Fluval C3 Hang On Filter Poly/Foam Pad
Water type
Freshwater + Marine
Fits
Fluval C3 Power Filter
Part no.
14009
Replace every
6 months
Media type
Mechanical
Fluval C3 Hang On Filter Poly/Foam Pad
Two-stage mechanical filtration, sized for the C3 only.
This is the genuine Fluval poly/foam pad, part 14009, made for the Fluval C3 Power Filter (aquariums up to 190 L). It sits in the first filtration stage and does the physical straining that keeps the biological and chemical media behind it from clogging with debris. Sold as a 3-pack so a clean pad is always on hand at water-change time.
Key features
- Genuine Fluval 14009 – the exact two-sided pad Fluval ships in a new C3, not a universal cut-to-fit substitute.
- Two stages in one pad – the coarse, porous side traps large debris first; the denser polyester side behind it catches the fine particles that would otherwise cloud the water.
- Protects the media behind it – a clean pad keeps flow up and stops the Bio-Screen and carbon stages from silting up early.
- Rinse-and-reuse between changes – swirl it in removed tank water at each service; it does not need replacing every clean.
- 3-pack – a full cycle of spares, so there is always a dry pad ready while the last one dries out or gets a proper clean.
Specifications
| Manufacturer part number | 14009 |
|---|---|
| Sold as | 3-pack |
| Media type | Mechanical (two-stage: porous foam + dense polyester) |
| Fits filter | Fluval C3 Power Filter only |
| Water type | Freshwater and marine |
Will it fit my filter?
The C-Series pad is sized to each model, so a C2 or C4 pad will not seat properly in a C3. Use the table below to check before ordering.
| Filter | Tank size | Poly/foam pad part | Takes 14009 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluval C2 | Up to 115 L | 14006 | No |
| Fluval C3 | Up to 190 L | 14009 | Yes |
| Fluval C4 | Up to 265 L | 14010 | No |
What's included
- 3 x poly/foam pad
Not included
- The rest of the media stack. Activated carbon, BIOMAX and the Bio-Screen pad are sold separately.
Suitable for, and not suitable for
Suitable for routine maintenance of any Fluval C3, and for a first fit-out when setting up a new one. Not suitable for a C2 or C4 – the pads are a different size and will not sit flush in the filter body.
Care and maintenance
Rinse in removed tank water at each service rather than tap water, so the bacteria living on it survive the clean. Fluval's own guidance is to fully replace mechanical foam at least twice a year, sooner if it has torn, compacted, or stopped springing back after a rinse.
Goes well with
- Fluval C3 Zeo-Carb – the chemical stage that sits behind this pad
- C-Series Bio-Screen pad – check this at the same service if flow has dropped further back in the media stack
- Fluval C3 Hang On Filter – the filter this pad is made for
Warranty and delivery
Supplied as genuine Fluval filter media. 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
How often should I replace the C3 poly/foam pad?
Rinse it in tank water at every filter service and it will last several cleans. Fluval recommends a full replacement at least twice a year, or sooner if the pad is torn or no longer springs back after rinsing.
Will this fit a Fluval C2 or C4?
No. Each C-Series filter uses its own pad size – the C2 takes part 14006 and the C4 takes part 14010. This pad, 14009, is sized for the C3 only.
Can I use tap water to rinse it?
Tap water contains chlorine or chloramine, which kills the beneficial bacteria on the pad. Use water removed from the tank during a water change instead.
Does this pad go in front of or behind the carbon?
In front. It is the first stage in the C3, catching debris before water reaches the Zeo-Carb or activated carbon stage.
