Question for FX5 owners

[Caryl]

How much height does one need to fit the FX5 under the tank and still have plenty of room for maintenance etc?

I am thinking of finally getting a 6ft (I'm old, I still think of tanks in feet and inches) x 2ft x 2ft tank and am wondering what height the stand should be too look good with a tank of those dimensions and to fit the FX5 inside.

[LYNDYLOO]

They're Whoopers Caryl

Not sure of the Dimensions, I'm sure someone will be able to help you out though

[Navarre]

Hi Caryl,

My 6x2x2 is on a stand that has 600 (2 feet) of clearance UNDER the tank.

I just have enough room to access my FX5 but I have to drain it to remove it as I need to tilt it to get it over the rimu footing on the front of my stand. If you didnt have to do this then it would be much more managable.

I have found that I dont have to remove the FX5 that often as every now and then I do my water changes thru the drain on the bottom and this helps flush any mulm that has accumulated.

I am using the FX5 in combination with a sump and pump but the FX5 is plumbed seperately and I have varying stock levels but mostly Big and Messy...lol

I would also suggest you consider the FX5 inlet pipes( plumbing)as these require a small amount of clearance over the top of the tank and if using euro bracing would be something to consider.

I have had no problems with this filter and WOULD recommend them as one way to filter a large tank depending on aqascape and stocking ( let me know when you are ready for those African or New world cichlids Caryl and I ll help you out)

I know others have had mixed results and I have only compared thsi style of fliet to the more cumbersome Ehiem "bucket" sump and a true sump filter.

HTH

Navarre

[jim r]

FX5 DIAMETER: 400 , HEIGHT 550. IMO a good height for tank would be 1 metre which would give plenty of room for access.

[firenzenz]

As per Narvarre.

The key thing is to have the ability to move it easily when maintaining.

It is probably 35-40kg when full and will need to be removed from under the tank to get the baskets out, or have at least good clearance in the stand.

I slide mine out onto towels or into the babybath to save the floods i got when first got it.

The great thing is that it is a filter that doesn't require high maintenance.

They often need the impellor unclogged after cleaning and that also is a finnicky job if you have cramped quarters.

[Mel]

Hubby usually does all the maintaince on the FX5's - but when I have to do them, I usually drain it first into a bucket (this is the water I use to rinse the media in) the hardest part is pulling the hose contections apart (mine you i'm a weakling) so with clearance you need to be able to pull them off - then you only need to pull the cannister out - easy pesy really

[maxim_nz]

ok gr8, now does anyone happen to know any good deals on FX5's at moment? (big disappointment in Animates at the recent "aqua fun" day) some ok deals on Ehiems, no fluval deals listed at Animates Melling/Lower Hutt..

Thanks for the tips from those out there using them

[Caryl]

I too appreciate the replies. We bought an FX5 when they were half price so now need a tank big enough to hook it up to :lol:

[jc360]

can i please hijack this thread to ask about if people are finding the fx5 isn't removing finer particles properly.

[ryanjury]

I find the FX5 doesn't filter the fine particles very well, have read about people on the internet buying a "polishing pad" and using that to get the finer stuff, or you could just load it up with filter wool. The downside to this and the reason I don't do it is it will clog up and restrict flow very fast and I would have to clean my filter out every 2 weeks or so not every 3 months. I find them a pain to clean so would rather it last 3 months

[Ira]

I'd just rubber band some filter wool around the filter intake. Clogs up pretty quick and looks ugly, but only takes sticking your arm in the tank to remove it and rinse it out.

Edit: I don't mean as a long term solution. Just short term.