Aqueon QuietFlow 400 Canister Filter Review

Since filters can range so wildly in their features and prices, it’s difficult to know which are genuinely good and which will only cause issues.

To help you make the best purchase, today we’re evaluating the Aqueon QuietFlow 400 Canister Filter. It works on larger tanks, uses three different forms of media, and is easy to clean.

With that said, not every tester had a great experience; a couple reported the filter leaking. Are those instances just a fluke or is there a bigger problem?

Let’s take a closer look at the Aqueon QuietFlow 400 Canister Filter and find out.

Aqueon QuietFlow 400 Canister Filter: The Details

Specs

• Weight: 19.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 14.4 x 14.8 x 20.5 inches.
• Filter Capacity: 155 gallons.
• Flow Rate: 400 gph.
• Media Stages: Biological, chemical, and mechanical media stages.
• Standard or Self-Priming: Standard.
• Warranty: One-year warranty.

Features

Capacity

The Aqueon Quietflow 400 filter works on tanks of up to 155 gallons. This is not for the small fishbowl on your dresser.

This model is designed for aquariums that likely require a stand or that at least take up a large portion of the room.

While you can use it on smaller tanks, it’s not advised to go smaller than 50 gallons. It’ll cycle the water perfectly fine, but may not mount properly or will take up unnecessary space.

Flow Rate

The flow rate on this filter is 400 gallons per hour. Since the QuietFlow 400 works on a tank of up to 155 gallons, this means that, in the span of an hour, the filter will clean and detoxify all the water in the tank 2.5 times.

If your tank is smaller, that number will go up exponentially. This flow rate ensures your tank environment is always the cleanest and healthiest it can be.

Water

If you’re buying this filter and don’t have a species of fish picked out yet, don’t worry.

While, normally, you’d need to decide on saltwater versus freshwater in advance – depending on your tank and the species within – this filter luckily works on both.

It will catch all the particles and debris in freshwater and it won’t corrode from salt. As such, you can switch it between both types easily.

Media Stages

This Aqueon filter includes three media stages: biological, mechanical, and chemical. There are three different compartments inside the filter, which can hold the individual media and allow for easy cleaning.

This QuietFlow 400 includes activated carbon (chemical media), a coarse foam pad (mechanical media), and both bio balls and bioceramic rings (biological media).

These three different media stages work together to ensure the cleanest aquarium environment possible.

Water Polishing

A feature not often included in popular models is a water polishing unit – but the QuietFlow 400 brandishes it proudly.

This hangs off the filter’s back and ensures maintenance is a breeze. Instead of taking apart the entire canister to replace the media baskets, you simply replace the carbon cartridge in the water polishing unit – and you’re done.

Eventually, you will have to change the media, but this lowers the frequency of your cleaning routine.

Aqueon QuietFlow 400 Canister Filter Review

The Positives

Easy to Set Up

Multiple testers raved of this canister filter’s easy set-up process. You will first place the media into its compartment by unclipping the pump clips and removing the pump head.

Next, remove the filter plate to reach the media baskets. Remove the media basket and slot the included media into one basket each. Return the baskets to the canister and reassemble the compartments.

Next is the tubing. Connect one tube to the inlet pipe and twist the ring until it’s secure. Connect the strainer to the other inlet pipe, and then place the inlet pipe mechanism onto the rim of the aquarium.

After this, attach the tubing’s other end to the disconnect valve, twisting the lock ring to guarantee it’s secure. Connect the disconnect valve to the inlet port on the pump head, which is labeled ‘IN.’

You will then connect the water polishing unit. The polishing unit will go on the back rim of the tank. After this, place the included cartridges inside the polishing unit. Connect the tubes to the unit and to the disconnect valve.

Next, you’ll connect the spray bar to the filter, using the included tubing and the water director output. The included instructions will walk you through this entire process. Once that’s done, you need only prime the pump – and you’re ready to go!

Multiple Options for Priming the Pump

Testers also liked the multiple ways you can prime the pump. Specifically, you can prime it with the water polishing unit, or by using the spray bar or water director. Each option is simple to manage.

With the polishing unit, you first remove the unit’s lid and slowly pour water into the unit’s body. Make sure the quick disconnect valves are all open.

After this, fill the aquarium entirely with water. Plug in the motor – and water should pump out of the polishing unit.

For the spray bar method, ensure the disconnect valves are closed and that the vent cap is removed from the pump’s head. Pour water into the canister filter through the hole in the fill funnel.

Place the vent cap back on and open the ‘OUT’ disconnect valve. Tighten the valve once all the water comes out and then open the ‘IN’ valve next. Plug in the motor – and the pump should be primed.

This may seem complicated, but it’s far easier than having to suck water through the tubes yourself. Chances are, you’ll find a much easier method that works for you.

Easy Maintenance

Once everything’s set up, maintenance on the Aqueon QuietFlow is a breeze. To clean the water polishing unit, just check the cartridge regularly. If it’s not too dirty, you can just rinse it. If it’s more than three weeks old, you need to replace it.

As for media, the activated carbon needs to be removed and replaced. The bio balls, foam, and the rings can simply be rinsed. After that’s achieved, replace or return the media to its area, and you’re all set.

A filter that’s easy to clean takes some of the daunting tasks out aquarium owning, and also means you’re more likely to keep up with maintenance only elongating the overall lifespan of your canister filter.

And when it comes to finding replacement parts, it should be as easy as doing a search on Amazon or calling up the company. Customers found this filter a breeze to take care of, so you have less to worry about.

Versatile

While this filter is purely designed to keep your aquarium environment clean and healthy, it works on different types of water and different sizes of tanks. As such, it’s highly versatile.

It works on both fresh and saltwater, as well as on medium to large tanks. Don’t let the capacity fool you. This filter can handle a 155-gallon tank, but you don’t need one that big. It’ll do a great job on any tank that holds between 50 to 155 gallons.

Versatile filters are very handy since they can grow with you. You won’t need to change your whole set-up if you decide on a larger or smaller tank. If you decide to switch from fresh and saltwater, that will be fine too – no need to spend money on another filter.

This makes it easy for aquarists of all types to get their hands on the Aqueon QuietFlow, which is great news since a large number of customers have been very satisfied already!

Good Customer Service

Testers raved about the customer service they received from Aqueon. Whether they needed help with set-up, or required a new part, a whole new filter, or a refund, Aqueon responded quickly and efficiently.

We all know how frustrating bad customer service can be. Experiences with customer service can be hit or miss, but it looks like a win with Aqueon. They’re attentive and are great at answering issues or requests.

This shows that the company cares about their products and their customers, and having their Aqueon warranty helps back that up as well.

Quiet and Powerful

Customers loved how efficient this canister filter is in getting the job done. It definitely filters your tank, keeping your aquarium clean and your pets healthy.

And while this filter is powerful and will certainly get your tank clean, it does it without garnering too much attention too! Testers found this filter to be super quiet, just like the name advertises.

A quiet filter opens up a variety of places where you can keep your aquarium. You won’t have to worry about having your aquarium keep you awake if you want to fall asleep to your peaceful tank.

The Negative

Leaks

Occasional leaks were the only negative experience testers found – and this was a rare complaint. Water either leaked from the tubing or from the filter’s top cover.

If you have everything secured properly and slotted into place, this shouldn’t be an issue whatsoever. These few instances were either due to user error or an occasional malfunction.

Should you have this problem, contacting Aqueon will be the best solution.

Overall Verdict

After looking over all the positives and negatives, we highly recommend the Aqueon QuietFlow 400 Canister Filter. It suits a range of tank sizes, it’s easy to set up, and it’s simple to maintain.

As such, it’s hard to find anything wrong with this filter. Most testers were very pleased with their experience. As long as your tank is big enough, this should be a perfect canister filter for you.

Where to Buy the Aqueon QuietFlow 400 Canister Filter

Aqueon is a known brand in the world of aquatics with a large lineup of products available to a variety of hobbyists. Their products are usually accessible and well-priced, making them a popular brand around the globe.

Thanks to this brand’s success and popularity, it won’t be hard to find the Aqueon QuietFlow 400 Canister Filter both in-store and online.

While it’s usually best to check pet, fish, and specialty stores, you can kick-start your search with the following online retailers.

• Big Al’s Pets (from $169)
• Pet Overstock (from $169)
• Pet Mountain (from $169)

And of course, you can also find this canister filter on Amazon.

---

That’s the end of our Aqueon QuietFlow review. Tempted to give this filter a try?