The Fluval 404 is the older version of the Fluval 405, but essentially the same filter. The other Fluval models (104/105, 204/205, 304/305) are smaller versions of the same filter. The "05" series differ from the "04" series in the brackets used to mount the tubing on the tank, the handles used to open the canister, and the overall color scheme of the filters.

The filter sits on the ground outside the tank. Canister filters need to be positioned below the tank because gravity drains water from the tank into the filter.

There is an intake hose and an outflow hose that move the water from the tank to the filter and back to the tank.

When you need to do filter maintenance, this valve allows you to detach the hoses without breaking the siphon. That is, the valve closes off the bottom of the tubes so they stay full of water. When you are ready to start the filter up again, you re-attach the valve and tubing and the canister fills automatically because the intake tube is full of water. Most canister filters have this feature.

Here is the underside of the top part of the canister filter. This is where the electrical motor is housed. The motor pumps the water from the canister back to the tank.

And this is what lives inside the canister, viewed from above. On the left is the mechanical filtration -- the foam sponges that remove debris. On the right is a number of baskets that hold chemical or bio-media.

Here are the foam pads removed, they extend the length of the filter.

Here is one of the media baskets with bio-media in it. There are four of these baskets in the Fluval 404. Each basket is divided in half. This allows for a lot of options for customizing your filtration.

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