Another great video Ben!! The drilled holes really make a ton of sense along with swapping out the pinky floss! How often do you completely break down the FX6? Please try and struggle through that weather out there!! LMAO...Dr Bob
Hello Ben,I'm Ian from uk,I have a 180 gallon l shape tank .I brought a fx6 but found it wasn't picking up all the detritus, so I got two fx6 some pipeing and elbows ,placed this in a l shape and also followed your idea on the pre filter ,and may and joined them together using both intakes .on one l shape .found this works a treat .
I’ve been using Cory’s pre filter ever since you shared the video on it. I love it. Interesting the drilled holes but I don’t push my pipe in but 1” or so this way the whole filter is working suction. I use a 2” long piece of 1” dia vinyl hose to make the fit snug. I also use your tip to partially drain the filter by placing my palm over the inlet stem and plugging in. Brilliant! Don’t forget these tips are for FX4’s too.
Hi Ben just watched your video tips, it’s a super great idea. I’ve watched a lot of your Utube videos and tips over the last 5 years or so. I had a 4 foot African cichlid tank full of fantastic fish like dolphins, Malawi chichlids, ambled cichlids ect. Unfortunately I lost them all due to a 10 hour power cut, it broke my heart as it took me 2-3 years to collect them magnificent fish. They approximately 30x 4-5 inch fish which cost me £600 to buy from my local tropical fish supplier. However I still have my 4 foot American cichlid tank which has two large adult chocolate cichlids which I’ve had now for 4-5 years, also got angel fish, loaches and Cody’s and bristled nose cats fish in the tank. I e got a Fluval fx6 filter keeping the water clean. I was busy cleaning my filter when I needed to check how the clean and lubricant it, so I came on Utube to see how other keen cichlid fish keepers were maintaining their filters. I’m in my 7o’s now but still interested in the hobby. One has to occupy ones-self , especially during the corona virus. Im a disabled ex army veteran. So have to keep my mind busy. Keeping fish is a great distraction from all the bad stuff happening in the world. The tip with the section of sponge over the filter tube is a great idea, especially for people who have small fish in their tank, as the last thing one wants is for small fish being sucked up the tube and in to the fx6 external filter.. i have gravel in my tank, I tried using sand but I found it got in to my Fluval filter and that’s meant more matinence which is difficult for me at the best of times. I will definitely come back on Utube and check out more of your videos. I’m not on Facebook or any platforms like that. Fir safely and secure reason I only use Utube. Thanks again fir the tips, take care and stay well, from Dennis, ex Army veteran
Honestly, the giant FX outside form is a prefilter in itself. I have to much rock work to maintenance an internal prefilter. I definitely agree with the top fine filter "pinky" changes, the tank will remain crystal clear. I find the foam type to be more durable and more importantly reusable though. My biggest challenge is not having enough space to easily maintenance my FX6s (two on a 120g) without pulling them out of the cabinet. Love your channel buddy.
Hey Ben, good video as always. After watching your video on prefilters I bought two from Cory at the Aquarium Co-op. I used the Fluval rubber hose adapters attached to the end of the intake hoses on my two FX6S, slide it just inside the prefilter enough to cover it up, about 2". It holds on very well and keeps the hollow cavity of the prefilter open to draw water in throughout the sponge surfaces. Works great! The rubber hose adapters can be bought on Amazon about $10 for a pair of two, kinda pricey for a couple of rubber pieces, but they fit perfectly for the job. Thanks 😊👍
I have my lil sun sun setup with a pre filter. I’m going to covet your application of the course sponge/drilled intake pipe on the FX6. . I like it. Good stuff, sir 👍🏻.
Would like to give it a try, but I have a glas in-take and also another type of canister filter. But soon I’m gonna move and only then I will make sure to buy a FLUVAL canister and do this tricks. Thanks again Ben, very quick but helpful tips.
I was doing that but putting that polishing pad at the bottom meant that I had to pull everything out to get to it. I instead opted for this top application for the quick swap-out. Both methods work.
What's the name of the pinky filter you put on top . Where you buy it and also the black coarse filters name . Some people use coarse some use fine . ???? Please try to help avoid my frustration . When to use fine and when to use coarse .
Ok so you drilled holes in the extension tubes made your sleeve (to make foam fit snug) then slide into foam. This replaces the intake “basket” ? Where do you get the foam ? It has to come with the hole pre-cut. Which size foam ? I really like catching all the crap before it even hits my fx 4 canister thanks
My sump has three 4 inch socks for keeping the tank clean...I recently bought 1 micron polypropylene socks and wow...I've never seen such clear water in my life before!
@@BenOchart I am doing it every 5-6 days...my socks are 4 inches diameter by 14 inches in length...I noticed that the polyester socks have to be changed quicker though...I was pleasantly surprised at the durability of the polypropylene socks. They seem to hold up a lot better and longer in my opinion. I take them out and soak them overnight in a 30% bleach and 70% warm tap water mix...after about 8-10 hours, they are looking good and ready for reuse. I keep 12 socks and just rotate them as needed. Please keep in mind I am also using sludge reducers which really make a big difference...you will quickly notice how much less detritus your tank will have if you regularly dose with a sludge reducing product. That of course keeps the socks cleaner as well. I just got delivery of a new sludge reducers product today. I'll let you know how well it works compared to the regular bottled ones available because they can get quite expensive over time.
@@justinjph try switching to a polypropylene sock...and feel free to try a lower micron size. I didn't notice the socks needing to be pulled out quicker when I switched from 200 micron to 10. I use a little jug that's about half a gallon in size and put 30% bleach and 70% water mixed in...I stuff the socks in and let them soak for about 10-12 hours and they are good to again....after a rigorous rinsing of course.
Drilled the extension hose on the FX6 like you showed in the video, gotta say it does seem to pull a lot better and also picked up that pre-filter from Cory awhile back as well. Highly recommend doing these two things to any canister for better results, and it only cost the price of a sponge from Cory.
Hi Ben, enjoy your videos. Wanted to get info on the pinky? Where do you source it? Recently picked up the polishing pads from CoOp and works but want to get the pinky stuff you talk about. Thanks in advance.
Great tips! Fun to watch. I have a question: seems I can't find these prefilter sponge on amazon with the right dimensions. Could you guide me please on witch prefilters you choosed to do your upgrade? Thanks
Have 1 fx 4 on my 100g cichlids tank 7 - 6” peacocks . Was thinking of using a spare fx 4 to just clean the water maybe bio-home in bottom tray. I guess it’s like the 2nd fx4 is now a pre filter ? Maybe connect the 2. Fx4 #1 in out to fx2 in fx2 out to tank ? Last what media would you put in canister #2 ? Has my 71 yr old mind gone over the edge? No need to be kind, let me have it😅
Wouldn’t you turn it around the other way where the fine end is last? Or does the water travel from top to bottom? I can’t remember the direction, I always get the fx flow mixed up with the 07 series canisters
The clown loaches are my favorite had them in my 125 with cichlids but they died from ick because i didn't think about putting a couple new fish in there that had ick so now i got another tank to put them in for 6 weeks to make sure they are not sick
Check out the pre filter (large size) at the Co-Op site (see link below). I took off the intake grill, drilled a few holes in the pipe and slipped the sponge on. Here’s the link: www.aquariumcoop.com?sca_ref=3301874.0yH4KEHjB2
Okay I'm not fairly new to cichlids and tanks on my recently upgraded to $125 gallon freshwater simply tank and I have fs64 today is my first day actually cleaning the fx6 completely out the after water change in the same maybe three to four months after purchasing the fx6 this is the first time I've cleaned and did the whole Shabazz with it but it's not coming back on and I don't know what I did wrong
Great video. First time viewer, first time subscriber. I have done both switches my fine filter and added the sponge on the FX6. Could you show how to properly set up two blowers to insure the perfect flow? Now I have one one at top right causing surface agitation (fx6 intake bottom left of tank) and my second power head bottom left creating a circle current. Any ideas?
Is your FX output in the middle back or in the back corner? Also, are you getting good results with the arrangement you have now. I guess what I'm asking is what is the thing that you want to improve upon with a different placement of the outputs?
Be sure the valves are turned to the open position. Also, be sure to fill it before plugging it in. The only other possible cause would be a faulty pump. Good luck.
Hello Ben, first of all, I do feel for you, trying to survive winterconditions. I hope you will make it through christmasdays ;p Thanks for sharing this video. For now happy holidays :-)
@@BenOchart there is an FX4 repair kit on Amazon. Is this what I need to do it? I've had 2 fx6 and this FX4 for years and never had a problem until now. Just now seeing the repair kits. Is this what I'm supposed to do?
hey Ben is it benefical to double up on the pinky filter? or just a single sheet? looking to get more clarity i assume that means a chemical filteration like chemi pureetc
There's room for two up there but since I swap out once a month I really don't need two. If you leave pinky floss too long it will clog or slow down flow. So, one works for me, for now.
Prefilter, prefilter, prefilter. I use AquaClear 110 sponges on two of my 406s😃. Some have actual sponge filters on them. Hobs have AquaClear 70 sponges cut in half.
One last question Ben....Why not close off the input leaving the output open for 10 sec or so. Then shut off the output and unplug. Seems a little simpler that way! Yes??
Good question. I think I tried it once and all I got were grunts and groans from the canister/motor and very little water moved out of the canister. For water to move out, air must move in, otherwise you get a sort of vacuum and the pump just churns but doesn't really push water volume out.
Cool video man. I am actually about to exchange my marineland c360 for a fluval fx6. Why? It's been giving me micro bubble issue and it has a rattling sound that I can't get rid of no matter what i try. and yes I've made sure everything is seated properly. I think the chamber where the magnet and rod get inserted is defective as it appears to not be centered properly and it's also uneven. The fx6 is also on sale right now for 240 at my local pet store so if i trade in my c360 il only have to pay 100 for the fx6. I guess il be joining the fx6 club soon.
I’ve learned these FX filters are truly poorly designed, yet everyone raves about them. Every time I clean mine out all the pre-large particle filter materials in the outside rings are hardly dirty. Nothing like what all the other canister filters I’ve used in the past resemble. But my inner ring filters (w/ the water polishers) that hold the bio materials are clogged up and nasty. Anyone ever wonder why the outer rings have these fins that the sponge filter pieces don’t fit into? I personally believe it’s how fluval gets high flow on these filters. Water just bypasses most of the initial sponge material byway if these spaces in the fins. Then that water goes through your bio media and water polishers clogging them up. Yes, my nitrates and ammonia levels are zero and the bio-media is doing it’s job, but my tank is dirty. Nothing is being filtered out of the water sufficiently. I have tried every material even floss in these out rings and only about 20% of these material have debri on them after running a month. I hate to say it but these filters are terrible. See how clean your coarse sponges are in this video? And how dirty the final inner filter piece is? Fluval are a scam. My tank is dirty, I think they are crap. I use a prefilter as well and if it wasn’t for it, I’d be cleaning these inner ring pads once a week just to keep up the flow. I’m amazed no one else has noticed this or questioned these water flow gaps designed on these outer rings. You have great tips, but these filters are crap in my humble opinion.
You Arcadians are spoiled with your weather; we are at least one or two degrees cooler over here in Altadena. We’ve been under 40 a few times overnight. I had to stop wearing shorts for a few days! We even had that wet stuff that falls from the sky a few times... what’s it called... um... rain. Merry Christmas everyone!!
I swear for a quick second, that it looked like I was looking under the hood of a racecar. lol. I'm really sorry for your horrible weather there. You can send it to me and I will relieve you of it's burden. lol. Thanks for showing your booster tips in action. Holes in the intake are a great hack & I use this idea as well for my prefilter sponges. Merry Fishmas to you and your family.
Another great video Ben!! The drilled holes really make a ton of sense along with swapping out the pinky floss! How often do you completely break down the FX6? Please try and struggle through that weather out there!! LMAO...Dr Bob
Robert Starner I pull everything out and give it a good cleaning every 3 or 4 months.
Hello Ben,I'm Ian from uk,I have a 180 gallon l shape tank .I brought a fx6 but found it wasn't picking up all the detritus, so I got two fx6 some pipeing and elbows ,placed this in a l shape and also followed your idea on the pre filter ,and may and joined them together using both intakes .on one l shape .found this works a treat .
I’ve been using Cory’s pre filter ever since you shared the video on it. I love it. Interesting the drilled holes but I don’t push my pipe in but 1” or so this way the whole filter is working suction. I use a 2” long piece of 1” dia vinyl hose to make the fit snug.
I also use your tip to partially drain the filter by placing my palm over the inlet stem and plugging in. Brilliant!
Don’t forget these tips are for FX4’s too.
Hi Ben just watched your video tips, it’s a super great idea. I’ve watched a lot of your Utube videos and tips over the last 5 years or so. I had a 4 foot African cichlid tank full of fantastic fish like dolphins, Malawi chichlids, ambled cichlids ect. Unfortunately I lost them all due to a 10 hour power cut, it broke my heart as it took me 2-3 years to collect them magnificent fish. They approximately 30x 4-5 inch fish which cost me £600 to buy from my local tropical fish supplier. However I still have my 4 foot American cichlid tank which has two large adult chocolate cichlids which I’ve had now for 4-5 years, also got angel fish, loaches and Cody’s and bristled nose cats fish in the tank. I e got a Fluval fx6 filter keeping the water clean. I was busy cleaning my filter when I needed to check how the clean and lubricant it, so I came on Utube to see how other keen cichlid fish keepers were maintaining their filters. I’m in my 7o’s now but still interested in the hobby. One has to occupy ones-self , especially during the corona virus. Im a disabled ex army veteran. So have to keep my mind busy. Keeping fish is a great distraction from all the bad stuff happening in the world. The tip with the section of sponge over the filter tube is a great idea, especially for people who have small fish in their tank, as the last thing one wants is for small fish being sucked up the tube and in to the fx6 external filter.. i have gravel in my tank, I tried using sand but I found it got in to my Fluval filter and that’s meant more matinence which is difficult for me at the best of times. I will definitely come back on Utube and check out more of your videos. I’m not on Facebook or any platforms like that. Fir safely and secure reason I only use Utube. Thanks again fir the tips, take care and stay well, from Dennis, ex Army veteran
Sounds good I’m gonna try these tips. Only had my FX6 going 3 weeks so far
Thank you for showing us very simple and useful information.
I do the pinkie already which is brilliant but I'm going to have to give the pre-filter a go. Top tip, thanks Ben 👍
Super cool Ben. I've always loved your pleasant demeanor. I think your a swell guy with a good heart. Please keep your useful content coming. Anson.
Thank you Anson, much appreciated!
Wow. I was just planning out drilling holes in the intake tube during my W/C last week! Thanks for posting Ben!
Franci Arroyo Great minds think alike 😉👍🏻
Honestly, the giant FX outside form is a prefilter in itself. I have to much rock work to maintenance an internal prefilter. I definitely agree with the top fine filter "pinky" changes, the tank will remain crystal clear. I find the foam type to be more durable and more importantly reusable though. My biggest challenge is not having enough space to easily maintenance my FX6s (two on a 120g) without pulling them out of the cabinet. Love your channel buddy.
Hey Ben, good video as always.
After watching your video on prefilters I bought two from Cory at the Aquarium Co-op. I used the Fluval rubber hose adapters attached to the end of the intake hoses on my two FX6S, slide it just inside the prefilter enough to cover it up, about 2". It holds on very well and keeps the hollow cavity of the prefilter open to draw water in throughout the sponge surfaces. Works great! The rubber hose adapters can be bought on Amazon about $10 for a pair of two, kinda pricey for a couple of rubber pieces, but they fit perfectly for the job.
Thanks 😊👍
That's a great tip. A much more elegant solution than a cut piece of SunSun canister hose, LOL!
Merry Christmas to you and your family
Hiya Ben! Great tips! With so many tips I've found, I've compiled a "Must have tips & tricks" list. I'll be adding these as well. Thanks!
sir please share your tricks that you have compiled.. TIA
Great tips! I will be making some changes to my FX4. Thanks!
Hope it helps Ginger.
I have my lil sun sun setup with a pre filter.
I’m going to covet your application of the course sponge/drilled intake pipe on the FX6. . I like it. Good stuff, sir 👍🏻.
You truly are a "Tradesmen" 😉 Thank you for watching!
Would like to give it a try, but I have a glas in-take and also another type of canister filter.
But soon I’m gonna move and only then I will make sure to buy a FLUVAL canister and do this tricks.
Thanks again Ben, very quick but helpful tips.
You're welcome.
I use the Fluval coarse pad in the top and a polishing pad at the very bottom of the last tray. So far do good
I was doing that but putting that polishing pad at the bottom meant that I had to pull everything out to get to it. I instead opted for this top application for the quick swap-out. Both methods work.
What's the name of the pinky filter you put on top . Where you buy it and also the black coarse filters name . Some people use coarse some use fine . ???? Please try to help avoid my frustration . When to use fine and when to use coarse .
Just blew my mind. Soon as I’m done work going home and drilling some holes and adding that pre filter to the intake
Nice video . I had something with my marineland hob intake by making extra holes also with sunsun intake and I always had better flow that way
Hi the pipe you drilled is that the return pipe that sits in your tank thx
Ok so you drilled holes in the extension tubes made your sleeve (to make foam fit snug) then slide into foam. This replaces the intake “basket” ? Where do you get the foam ? It has to come with the hole pre-cut. Which size foam ? I really like catching all the crap before it even hits my fx 4 canister thanks
Great tip! I'll try w/ my FX4.
Let me know how it works for you!
My sump has three 4 inch socks for keeping the tank clean...I recently bought 1 micron polypropylene socks and wow...I've never seen such clear water in my life before!
Gurvinder Parmar How often do you rinse them out?
Yea how often are you having to change /remove for cleaning? I have a 300 micron that barely lasts 5 days
@@BenOchart I am doing it every 5-6 days...my socks are 4 inches diameter by 14 inches in length...I noticed that the polyester socks have to be changed quicker though...I was pleasantly surprised at the durability of the polypropylene socks. They seem to hold up a lot better and longer in my opinion. I take them out and soak them overnight in a 30% bleach and 70% warm tap water mix...after about 8-10 hours, they are looking good and ready for reuse. I keep 12 socks and just rotate them as needed.
Please keep in mind I am also using sludge reducers which really make a big difference...you will quickly notice how much less detritus your tank will have if you regularly dose with a sludge reducing product. That of course keeps the socks cleaner as well. I just got delivery of a new sludge reducers product today. I'll let you know how well it works compared to the regular bottled ones available because they can get quite expensive over time.
@@justinjph try switching to a polypropylene sock...and feel free to try a lower micron size. I didn't notice the socks needing to be pulled out quicker when I switched from 200 micron to 10. I use a little jug that's about half a gallon in size and put 30% bleach and 70% water mixed in...I stuff the socks in and let them soak for about 10-12 hours and they are good to again....after a rigorous rinsing of course.
What size prefilter fits that fx return line?
Way to rub in the weather lol, great tips Ben I’ll have to try them since setting up a 180 with a couple FX6, thank you and happy holidays
Brian Hahn 180! Going to be EPIC😀👍🏻
Drilled the extension hose on the FX6 like you showed in the video, gotta say it does seem to pull a lot better and also picked up that pre-filter from Cory awhile back as well. Highly recommend doing these two things to any canister for better results, and it only cost the price of a sponge from Cory.
Hi Ben, enjoy your videos. Wanted to get info on the pinky? Where do you source it? Recently picked up the polishing pads from CoOp and works but want to get the pinky stuff you talk about. Thanks in advance.
Here's a link to the Pinky Floss: amzn.to/3T8v9S2
@@BenOchart thank you.
Hey Ben, love the videos but I think you might need a new camera or change the settings bc it’s super choppy or glitchy.. def have great tips though
Five years ago. I’m using different equipment now😀👍🏻
Great tips! Fun to watch. I have a question: seems I can't find these prefilter sponge on amazon with the right dimensions. Could you guide me please on witch prefilters you choosed to do your upgrade? Thanks
I used the ones provided by The Aquarium Co-op. You can also DIY one with a piece of medium pond sponge.
I need help with my fx4 it is not pumping out any water but I can still hear the impeller running please help .
Have 1 fx 4 on my 100g cichlids tank 7 - 6” peacocks . Was thinking of using a spare fx 4 to just clean the water maybe bio-home in bottom tray. I guess it’s like the 2nd fx4 is now a pre filter ? Maybe connect the 2. Fx4 #1 in out to fx2 in fx2 out to tank ? Last what media would you put in canister #2 ? Has my 71 yr old mind gone over the edge? No need to be kind, let me have it😅
Wouldn’t you turn it around the other way where the fine end is last? Or does the water travel from top to bottom? I can’t remember the direction, I always get the fx flow mixed up with the 07 series canisters
Comes up through the side sponges then down the centre from the top
What size holes and two or four in each section Bonsai Ron
The clown loaches are my favorite had them in my 125 with cichlids but they died from ick because i didn't think about putting a couple new fish in there that had ick so now i got another tank to put them in for 6 weeks to make sure they are not sick
Hey Ben Lamar what size pre filter u have around the intake an is that only size that will fit thank you
Check out the pre filter (large size) at the Co-Op site (see link below).
I took off the intake grill, drilled a few holes in the pipe and slipped the sponge on. Here’s the link:
www.aquariumcoop.com?sca_ref=3301874.0yH4KEHjB2
Okay I'm not fairly new to cichlids and tanks on my recently upgraded to $125 gallon freshwater simply tank and I have fs64 today is my first day actually cleaning the fx6 completely out the after water change in the same maybe three to four months after purchasing the fx6 this is the first time I've cleaned and did the whole Shabazz with it but it's not coming back on and I don't know what I did wrong
Great video. First time viewer, first time subscriber. I have done both switches my fine filter and added the sponge on the FX6. Could you show how to properly set up two blowers to insure the perfect flow? Now I have one one at top right causing surface agitation (fx6 intake bottom left of tank) and my second power head bottom left creating a circle current. Any ideas?
Is your FX output in the middle back or in the back corner? Also, are you getting good results with the arrangement you have now. I guess what I'm asking is what is the thing that you want to improve upon with a different placement of the outputs?
Hi Ben, please help me, my fluval fx6 makes a sound as if its working but there is no waterflow through the in-out pipes:(
Be sure the valves are turned to the open position.
Also, be sure to fill it before plugging it in.
The only other possible cause would be a faulty pump.
Good luck.
Hello Ben, first of all, I do feel for you, trying to survive winterconditions. I hope you will make it through christmasdays ;p Thanks for sharing this video. For now happy holidays :-)
How do you fix the lid when it leaks from the screws??
Replace the O ring in the lid (but first try tightening a bit more).
@@BenOchart there is an FX4 repair kit on Amazon. Is this what I need to do it? I've had 2 fx6 and this FX4 for years and never had a problem until now. Just now seeing the repair kits. Is this what I'm supposed to do?
@@BenOchart it worked. It's fixed and running just fine. The FX4 repair kit worked!!! Thank you!!!
hey Ben is it benefical to double up on the pinky filter? or just a single sheet? looking to get more clarity i assume that means a chemical filteration like chemi pureetc
There's room for two up there but since I swap out once a month I really don't need two. If you leave pinky floss too long it will clog or slow down flow. So, one works for me, for now.
Hey Ben anyway to prevent ur fluval from draining ur tank if it starts leaking? I put a tote under it
Prefilter, prefilter, prefilter. I use AquaClear 110 sponges on two of my 406s😃. Some have actual sponge filters on them. Hobs have AquaClear 70 sponges cut in half.
Smart set-up!
What do you think to use plumbers silicone grease on all the O-rings just to prevent leakage if you doing it too often they can wear out maybe
Edgar ibarra I use food grade silicone
One last question Ben....Why not close off the input leaving the output open for 10 sec or so. Then shut off the output and unplug. Seems a little simpler that way! Yes??
Good question. I think I tried it once and all I got were grunts and groans from the canister/motor and very little water moved out of the canister. For water to move out, air must move in, otherwise you get a sort of vacuum and the pump just churns but doesn't really push water volume out.
Thanx Ben...makes sense
You have to open utility valve to prevent an air lock👍🏻
Ben. Do you have a powerhead low and high in your tank?
NittanyFins Two. On the right is mid way up and in the left it’s high and pointed up.
So you remove “strainer” for prefilter?
Rosie Feeback Yes
Cool video man. I am actually about to exchange my marineland c360 for a fluval fx6. Why? It's been giving me micro bubble issue and it has a rattling sound that I can't get rid of no matter what i try. and yes I've made sure everything is seated properly. I think the chamber where the magnet and rod get inserted is defective as it appears to not be centered properly and it's also uneven. The fx6 is also on sale right now for 240 at my local pet store so if i trade in my c360 il only have to pay 100 for the fx6. I guess il be joining the fx6 club soon.
Hi Ben, I have a question for you. When you use a pre filter sponge dont you stop the intake from sucking up the fish waste? Thanks
No, it still sucks up detritus but holds on to the big pieces and breaks them down. It also catches food and the fish eat it off the the filter.
@@BenOchart ok, thanks Ben
I’ve learned these FX filters are truly poorly designed, yet everyone raves about them. Every time I clean mine out all the pre-large particle filter materials in the outside rings are hardly dirty. Nothing like what all the other canister filters I’ve used in the past resemble. But my inner ring filters (w/ the water polishers) that hold the bio materials are clogged up and nasty. Anyone ever wonder why the outer rings have these fins that the sponge filter pieces don’t fit into? I personally believe it’s how fluval gets high flow on these filters. Water just bypasses most of the initial sponge material byway if these spaces in the fins. Then that water goes through your bio media and water polishers clogging them up. Yes, my nitrates and ammonia levels are zero and the bio-media is doing it’s job, but my tank is dirty. Nothing is being filtered out of the water sufficiently. I have tried every material even floss in these out rings and only about 20% of these material have debri on them after running a month. I hate to say it but these filters are terrible. See how clean your coarse sponges are in this video? And how dirty the final inner filter piece is? Fluval are a scam. My tank is dirty, I think they are crap. I use a prefilter as well and if it wasn’t for it, I’d be cleaning these inner ring pads once a week just to keep up the flow. I’m amazed no one else has noticed this or questioned these water flow gaps designed on these outer rings.
You have great tips, but these filters are crap in my humble opinion.
You Arcadians are spoiled with your weather; we are at least one or two degrees cooler over here in Altadena. We’ve been under 40 a few times overnight. I had to stop wearing shorts for a few days! We even had that wet stuff that falls from the sky a few times... what’s it called... um... rain. Merry Christmas everyone!!
LOL! I was telling someone how most in the L.A. area don't even own an umbrells, LOL!
Poly fil, go to Hobbie Lobby and get a bag or box and save money and better filtration.
What do I think 🤔 remove the clown loach, IMO it ruins the look of your Malawi Hap tank👍.
I’ve thought about it, maybe when I start a planted community tank I’ll move them out.
I swear for a quick second, that it looked like I was looking under the hood of a racecar. lol. I'm really sorry for your horrible weather there. You can send it to me and I will relieve you of it's burden. lol. Thanks for showing your booster tips in action. Holes in the intake are a great hack & I use this idea as well for my prefilter sponges. Merry Fishmas to you and your family.
A 500 HP filter, LOL. Thank you for stopping by and Merry Fishmas to you as well 😀
Maybe we should come and try to survive that harsh winter your haven.
"We will rebuild", LOL!
So harsh condition inedeed
We will struggle through, LOL.