What filter media should be used and in what order (top to bottom) should they be placed in an FX5 if you're using it for a RES aquarium/tank?
81294
I usually put carbon on top, ammonia chips in middle and biomax at the bottom.
81295
Also if money is an issue you can use regular algae scrub pads or a similar sponge from wherever. Won't work quite as well, but, in my experience, it did the job very well for a tenth of the price and similar results. I use the biomax media in the top two trays and premedia in the bottom. You can also get a polish filter to put in the bottom tray for best results, but just remember to remove it after a week or two as it gets clogged and will slow the water flow eventually (especially with RESs).
81296
I am using in the top basket: Fluval Universal Filter Media Bags - one filled with ammonia remover and another with activated carbon. The second basket: Seachem Purigen in a Seachem Filter Media bag (very fine mesh able to contain the Purigen) and in the 3rd basket: Seachem Matrix Bio Media in the bottom
81297
I am using in the top basket: Fluval Universal Filter Media Bags - one filled with ammonia remover and another with activated carbon. The second basket: Seachem Purigen in a Seachem Filter Media bag (very fine mesh able to contain the Purigen) and in the 3rd basket: Seachem Matrix Bio Media in the bottom, I have an 125gal tank and this works well for me.
81298
Hi, Because turtles are messy you want to establish as much nitrifying bacteria growth as quickly as possible. Bottom layer eheim Ehfi - middle basket Eheim Mech - top eheim substrate Pro Sintered glass spheres. ( regarding the top basket only make sure you put whatever media you chose in media bags) eheim media is superb I've used it for 35 years. It rarely needs replacing. If your tank has enough water depth I would add a powerhead or wave maker - the powerhead will add current to the water to loosen and free up debris and waste so the filter becomes more efficient and the water much cleaner. Marineland and Aqueon have excellent units at a great price. The Marineland pro 1200 is a best bet I have a few of them and they work like a charm. Amazon sells the 1200 for around $25 - list price is $89 so it's a steal. Hope this helps! Peter
81299
I realize you are looking to keep turtles but the absolute beauty of this very large canister filter, is you can fill it with whatever you want to. It really depends on whatever you are keeping. Since I keep only very large fancy goldfish in a 125 gallon tank (messy critters that they are) I am using in the top basket: Fluval Universal Filter Media Bags - one filled with ammonia remover and another with activated carbon. The second basket: Seachem Purigen in a Seachem Filter Media bag (very fine mesh able to contain the Purigen) and in the 3rd basket: Seachem Matrix Bio Media in the bottom canister covered with filter pad cut to fit the circle shape of the basket. Hope this helps somewhat! I realize you are looking to keep turtles but the absolute beauty of this very large canister filter, is you can fill it with whatever you want to. It really depends on whatever you are keeping. Since I keep only very large fancy goldfish in a 125 gallon tank (messy critters that they are) I am using in the top basket: Fluval Universal Filter Media Bags - one filled with ammonia remover and another with activated carbon. The second basket: Seachem Purigen in a Seachem Filter Media bag (very fine mesh able to contain the Purigen) and in the 3rd basket: Seachem Matrix Bio Media in the bottom... » Read More I realize you are looking to keep turtles but the absolute beauty of this very large canister filter, is you can fill it with whatever you want to. It really depends on whatever you are keeping. Since I keep only very large fancy goldfish in a 125 gallon tank (messy critters that they are) I am using in the top basket: Fluval Universal Filter Media Bags - one filled with ammonia remover and another with activated carbon. The second basket: Seachem Purigen in a Seachem Filter Media bag (very fine mesh able to contain the Purigen) and in the 3rd basket: Seachem Matrix Bio Media in the bottom canister covered with filter pad cut to fit the circle shape of the basket. Hope this helps somewhat! « Show Less
81300
For a res tank, in the bottom basket i used Fluval bio max media, and in the second basket use pre-filter media. For the top basket, the best results i found were with 2 activated carbon bags. This combination will have your water crystal clear and odorless
359036
Since this is the prefilter media I would say place it in the top basket where it will trap larger debris (but I am not sure much will get past the outer foam inserts). It also helps to "break up" the water current to get a more even spread in the basket. The very similar looking Bio-Max rings are biological surface area modules that should be placed in the bottom media basket.
666327
Everything that is needed to start filtering is included. Only things that are not included is the filter media, bio balls, etc. It all depends on the type of aquarium you are trying to set up (fresh water vs salt water). I run GFO in mine for my reef tank. Carbon is useful in just about any aquarium. If you do use a filter media, I would suggest buying filter bags as well, or else it will be spread through out the filter, caught in the filter floss, and wasted when you clean the filter weekly. Most medias last more than 2 weeks, so you want the ability to take the media you are using out and put it back in after you are finished cleaning. Or else you will have to replace the media, which wasn't fully used. Even with out the above materials, the added flow and filter floss will help in over all tank health.
1356723
I bought two and put in the bottom of a 55 gallon tank. Since installing the filters there has been quite a build-up of ??? on the top of the gravel.It is white and stringy (?) and very hard to clean out because of the tank depth! I have had MUCH better luck keeping the tank clean by installing two flow through filters and extending one of the intakes as close to the bottom as possible. If I had it to do over again I would NOT have gotten the under gravel systems.
1065261
Your filter manual will say what kinds of media are recommended for your specific filter.
793643
I bought everything through Amazon: 1)Fluval Pre-Filter Media - 750 grams/26.45 ounces, 2)Deep Blue Professional ADB41001 Plain Polyfiber Media Pad, 18 by 30-Inch3)Marineland PA0392 Diamond Blend Activated Carbon/Ammonia Neutralizing Crystals, 50-Ounce, 1417-Gram. You have to cut the media pad to shape. I used three layers of it in one tray. I will be ordering another pump for my second tank. Priming the pump is a challenge at first, and you have to make sure the pickup is submerged, but for the money...
245875
You need to replace the sponges IMMEDIATELY with a better filter medium. Look through the reviews and you will find what to use. Otherwise this is a great, quiet little filter for very small aquariums.
1587084
In hope that this helps someone:I have 2 pumps, both with canister filters. I use carbon in one and in the other I use Matrix with NO media bag. HOWEVER, if I only had one pump I'd use a media bag in order to separate them since Matrix doesn't require replacement while carbon does. Also I'd situate the Matrix ABOVE the carbon.
484984
I don't use a standard filter on these tanks (we have 5 betta fish). Instead, I use a disc bubbler under the gravel for aeration in each one. Love these tanks and their design, but not too happy with Amazon shipping b/c all of the tanks came with at least one divider broken or cracked. Also, don't like the solid glass lids. In fact, I was leaving those off entirely at first, but one of our bettas leaped out of the water while I was at work. I didn't even know a fish would or could do that! So hubby made me some wire mesh covers for them. But now I'm rambling, sorry. If you want to use a filter, I'd get the smallest one you can find. I think they do make filters for 5 gallons and under. Again, I haven't had to use a filter. I use a disc bubbler, and lay it on top of a cottony pouch that has charcoal in it. I have to change the charcoal out only about once every three months. Bettas are so clean and if you don't overfeed, their tanks stay nice for a long, long time. Love the idea and design of these tanks, that's why all my bettas are in them, but see preceding for adjustments we've made over time. Hope this helps.
1960286
I plan to try this site next purchase but you can also ask foster and smith website for other options I have used. http://spectrapure.com/AQUARIUM/SEDIMENT-CARBON-FILTERS-DI-CARTRIDGES-RESIN The order left to right is sediment filter, carbon, then the DI cartridge.
1023998
No. Although the FX6 is a gravity system, power is needed to operate the pump which circulates the filtered water back up, and into the tank. This filter is awesome. I've had it running on a 125 gallon aquarium , occupied by 4 sizable turtles for a month and a week now. The water has never been clearer. Now it needs to be cleaned for the first time. Hope this info was helpful!
1801426
I run the FX5 on my 125 planted aquarium same as the FX6, I love it , the 406 would the job cause it's for 100gal tank but w plants , the bigger the better , clean it once a month n change carbon , plus it gives u more options media , FX6 in my opinion is the way to go
761960
You still need mechanical Filtration media such as filter pads. But I still use other things like Seachem Purigen. The two keep my 75 gallon saltwater reef tank in perfect condition. I hope this helps but at the end of the day it's all how you set up your filtration, stock the tank and perform maintenance.
1938763
Not really this is for a canister filter ...I use it in a FX5..probably to big for your filter.
1356721
I bought two and put in the bottom of a 55 gallon tank. Since installing the filters there has been quite a build-up of ??? on the top of the gravel. It is white and stringy (?) and very hard to clean out because of the tank depth! I have had MUCH better luck keeping the tank clean by installing two flow through filters and extending one of the intakes as close to the bottom as possible. If I had it to do over again I would NOT have gotten the under gravel systems.
2205705
no you have to buy the filtering media separately but trust me we got this for a nasty turtle tank and the thing is crystal clear and you only have to clean the media out like once a month. the media can last about a year if you just take it out and flush it under hot water. best thing is the pump is very quiet and easy to set up the only thing is when you unpack the hoses you might have to twist them the opposite direction because they tend to want to curl SunSun Canister Filter Media SetAbove is the link to what you will want to get it might help to buy 2 of them so that you will be set for a while. by far the best filtration system for the money. no you have to buy the filtering media separately but trust me we got this for a nasty turtle tank and the thing is crystal clear and you only have to clean the media out like once a month. the media can last about a year if you just take it out and flush it under hot water. best thing is the pump is very quiet and easy to set up the only thing is when you unpack the hoses you might have to twist them the opposite direction because they tend to want to curl SunSun Canister Filter Media SetAbove is the link to... » Read More no you have to buy the filtering media separately but trust me we got this for a nasty turtle tank and the thing is crystal clear and you only have to clean the media out like once a month. the media can last about a year if you just take it out and flush it under hot water. best thing is the pump is very quiet and easy to set up the only thing is when you unpack the hoses you might have to twist them the opposite direction because they tend to want to curl SunSun Canister Filter Media SetAbove is the link to what you will want to get it might help to buy 2 of them so that you will be set for a while. by far the best filtration system for the money. « Show Less
1948774
Not sure as all the media I needed was included on the one I purchased. That may be a question to direct to the seller to find out what media is missing, the one I bought was not missing any media and was ready to put together fairly easily. I have bought media since this time frame such as the bio media but that was much later. If you are buying media just make sure it is for this filter as the fit is perfect if you do that, if not you may have to manually adjust and that could be a headache.