
  • Biological Filtration: Fluval Bio-Foam+ Sponge and Fluval BioMax Rings
  • Ammonia Filtration: Fluval Ammonia Remover
  • Nitrite Filtration: Fluval Nitrite Remover
  • Algae/Phosphate Filtration: Fluval Phosphate Remover
  • Lower pH: Fluval Aquatic Peat
  • Heavy Metals/Odors/Discolorations/Medicine Filtration: Fluval Carbon
  • Ammonia/Nitrate(Freshwater)/Heavy Metals/Odors/Discolorations/Medicine Filtration: Fluval Sea Total Clear
  • Ammonia/Heavy Metals/Odors/Discolorations/Medicine Filtration: Fluval Zeo-Carb
  • Nitrite/Nitrate(Freshwater)/Algae/Phosphate Filtration: ClearMax

Resources:

Related posts:

  1. What’s the difference between Fluval 06 and 07 Series Canister Filters?
  2. Fluval 06 Series Canister Filters Review
  3. How to fix Fluval 107, 207, 307 and 407 priming issues