Pimp My Filter #25 - Fluval FX4 Canister Filter
Вставка
- Опубліковано 26 січ 2019
- Fluval FX4 Filter (Amazon): geni.us/s4cRLE
Fluval FX4 Filter (Ebay): ebay.to/2sOVw4k
Foams and Biohome Ultimate: www.filterpro.co.uk
Full kits to upgrade a Fluval FX4 and FX5 / FX6 can be found on the 'Filter Kits' page of the FilterPro website: bit.ly/2LuRtl0
(FilterPro site has links to suppliers in other countries)
The Fluval FX4 has a powerful pump, excellent mechanical filtration and decent provision for biological filtration.
However, since it 'only' holds around 3kg of biohome ultimate it is really suited to normally stocked tanks of up to 300 litres (78 US gallons) or heavily stocked tanks of up to 150 litres (39 US gallons) if you want to achieve a full cycle.
Your FX4 will have extra red trays which fit inside main trays - they are not needed unless you need to use one in bottom tray to separate carbon from filter media without using a mesh bag.
A full cycle is completed by bacteria - the aerobic part of biological filtration which processes ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate followed by an anaerobic part which processes nitrate into soluble nitrogen which bubbles off to the atmosphere.
Therefore it requires a suitable amount of excellent quality filter media to be able to provide the environment for both aerobic AND anaerobic bacteria - that is what Biohome ultimate does perfectly but even with such good media there are limitations and we recommend the following amounts for different stocking scenarios:
(1 US gallon = 3.8 litres)
(1kg = 2.2 lbs)
Average community tropical aquarium = 1kg per 100 litres
Average coldwater aquarium = 1kg - 1.5kg per 100 litres
Predator aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Large cichlid aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Malawi / Tanganyikan aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Marine aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Average mixed fish pond = 1kg per 200 litres
Average koi pond = 1kg per 150 litres
You may be disagreeing with the above figures but remember that they are for a FULL CYCLE not half a job - achieving 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite is quite easy since aerobic bacteria grows freely on any surface but the anaerobic bacteria responsible for COMPLETING the cycle needs more a specialized habitat.
Size a filter properly, set it up sensibly and you will have perfect water - it's that simple....and your filter won't be the dreaded 'Nitrate factory'.
This series of videos is all about trying to squeeze more efficiency out of internal and external aquarium filters which generally have a limited filtering capacity - If you have a filter you'd like me to feature in a video then please contact me on:
sales@filterpro.co.uk
07772848730 (Richard)
Anyone who sends a filter (UK only at present) will have it upgraded and returned to them for free and the only cost you will pay is how much it costs to ship it to me - I'm helping to boost your filter and the resulting videos will hopefully be useful to viewers all over the world so it's a win/win.
The following videos will be useful to anyone interested in learning more about filtration, bacteria and making the conditions for your fish as good as possible:
Sizing a canister properly and filter set up: goo.gl/om19un
Looking INSIDE different filter media: goo.gl/hZWS6c
Bacteria and filter media: goo.gl/123gAF
How to clean an aquarium: goo.gl/bPMhvh
Aquarium tips / filtration playlist: goo.gl/pXgqVj
Check out my channel for hundreds of videos on a wide range of my hobbies - many of the videos have educational content so if you have enjoyed any give them the thumbs up and share.
This channel is purely a hobby for me so I will never ask viewers to donate money for any of my projects or charge anyone for information - information should be shared freely and I certainly don't consider myself an 'expert' in anything I pursue as a hobby so please do your own research, never accept anything as 'fact', reject anyone claiming to be some sort of authority or 'expert' and make your own minds up about anything you wish to study.
We all are on a long path of learning.........
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS ON AMAZON: goo.gl/jMaBWy
INSTAGRAM: / pondguru_outdoors
FILMING EQUIPMENT:
Panasonic HC-VX870 HD camcorder geni.us/3UwE
+Rode stereo microphone: geni.us/4OL
+Rode 'deadcat' mic cover: geni.us/1pmn
JVC Everio quad proof HD camcorder: geni.us/e09e
+Rode 'deadcat' mic cover (opened up and held between tripod and camera base) geni.us/dee24
Zomei Z666 tripod: geni.us/1a1af3
Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI mini tripod: geni.us/87f7
If you've enjoyed this video please check out the playlists on my channel for hundreds more - on a variety of subjects.
Feel free to share or link any of my videos on facebook, twitter, forums etc. for the benefit of anyone you think may also enjoy watching.
See you next time.
Pondguru - Розваги
Fluval FX4 Filter (Amazon): geni.us/s4cRLE
Fluval FX4 Filter (Ebay): ebay.to/2sOVw4k
Foams and Biohome Ultimate: www.filterpro.co.uk
Full kits to upgrade a Fluval FX4 and FX5 / FX6 can be found on the 'Filter Kits' page of the FilterPro website: bit.ly/2LuRtl0
(FilterPro site has links to suppliers in other countries)
The Fluval FX4 has a powerful pump, excellent mechanical filtration and decent provision for biological filtration.
However, since it 'only' holds around 3kg of biohome ultimate it is really suited to normally stocked tanks of up to 300 litres (78 US gallons) or heavily stocked tanks of up to 150 litres (39 US gallons) if you want to achieve a full cycle.
Your FX4 will have extra red trays which fit inside main trays - they are not needed unless you need to use one in bottom tray to separate carbon from filter media without using a mesh bag.
A full cycle is completed by bacteria - the aerobic part of biological filtration which processes ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate followed by an anaerobic part which processes nitrate into soluble nitrogen which bubbles off to the atmosphere.
Therefore it requires a suitable amount of excellent quality filter media to be able to provide the environment for both aerobic AND anaerobic bacteria - that is what Biohome ultimate does perfectly but even with such good media there are limitations and we recommend the following amounts for different stocking scenarios:
(1 US gallon = 3.8 litres)
(1kg = 2.2 lbs)
Average community tropical aquarium = 1kg per 100 litres
Average coldwater aquarium = 1kg - 1.5kg per 100 litres
Predator aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Large cichlid aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Malawi / Tanganyikan aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Marine aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Average mixed fish pond = 1kg per 200 litres
Average koi pond = 1kg per 150 litres
You may be disagreeing with the above figures but remember that they are for a FULL CYCLE not half a job - achieving 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite is quite easy since aerobic bacteria grows freely on any surface but the anaerobic bacteria responsible for COMPLETING the cycle needs more a specialized habitat.
Size a filter properly, set it up sensibly and you will have perfect water - it's that simple....and your filter won't be the dreaded 'Nitrate factory'.
This series of videos is all about trying to squeeze more efficiency out of internal and external aquarium filters which generally have a limited filtering capacity - If you have a filter you'd like me to feature in a video then please contact me on:
sales@filterpro.co.uk
07772848730 (Richard)
Anyone who sends a filter (UK only at present) will have it upgraded and returned to them for free and the only cost you will pay is how much it costs to ship it to me - I'm helping to boost your filter and the resulting videos will hopefully be useful to viewers all over the world so it's a win/win.
The following videos will be useful to anyone interested in learning more about filtration, bacteria and making the conditions for your fish as good as possible:
Sizing a canister properly and filter set up: goo.gl/om19un
Looking INSIDE different filter media: goo.gl/hZWS6c
Bacteria and filter media: goo.gl/123gAF
How to clean an aquarium: goo.gl/bPMhvh
Aquarium tips / filtration playlist: goo.gl/pXgqVj
Check out my channel for hundreds of videos on a wide range of my hobbies - many of the videos have educational content so if you have enjoyed any give them the thumbs up and share.
This channel is purely a hobby for me so I will never ask viewers to donate money for any of my projects or charge anyone for information - information should be shared freely and I certainly don't consider myself an 'expert' in anything I pursue as a hobby so please do your own research, never accept anything as 'fact', reject anyone claiming to be some sort of authority or 'expert' and make your own minds up about anything you wish to study.
We all are on a long path of learning.........
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS ON AMAZON: goo.gl/jMaBWy
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/pondguru_outdoors/
FILMING EQUIPMENT:
Panasonic HC-VX870 HD camcorder geni.us/3UwE
+Rode stereo microphone: geni.us/4OL
+Rode 'deadcat' mic cover: geni.us/1pmn
JVC Everio quad proof HD camcorder: geni.us/e09e
+Rode 'deadcat' mic cover (opened up and held between tripod and camera base) geni.us/dee24
Zomei Z666 tripod: geni.us/1a1af3
Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI mini tripod: geni.us/87f7
If you've enjoyed this video please check out the playlists on my channel for hundreds more - on a variety of subjects.
Feel free to share or link any of my videos on facebook, twitter, forums etc. for the benefit of anyone you think may also enjoy watching.
See you next time.
Pondguru
I just got an fx4 as a birthday present, and I'll be setting it up over the next few weeks while rescaping my 80g. I had a couple questions if you don't mind-
1. I have 50 micron polishing pads cut to fit the top tray where you placed your fine pad- is it wise to use such a fine pad/ will it clog up quickly, or will having a semi fine pad like this www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HHO764/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
help to prevent any decrease in flow?
2. I'm about to buy some biohome ultimate, mainly because I found the fact that it can house anaerobic bacteria kind of fascinating and very useful. Do you need a special starter to seed anaerobic bacteria, or is a starter like seachem stability enough and the anaerobic bacteria come naturally? And is it possible that, in a planted tank, the anaerobic bacteria will compete with plants for nitrates, or is it more likely that they'll compete with and prevent unwanted algae that would have absorbed what the plants cannot?
Thanks! Appreciate your channel.
Hi, i just ordered the pond foams now for my fluval and plan to chuck the red trays but i have purchased the fluval circular carbon sponges for the fx4 i was curious if i still need the red tray to keep it seperate from the bio media?
Also the biohome ultimate is no sold anywhere anymore i think i tried look for it on amazon no luck
@@ObscuraAbyssus There is a link to my site (FilterPro) in the video description and pinned comment. I think the seller on amazon UK had problems with one of the ID numbers being the same as a filter from another manufacturer and trying to sort it out with amazon was a nightmare so he now sells on ebay.
You won't need the red trays in the FX4 / 6 as all trays would be filled with media with the fine pad on the top of the top tray.
@@pondguru Alright ill check it out thank you
This is soo awesome! I'm purchasing an FX4 for my 75G African Cichlid tank to replace the Sunsun 304B that's making a helluva racket even with a new impeller! Your videos for both the Sunsun and the Eheim filters (which I have both on the 75G) have kept my tank sparkling clean so much that my fish look like they're floating in air my water is THAT clean! Thank you so very much for taking the time and sharing your infinite wisdom and your valuable knowledge!! You're awesome!
I ordered the fx4 upgrade from this guy two days ago, installed the upgrade yesterday and today my water looks amazing. Literally crystal clear... I used exactly the same setup but put some established bio media in with the bio home to populate it. Honestly best 70 quid i've spent on my tank...
Really like your videos.
But honestly, I'm excited for the next update on the pond!
My first viewing of your excellent instructional video. I am new in my 'fish-keeping' hobby and don't understand all that jargon yet but will continue to watch until I do! Thanks very much for the links below, they will be very helpful in the near future!
Regards,
David O'D
Just gone and purchased what I need for my new fx4🙂🙂. After being without a tank for a few years, it’s now time to invest and get back in the game 🤩
Hi Richard Just Installed Your Fx4 Upgrade Kit And Im Well Impressed Thank You
I was so tempted to buy this but so glad I opted for the fx6 with increased media capacity
Glad you done one of these, have mine set up like that apart from the settlement cavity, will add that next filter clean
Good stuff and I'm gla dyou found the video useful
Do not put any media like that in the bottom as " primary settlement " if u plan on using the water change valve at bottom. The little bits of gritty stuff they eventually give off ruins the seal and causes the valve to leak.
Think I’ll try putting a bit of filter foam over it to help protect it and see how it goes.
@@lukedehart7667 did you see any result?
Anything?
I use the big pre filter bio media big holes in it to let water flow
What I did with my Fx4 since it handles ammonia and nitrites really well is I put it on my 75 gallon planted tank and adjusted the nozzles and flow to accommodate the plants. Plants help handle the nitrates and the Fx4 runs on a 75 very well. I also have two small sponge filters hidden in the back so that helps as well!
Just want to say thank you for this information. My fish will be even more grateful from the sounds of your video. Keep on
I just cleaned mine out. I have it on my saltwater tank. I did take similar steps of what you did. :)
Fanflippingtastic! I inherited an FX4 with zero media when I bought a used 400 litre tank last week, I wish I'd found this video before I bought a load of compatible media for it! At least I didn't have to pay genuine fluval prices I guess 😂 I will definitely be pimping my FX4 along the lines you have shown, can't wait!
I watched your video on the fx4 I was having trouble with high nitrate so I put most of the ceramic tubes that come with the filter in the channel at the bottom then did all that you said I now have a 340 litre tank well stocked with happy fish and plants thanks .
Good stuff and I'm glad you and the fish are pleased with the upgrade.
I did the same thing
Great video Richard. As always.
Wife got me a Fluval fx4 for my 75g discus tank and it's a game changer over my old two hang on back filters. Not too much flow for my discus, and enough flow to even keep the bare bottom clean of debris. I'm about to Pimp out my filter now! I'm new to canister filters, you made it easy. NA Measurements you included were great too, once this sponge comes in ill cut it to your dimensions.
Good one - I'm glad you found the video useful and best of luck with the tank.
Cheers Richard. Great video!
Cheers for suggestions, bought yesterday this for my 60gallon tank, so now i know how make better performance for this filter
Your the man I just got an fx4 for my plant high tech 200l yesterday ready for pimping 😃
Nice review. Really felt for you with the pong issue 😷 Now that's dedication to the cause.
Great filter Richard, See ya soon
There are pads for nitrite, phosphate removal and also bags for other filter media like resins and zeo filtration as well as the carbon pads and foam and stone
I'm thinking about getting this for my 350liter(92gallon), turtle tank that is about half full, since i have basking areas. I'm more concerned about mechanical filtration as turtles can make do without 100% perfectly clean(from a nitrite/nitrate standpoint) water. I could go with a 407 as well but for the extra 30 euros in my country i think the fx4 is a better fit.
I will definitely reconfigure my FX4 on my malawi tank. Fortunately it works together with an Eheim 4+ 600 on my 450l tank, so it's enough "space" and power together ;). Thx & greetings from Austria.
Why do you use both coarse and medium foam on the top and bottom tray? Would it work better to have coarse on the outside of the bottom tray, and medium on the outside of the top tray, and fine pad in the middle of the top tray? Thanks for the videos.
Got mine on my 75 gallon saltwater tank for a year fish and corals doing great clean it out once a month plus my weekly water changes
This is a really informative video and I'm curious I have a red-eared slider that I just bought an FX4 for and I was wondering if you would change any of the setup that you just did. Turtles are extremely messy and I'm trying to optimize before I install everything.
Also wondering! I have a 100g tank and also just bought this filter… I’m adding more bio too
By my calculations, perfect for a 75-gal tank. Thanks for the information.
Just added this to my 75 gallon turtle setup. The 8" Red Ear Slider Turtle was destroying hanging filter daily. This filter turned my tank into a river, so much flow. Running the stock setup, but I do plan to buy generic media to create filtration specific to Turtle life. I have two 4" goldfish in the tank, they love all flow!
Hi , I just got the Fluval X4 on a 75 gallon , where can i buy the foam in the US , preferably on amazon , not sure what it is called and what to look for , any help is truly appreciated!
Great instructional video for upgrading FX4. Looking for a source for the large and medium
foam (in the USA)
I would love to see you pimp a Fluval G series filter, either a G3 or a G6.
Would the fx4 be able to be pimped out to a dr Kevin Novak anoxic filter Bcb type deal? Maybe load the trays with the baked clay and a laterite core? Not sure if too much oxygen would get to it. The water needs to flow around the clay, not through it.
I run an FX4 on a moderately stocked 55 gallon (208 L) freshwater community aquarium. Based on the numbers in your description, it seems that I should be able to get full cycle filtration using the media you describe on my set up. My tank is well established and fully cycled. I have been using a combination of mechanical, biological and chemical filtration. Most of this is from the manufacturer. I have a couple of questions. First, how would you recommend adding in the anaerobic bacteria? Presumably, I have an adequate supply of aerobic bacteria in the current media. Second, how often if ever does the biohome media need to be changed? Thanks in advance for your advice.
Like your spin on it!
Thank You soo much for the video. I had a quick question. I've bought a tank that has the fluval 306 filter and the fx4 filter. I'm going to run them together for my tank 260l reef. Would i be able to just load one of the filters (fx4) with pure biomedia?? I'll load the 307 the way that you showed us in the previous video.
Can you do a video on api filstar xl I like them since they are simple but im curious about your opinion
@Pondguru so what is the best canister filter capacity wise? I mean filter media capacity. As well as not compromising about silent operation of it. I'm thinking of getting something around 500-700l tank in a future and this got me thinking as I expected more out of fx4
Ive just bought some biohome to try in my fx4. Reading up on nitrate bacteria, it suggests they like low oxygen low flow, hece they grow well deep inside the pores. As such, would it work better in an additional low flow filter or sump? LEave the fx4 doing its thing for ammonia and nitrite and have a second, low flow filter for biohome and nitrates?
I just purchased a Fluval FX4 for my 60 gallon cube tank. I’m going to set up the FX4 exactly this way. How often do I need to change the Eheim Mech, fine filter pad & course and medium bio sponges? Thanks!
would you say this filter would do full cycle filtration on a 250 liters tank with the 3 kilos of media? sorry if it sounds stupid but im a beginner, currently still on planing phase of tthe aquarium
Is there any way you could do a AquaClear 30 HOB?????? I need you to do this one please I love you bro! Yeehaww!
this was the video was looking for.
thanks heaps.
Those foams dont look tightly packed in. I imagine water slipping by. Is water not directly forced through the foams?
I am not sold on these to replace my EHEIM Pros in aquaria but for my 75 gallon red eared slider turtle tank the extra mechanical filtration and flow rate make it a better choice. thanks for the info on correctly stuffing it. I don't know why the manufacturers get it wrong...even EHEIM puts the fine filter pad on the wrong spot.
Hi have noticed that there is another space underneath the bottom tray, at the very bottom of the canister, looks about the right size for a bag of chemi pure or similar product. I am wondering whether you would know whether it is ok to utilise this space as well, or leave it empty?
hi , i have fx4 running with original media,and a tank with fish and coral ,can switch to the ULTIMATE MARINE AND FOAM THAT YOU HAVE ..Thank you for you answer ......
Another great pimp my filter! Are you going to be doing any of the sun sun / polor aurora filters?
another awesome pimp my filter video !!
I have just got one of these filters and done the mod to it. Quick question, is it normal to have lots of micro bubbles when both new filter and media.
One complaint of this filter is the clips that tighten up to hold the lid in place. Forever breaking & although they are only plastic they are expensive to replace. Been looking for metal ones but not had any luck yet. If anyone does know please post where they can be purchased. Great video tho thanks.
Can you run an inline heater with the fx4? Is there going to be a problem with the on and off cycle every 12 hours that purged trapped air ?
Morning Richard, i will soon have a 180L goldfish tank, i was thinking of getting an fx4/6 but have you any other recommendations?
Hey there!
I just bought an FX6 and want to add the Eheim Mech for 1st settlement.
Whats the diference between the Mech and Mech Pro? Which one is more whorty?
Thanks for your work!
The FX Series has always been foam heavy and having less space for filter media. I was going to purchase either an FX4 or an FX6 but I settled on an Eheim Classic.
Now I am beginning to replace my old canisters with Aquaels.
Awesome video Sir Richard. Looking forward to the next one.
can someone please tell me how often the filters and media should be changed on this set up? TIA
Another great video! :)
The different stages are just different types of sponges.
Anyway love your videos and Biohome :)
Almost. There are 5 stages (meaning 5 places of filtration) in the filter.
1) the outer sponges
2) the top of the red tray on the top basket
3) the bottom of the top basket
4) the top of the red tray on the bottom basket
5) the bottom of the bottom basket
5 STAGES, not 5 TYPES. :)
@@Sahadi420 I meant the coarse sponge is one type of sponge and one stage of filtration just like the medium sponge and the fine pad is. The filter has a 3 stage mechanical filtration with 3 three different types of mechanical media.
The red tray is irrelevant In the set up, you can take it out.
@@hendrikwirtz8418 the red trays are there to simply give you the option to separate the inside space in the basket. I have the red trays IN on the top basket of my FX4 and 6 to simply put in another sponge. Bio-home is under that sponge, and fills the entire middle area in the lower tray(s).
You're correct about the different sponges....I'm just saying Fluval means the "5 levels of filtration" are 5 different places you can filter the water.
@@Sahadi420 yes indeed that is what Fluval says and that are 5 places to filter the water :)
Tou should be adding some purigen into the bottom tray at least you would have some chemical filtration plus you will get better water quality
And what if you relied on the Diana wolstead method. How many litres could it service then?
Couldn't you put a carbon pad in the central section under the trays so you don't use up space inside the trays.
would you recommend the filter to a 450 liter guppy tank?
Hey I've got a aqua one 2700 nautilus, and was thinking about getting a fx4. But it doesn't look much better than what I've got... any thoughts?
What canister filters do you recommend for a 90 gallon long tank for full cycle with normal bio load
I have my fx4 on a 220gal...and its perfect
I know this video is older but if you take one of those red trays it will fit in the bottom center with a bit of trimming off the top. This will give you some space for chemical media.
I done like you said and my fx4 have bigger output then input... Every 10 min pump stay drained.... I removed media from bottom... Drained again... I returned my ceramic in middle then it drained again... Can you help me?
I have a three hundred litre fish tank with two fish in it, a comet and common goldfish... the common goldfish is about 7 inches long and the comet is about 5 inches long... should I get the FX4, 5 or 6?
Hello, I have a 6ft 125 gallon tank. Would you recommend two FX4's or two 407's for that size tank? I plan to keep mostly tiger barbs , loaches and a few panda garra.
I have just bought a 650 litre tank second hand and plan on having it heavily planted but also quite a few community fish.
I was looking at this filter due to it being advertised as being suitable for this size but after watching your video, I have my doubts.
You mention cheaper filters that have more biological filter. What would you recommend?
BTW, I was given a 2nd hand AquaOne 2200 but found it extremely hard to get the top off due to how it's designed which is why this one appealed to me. In fact, one of the clips broken in trying to get the lid off due to the incredible suction it has.
Thanks in advance.
I'm looking a juwel lido 200 for discus and tetra I will be using juwel internal filter but whats the best external to go with what will give crystal clear water quality..
Where can you get the exact media your using also the correct name. As I'm ordering online
Hi, I have an 8,000 gallon Koi pond with an Oase Proficlear drum filter with 2 additional media sections with K1 and an end section which houses the pumps and the UV's. That last section also has 2 baskets which is for additional media not provided by the manufacturer and the choice is left to the user. I have no problem with my filtration but I have 2 empty baskets that could be filled. Would Biohome Plus or ultimate be beneficial? You state 1kg per 100 litres so I wonder if 5 kgs is actually going to do anything on an 8,000 gallon pond? In fact is any media in that small quantity going to add anything to that size pond? I would be interested to hear your views.
Thank you again Richard I did try to give it a good clean before I sent it to you I should have left it open for a few days thanks again Michael
No worries and apologies for not getting the video uploaded sooner - I'm way behind on editing and have over 30 more still to do.
I'm glad you're pleased with the filter.
Hey I know this comment is 3 years old so you probably won’t notice, but can you let me know what sort of results you got from this filter before and after the upgrade? Thanks
Does anyone have a input on the api xp series. Is it worth useing
Just one Question would this Filter work for a 100 gallons Discus Tank a will have Three Lifeguard filters to Add to my Tank. A few plants and 10 discus with 1/2 sand. Thanks
Thanks for the video. I'm about to do this to my FX4 this weekend. How often do you break the FX down to rinse out the foam pads? I do mine every two weeks now but I wasn't sure with this new setup how often I should do it.
Every tank and filter is different - ideally it should go at least a month when a filter is correctly sized for a tank but see what it is like then extend intervals if you think it would go longer after you've cleaned the filter. e.g. if you normally do monthly maintenance and think it would go 6 weeks try that and assess it from there, if you think it would go 8 weeks try that and so on until you find the sweet spot for your situation - no point 'cleaning' a clean filter.
about to set up 2 Fluval FX6. If set up properly and more efficiently, roughly how many pounds of Bio Home Ultimate will fit in each FX6? I have 5 pounds already. They will be running 125 gallon tank.
when you say 'kilo de nedia "do you mean" liter "?
sera siporax/substratpro/Matrix weighs less than Chinese cylinders
Would plain ole aquarium gravel work in place of Eheim Mech?
FX4 be good for a 75 gallon Heavy stocked African Ciclid tank? From what I gathered here it would.
What dechlorinator would you recommend?
is it possible to order that foam in germany ? because i went to the website biohome and the foams there are not available.
i have one 90 gallon tank ， long X 48 inches ，wide X 18 . high x 24 ， is it the FX4 too strong for my tank ？ i am planning use 2 of 407 ， or maybe use one fluval 407 and one Fx4 toghter . how u guys think ？ who can help me ？ is it Fx4 too strong 90 gallon fish tank ？ and is it Noisy ? Because the fish tank in my bedroom . confused 😰😰🙏🙏
by putting the biological material in the bottom there is no danger of washing away the good bacteria when we use the drain / load valve?
Hey thanks for the tips, especially the Eheim Mech on the bottom of the canister! I’m going to try that! You indicated that some of the modern chemical media will mess up the biological side of things. Do you think Purigen placed in the bottom tray mixed with bio media would mess up the biological process?
I would say purigen will definitely
Hi Pondguru
I was just thinking if the water comes up through the outside sponges and then down through the middle , would it not make more sense to b
Have just course foams around the bottom tray and just medium foam around the top tray, this would stop the water simply by passing the medium foam and spilling into the central baskets and quickly clogging the wool pad. In my experience water will always take the path of least resistance. What do you think?
The water flows from the outside though the foams horizontally not vertically. They hit both trays equally from the horizontal side. That is why you put coarse and medium foams in both trays.
Hi, love your videos whats your opinion on the hydor professional series?
I did exactly the same as what is suggested in the video, spending a lot of money on biohome ultimate, and found the flow from the filter is reduced so much the waste builds up in the filter dramatically and leads to constant cloudy water. This causes a bloom of detritus worms within the filter (which find there way into the tank) and a lot of waste build up along the bottom of the tank itself.
Although the video's main point is to try and increase the maximum amount of surface area within the filter, an overload of media can cause problems.
Upgrading the existing sponges and ceramics is a fantastic peice of advise and I also recommend anyone buying this filter to do the same.
Instead of filling all the cavities with ceramics, I suggest placing a medium-coarse sponge in the inner circle (16.5cm diameter) and course sponge for the outer rim at the bottom, with ceramics in the smaller inner rim to use the empty cavities effectively. This doesn't compromise flow whatsoever.
The fine white wool stuff also does a good job when sat at the very top of the trays.
Would you be able to provide pics of what you did?
I know this is an old video and comment but you hit the nail on the head! These ideas are not tried out on tanks in real life! It is all well and good to in theory upgrade it and fill every space with media but practically sometimes these great ideas don't work.
I didnt take any at the time and would have to take it apart to do so now. I've made some adjustments over the last 18 months or so, see below.
- do not place any sponge in the middle circle at the bottom. It clogs very quickly and prevents the filter from working properly within 2 weeks after a full clean.
- do not place any ceramics in the bottom outer rim. They can get trapped in the propeller.
- synthetic wool at the top is optional. Depending on your bioload, you may be replacing this on a weekly basis. I stopped using it and found no reduction in water clarity
Your ideas are so helpful. Thank you so much!
@@danielsinclair7593 I was completely planning to do this and then got to thinking "I wonder what other people think" (and it made me miss the dislike button count) but I realized I couldnt be the only one second guessing filling the bottom.
What is the name of the filter pads called that u put in the fx6 and fx4 the black and blue pads. We’re can I get them?
When he says “kilo” it’s so satisfying….he says it a lot and I sometimes forget that it’s just referencing filter media 😅
No he is talking about weight of something
Whare do i put my purigen ritcherd
Fx for filter is rubbish I have it running on my 350 L tank and the pump just pulls through the sand straight through saw the tank is constantly murky we definitely are changing those filter pads thanks
So what's the next best thing to biohome filter media that you use because it can come to more than what the filter is worth⁉️⁉️
I owned anfx4 but sold it after 9month I wanted one for a while n desired to get one n was disappointed in it don't get me wrong it is a beast has a ton a flow and keeps a 300ltr tank spotless but it has bypass issues it don't hold a lot of biomedia I had to add an eheim classic to my 300ltr tank as back up to hold more bio then I was cleaning the propellorn snapped the shaft I had to order a new propellorn and shaft for 35pound just to get a shaft which came broken as well as fluval don't package it right so the shaft is in the propellorn and rattles about in pagaging and there's a good chance most come this way so I ended up selling it the only fluval filters Iv got that I do love is my 207 and c2
3 months ago I bought a fx4 and now it stopped sending water to the aquarium, it reduced the flow to 0 I tried to contact the store and the river but the answer I have is that I need to buy a new one I am very upset and I do not recommend this canister because I lost it too much money with something that doesn't work.
Once again great video. I have a question pertaining to Seachem Prime. Does it kill off anaerobic bacteria as I've read on some forums? If so how do you recommend I treat my water that has chloramine in it? Thanks again. Got 4kg of Biohome going on in my two filters and so far so good but waiting for that "full" cycle to start.
I have been using prime for years. I test for ammonia/ nitrite weekly. I have had no problems with bacteria die off or ammonia/ nitrite spikes. My tank is well stocked. I dont believe prime kills off benifical bacteria. You could always email Seachem.
@@BONP1E I meant the ANAEROBIC bacteria that get rid of nitrates and complete the cycle as Pond Guru talks about.
What is a top rated canister filter for full cycle?
Could you use the middle of the bucket for a bag of say carbon
So... we're getting ready to convert to this setup. So when we're ready to clean it, we just wash out the outer foam and replace the white (now black) fine pad on top? We do not rinse the BioHome... Right?
I'm interested to know if you should be rinsing out the Biohome or just the sponges?
I just bought a used FX4. First thing I did was to throw out all the bio media. I have a 125 gallon cichlid tank with about 100 fish but I also have about 350 lbs of rock in there, for sure I don't need any more bio media. I just use the sponges and a big bag filled with carbon.