I used to clean my filters every 1 to 2 months. They were almost always clean. I now change out 3 to 6 months now. If I get reduced flow I clean out. Works good for me . Magic time for my Fx6 and 4s is about 4 months.
Thanks to you, I have become a better fish keeper. I own a Red Tail Catfish, 2 Green Terrors, an Oscar, A Zebra Tilapia and I have used tips from this channel, all my fish are happy and look healthy
Just upgraded from a 207 paired with a 106 doing water polishing duty on to an fx4. What a great filter this thing is. Only wish I would have done it sooner. The smaller canisters just don’t go as long without having to service them. Your channel has been a great guide from day 1 in the hobby. Thanks for everything Kaveman!!!!
My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful. 😊 BTW, you should check out my new Aquarium Keeping APP designed for beginners! - ruclips.net/p/PLP5OXTIIDO8MyRXOeOqhwzruSWFdhcaNh
Fluval has the right idea on their C2, C3 and C4 hang on backs. The compartment with the foam filters has an indicator that will float up (think the pop up timers on Thanksgiving turkeys) when there is enough back pressure.
My setup: 125 g cichlids tank. Fx4 and fx6. First time owing and using these bad boys. I popped open the fx6 after two months and I was shocked ! It was still clean ! But of course I cleaned it anyway. So yea, fx6 is a beast of a filter! Meanwhile I think the fx4 should be some what dirty by now. We’ll see…… Cmon FLUVAL, sponsor Kaveman already yo !
I'm running an FX4 in a 75 gallon. I can go an entire year and it still isn't super dirty. 12 juvie African cichlids with 50% water changes every week. Thanks for all the help Kev
So I have a question can I reuse my sponges in my canister filter but just clean them and reuse them I have 3 FX 6 on 135 gallon tank.. in the chemical media can I clean that or do I have to replace that?
thank you for all your info im new to the hobby but loving it an enjoying all my fish ive been at it for 8 months now an seems like things are going good not that i didnt have my losses an algae bloom so bad but im on a good track again thank tyou for your vids
Great advice! I experienced a bacteria bloom and I learned my lesson. Clean my filter, add safe to my tanks, put the sponge brown dirty juice in all my tanks , and added back the water that I took from the attached hose that releases the water from the canister back in the canister. No way will I have a bacteria bloom or spiked cycle again! Thanks so much! Jeff is amazing! However, the group took a whole another turn on giving advice for a few months now. Jeff, must have retired from the group. The post setup even changed. Maybe that is something to look into. From now on I’m just following you on RUclips until things get back to normal on fb. Or, it could be that I’m just being ignored. Whatever the case is it is worth checking out. Mad Cichilds group is awesome too!
Fluval made a filter that said when to clean along time ago the fluval g6 I'm surprised it didn't catch on. Thanks your videos have helped alot we've had reef aquariums 18+ years sump only. But my wife has breed alot of clownfish lately and I didn't want to set up another sump going with canister
I had to Google search for the name of filter g6 seen it in a magazine years ago. I also want to prove that a canister works for a reef to a lfs lol fx6 on 47gallon.
I think it didn't catch on due to the price...but I could be wrong. Im going to try sump soon for the first time. So come back around and let me know if you have any pointers for me! 😁💪
Your videos are so helpful!! I wish i would have found you sooner, i just got my first ever canister filter for my 75gal and oh my god they are so different from HOB. I also love your positive energy:D keep up the awesome videos!
Hey Stephanie, when you switched from HOB to Canister how did you cycle it. I have a 75 as well and mu canister should be arriving soon. My plan was to run both my HOB and canister for a few months before removing the HOB. Do you have any advice?
I just cleaned my fx6 after 2 years running, it was pretty clean(I have pre-filter on it, I clean that about once a month) Also I do very little water-changes, maybe 20% per month.... Tank is thriving for years.
I run a Fluval 305 and 306 on a 450 litre fish tank. I’m cleaning them out once a month. However I’m thinking of getting an fx6 to run coarse foams and bio media, then the 306 to run the fine foam and the CO2 out of as it’s easier to swap the media out. However, do you think the bio media would be better in the 306 as it has a slower pump rate? My tank gets weekly (big water changes) but I’m fed up with cleaning both filters EVERY month.
I have a fx5 and a 406, plus 2x fluval a402 air pump running 2x fluidized bed filter (rated at 40 gallon each) running on my 90 gallons with 6x 10inch long kois. Maybe I only do 5 gallons water change every other day and I don't do major water change, so I have to clean out the both filter every month. If not, the kois will start dying.
Good video! The "carbon releases what it's caught once it's full" myth has been disproven many times, though. Other than that, your video is fantastic! This is something ive wondered since I just got my new FX6
YOu need surface agitation. That can come from an air bubbler or a wave maker or power head. I highly suggest you check out my playlist for beginners. It'll be very helpful for you 😁 - ruclips.net/p/PLP5OXTIIDO8NYvhUHAmwAd54WFmS4d8er AND, you should check out my new Aquarium Keeping APP designed for beginners! - aquabuildr.com
E aprendido demacido desde que enpese a ver los videos y el cuidado que le das a todos tus acurios grandioso. Pregunta a cada cuanto deveria cambiar mi material biologico tengo un acurio de 75 galones pero desde ya un par de semanas el agua se vueleve mas turbia mas rapido de lo normal anterior mente no pasaba le e rebisado parametros y todo pero no hay nada fuero de lo normal tengo dos filtros un canister penplax 1000 y un aquaclear 100 y el problema se me presento no ase mucho. 2 pregunta que me recomindas para hacer la cubierta de mi tanque que la que tenia se rompio me gustaria saber de un material que pueda encontrar en home depot que es lo mas sercano que tengo grasias
hi ther great video question can put the white Polish Pad on top of ur media I have 3 Pad already the cores / Medium an fine so what I'm trying ask can I put polish Pad on top of the media Next up tray from bottom the with 3 Pads or will slow down canister flow
I have a insane bio load on my tanks, I have a huge spot fin burrfish and a Stars and Stripes puffer and a starry pufferS I have two seachem tidal 110’s on that tank and a fx 6 and a fx 4 my water flow is starting to get weak again, it’s time to clean the sponges. It’s always so nasty my friend ha ha . When you decide to get saltwater, I’d be glad to help you 😊😊👊🏻
Hi kev i have a 450L with one fx6 And oase 850 setup like you do. And yes I open filter every 2 month for change purigen. But My other tank 900L running with a 15000 pondteam filter with 8000L pump. Its running 4 years now without cleaning water have same water levels in both tanks.. i will change water one time in a month now. I do water change every week before.
How should we clean the sponges? With tap water like you did in the video? And is that all we clean? If we have to clean out the media what is the proper way to do so, so that we don’t kill the beneficial bacteria?
You can clean with tap water if your tank is mature, if its not I would clean them with tank water. Here's a great video that will help - ruclips.net/video/aWo9-q24Bfc/видео.html
Very good common-sense information...why clean the filter more often than you need to? As long as fish seem happy, water appears clean and flow rate is still good, it's probably good inside.
I'm having a nitrite spike right now, should I hold off on cleaning my filter until things clear up? I have a Fluval 107 on a lightly populated 10 gallon tank. Thanks for the video! Ammonia and nitrates are fine. Also it's a moderately planted tank.
Im on well water and I have a water softener. The salt I get for my softener is the rust prevention unfortunately I have a lot of hard metal or iron whatever you want to call it. I have been wanting to get into this hobby for a long time I've had small 10 gallon aquariums but I recently just today picked up a 55. And I've never been on well water before with heavy metals or rust in it. So my question is what is the best stuff to get rid of the heavy metal and rust if there is anything?
Thanks Kev for another very informative video, in the past, I've had my sponge turn pink- any idea why that happens? Thanks love the channel and videos, keep them coming! :)
You almost never have to replace your mechanical media, The course spoges can be re-used for years. Fine polishing pads on the other hand need to be replaced frequently because they clog up faster.
@ 450 litre heavily planted , filter is a belter and does a good job , I have a fair few fish mainly catfish , probably why I have to clean it every week
In the Fluval FX6, if I put the chemical and mechanical media in the top tray, what do I put in the other trays? Do ceramic rings stay in the middle or drop down to the bottom (or in both)? How about BioFoam? Also, I have a turtle in my tank if that makes any difference.
Your bio media fills the middle and bottom trays. Here's a great playlist to learn more about your filter 😊 - ruclips.net/p/PLP5OXTIIDO8N4952LL3ElXj3J9R9iacFv
I'm setting up a 60 gallon planted community tank. Mostly tetras, barbs, maybe two angels, shrimp and bristle nose. What would be a better filter. I have a choice of the 407 or the FX4. Being mindful of noise, heat, and flow rate, which would you recommend?
I have an FX-4 for my 75 gallon Malawi tank and it does really well. On a side note when I did my first filter cleaning I replaced the stock filter pads on the outer ring with some slighter finer pond filtration pads from amazon which I cut to fit.
I have an FX6 plus an HOB for filtration. Does it disrupt the beneficial bacteria? Should I just clean sponge filters and then clean unit again in a few months?
I just installed a brand new FX6 canister filter but the flow is low... I don't have a position at the top but maybe 1/4 down. It seems like it's moving the whole water at the top in my 210 gallon alone. But I just bought a used SunSun HW304A filter and that thing is pushing the water with a lot more force with a much much smaller nozzle. I think something's going on with my brand new FX6 filter.
when you clean your filter do you add bacteria into your water after you finish. cuz I know sometimes if you don't be careful you can have a bacterial bloon? thank you for your information too
please guide me threw my tank getting white micrw worms after some days its not harming fish but its good or bad and how i can clean those worms faster.i do water change weekly as you are doing sir.i do follow your videos but i want a bit clear n better water i have discus fish and albino hackli and a pair of geophegus .
The best aquarium related videos on RUclips full stop (or period if you are American 😂) Darn it Kev, I just replaced my carbon in the bottom of my FX4 yesterday 😤😤 it is a right pain you are correct, next time it's going on top with the fine floss pad. Next weekend I'm upgrading to an FX6 I just got, can't wait! The FX4 has been amazing so the FX6 should be even better I hope. Has anyone tried using a pre-filter with an FX6 and then doing away with the internal perimeter sponges and filling the resulting space with more media? I'm thinking of trying it in the hope of getting anaerobic bacteria growing to get a totally full nitrogen cycle working, ie nitrate being fully converted. Anyone any input please?
More media isnt going to produce anaerobic bacteria. It actually isnt even going to produce more autotrophic bacteria. They only grow as much as needed in your tank, not based on how much media you have. If the pre-filter has been working for you, stick with that but the internal sponges also provide a great source for BB, plus they catch anything that gets past your prefilter. Those internal sponges can go a lot longer without maintenance than a pre-filter ever could.
@@KaveManAquatics I've not hooked up the pre-filter yet it arrived yesterday. Thanks for the advice Kev, I will go with the FX6 then but keep the internal foams in place, I think I'll still add the pre-filter, even if it just means less frequent cleaning of the FX6 that will be a nice bonus I may also put the carbon foam pad inside the pre-filter as that's a lot easier to change monthly and will save opening the FX6 just to change it.
I have a 90 gallon African cichlid tank on one fluval fx4. What’s the best set up since it’s only two trays. I do use chemiblu and puregen. And I also use bio media. Sometimes it feels stuffed.
First I recommend you upgrade your filter. Once you fully stock that tank you're going to need the extra filtration. Setting it up can be found here - ruclips.net/p/PLP5OXTIIDO8N4952LL3ElXj3J9R9iacFv
depends on how much or what your bio-media is. if you have plenty of bio media in your filtration system cleaning mechanical filters with tap water is fine. However if you bio media is lacking then you might want to use tank water taken out during a water change to dunk and rinse the sponge filters to reduce bacteria loss. Overall though cleaning sponge/mechanical filters with tap water is fine, I have done so for as long as I can remember.
It's never necessary to use chemical filtration. But if you feel your tank could be clearer than it already is, chemical filtration will get you there. But its always an optional choice.
My Marineland canister keeps sucking the polishing pad into the impeller hole. Which is massively screwing up my outflow. Any idea how to fix it? I checked my trays down 3 levels & everything’s lined up properly 🤷🏻♀️ Also how the heck do you clean out the motor/impeller? Because every time I have to restart it, it blows out nasty gunk
Question, once my fish-in nitrogen cycle is complete because it's been cycling for a month and it's almost complete, I'm going to wait 2 weeks before adding fish, should I do simple canister clean with tank water first or do partial water change first and wait a few days to clean filter? Only asking because I've been cycling with fish for a month
What up kaveman what’s the best canister filter out there I have the aqua top cf500 but I’m tired of it leaking even after I bought a new o ring thanks Juan
@@KaveManAquatics ok cool I’ll be buying that soon any place you know of where to get it the cheapest thanks and I’ll be looking at all your videos on it thanks again
Clean mine filters once a year.. . They look deep black. But its all natural filtration. Had no problems at all. I just clean them because the flow decreases not because they are fool of gunk.
A Tidal HOB is a great filter for that tank. But theres much more to getting clear water than just the filter. My ebook will help in always maintaining crystal clear water - bit.ly/clearH2O
Hi Kev thank you for your videos really enjoying your content. One quick question should you clean your filters with tap water or use tank water so as not to kill any good bacteria?
If your tank is fairly new clean everything with tap water only. If its mature (over a year) you can clean your sponges with tap water but never your bio-media. Always tank water for bio-media
Iv stopped using api nitrate test it’s not accurate nt labs showed my nitrates at 5ppm api showed 40ppm but nt labs need to times results by 4.43 to get api equivalent so that means my nitrates are 22.15 not 40ppm so api isn’t accurate at all
I have an aqueon 55 gallon canister filter and I’m pretty sure the water is going around the edges of the trays and back into the aquarium, therefore not filtering anything. What would u say would be the best canister filter for a 55 gallon?
Hey Kaveman, David here.. I have 160 gallon Cichlid tank that has a sump on it. Not a real big fan of the sump, seems hard to dail in. What do you think about a FX4 or FX6 instead? Or should I stick with the sump
Mr KaveMan any recommendations on cleaning the input and output tubing? My C360 has been set up for about three years now. I do the regular cleaning of the canister but have never done anything with the tubing. There is definite discoloration on the inside of the tubing. Should I be concerned? If it should in fact be cleaned, how does one go about that? Thank you for your videos!
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I used to clean my filters every 1 to 2 months. They were almost always clean. I now change out 3 to 6 months now. If I get reduced flow I clean out. Works good for me . Magic time for my Fx6 and 4s is about 4 months.
That sounds like the perfect schedule 👍
I just got my first canister filter 2 days ago. This video is extremely helpful. I have set a date every 4 months to clean it out.
Thank you! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! 😁💪
BTW, you should check out my new Aquarium Keeping APP designed for beginners! - aquabuildr.com
Thanks to you, I have become a better fish keeper. I own a Red Tail Catfish, 2 Green Terrors, an Oscar, A Zebra Tilapia and I have used tips from this channel, all my fish are happy and look healthy
Nice bro! Glad I could help 😊
This was soooo helpful for me! I've only just now graduated to a canister!🙌
Glad it was helpful! Congrats on your upgrade! 😊
Just upgraded from a 207 paired with a 106 doing water polishing duty on to an fx4. What a great filter this thing is. Only wish I would have done it sooner. The smaller canisters just don’t go as long without having to service them. Your channel has been a great guide from day 1 in the hobby. Thanks for everything Kaveman!!!!
Recently got my first large tank and canister filter - your videos have been so helpful. THANK YOU!! Keep up the great work.
My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful. 😊
BTW, you should check out my new Aquarium Keeping APP designed for beginners! - ruclips.net/p/PLP5OXTIIDO8MyRXOeOqhwzruSWFdhcaNh
I try to clean my FX6 once every month. Water changes once a week. 75g over stocked 75g African chiclid tank 😁👍
Awesome video! I wish fluval would implement something that tells you it's time to clean it 😆
LOl, I knew that was a great idea! 🤣
Fluval has the right idea on their C2, C3 and C4 hang on backs. The compartment with the foam filters has an indicator that will float up (think the pop up timers on Thanksgiving turkeys) when there is enough back pressure.
I finally decided to clean my filter after having it almost for a year. It was so gross. Will definitely be cleaning it more often from now on
Hope the video helped! 😊
Fx6 with a 65-gallon tank - 2 ranch goldfish, and 1 oranda
My setup: 125 g cichlids tank. Fx4 and fx6.
First time owing and using these bad boys. I popped open the fx6 after two months and I was shocked ! It was still clean ! But of course I cleaned it anyway. So yea, fx6 is a beast of a filter! Meanwhile I think the fx4 should be some what dirty by now. We’ll see……
Cmon FLUVAL, sponsor Kaveman already yo !
lol thanks bro! Hopefully they hear you! Yea the FX6 is a beast!
Really great advice and tips. 2 hr tank clean and next one marked on calender.
That was a very professional and excellent video.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it 😊
I'm running an FX4 in a 75 gallon. I can go an entire year and it still isn't super dirty. 12 juvie African cichlids with 50% water changes every week. Thanks for all the help Kev
Excellent!!! 💪💪
So I have a question can I reuse my sponges in my canister filter but just clean them and reuse them I have 3 FX 6 on 135 gallon tank.. in the chemical media can I clean that or do I have to replace that?
Bout to buy fx6 for my 10 gallon
LOL 🤣🤣🤣
thank you for all your info im new to the hobby but loving it an enjoying all my fish ive been at it for 8 months now an seems like things are going good not that i didnt have my losses an algae bloom so bad but im on a good track again thank tyou for your vids
My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁
this video is awesome and I’m definitely going to be back to get tips from you! Thank you for the info!
Thank you! Glad you're finding the channel helpful! 😁💪
Great advice!
I experienced a bacteria bloom and I learned my lesson. Clean my filter, add safe to my tanks, put the sponge brown dirty juice in all my tanks , and added back the water that I took from the attached hose that releases the water from the canister back in the canister. No way will I have a bacteria bloom or spiked cycle again! Thanks so much! Jeff is amazing! However, the group took a whole another turn on giving advice for a few months now. Jeff, must have retired from the group. The post setup even changed. Maybe that is something to look into. From now on I’m just following you on RUclips until things get back to normal on fb. Or, it could be that I’m just being ignored. Whatever the case is it is worth checking out. Mad Cichilds group is awesome too!
Fluval made a filter that said when to clean along time ago the fluval g6 I'm surprised it didn't catch on. Thanks your videos have helped alot we've had reef aquariums 18+ years sump only. But my wife has breed alot of clownfish lately and I didn't want to set up another sump going with canister
I had to Google search for the name of filter g6 seen it in a magazine years ago. I also want to prove that a canister works for a reef to a lfs lol fx6 on 47gallon.
I think it didn't catch on due to the price...but I could be wrong. Im going to try sump soon for the first time. So come back around and let me know if you have any pointers for me! 😁💪
Your videos are so helpful!! I wish i would have found you sooner, i just got my first ever canister filter for my 75gal and oh my god they are so different from HOB.
I also love your positive energy:D keep up the awesome videos!
Thank you Stephanie! Glad you're finding the channel helpful!
Hey Stephanie, when you switched from HOB to Canister how did you cycle it. I have a 75 as well and mu canister should be arriving soon. My plan was to run both my HOB and canister for a few months before removing the HOB. Do you have any advice?
I just cleaned my fx6 after 2 years running, it was pretty clean(I have pre-filter on it, I clean that about once a month)
Also I do very little water-changes, maybe 20% per month.... Tank is thriving for years.
Happy to hear that. Every tank, bio-load, and stocking is different. Glad you got your dialed in! 😊
Kev, I have 2 fx6s in my 75 I got a good deal on them my water is so clean
In RUclips many RUclipsrs explain all these topics but you are awesome 👍👍😌😌
Thank you so much 😀
what light colours do you uses please
Fluval G3 and G6 do have onboard schedule display.
Would love to test one out someday.
I run a Fluval 305 and 306 on a 450 litre fish tank. I’m cleaning them out once a month. However I’m thinking of getting an fx6 to run coarse foams and bio media, then the 306 to run the fine foam and the CO2 out of as it’s easier to swap the media out. However, do you think the bio media would be better in the 306 as it has a slower pump rate? My tank gets weekly (big water changes) but I’m fed up with cleaning both filters EVERY month.
Good stuff
I write it on the side of aquarium.
I can increase the time between changes over time I usually only go 3 months.
That is awesome! Great idea!
I have a fx5 and a 406, plus 2x fluval a402 air pump running 2x fluidized bed filter (rated at 40 gallon each) running on my 90 gallons with 6x 10inch long kois. Maybe I only do 5 gallons water change every other day and I don't do major water change, so I have to clean out the both filter every month. If not, the kois will start dying.
Bro I really like the new style of videos! Love it love it love it!!!
Thanks bro, Trying to make them a bit more entertaining while still providing the info! Glad you like them! 😊
@@KaveManAquatics well I can tell you that you are doing an EXTREMELY great job with it!
Good video! The "carbon releases what it's caught once it's full" myth has been disproven many times, though. Other than that, your video is fantastic! This is something ive wondered since I just got my new FX6
I’ve never heard that disproven. Can you share a link to a source so I can read up on it? 😊
Your tanks are so beautiful! I'm loving your videos!
Thank you bro! Glad you're enjoying the channel!
Thanks again kevman good information 👍about cleaning filters
No problem 👍 Glad you enjoyed the vid!
Very good video! 🙂👍
Glad you enjoyed it 😊💪
Could you say something on the topic of chemical mechanical and biological media? What are chemical media?
Is eheim professional 3 1200xl better filter or fx6?
Did you switch the pot scrubbers back to regular media?
Hello there. Do u need a air bubble machine in your tank.
YOu need surface agitation. That can come from an air bubbler or a wave maker or power head. I highly suggest you check out my playlist for beginners. It'll be very helpful for you 😁 - ruclips.net/p/PLP5OXTIIDO8NYvhUHAmwAd54WFmS4d8er
AND, you should check out my new Aquarium Keeping APP designed for beginners! - aquabuildr.com
The best answer is this: ------>When the flow drops
True that 💪
A gallon cycle counter would be cool. Determine the average cycles to clean, clean and reset.
Very useful, thank you 👍
Glad it was helpful!
E aprendido demacido desde que enpese a ver los videos y el cuidado que le das a todos tus acurios grandioso. Pregunta a cada cuanto deveria cambiar mi material biologico tengo un acurio de 75 galones pero desde ya un par de semanas el agua se vueleve mas turbia mas rapido de lo normal anterior mente no pasaba le e rebisado parametros y todo pero no hay nada fuero de lo normal tengo dos filtros un canister penplax 1000 y un aquaclear 100 y el problema se me presento no ase mucho. 2 pregunta que me recomindas para hacer la cubierta de mi tanque que la que tenia se rompio me gustaria saber de un material que pueda encontrar en home depot que es lo mas sercano que tengo grasias
Glad you're enjoying the channel bro. No, dont ever replace your bio-media. Unless it falls apart completely, but most bio-media will not 😊
I haven’t touched my fx6 since I set it up.. back in 2021
I believe you bro! I'm pushing 12 months on 1 of mine now 😊
hi ther great video question can put the white Polish Pad on top of ur media I have 3 Pad already the cores / Medium an fine so what I'm trying ask can I put polish Pad on top of the media Next up tray from bottom the with 3 Pads or will slow down canister flow
I have a insane bio load on my tanks, I have a huge spot fin burrfish and a Stars and Stripes puffer and a starry pufferS I have two seachem tidal 110’s on that tank and a fx 6 and a fx 4 my water flow is starting to get weak again, it’s time to clean the sponges. It’s always so nasty my friend ha ha . When you decide to get saltwater, I’d be glad to help you 😊😊👊🏻
Thanks for the offer bro, I'll need all the help I can get! lol
Thanks a lot
My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁
Do you by any chance are familiar with penn plax cascade 1000?
How do you know when to change your chemical media?
Every 30-45 days.
Hi kev i have a 450L with one fx6 And oase 850 setup like you do. And yes I open filter every 2 month for change purigen. But My other tank 900L running with a 15000 pondteam filter with 8000L pump. Its running 4 years now without cleaning water have same water levels in both tanks.. i will change water one time in a month now. I do water change every week before.
How should we clean the sponges? With tap water like you did in the video? And is that all we clean? If we have to clean out the media what is the proper way to do so, so that we don’t kill the beneficial bacteria?
You can clean with tap water if your tank is mature, if its not I would clean them with tank water. Here's a great video that will help - ruclips.net/video/aWo9-q24Bfc/видео.html
Thank you for the video and help
My pleasure! Glad you're finding the channel helpful 😁
Very good common-sense information...why clean the filter more often than you need to? As long as fish seem happy, water appears clean and flow rate is still good, it's probably good inside.
Precisely! 😊💪 Beginners tend to overclean because they dont understand the amount of "life" thats in a dirty filter 😊
I'm having a nitrite spike right now, should I hold off on cleaning my filter until things clear up? I have a Fluval 107 on a lightly populated 10 gallon tank. Thanks for the video! Ammonia and nitrates are fine. Also it's a moderately planted tank.
Im on well water and I have a water softener. The salt I get for my softener is the rust prevention unfortunately I have a lot of hard metal or iron whatever you want to call it. I have been wanting to get into this hobby for a long time I've had small 10 gallon aquariums but I recently just today picked up a 55. And I've never been on well water before with heavy metals or rust in it. So my question is what is the best stuff to get rid of the heavy metal and rust if there is anything?
What does it mean in the fx6 filter small bubbles coming out of the filter,? thanks for your information
@@bufalo9845 Most likely there is an air leak somewhere in the hose connections
I have a question ,do you have concrete floors, because that’s a lot of weight on the floor
What’s the best filter to use for a 29 gallon tank
Start with an HOB. Tidal is my recommendation. You can find what I use in my shop here - koji.to/kaveman_aquatics
Thanks Kev for another very informative video, in the past, I've had my sponge turn pink- any idea why that happens? Thanks love the channel and videos, keep them coming! :)
Thats weird, maybe due to the food you're feeding??
I have the fx6 and 407 in my overstocked peacock and hap tank. Would I be ok to just keep my purigen in my 407 rather than the fx6?
Absolutely! Either or is fine. And its actually better in the 407 cause its easier access when it comes time to replace. 😊
@@KaveManAquatics exactly why I was asking lmao.
Hey Kev, when should the mechanical filters be replace with new? Mahalo!
You almost never have to replace your mechanical media, The course spoges can be re-used for years. Fine polishing pads on the other hand need to be replaced frequently because they clog up faster.
Fluval fx6 on a heavily planted 450 l , have to clean it every week 😮sometimes 2,
Filter sounds different when it needs cleaning ,
450 litre or 450 gallon please? I’m about to add an fx6 to a 450 litre. I know it was a while ago but I’d really like your input/knowledge.
@ 450 litre heavily planted , filter is a belter and does a good job , I have a fair few fish mainly catfish , probably why I have to clean it every week
In the Fluval FX6, if I put the chemical and mechanical media in the top tray, what do I put in the other trays? Do ceramic rings stay in the middle or drop down to the bottom (or in both)? How about BioFoam? Also, I have a turtle in my tank if that makes any difference.
Your bio media fills the middle and bottom trays. Here's a great playlist to learn more about your filter 😊 - ruclips.net/p/PLP5OXTIIDO8N4952LL3ElXj3J9R9iacFv
@@KaveManAquatics Thank you so much. This has been very helpful.
I'm setting up a 60 gallon planted community tank. Mostly tetras, barbs, maybe two angels, shrimp and bristle nose. What would be a better filter. I have a choice of the 407 or the FX4. Being mindful of noise, heat, and flow rate, which would you recommend?
@Kevin @kaveman Which filter for 60 gallon aquarium? It's a Angelfish community tank that is kinda over stocked. Fluval 407 or Fx4 or fx6???
I have an FX-4 for my 75 gallon Malawi tank and it does really well. On a side note when I did my first filter cleaning I replaced the stock filter pads on the outer ring with some slighter finer pond filtration pads from amazon which I cut to fit.
I write the date I do it on a piece of painters tape and put it on my filter
Hey! Do you have any advice on a penplax 1000 canister filter? Is it decent or a bad filter
Can you do water change with tap water straight from canister filter and put water dechlorinate straight to fish tank?
Yes! Your filter can remove the water and you can add tap water right to the tank. Always add water conditioner to dechlorinate.
@@KaveManAquatics thank you so mutch i learned so many things from you.. excellent videos!! You are the best!!!
Thank you! 😁
I’m a paid member now bro!
LETS GOOO!!! 😁💪💪💪
Can you put micro filters on the fx6 or will it mess it up ?
Not sure what you mean by micro filters....
REPLACE EVAPORATED WATER please and thank u KaveMan
Sorry, Dont understand the question
@@KaveManAquatics haha im sorry it was a video request!!
Btw love what you do!! Thanks for the informative videos:)
Hey kev.. You ever use Pre-filters on your canisters? They are amazing. I clean my canisters once a year and it's still really clean inside
Nope, not my thing...I probably clean my filters every 6 months and relatively clean as well 😊
I have an FX6 plus an HOB for filtration. Does it disrupt the beneficial bacteria? Should I just clean sponge filters and then clean unit again in a few months?
No it doesnt disrupt any bacteria having multiple filters. Clean your sponge filters and canisters seperately.
I just installed a brand new FX6 canister filter but the flow is low... I don't have a position at the top but maybe 1/4 down. It seems like it's moving the whole water at the top in my 210 gallon alone. But I just bought a used SunSun HW304A filter and that thing is pushing the water with a lot more force with a much much smaller nozzle. I think something's going on with my brand new FX6 filter.
when you clean your filter do you add bacteria into your water after you finish. cuz I know sometimes if you don't be careful you can have a bacterial bloon? thank you for your information too
I do add bacteria into my filter directly just in case there was any loss of BB. I use Seschem Stability 😊
@@KaveManAquatics I didn't know you can add it directly into the filter. good information man thanks
I think ive learned alot!!
Awesome! 😊
please guide me threw my tank getting white micrw worms after some days its not harming fish but its good or bad and how i can clean those worms faster.i do water change weekly as you are doing sir.i do follow your videos but i want a bit clear n better water i have discus fish and albino hackli and a pair of geophegus .
The pro fish guy🤟
Thanks bro! 😊
Do you have a video on your cichlid rock scape? I’m setting up my 75 gallon tank. And your rock scape is awesome sauce!!
Check out this playlist of my backgrounds and scapes - ruclips.net/p/PLP5OXTIIDO8OsxJH3OGOa1uwnS8vs3RrV
For African cichlids how much flow do you want coming out of the filters? Fx6 and fx4 running a 75gal
Maximum Flow! 😊💪
@@KaveManAquatics thank you!!!
What if you have a clogged/reduced flow canister filter during nitrogen cycle?
The best aquarium related videos on RUclips full stop (or period if you are American 😂) Darn it Kev, I just replaced my carbon in the bottom of my FX4 yesterday 😤😤 it is a right pain you are correct, next time it's going on top with the fine floss pad. Next weekend I'm upgrading to an FX6 I just got, can't wait! The FX4 has been amazing so the FX6 should be even better I hope. Has anyone tried using a pre-filter with an FX6 and then doing away with the internal perimeter sponges and filling the resulting space with more media? I'm thinking of trying it in the hope of getting anaerobic bacteria growing to get a totally full nitrogen cycle working, ie nitrate being fully converted. Anyone any input please?
More media isnt going to produce anaerobic bacteria. It actually isnt even going to produce more autotrophic bacteria. They only grow as much as needed in your tank, not based on how much media you have. If the pre-filter has been working for you, stick with that but the internal sponges also provide a great source for BB, plus they catch anything that gets past your prefilter. Those internal sponges can go a lot longer without maintenance than a pre-filter ever could.
@@KaveManAquatics I've not hooked up the pre-filter yet it arrived yesterday. Thanks for the advice Kev, I will go with the FX6 then but keep the internal foams in place, I think I'll still add the pre-filter, even if it just means less frequent cleaning of the FX6 that will be a nice bonus I may also put the carbon foam pad inside the pre-filter as that's a lot easier to change monthly and will save opening the FX6 just to change it.
Do you put only the purigen in the top or both purigen and chemi pure blue?
I used to use both but either one by itself works great.
I have a 90 gallon African cichlid tank on one fluval fx4. What’s the best set up since it’s only two trays. I do use chemiblu and puregen. And I also use bio media. Sometimes it feels stuffed.
First I recommend you upgrade your filter. Once you fully stock that tank you're going to need the extra filtration. Setting it up can be found here - ruclips.net/p/PLP5OXTIIDO8N4952LL3ElXj3J9R9iacFv
Can you put common plexus with angelfish and and convict cichlids
What's a plexus? Do you mean the common pleco?
@@Constantine_Cvl8 yes
Hey so it's ok to clean sponges with tap water? Won't that kill bacteria?
depends on how much or what your bio-media is. if you have plenty of bio media in your filtration system cleaning mechanical filters with tap water is fine. However if you bio media is lacking then you might want to use tank water taken out during a water change to dunk and rinse the sponge filters to reduce bacteria loss. Overall though cleaning sponge/mechanical filters with tap water is fine, I have done so for as long as I can remember.
Agree 100% with Bill 👆
I think a big factor is how much chlorine you have from your tap , I have very little but I still clean my sponges with tank water
So when are the times to use chemical filtration and when is it not necessary? I haven't used carbon for years.
It's never necessary to use chemical filtration. But if you feel your tank could be clearer than it already is, chemical filtration will get you there. But its always an optional choice.
My Marineland canister keeps sucking the polishing pad into the impeller hole. Which is massively screwing up my outflow. Any idea how to fix it? I checked my trays down 3 levels & everything’s lined up properly 🤷🏻♀️
Also how the heck do you clean out the motor/impeller? Because every time I have to restart it, it blows out nasty gunk
Question, once my fish-in nitrogen cycle is complete because it's been cycling for a month and it's almost complete, I'm going to wait 2 weeks before adding fish, should I do simple canister clean with tank water first or do partial water change first and wait a few days to clean filter? Only asking because I've been cycling with fish for a month
What up kaveman what’s the best canister filter out there I have the aqua top cf500 but I’m tired of it leaking even after I bought a new o ring thanks
Juan
FX6 hands down. Check out my series - ruclips.net/p/PLP5OXTIIDO8N4952LL3ElXj3J9R9iacFv
@@KaveManAquatics ok cool I’ll be buying that soon any place you know of where to get it the cheapest thanks and I’ll be looking at all your videos on it thanks again
Clean mine filters once a year..
. They look deep black. But its all natural filtration. Had no problems at all. I just clean them because the flow decreases not because they are fool of gunk.
Help! Why is my Fluval 407 flow slow. Is it the Carbon packs? Just cleaned it as I do every month. Even removed the white fine polishing pads.
Not sure how you have it set up. This playlist should help with your 407 - ruclips.net/p/PLP5OXTIIDO8PRpx-RbKsLopU54H_0JImN
Where did you get your 210? I would love to buy one and can’t find any around. Thanks for all that you do!
I got mine at petswarehouse.com but they only ship to their local stores.
Thank you for that! I live in Utah so that wont work but thank you for the response. Your content is the best!
I have a 29 Gallon tank my filter is on the top of the tank. Witch is the best filter I should get. Because the water in the tank is cloudy
A Tidal HOB is a great filter for that tank. But theres much more to getting clear water than just the filter. My ebook will help in always maintaining crystal clear water - bit.ly/clearH2O
So can the filters be cleaned with tap water but just don't clean the biomedia ?
If your tank is mature, yes you can clean sponged with tap water. I would still only rinse the bio-media in tank water only though.
Hi Kev thank you for your videos really enjoying your content. One quick question should you clean your filters with tap water or use tank water so as not to kill any good bacteria?
If your tank is fairly new clean everything with tap water only. If its mature (over a year) you can clean your sponges with tap water but never your bio-media. Always tank water for bio-media
Iv stopped using api nitrate test it’s not accurate nt labs showed my nitrates at 5ppm api showed 40ppm but nt labs need to times results by 4.43 to get api equivalent so that means my nitrates are 22.15 not 40ppm so api isn’t accurate at all
I have an aqueon 55 gallon canister filter and I’m pretty sure the water is going around the edges of the trays and back into the aquarium, therefore not filtering anything. What would u say would be the best canister filter for a 55 gallon?
Go with a fluval 407, you wont be dissapointed! - amzn.to/3Jr35nj
@@KaveManAquatics thanks man!
Hey Kaveman, David here.. I have 160 gallon Cichlid tank that has a sump on it. Not a real big fan of the sump, seems hard to dail in. What do you think about a FX4 or FX6 instead? Or should I stick with the sump
Mr KaveMan any recommendations on cleaning the input and output tubing? My C360 has been set up for about three years now. I do the regular cleaning of the canister but have never done anything with the tubing. There is definite discoloration on the inside of the tubing. Should I be concerned? If it should in fact be cleaned, how does one go about that? Thank you for your videos!
Its very easy to clean your tubing, just disconnect from the tank and run some clean hot water through them. It'll flush out all the backed up gunk 😁