Hi,
There's quite an extensive thread here:
Thinking of getting a Fluval G6 (media questions...) | UK Aquatic Plant Society
There are more which can be easily found using the search function at the top right of the forum page, but this is the most comprehensive by far.
I run a G6 and have found it to be a great filter, really easy to use and as you say it's great to look at if your into that sort of thing! On display there will be no better looker, and if your lax on the pipe cleaning then the non transparent piping is a good idea to hide unsightly build ups!
The media cartridges are quite expensive, but to be honest you can fill the chemical one with any cheaper products if you choose as the bottom clips off and you can replace the media. The pre-filter cartridges last a long long time, I have two and rotate them weekly at cleaning time. I ran my first ones for well over a year without clogging issues....Take one out and add the dried cleaned one from the previous week.
They are quiet and give good flow, the G6 ideal for upto 200l planted tanks I'd say, the G3 probably max 100l going with the 10xturnover rule.
I have had an issue with flow drop off, which self corrected strangely, but during the problem It was difficult to contact customer services. Gary Nelson who created the above thread also had this issue and if you read the thread above you'll find he had quite a stressful time sorting the problem.....but it did get sorted in the end!
I run an inline heater with very little flow drop off which may be useful information for you if your considering adding external equipment.
All in all I love mine, they are expensive but the ease of maintenance is a godsend and makes filter cleaning much less of a chore, I'd highly recommend them, but as with anything they can go wrong!
Cheerio,
Ady
