Fluval U3 Internal Filter Motor Unit
Wattage
8 W
Suits tanks
Up to 150 L
Flow rate
600 L/h
Water type
Freshwater + Marine
Fits
Fluval U3
Part no.
PF133D
Voltage
240 V / 50 Hz
Fluval U3 Internal Filter Motor Unit
Genuine Fluval spare – brings a dead U3 back to life. This is the complete factory motor unit for the Fluval U3 internal aquarium filter: the sealed pump assembly that drives water through the media stack and restores the filter's full 600 litres per hour. If your U3 has stopped, lost most of its flow, or turned into a grinding rattle that a clean and a new impeller did not fix, this is the part that saves you replacing the whole filter.
What it fixes
- No flow at all – the filter powers on but moves nothing, or will not power on
- Weak flow that a clean, a new impeller and a clear intake did not restore
- Grinding or rattling that persists after the impeller and shaft have been replaced
- Water ingress into the motor housing
Before you replace the motor
Most dead U3s are not dead motors. Work through these first – it is a cheaper fix and takes ten minutes.
- Pull the impeller and check for hair, gravel or a snapped shaft. A seized impeller is the most common cause by a distance
- Descale the impeller well with a soft brush. In hard water, limescale binds impellers solid
- Confirm the intake grille and outlet are not blocked
- If the filter still will not run after all three, the motor unit is the answer
Specifications
| Fits | Fluval U3 internal filter only |
|---|---|
| Part number | PF133D |
| Includes | Complete sealed motor unit |
| Restores | 600 L/h output |
| Power | 7.5 W at 240 V / 50 Hz |
| Water type | Freshwater and marine |
| Fitting difficulty | Easy – no tools required |
Compatibility
Fits the Fluval U3 only. Motor units for the U1, U2 and U4 are different parts and are not interchangeable. Check the model number moulded into the filter body before ordering.
This is not the impeller assembly. If you only need the impeller and ceramic shaft, that is a separate and considerably cheaper part.
About the U3
The Fluval U3 is a three-stage internal filter rated for aquariums up to 150 litres, moving 600 litres per hour on 7.5 W. It runs foam pads, poly/carbon cartridges and BIOMAX biological rings, with three-way adjustable flow – top output for surface circulation, a spray bar for even flow, and bottom output for deepwater agitation. It suits freshwater, marine and reptile setups.
Goes well with
- Fluval U3 Impeller Assembly – try this first, it is the cheaper fix and usually the culprit
- Fluval U Clean & Clear Cartridge – worth replacing while the filter is apart
- Fluval U3 Foam Insert – the same visit, the same five minutes
Warranty and delivery
Genuine Fluval part, covered by the manufacturer's warranty against defects. This is in addition to your rights under the Australian Consumer Law, which cannot be excluded.
240 V / 50 Hz. Ships as a standard parcel.
Common questions
Will a U2 or U4 motor unit fit my U3?
No. Each filter in the U series has its own motor unit and they are not interchangeable. The model number is moulded into the filter body.
Should I replace the impeller or the whole motor?
The impeller first. It is cheaper and it is the cause most of the time. Replace the motor unit only when a new impeller and a full clean do not restore flow.
Do I need tools?
No. The U3 comes apart by hand.
Is it safe in a marine tank?
Yes. The U3 and its motor unit are rated for freshwater and marine use.
