Fluval FX-6 vs Oase 600

bmkid1997 · Oct 11, 2021

Hey all!

Ive been thinking of upgrading my canister from my current Fluval 407 to either Fluval FX-6 or Oase 600. Ive always enjoyed the fluval 407 but the cleanings get a bit tedious, dragging the entire filter out to clean. After seeing a youtuber Mikeymikemike running with a Oase 600 and looking very easy to clean and maintain, it made me wonder if anybody has experience with these two options. Theyre both close to the same price, but I know the fluval goes on a big sale typically around black friday. Im hoping Oase does too, so I have a choice and not the $ being a big factor. My tank is a 75g mixed tank, and I do wonder if the FX-6 is overkill?

Thanks for any advice/experiences with the filters!

Sleeping Giant · Oct 11, 2021

I use an FX4 on my 75 gallon, I would use an FX6 if I could fit it. I really like how easy it is to use and the multiple tray levels allows you freedom to add or remove media you want or don't want.

Poochaku · Oct 11, 2021

Oase is expensive and not as high performing flow rate wise but i personally won't use a canister filter without a prefilter like the biomasters.

I personally think the oase biomasters are super worth it but I have only used them on freshwater tanks.

bmkid1997 · Oct 11, 2021

True I do enjoy the trays in the 407. packed with marine pure bio balls.

Poochaku said:
Oase is expensive and not as high performing flow rate wise but i personally won't use a canister filter without a prefilter like the biomasters.

I personally think the oase biomasters are super worth it but I have only used them on freshwater tanks.

They are currently both $340, and the prefilter is the draw of the oase for sure. the ease of cleaning, compared to dragging out the entire filter from under my stand. Thanks!

ForrestG · Nov 26, 2021

PetSmart has 2021 Black Friday sale today (Friday 11/26/21). Just bought an FX6 for $210. And also bought a Oase Biomaster 850 on Amazon. Amazon allows returns until 12/31/22 and Petsmart has 60 day return policy. So actually I will be trying both (currently 40g breeder, upgrading to 120g in 8 months). I like the power of the FX6, but really like the ease of cleaning via the Oase prefilter. Also, the Oase has the option to install a heater in the unit so that the heater does not clutter up the display tank. I am also purchasing glass "lily pipes" to hopefully create an uncluttered, minimalistic display tank (ala Mikeymikemike on YouTube). If anyone gets this message today, I recommend doing the same so that you won't miss the PetSmart sale opportunity. You can always return if you dont think it will fit your needs. However, It is 1/2 the price of an Oase Biomaster 850. That's a $200 savings which may be worth it for lack of extreme ease of maintenance cleaning.