Anyone have one? Are they worth the money? Ordered a new Rena XP Filstar XL and it came in and did not work, thinking about going with the Fluval FX5 Canister Filter instead.
They work. It's a decent filter. I'd rate it 7/10. Better as a water mover than a filter. Just ditch everything and load that sucker up with bio balls or plastic pot scrubbers.
If you're looking for large quality canisters, I'd go with an Eheim 2260/2. If you're baller and want the best quality canisters, I'd go with the ADA canister filters.
They work. It's a decent filter. I'd rate it 7/10. Better as a water mover than a filter. Just ditch everything and load that sucker up with bio balls or plastic pot scrubbers.
+1. Don't buy fluval commercial media. Pot scrubbers all the way. It's flow rate is second to none. I run two of these on two 125g. One tank is a turtle tank and it stays clear as a bell. I highly recommend the fx5 as long as you use custom media and a custom outflow. Oh, and replace the black ribbed hose with clear 1" inner diameter vinyl hose. Use those metal hose clamps too.
LOL! You're funny guy. Definitely not the best canister filter, but decent for its price. You can't beat 6 for $1 plastic pot scrubbers when it come to media. ADA canister filter is the best as far as I know.
What do you mean by plastic pot scrubbers, and are they a better alternative to fluval bio media, or are they just cheaper? And why not use the fluval stuff, polishing pad, coarse pad, etc.
I am using an fx5, and it has been great so far (a few weeks). Any media tips would be greatly appreciated. The more specific the better. Thanks!
Plastic pot scrubbers. You can find them at any dollar store. 6 for $1. Now compare that to Fluval media. Last I remember, buying a box of Fluval media cost me about $15 for a large media bag full. $15 will get me 90 plastic pot scrubbers. Both hold beneficial bacteria. Now compare the two.
Here's a pic from Google if you don't know what I'm talking about.
Pretty snarky, considering nobody was questioning which was cheaper. I appreciate the picture, though. Want to make sure I know what we are talking about before putting it in a my filter, and there are lots of kinds of plastic pot scrubbers.
Eheim Professional Pro 3 is a much better filter i think.If you are looking for big flow the fx5 is good but for filtering Eheim is better.Mind you they are both beasts and not a huge difference in them.I just prefer Eheim.
I use a hydor inline heater (the only brand that in aware of) with one of my fluvals. Works great, the only problem is that the hydor is 5/8" I.D. while the fluval house is 1" I.D. You'll need to custom plumb and reduce the hose size. I actually split my output and did a diy spray bar. I'll post a pic later if you'd like.
Thank you for the pictures, that should help me when I get the filter next week. I ordered it today. $247 and 2 day free shipping.
So from the output of the canister you split into that T? One then goes direct back into the tank? Assume with the spray bar or whatever comes with it? The other goes to the heater to the return you made?
Do you have anything before or after the T to limit the flow? Assume I could also add my CO2 reactor and UV on this side as well long as I limit the flow?
Noticed you mentioned UV: I actually have an extra loop built in for UV. I haven't added a UV filter yet, but from what I have learned they won't work well unless the flow rate is low enough. With a dedicated loop you could adjust the flow separately. Caveat: I haven't used this thing with 3 loops yet, so don't know for sure what kind of flow through you would get. I think it would be fine though. The FX5 really is a beast.
Do you like the Ista mix max inline reactor? Are you seeing a lot of bubbles in your tank? Does not look like it from the pictures?
I heard it kinda loud when actively injecting CO2? It going to be in a closed stand. Trying to decide if I should just use co2 atomizer diffuser. I read the reviews about them on this site, but like to hear from someone that has just set it up.
Thank you for sharing, most helpful. Yeah I am torn between the one you use or just setup cerges reactor. cerges reactor will cost a bit more, but might be better in the long run not sure. I want to be able to set it and forget it kinda thing, so I don't go out of town for week and worry if it might leak.
What are the opinions that a FX5 might be too much flow for a 75T? I am also looking at a Fluval 406. I am going from a 26g to a 75T and going to be buying a new canister and want the best.
I am using an FX5 on a 48 Gallon, and I love it. Some people will call this way too much, but for my application I think it is about right. My journal has details. In a nutshell: FX5 is rated at 563 gallons per hour without any media. Some people target 10x tank volume as ideal turnover per hour for a planted tank.
ETK that manifold is beautiful...I see a trip to home depot for me in the morning....Is that all 1.5 piping? and second question do you mind if I use your design?
Thanks! Sure, go ahead and use the design. See post 33 in this thread for more details. Also my tank journal. The manifold is 1" PVC, with 1/2" for the device loops. Post pics of what you make, too!
Are the ball valves for each device that will connect to the manifold 1/2 or 3/4? Cannot tell from the picture if maybe they are 3/4 with reducer connected to the 1 inch.
Ive only ever owned Rena XP's and have had no complaints *touch wood* The Fluval FX-5 just seems a little too much "Oopmh" for it to be a good biological filter. If it were me i would get 2x Rena XP-3 or the "Large" as they call it now, and still have some change in your pocket.
The Brits have the FX-6 which is even more "Oomph" but are focused on being more energy efficient. http://www.seapets.co.uk/products/a...ters/fluval-fx6-external-canister-filter.html
Love my FX5 and would recommend it to anyone needing a filter of this capacity. My own tests tell me it pumps a little over 600 gph fully loaded with media. I won't get into the debate about Eheim vs. Fluval because it just reduces to a pissing match at the end of the day, but I chose the FX5 for the build quality and the capacity for the money. There's plenty of comparison info on the web between this filter and the equivalent Eheim and the bottom line is that you might get a slightly larger bio capacity with the Eheim, but you'll pay significantly more. For planted tanks? Why? Add to that their pockmarked customer service as of late and the price of replacement parts - meh...Fluval all the way.
Someone mentioned replacing their ribbed hoses and I seriously question why? What's wrong with them that they need replacing?
I run mine on a 40b with a DIY 1" ID spray bar.
BTW In.A.Box: I have a CFS500 too. It's not a terrible filter either. Too bad it got all the bad publicity with the top issues. For $60 it can't be beat.
I mentioned replacing the ribbed hose with smooth vinyl hose for multiple reasons actually. Increase in flow rate (the ribbed hose acts almost like a series of speed bumps), less gunk buildup in the hose (the ribs catch trash on the intake side and can slow or even stop flow given enough buildup), and vinyl is more durable (the stock hose can dry rot because that's what plastic does over time).
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