Fluval 304 vs 305?

Hi,
Does anyone have both of these models or have actually seen them side
by side?
I have heard a few things...that people visually thought they were
pretty much the same but could someone tell me more precisely the
differences?

I can get the 05 series for about 20% more, but is it worth it? That's
the big question.
Another thing...I have never used a canister filter, do I need to be
worried about a major water accident from a broken connection?

Thanks!
-joe

Dunno about 04 vs 05 (though I've loved my 04's, no complaints), but if
you've ever seen one of these, I can't imagine a broken connection
would ever be a problem.. If you're worried about it, you can easily
set it inside a bucket if you've got the room -- I used to do that
because I'd lose a bit of water whenever I disconnected it to rinse out
the media.

wrote:
Hi,
Does anyone have both of these models or have actually seen them side
by side?
I have heard a few things...that people visually thought they were
pretty much the same but could someone tell me more precisely the
differences?

I can get the 05 series for about 20% more, but is it worth it? That's
the big question.
Another thing...I have never used a canister filter, do I need to be
worried about a major water accident from a broken connection?

Thanks!
-joe

I have both - ran the 304 on a 50 gallon for years and it is one of the best
canisters I have ever used, and I believe one of the best filters (out of
many many) I have tried. So good that when I bought my 90 gallon I bought a
305. The only key difference between the two is the gallons per hour output
(that I can see). So if you have a tank over 55 gallons, I believe the 305
is your choice.

As to mishaps, the 304 as mentioned by another has a potential for "slight"
leakage at the moment of disconnect from the unit for maintenance (we are
talking a small rag to catch some drips), but actually, they seem to have
improved something on the 305 because it is almost drip free. I have
noticed the 305 has a much tighter filter casing so I am sure there is less
by-pass of the filter media. So in about 7 years of use I have never had a
broken connection or water accident with either unit. Oh yeah, they are both
very quiet.


wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi,
Does anyone have both of these models or have actually seen them side
by side?
I have heard a few things...that people visually thought they were
pretty much the same but could someone tell me more precisely the
differences?

I can get the 05 series for about 20% more, but is it worth it? That's
the big question.
Another thing...I have never used a canister filter, do I need to be
worried about a major water accident from a broken connection?

Thanks!
-joe