Fluval C3 Hang On Filter Foam Pad
Pack size
2 pack
Water type
Freshwater + Saltwater
Fits
Fluval C3 Power Filter (item 14002)
Part no.
14006
Replace every
3 months
Media type
Mechanical
Fluval C3 Hang On Filter Foam Pad
Traps debris before it reaches the biological and chemical stages of your Fluval C3. This is the genuine Fluval Foam Pad (item 14006) for the C3 Power Filter – a two-pack of mechanical pre-filter pads that sit at the front of the media stack, protecting the impeller and keeping the water column clear.
Key features
- Large surface area, fine-pore foam – catches suspended particles and large debris before they reach the Bio-Screen and carbon stages.
- Protects the impeller – stops grit and plant matter from fouling the motor unit.
- Two pads per pack – one spare while the other is rinsing, so the bacteria colony elsewhere in the filter isn't disturbed by a full media change.
- Genuine Fluval fit – Fluval item 14006, sized specifically for the C3 housing.
Specifications
| Fluval item number | 14006 |
|---|---|
| Pack size | 2 foam pads |
| Filtration stage | Mechanical (stage 1) |
| Fits | Fluval C3 Power Filter (item 14002) |
| Water type | Freshwater and saltwater |
Will it fit my filter?
This foam pad is sized for the Fluval C3 Power Filter only. It does not fit the smaller C2 or the larger C4 – each size in the C-series uses its own foam pad. If your filter box or manual says "C3", this is the correct pad. It is a different product to the Fluval C3 Poly/Foam Pad (item 14009), which is a coarser three-pack pre-filter pad rather than this fine-pore foam pad.
Suitable for, and not suitable for
- Suitable for freshwater and saltwater tanks running a Fluval C3 Power Filter.
- Not suitable for any other Fluval C-series, A-series or canister filter – the housing shape is specific to the C3.
Care and maintenance
Rinse the pad in a bucket of removed tank water – never tap water, which will kill the bacteria living on it – whenever flow through the filter noticeably drops, typically around once a month. Fluval's own guidance is to replace the foam pad roughly every two to three months, and to change it on its own rather than swapping every media type in the same week, so the biological colony in the rest of the filter is never fully reset at once.
Goes well with
- Fluval C3 Bio-Screen (item 14021) – the biological stage that sits behind this pad.
- Fluval C3 Activated Carbon (item 14012) – the chemical polishing stage.
- Fluval C3 Ammonia Remover (item 14015) – for freshwater tanks needing extra ammonia control.
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 – no special freight handling required.
Common questions
How often should I rinse the C3 foam pad?
About once a month, or sooner if flow out of the filter slows down. Rinse in removed tank water, not tap water.
Can I use this pad in saltwater?
Yes. The foam itself is inert and works in both freshwater and marine setups.
Will this fit my C2 or C4 filter?
No. Each Fluval C-series size – C2, C3, C4 – uses its own foam pad sized to that housing. This pack (item 14006) fits the C3 only.
Is this the same as the Poly/Foam Pad?
No. The Poly/Foam Pad (item 14009) is a separate, coarser three-pack product. This is the standard fine-pore foam pad, sold as a two-pack.
