What’s the difference between Fluval 06 and 07 Series Canister Filters?

The Fluval 06 and 07 Series Canister Filters are very similar in terms of looks as well as features. If you are having a hard time picking between the two, then you can check out Aquarium Blueprints’ comparison guide below.

Quick Summary

Since the comparable models in the Fluval 06 Series and 07 Series cost around the same, you should definitely go with the 07 canisters due to the improved biological filtration with the new Bio-Foam Max Sponges.

There are also minor improvements made to several mechanical pieces in the 07 models that make it easier for you whenever you have to clean the filter.

So, if you are having trouble deciding between the two series of canister filters, we heavily recommend getting the 07 filters over the older 06 versions.

If you are looking for a canister filter that can handle fish tanks that can hold more than 100 gallons, then you can check out our Fluval FX4 vs. FX5 vs. FX6 Canisters Guide.

Fluval 06 Series vs. 07 Series Comparison Charts

Fluval 106 vs. Fluval 107

Fluval 206 vs. Fluval 207

Fluval 306 vs. Fluval 307

Fluval 406 vs. Fluval 407 

Note: If you are interested, you can also check out our Fluval 407 vs. FX4 comparison.

Tank Size Compatibility

In terms of tank size compatibility, the 107 canister filter has a slightly bigger maximum (30 gallons) when compared to the 106 canister filter (25 gallons). All of the other similar models have the same supported maximum tank size. You can find the full list below:

• 106: up to 25 gallons
• 107: 10 to 30 gallons
• 206: up to 45 gallons
• 207: 20 to 45 gallons
• 306: up to 70 gallons
• 307: 40 to 70 gallons
• 406: up to 100 gallons
• 407: 50 to 100 gallons

Dimensions

The models from the 06 series are slightly bigger than their comparative models from the 07 series. You can find the list for the sizes of the products below: 

• Fluval 106 Canister: 8 inches in length by 6 inches in width by 15 inches in height
• Fluval 107 Canister: 7.5 inches in length by 7 inches in width by 13.7 inches in height
• Fluval 206 Canister: 8 inches in length by 7 inches in width by 18 inches in height
• Fluval 207 Canister: 7.5 inches in length by 7 inches in width by 16.5 inches in height
• Fluval 306 Canister: 10 inches in length by 7 inches in width by 18 inches in height
• Fluval 307 Canister: 9.5 inches in length by 7 inches in width by 16.5 inches in height
• Fluval 406 Canister: 10 inches in length by 8 inches in width by 20 inches in height
• Fluval 407 Canister: 9.5 inches in length by 7 inches in width by 19.3 inches in height

Pump Performance

The pump performance on the same for the 06 and 07 series. The 106 and 107 filters can output 145 gallons per hour. The 206 and 207 filters are capable of 206 gallons per hour. The 306 and 307 filters can produce 303 gallons per hour. Last but not least, the 406 and 407 filters have a pump output of 383 gallons per hour.

Filter Circulation

The filter circulation are also identical. The 106 and 107 canisters can produce 95 gallons per hour while the 206 and 207 canisters can generate 121 gallons per hour. The 306 and 307 canisters feature a circulation of 206 gallons per hour while the 406 and 407 canisters are capable of 245 gallons per hour.

Wattage 

Furthermore, the wattage usage are the same. The 106, 107, 206 and 207 use the same 10 W at 120V/60Hz and 230-240V/50Hz. The 306 and 307 utilize 16 W at 120V/60Hz in addition to 15 W at 230-240V/50Hz. The 406 and 407 use 23 W at 120V/60Hz in addition to 20 W at 230-240V/50Hz.

Included Filter Medias

The major difference between the 06 and 07 series is what filter medias are included. When it comes to the internal pre-filter, the 06 canister filters come with four Bio-Foam Filter Blocks. The 07 canister filters comes with two Bio-Foam Filter Blocks in addition to two Bio-Foam Max Sponges, which are designed to provide 30 percent more surface area for your beneficial bacteria to grow on.

For the uninformed, you need beneficial bacteria to get rid of ammonia and nitrites. These nitrogen compounds come from fish wastes and decomposing fish food. Even at small trace amounts, ammonia and nitrites will be toxic to your pet fish. Thus, you want to have as much surface area as possible, especially if you are planning to keep a lot of fish that are huge waste producers.

There are also a few other differences between the 06 and 07 canisters when it comes to included filter medias. You can check out the lists of what’s included in each model below:

Bio-Foam Max Sponge

• 106 Filter: 0
• 107 Filter: 2
• 206 Filter: 0
• 207 Filter: 2
• 306 Filter: 0
• 307 Filter: 2
• 406 Filter: 0
• 407 Filter: 2

Bio-Foam Filter Block

• 106 Filter: 4
• 107 Filter: 2
• 206 Filter: 4
• 207 Filter: 2
• 306 Filter: 4
• 307 Filter: 2
• 406 Filter: 4
• 407 Filter: 2

Bio-Foam+ Sponge

• 106 Filter: 0
• 107 Filter: 1
• 206 Filter: 1
• 207 Filter: 1
• 306 Filter: 2
• 307 Filter: 2
• 406 Filter: 4
• 407 Filter: 2

Carbon

• 106 Filter: 1
• 107 Filter: 1
• 206 Filter: 1
• 207 Filter: 1
• 306 Filter: 2
• 307 Filter: 2
• 406 Filter: 2
• 407 Filter: 4

BioMax Ceramic Rings

• 106 Filter: 1
• 107 Filter: 1
• 206 Filter: 1
• 207 Filter: 1
• 306 Filter: 2
• 307 Filter: 2
• 406 Filter: 2
• 407 Filter: 2

Fine Filter Water Polishing Pads

• 106 Filter: 1
• 107 Filter: 1
• 206 Filter: 1
• 207 Filter: 1
• 306 Filter: 2
• 307 Filter: 2
• 406 Filter: 2
• 407 Filter: 2

Additional Features

Although both series have an Autostop Valve, the ones that came with the 07 filters are more ergonomically designed with a raised lip to make it easier to remove.

The two also uses a lift-lock motor head clamps although the 07 series get additional reinforcements with fiber material.

As for priming handle, Fluval made the one on the 07 models to be seven times stronger via fiber reinforcements when compared to the 06 models.

The 07 series also comes with a few exclusive elements. One of which is that the media baskets have a center handle for easier removal. The 107, 207, 307 and 407 filters also come with rubber feet stabilizers to keep the canisters from losing balance. Last but not least, Fluval also claims that the 07’s water pump is 25% quieter (although in our experience, the 06 filter is pretty quiet to being with).

Official Videos

References:

• https://fluvalaquatics.com/us/06-series-canister-filter-with-powerful-motor-technology/
• https://fluvalaquatics.com/ca/07-series/