What happens if I don't change it?

Spent carbon stops removing odours and discolouration, and clogged pads slow the flow, so the filter moves less water through the tank.

Aquarium filter media

Fluval Bio-Foam Pad for U4 Underwater Filter, 2-Pack

A488

Fits 1 model

Wrong part, or your model missing? Tell us. A person checks every report.

GenuineGenuine Fluval

$6.94 each

2-pack $13.88

Aquarium Spare Parts · 30 OctLowest genuine · Aquarium Spare Parts · checked 30 Oct

CompatibleCompatible option

$2.65 each

6-pack $15.88

Aquarium Spare Parts · 30 OctAquarium Spare Parts · checked 30 Oct

Check sellerCheck seller details

Genuine: made by Fluval. Compatible: another brand.Genuine is made by Fluval. Compatible is made by another brand. Check the seller's page for the size and models it fits.

Lowest compatibleLowest compatible price · $2.65 each · 6-pack $15.88

Aquarium Spare Parts. Compare with genuine below. Some links earn us a commission. Some seller links earn us a commission, at no extra cost to you.

Open Aquarium Spare Parts · $2.65 each · 6-pack $15.88

Compare 2 listings from 1 seller

AUD, before delivery. Each price shows when it was checked.

Compatible options

1 seller

Aquarium Spare PartsCompatible · checked 30 OctCompatible · Lowest compatiblechecked 30 Oct$2.65 each6-pack $15.88OpenGo to seller

Genuine Fluval

1 seller

Aquarium Spare PartsGenuine · checked 30 OctGenuine part · Lowest genuinechecked 30 Oct$6.94 each2-pack $13.88OpenGo to seller

Open cheapest seller · $2.65 each · 6-pack $15.88

Opens Aquarium Spare Parts in a new tab. Their page is the source of truth for price, delivery and returns.

How long it lasts

Replace it as the filter's manual says; Fluval gives no set interval for this foam.

How to change the A488 aquarium filter media

Watch the guide or follow the steps.

Fluval U Series Filter Maintenance · Fluval Aquatics (official)

1Unplug the filter and lift it out of the aquarium.
2Open the filter and slide out the foam pad and the cartridge (U2 to U4 also hold BIOMAX).
3Rinse foam in water from the aquarium; rinse BIOMAX in aquarium water only: Fluval says never to rinse it with tap water.
4Fit the new Bio-Foam where the old media sat. Fluval says not to replace all filter media at the same time.
5Close the filter, put it back in the aquarium and plug it in.

Every number this part goes byA-488 · A488

Retail name:: A-488
Retail name:: A488

Sellers list any of these; they are the same part.

Will it fit your appliance?

Type your model number and we'll check it against the makers' lists.

Your appliance model

Fits this Fluval modelU4

Fluval1 model

Common questionsWhat does the A488 fit? · Where can I buy the A488 in Australia? · How do I fit the A488?

What does the A488 fit?: The Fluval Bio-Foam Pad for U4 Underwater Filter, 2-Pack (part A488) fits the Fluval U4. Compatible filters made to the same specification also fit.
Where can I buy the A488 in Australia?: We track 1 Australian seller for the A488; the lowest listed price when we last checked was A$2.65 at Aquarium Spare Parts. Prices are re-checked daily and dated on this page.
How do I fit the A488?: No tools, a few minutes: 5 steps, listed on this page with the replacement video where the maker has one.
What happens if I don't change it?: Spent carbon stops removing odours and discolouration, and clogged pads slow the flow, so the filter moves less water through the tank.

Something looks wrong with the A488 match? . Reports go to a person, not a bot.