Fluval 306 Impeller Assembly
Water type
Freshwater + Marine
Fits
Fluval 306
Part no.
A20153
Fluval 306 Impeller Assembly
The part that actually moves the water – replace it and the filter runs like new.
This is the genuine Fluval impeller assembly, part A20153, for the Fluval 306 canister filter. It supplies the magnetic impeller, shaft and rubber bushing together as one unit, and it is specific to the 306 – despite sharing most other service parts with the 406, the two run different-rated impellers.
Key features
- Genuine Fluval A20153 – impeller, shaft and rubber bushing supplied together, so nothing is left mismatched.
- Fits the Fluval 306 specifically – not shared with the 406, which uses a different-rated impeller for its higher flow.
- Fixes the three classic symptoms – a rattling or buzzing motor head, a drop in flow with clean media, and a filter that won't hold prime.
- Precision-fit shaft and bushing – supplied as a matched set rather than sold separately, so wear on one doesn't get paired with a worn part on the other.
Specifications
| Manufacturer part number | A20153 |
|---|---|
| Sold as | Complete assembly – impeller, shaft and rubber bushing |
| Position in filter | Motor head impeller well |
| Water type | Freshwater and marine |
| Tools required | None – hand-fits after the motor head is lifted |
Will it fit my filter?
| Filter model | Fluval model code | Takes A20153 |
|---|---|---|
| 306 | A212 | Yes |
| 406 | A217 | No |
| 307 | A446 | No |
| 407 | A449 | No |
It does not fit the 406, the 307/407 eTEC-motor generation, or the smaller 05 Series canisters (105/205, 106/206, 107/207) – each of those runs an impeller matched to its own rated flow.
What's included
- 1 x impeller, shaft and rubber bushing, supplied as a complete assembly
Not included
- The impeller cover. This is the spinning assembly, not the clear cover that seals over it – see the 306/406 impeller cover.
- The motor head itself.
Suitable for, and not suitable for
Suitable for a 306 with a noisy, buzzing or grinding motor head; reduced flow despite freshly rinsed media; or a filter that won't hold prime after cleaning.
Not suitable for the 406, 307, 407, or the 05 Series – none of these take the same impeller, even though several share the same body, hose fittings and gaskets.
Care and maintenance
The impeller is the first thing to check when a canister filter goes quiet or noisy rather than assuming the motor is failing. Lift the motor head, slide the old assembly out of its well, and look for a groove worn into the shaft by the bushing – that groove, not a weak motor, is usually why flow has dropped. Rinse the new assembly in tank water before fitting; running it dry even briefly can chip the shaft.
Goes well with
- 306/406 impeller cover – check this at the same time; a cracked cover lets the impeller run loose
- Rubber hose adapter, 2 pack – cheap to replace alongside a motor head service
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. No separate manufacturer warranty term is quoted on moulded service parts. Ships as a standard small parcel anywhere in Australia.
Common questions
Will the Fluval 306 impeller fit my 406?
No. The 306 and 407 share many parts, but the impeller is rated to each model's own flow and is not interchangeable with the 406.
How do I know it's the impeller and not the media that needs attention?
Rinse the media first. If flow is still weak, or the motor head is buzzing or rattling, the impeller assembly is the next thing to check.
Does this include the impeller cover?
No. This is the spinning assembly only. The clear cover that seals over it is a separate part – see the 306/406 impeller cover.
Can I run the filter without replacing a worn impeller?
It will usually still run, but flow drops and the motor works harder, which shortens its life. A grooved shaft or chipped impeller blade only gets worse.
