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

Lillyan

Lillyan

AC Members
Jan 26, 2010
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Culpeper, VA
My fiance just scored a huge deal on a Fluval FX5 External Canister Filter. I am wondering if I can put it on my 75 gallon Mbuna tank? I am going to add a foam rectangle to the intake, I've read it is crazy strong suction.
They have a Marineland Maxi-Jet 1200 power head moving water from one side down in behind the rocks. So they are used to a strong current. Actually, there are 4 filters on this tank right now. I want to get rid of the two HOBs and put this new one on instead. The fish have found that the center of the tank has the best swimming current for them. =)

What do you guys think, will it be ok?
 
No need for the foam over the intake.

Yes, the FX5 will be fine on the 75, it is actually what I would recommend for the tank, especially with mbunas.

Now you have to decide how to setup the media. Do you know what you will be using yet?
 
If it comes with anything, then I'll use that. I have some ceramic white media somewhere...going to add that.
 
Yes, both of the hobs are coming off one by one. Going to move the Rena canister last to one of my 40s.
I have .75in fish in there, that's why I wanted to add the sponge.
Fiance was able to get e Fuval 305[I think] for $80. Hopefully I can sell one of my 40 breeders I have. Just the tank $40, let me know if you guys know someone near me that wants it. It just keeps taunting me to get more fish, but there are no fish in my price range I'd want nor that can live in the 40.
 
It doesnt come with anything except the foam sponges for the outer ring. I recommend Seachem Matrix as a biomedia, it has more bioavailable surface area than Fluval or Eheim biomedias. That and cram the top section with filter floss.
 
Is there a large bin of the media? I hate buying stupid tiny containers that cost a fortune, for what? Either way, I'll be looking for cheap alternatives.
 
Don't cheap out. You only have to buy biomedia once ever, it is not that expensive. Yes, Seachem Matrix comes in large containers, liters and liters of it.
 
Honestly, I will cheap out like a mad person.
Nothing sells, nothing can even be given away. I can't afford any more crap I an never resell.
I'll prolly just use the foam for a while. Foam holds good bacteria, too.
 
having more bio-media than what the inhabitants produce is fruitless.

having more media/surface area is a waste..the bacteria produce /reproduce in a matter of hours..bacteria are prolific in that way.

having extra media/surface area does not = more bacteria...since the population of the bacteria is fully dependent on the food in the tank.
in essence..you can cheap out with scrubbies or deck it out with high end high priced media
the bacteria will set up house where ever it works for them..including the sponges, filter floss, bio balls, fluval ceramic rings..etc..etc..etc.. they will also inhabit surfaces in the tank..including the substrate, decor. plants included
 
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