Fluval 305/306/405/406 Intake Strainer
Water type
Freshwater + Marine
Fits
Fluval 305, Fluval 405, Fluval 306, Fluval 406, Fluval 307, Fluval 407
Part no.
A20008
In the box
1 x intake strainer with check ball
Genuine part
Genuine Fluval
Fluval 305/306/405/406 Intake Strainer
Keeps shrimp, fry and gravel out of the impeller.
This is the genuine Fluval intake strainer with check ball, part A20008, for the 305/405, 306/406 and 307/407 canister filters. It clips onto the end of the intake pipe, screening out anything too big to pass through its slots, and the built-in check ball holds the filter's prime when the unit is switched off for a water change or service – so it doesn't need re-priming from empty every time.
Key features
- Genuine Fluval A20008 – correct slot spacing and check ball seat for this filter range.
- Check ball holds prime – closes when the filter is off, so water doesn't drain back down the intake hose and the filter starts back up without a full re-prime.
- Screens out small livestock and debris – shrimp, fry, snails and substrate can't reach the impeller.
- Clips on without tools – pushes onto the intake pipe by hand.
Specifications
| Manufacturer part number | A20008 |
|---|---|
| Position | End of the intake pipe, ahead of the impeller |
| Check ball included | Yes |
| Water type | Freshwater and marine |
| Tools required | None |
Will it fit my filter?
| Filter model | Takes A20008 |
|---|---|
| 305 (A211) / 405 (A216) | Yes |
| 306 (A212) / 406 (A217) | Yes |
| 307 (A446) / 407 (A449) | Yes – per Fluval's own parts listing |
It does not fit the older 304/404 or the FX-series canisters, which use different intake fittings.
What's included
- 1 x intake strainer with check ball
Not included
- Intake pipe / stem – sold separately.
- Ribbed hosing – sold separately.
Suitable for, and not suitable for
Suitable for a lost, cracked or clogged strainer, and for shrimp or fry tanks where an unscreened intake is a real risk. Not suitable for the 304/404 range or the FX-series canisters.
Care and maintenance
Rinse the slots at every service – a strainer that's silted up chokes flow the same way a clogged media basket does. Check the check ball moves freely in its seat; grit trapped under the ball is the most common reason a filter won't hold prime after cleaning.
Goes well with
- Ribbed hosing – for the run between the strainer and the motor head
- Filter case – if you're rebuilding the whole unit
Warranty and delivery
Supplied as a genuine Fluval replacement part. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law apply in full and nothing here limits them. Ships as a standard small parcel anywhere in Australia.
Common questions
What does the check ball actually do?
It closes when the filter is switched off, stopping water siphoning back down the intake hose. That keeps the canister primed, so the filter restarts on its own instead of needing to be re-primed from empty.
Will shrimp or fry get pulled into the filter without this?
An open intake pipe with no strainer is a real risk to small livestock. The strainer's slots are sized to keep them out while still passing enough flow.
Does this fit a Fluval 304?
No. The 304 and 404 use a different intake fitting. This strainer is for the 305/405, 306/406 and 307/407 range.
My filter won't hold prime after I cleaned the strainer – why?
Check the ball is seated and moves freely. Grit or debris under the check ball stops it sealing, which lets the prime drain away even with the strainer fitted correctly.
