hydor inline heater+fluval 305 or 405

[not so master reefer]

can someone please tell me if they are compatible. do you have to make a little modification for them to fit?and about the 305 and 405, do they have the same hose size?

[not so master reefer]

also, can someone post a photo please thanks!

[Patr1ck]

No modification necessary. You only need a piece of 5/8" id(inside diameter) clear vinyl hose to run from your Fluval output port to the bottom of the Hydor. I recommend using clear vinyl tubing from the LFS. The Petco in my area sells it in bulk. I dont recommend using the stuff from Lowes as it is thinner walled. Then run the regular ribbed fluval hose from the top of the Hydor to the tank. The Fluval hose is the same for models 304, 404, 305, 405.

In the pic, I have the outlet port(clear hose) running up and looping around back under the hydor and in to it from the bottom. I did this so I could keep the Hydor under the cabinet and to avoid any sharp bends or kinks in the clear hose. The coiled up clear hose is the Python, ignore that part.
HTH:)

Pat

[not so master reefer]

nice! do the fluval 305/405 stop for 2 minutes like the fluval fx5?im worried about the inline heater that could overheat when the water flow stops for 2 minutes.

[Ryan]

nice! do the fluval 305/405 stop for 2 minutes like the fluval fx5?im worried about the inline heater that could overheat when the water flow stops for 2 minutes.

According to Hydor, the heater will shut off before it overheats. Several FX5 owners have asked this and everyone says it's not a problem. I'm not sure if the other Fluvals shut off like the FX5, though.

[Patr1ck]

Fluval 105's to 405's dont shut off. If they're plugged in they're pumping. Also as long as the heater is filled with water it would shut off as soon as the temp of the water inside it reached the set point on the thermostat, just like normal operation.

Pat

[not so master reefer]

have you tried the auto shut off feature of the hydor inline heater? is the heater safe even you plug it without water in it?

[rickztahone]

if there is no water flowing through the heater it will automatically shut off

[not so master reefer]

no damage on the heater at all? sounds good...i should get 1

[DonMD]

Pat,

Thanks for this post. It's very clear, and I was wondering about the ribbed fluval hosing connecting to the hydor heater. Your solution is simple, so elegant. Right now I have 2 titanium 250 watts heaters in my 90 g with external temp controls, and they seem to be working fine (last 3 years). But I had a 100 watt, same manufacture, that quit, so I'm always looking for options that include external temp control that doesn't include extensive modifications.

I appreciated your post. Thanks. -Don

[srusso]

I always wanted one of these they seem like a good idea! less ugly things in the tank! I have a 55gallon tank what wattage should I get? FYI I have a 405

[srusso]

Actually I see it on a site says I need a 300 watt for 56-80 gallons. Sound right?

[rickztahone]

Actually I see it on a site says I need a 300 watt for 56-80 gallons. Sound right?

i have about 60g in my 125 right now and it holds the temp perfect with no temp swings.

[Patr1ck]

I always wanted one of these they seem like a good idea! less ugly things in the tank! I have a 55gallon tank what wattage should I get? FYI I have a 405

How many degrees do you need to change the temp of the water from room temp in the winter?

Pat

[srusso]

about 10 - 15

[Patr1ck]

According to the box it looks like you fall right in between the 200W and the 300W. I have to raise the temp the same amount as you in the Winter on my 90 and I use 1 300W. I'll bet you could get away with a 200W one. Just make sure you get the 200 with the 5/8" hose connection, not the 1/2". Under the "for aquariums section" it says "for change of 14 degrees" in one column and "for change of 18 degrees" in the other. Sorry about the lack of clarity. hth.

Pat