Fluval Pre Filter Cartridge G3
Pack size
1 cartridge
Water type
Freshwater + Marine
Fits
Fluval G3 Advanced Filtration System
Part no.
A415
Fluval Pre Filter Cartridge G3
Genuine Fluval A415 pleated pre-filter for the G3 Advanced Filtration System. This is the mechanical stage that catches suspended debris before it reaches the G3's chemical and biological media, and it's the cartridge you'll service most often.
Fits the Fluval G3 Advanced Filtration System only — it does not fit the larger G6. The G3 canister was rated for aquariums up to roughly 300 litres (80 US gallons) at up to 700 L/h (185 US GPH). Fluval has discontinued the G3 unit itself, but this cartridge remains available for the many G3 filters still running.
Key features
- Pleated mechanical media — folds increase surface area so the cartridge traps more debris before it needs rinsing.
- No-bypass frame — water is forced through the pleats rather than around them, so nothing skips the mechanical stage.
- Daily-use rating — designed to be the fastest-clogging, most frequently serviced stage in the G3, ahead of the chemical and biological baskets.
- Fresh and marine safe — inert media with no chemical additives, so it won't affect salinity, pH or medication dosing.
Specifications
| Fluval part number | A415 |
|---|---|
| Fits | Fluval G3 Advanced Filtration System |
| Media type | Pleated mechanical filter media, no-bypass frame |
| Pack quantity | 1 cartridge |
| Water type | Freshwater and marine |
Will it fit my filter?
This cartridge is specific to the G3. The larger G6 uses the equivalent A416 cartridge, sold separately as the Fluval Pre Filter Cartridge G6 — the two are not interchangeable, since the G3 and G6 media baskets are different sizes. The model name is moulded into the lid of the canister if you need to check which one you have.
Which G3 pre-filter do I need?
Fluval sells two pre-filter options for the G3: this standard pleated cartridge (A415), and the Fluval Fine Pre-Filter Cartridge G3 (A417), which uses a denser pad to catch finer particles at the cost of clogging faster. Most tanks run the standard A415 day to day and add the fine version only when water clarity is a specific problem.
Care and maintenance
Rinse in removed aquarium water every 2–3 weeks, or sooner if flow through the G3 visibly drops. The pleats mean it can usually be rinsed and reused several times before it needs replacing — replace once the pleats stay compressed or torn after rinsing.
Suitable for, and not suitable for
Suitable for any Fluval G3 running fresh or marine water. Not suitable for the Fluval G6, or for any Fluval canister outside the G-series.
Goes well with
Fluval Fine Pre-Filter Cartridge G3, for finer mechanical polishing. Fluval Chemical Cartridge G3 and Fluval Phosphate Cartridge G3, for the chemical stage behind it. Fluval G3 & G6 AquaStop Valve, if you need to isolate the canister for servicing without draining the tank.
Warranty and delivery
Covered by Fluval's standard replacement-part warranty against manufacturing defects, in addition to your rights under the Australian Consumer Law. Standard parcel delivery.
Common questions
Does this replace the whole G3 filter?
No. This is only the pre-filter (mechanical) cartridge. The G3's chemical and biological media are sold as separate cartridges and baskets.
Can I use it in a G6?
No. The G6 uses the A416 cartridge, which is a different size to fit the G6's larger media basket.
How do I know if it needs replacing rather than rinsing?
If the pleats stay flattened or the cartridge is torn after a rinse, or flow through the G3 doesn't recover after cleaning, replace it.
Is it safe in a marine tank?
Yes. It's inert pleated media with no chemical additives, so it's safe in both freshwater and marine setups.
