There are three basic types of filtration; mechanical, chemical and biological. A mechanical filter removes waste particles and solid debris through mechanical straining. The chemical filter media actively changes water characteristics through deliberately managed chemical reactions, and biological filter media break down and eliminate organic toxins—ammonia and nitrite—through bacterial action.

Fluval G series uses these basic functions in an entirely new and unique filtration concept. The mechanical pre-filter and the chemical filter media are now housed in cartridges which are directly accessible from the top of the filter. Both can be cleaned or replaced without disassembling the whole filter. Changing or maintaining each cartridge is now quick and mess free.

By simply twisting the knobs the cartridges are easily removed for rinsing or replacement.

The Mechanical and chemical cartridges are accessed by lifting the top lid. The mechanical filter cartridge is positioned on the left and the chemical filter cartridge is on the right.

Each cartridge assembly is comprised of three components. The Cartridge top, the mechanical / chemical cartridge and the cartridge debris cup.

Specific to the Fluval G the traditional mechanical filtration foam has been replaced with compact high capacity and long lasting pleated pre-filter cartridge that traps significantly more debris than traditional foam. A healthier aquarium environment is guaranteed through more frequent and easier cartridge cleaning. Due to the special nature of the mechanical pre-filter cartridge, solid waste is removed from the aquarium before it can be solubilized, reducing waste build up. This G filter cartridge system concept is based on preventative maintenance. Remove the waste BEFORE it pollutes the aquarium.

Water enters through the top of the pleated cartridge and exits through the side pleats trapping debris in the interior of the cartridge.

Trapped debris accumulates in the "V" of each fold. On average the mechanical filter will require cleaning every 14 days or sooner if the "Low Flow Alert" appears on the LCD screen.

The standard weave cartridge is for use with fresh water aquariums. The fine 75μm is for use with marine aquariums or can be used for polishing water in freshwater tanks.

During the subsequent chemical filtration, all water flowing through the G filter passes through the chemical media cartridge. The Fluval G offers a combination of media options to make chemical filtration simpler and more efficient. Featuring high-capacity ionic exchange filtration media, the system will efficiently remove nitrates, phosphates and waste. For pure consumer flexibility, the chemical cartridges can be refilled with any type media the aquarium owner chooses. Regardless of chemical media type the design of the chemical cartridge and subsequent water flow ensures maximum water contact resulting in a highly efficient filtration process.

Water is drawn through the entire cartridge surface providing excellent contact and dwell times for high efficiency results.

Filter Cartridges come pre-loaded with carbon but can be re-used and accept loose or granulated media down to 0.02mm in diameter.

High capacity pre-loaded ion exchange cartridges are available for quick and easy removal of phosphates, nitrates and organics pollutants. See media options for more information.

Following the mechanical and chemical cleaning, water enters into the biological filtration stage. The Fluval G Bio Baskets are filled with the new Fluval G Nodes which are specifically engineered and manufactured so the tunnel and cave sizes perfectly accommodate billions of nitrifying bacteria to purify aquarium water. The Fluval G’s biological filtration media comes in two sizes for maximum compaction and can remain in the filter for 6 months before maintenance is required.

Water moves slowly from the bottom to the top basket during which time water comes in contact with the nitrifying bacteria housed in the G-Nodes. Engineered dwell times optimize the nitrification process.

The unique design and 2 sizes of Fluval G-NODES enable them to be compacted tightly within the G filter baskets increasing the surface area to volume ratios. The result is enhanced biological nitrification for quicker reduction of ammonia and nitrite.

Fluval ceramic G-Nodes feature a complex pore system and increased surface area where beneficial bacterial can thrive enhancing the biological nitrification process.