Fluval C3 Hang On Filter Carbon
Pack size
3 pack, 70 g total
Water type
Freshwater + Saltwater
Fits
Fluval C3 Power Filter (item 14002)
Part no.
14012
Media type
Chemical
Fluval C3 Hang On Filter Carbon
Clears the odours, discolouration and organic haze that foam and biological media leave behind. This is the genuine Fluval Activated Carbon (item 14012) for the C3 Power Filter – a three-pack of chemical filtration media that polishes water after the mechanical and biological stages have done their work.
Key features
- Activated carbon – adsorbs dissolved organics, tannins and odour compounds that mechanical media can't remove.
- Clears yellow tint and cloudiness – improves water clarity rather than just filtering debris.
- Freshwater and saltwater safe – suits both community and marine setups.
- Three cartridges per pack – genuine Fluval item 14012, sized for the C3 chemical media chamber.
Specifications
| Fluval item number | 14012 |
|---|---|
| Pack size | 3 cartridges, 70 g total |
| Filtration stage | Chemical |
| Fits | Fluval C3 Power Filter (item 14002) |
| Water type | Freshwater and saltwater |
Will it fit my filter?
Sized specifically for the Fluval C3 Power Filter's chemical media chamber. It does not fit the C2 or C4 – use their respective carbon cartridges instead. This is plain activated carbon; it is a different product to Fluval's C3 Zeo-Carb (item 14018), which is a combined carbon-and-ammonia-remover blend rather than carbon alone.
Suitable for, and not suitable for
- Suitable for freshwater and saltwater tanks running a Fluval C3 Power Filter.
- Not suitable as the sole medication-removal method during fish treatment – remove carbon from the filter while dosing medication, as it will strip the active ingredient from the water.
Care and maintenance
Activated carbon has a finite adsorption capacity – once it's full, water simply passes through it unchanged. Fluval doesn't publish a fixed change interval for this cartridge; as a general rule, replace it every three to four weeks, or sooner if odours or discolouration return, and remove it entirely during any medication course.
Goes well with
- Fluval C3 Foam Pad (item 14006) – the mechanical stage this media sits behind.
- Fluval C3 Bio-Screen (item 14021) – the biological stage.
- Fluval C3 Ammonia Remover (item 14015) – for freshwater tanks needing dedicated ammonia control alongside carbon.
Warranty and delivery
Covered by Fluval's standard replacement-media warranty against manufacturing defects, in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law. Ships as a standard parcel.
Common questions
How often should I change the C3 carbon?
Fluval doesn't state a fixed interval. As a general guide, three to four weeks of continuous use is typical before it stops adsorbing effectively.
Do I need to remove it when medicating my tank?
Yes. Activated carbon will remove most medications from the water along with everything else, so take it out of the filter for the duration of treatment.
Is this the same as Zeo-Carb?
No. This is carbon only (item 14012). Zeo-Carb (item 14018) is a combined carbon and ammonia-remover blend.
Will this fit my C2 or C4 filter?
No – each C-series size uses its own carbon cartridge sized to that housing.
