Fluval FX5 Setup Tutorial Part 2

[Hotlips4000isback]

In this vid, they show you how to clean the filter etc, but i was wondering do you still change the water in the tank ?

It maybe a stupid question, but i was just wondering.

[irbenson]

@Hotlips4000isback yes, canister filters convert ammonia-->nitrite--->nitrates, to get rid of nitrates you need LOTS of plant filtration or water changes

[benmightbehere]

@Hotlips4000isback ina word, yes

[Hotlips4000isback]

@benmightbehere

:)

[nicofish1000]

got to say i kinda sad my aqua stop valves are stuck Ive tried with all my strength

and yes I am doing it in the right direction cause I got one of them to turn.

[Hordesthugz13]

@nicofish1000 im sure u have figured it out but you have to press the orange button on the valve...

[nicofish1000]

@Hordesthugz13 lol not that the actualy valve was stuck. I just put it in warm water and used somr force. its still stiff but I can turn it pretty easily now. thanks for your help anyway!!

[Shareallicu]

I'm glad I got the Fluval 405, this one sounds like a pain :0/

[helicrashpro]

Canister filters = pain in the ass in general. This one is no exception. If you clean it with tap water you will kill the beneficial bacteria which is a BAD thing. Look into a wet dry trickle filter or bio-tower and a sump. They are MUCH more efficient and MUCH easier to maintenance. You want a bio-tower with a filter pad on the top (very easy to clean and change) and a sump with a return pump. You can put your heater in the sump which is nice, but sumps require an overflow (easy to build).

[BoppaTroll]

@helicrashpro if you don't like canister filters it means you don't know how to use them properly. the right set up with the right canister filters is the best thing EVER for the common aquarist.

[Scuurge]

Also, if anyone was wondeirng I am running it on a 75 gallon. Works great, maybe some overkill on my part but I like a good current for my cichlids.

[BoppaTroll]

@Scuurge i don't think it's overkill at all, a 75 gallon with this flow rate is cycling at about 12 times and hour turnover. i think that's perfect for fish who like water movement, not too much not too little. and thanx for the post, i'm thinking about getting one for my 75 =)

[Scuurge]

So for the bacteria problem I would suggest running a small bio wheel in unison.

[Scuurge]

I would just like to say this filter is awesome. It is super quiet, even the restarts you barely notice. Never had it leak once. If you set it up right, this systme is awesome. I have cleaned it once in 2 months, and it was pain free. The hardest part was finding a 1" clear vinyl tube (ordered it online). The only down side to this filter is that when you clean it, you are essentially killing all your good bacteria because you are removing all the water.

[twintip08]

when the filter shuts off every 24 hours, for 2 mins. is it loud restarting? all those bubbles/air shooting back into the tank distrupt the tank? it looked like way to much pressure. i really wana buy one but doesnt look sutiable for me i think it would leak out the back with glass hoods on.

[johnnyphoenix74]

In the manual it says you have to kneel and pray 5 times a day before it as well...and never raise your voice around it either.

[chumaster90]

Damn, i think i will stay with power filters until i become rich

[hawkwind999]

this tank as no cover glasses, the cutouts on the corners of big tanks might be too small for the tubing, and the bits that fit over the top of the tank. That is why I have two smaller filters on my tank.

[1992pattrow]

@hawkwind999

Word to that. I have 2 Fluval 405 canisters on my 125 gallon instead of the FX5.

[MightyZocalo]

The bacteria tends to die during maintenance. If you guys noticed its out of the water for extended period of time. This is good mechanical filter however.

[irbenson]

@MightyZocalo the water is drained but the media still retains moisture, it does not completely dry out in a few minutes

[TheMacDool]

incredible filter just wish I had a tank big enough to warrant getting one

[marlin187]

up to 1000.

[EcBuddy123]

wow! i want this makes emtiying the tank easy and 400 gallons? and its fluval will get it if i get a larger turtle tank!

[PabloAlonzo48]

400 gallons one of the best on the market man

[linkxultra888]

what happens if i put it in a 10gallon?? lol

[PabloAlonzo48]

Nothing man crystal clear water for a while