Fluval FX5 External Canister Filter, on a 75...?

I wouldnt use any filter floss or polishing pads of any kind or the FX5 will need to be cleaned way to often. I owned an FX5. I would just place some biomedia or any chemical filtration you like in the center.

If you are interested I can send you some bioballs ( for free ) as long as you pay the shipping that you can place in the center. A medium flat rate box is $10.50 I will fill it up for you and ship it.
 
I have to disagree. I have used FX5s on multiple tanks with multiple types of setups. Although polishing pads may clog up pretty fast, that means they are doing their job. Routine monthly maintenance is fine. Whether you use FX5 pads or simply cram in some filter floss, IME it makes a difference to have some fine mechanical in there.

Again, bioballs are NOT made for submerged use. They are very inefficient. The reason they are good for trickle filters is because the amount of oxygen is SOO much higher with a trickle filter that the bacteria that are there are much more efficient. This is not the case with submerged use. Use a media that is actually made for submerged use.
 
reptileguy2727 said:
I have to disagree. I have used FX5s on multiple tanks with multiple types of setups. Although polishing pads may clog up pretty fast, that means they are doing their job. Routine monthly maintenance is fine. Whether you use FX5 pads or simply cram in some filter floss, IME it makes a difference to have some fine mechanical in there.

Again, bioballs are NOT made for submerged use. They are very inefficient. The reason they are good for trickle filters is because the amount of oxygen is SOO much higher with a trickle filter that the bacteria that are there are much more efficient. This is not the case with submerged use. Use a media that is actually made for submerged use.
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Bioballs will work in any application for housing bacteria. Yes, they are much more efficient in a trickle system, but that doesnt mean they are useless in a canister application. They would not be my first choice in a canister, but I am offering them free.

Now, when was running an FX5 on my 125 with the blue and white polishing pads, I had to remove them about every two weeks for replacement. IMO this is way to quick. I stopped using any floss and pads and I nor my friends could see any real difference in the water clarity. The mass amount of sponge does a great mechanical job. When I filled the center with bio media and the top with Chemipure my tank was crystal clear and I didnt have to clean it out but twice a yr and my water perams were perfect.

Your mileage may vary.
 
Any filter should be cleaned on a monthly basis. It COLLECTS waste for you, it doesn't remove it. It is still in the system and needs to be removed by the fishkeeper. Letting that debris sit in there for six months simply allows it to rot and lower water quality. I have seen tanks drop 30ppm nitrate just by cleaning the filter that had been neglected.
 
reptileguy2727 said:
Any filter should be cleaned on a monthly basis. It COLLECTS waste for you, it doesn't remove it. It is still in the system and needs to be removed by the fishkeeper. Letting that debris sit in there for six months simply allows it to rot and lower water quality. I have seen tanks drop 30ppm nitrate just by cleaning the filter that had been neglected.
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My water perams are perfect Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0 Nitrate Barely registers anything. My Africans are breeding in there on a almost constant basis..
 
Is the tank planted?
What kit are you using to test?
0 nitrate is very hard to achieve, most tap water comes out much higher than that.
 
AQUARIUM Pharm Master Test Kit. No, no plants. I have been doing this for close to 34 yrs. as well as working in the industry for half my life. I run an Eheim 2260 and a 2217 canister on the 125. Eheim canisters are designed to go longer periods between cleanings and when allowed to run 3-6 months do a much better job.
 
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