Fluval Bio Foam MAX 406/07
Pack size
2-pack
Water type
Freshwater + Marine
Fits
Fluval 406, Fluval 407
Part no.
A189
Replace every
6 months
Media type
Bio-Foam MAX
In the box
2 x Bio-Foam MAX pads
Pack quantity
2 foams
Genuine part
Yes, genuine Fluval
Fluval Bio Foam MAX 406/07
A rippled surface gives this pad roughly 30% more filtering area than a flat foam block. This is the genuine Fluval Bio-Foam MAX insert (Fluval part A189), a pack of two built for the 406 and 407 canister filters, doing mechanical and biological filtration in the one stage.
Key features
- Rippled surface – around 30% more surface area than a flat pad, for more trapped debris and more room for bacteria between cleans.
- 2-in-1 media – traps waste mechanically and carries a biological colony, in one pad.
- Two pads per pack – a full media change for one canister.
- Direct fit – sized for the 406/407 basket, no cutting needed.
Specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Genuine part number | Fluval A189 |
| Pack quantity | 2 pads |
| Media type | Bio-Foam MAX – rippled mechanical and biological foam |
| Fits | Fluval 406, 407 canister filters |
| Water type | Freshwater and saltwater |
| Suggested replacement | Every 6 months |
Will it fit my filter?
This pad is sized for Fluval's largest 06/07-series canisters, the 406 and the current 407, which share the same media basket. Both suit aquariums from roughly 150-500 L (50-100 US gal). It does not fit the smaller 106/107, 206/207 or 306/307 canisters, which take narrower pads.
Suitable for, and not suitable for
- Suitable for the Fluval 406 and 407 canister filters, freshwater or saltwater.
- Not suitable for the 106/107, 206/207, 306/307 or FX-series canisters – those need a smaller pad.
Care and maintenance
Rinse in removed tank water, never tap water, and replace roughly every 6 months or once the ripples have flattened and the foam stays compressed after squeezing. Stagger this change against your other media so the whole basket isn't cleared of bacteria at once.
Goes well with
Running a smaller Fluval canister too? The Bio Foam MAX 106/107 and Bio Foam MAX 206/07 - 306/07 packs cover the equivalent stage on those sizes.
Warranty and delivery
As a consumable filter media, this pad is a wear item and sits outside Fluval's equipment warranty – your rights under Australian Consumer Law apply regardless. Standard parcel delivery.
Common questions
How often should I replace it?
Fluval suggests around every 6 months, sooner if the ripples have flattened or flow through the canister has clearly dropped.
Does it fit both the 406 and the 407?
Yes – both share the same media basket, so this one pack fits either model.
Is this the same as the plain Bio-Foam pad?
No. The MAX version has the rippled surface for extra area; the standard Bio-Foam and Bio-Foam+ pads are different part numbers.
Can I use it in saltwater?
Yes – the foam is inert and suits freshwater and saltwater systems equally.
