Fluval FX? You MUST Watch This!
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2018
- #fluvalFX
#canisterfilter
#fluvalFX6
Are you running a Fluval FX 4, 5 or 6? Well here are some tips and tricks that will make life easier for you. They certainly did for me.
Th truth is that these pointers could be applied to most canister filter. Take a look and tell me what you think in the comments below, along with any tips you might have. We all learn from each other on this channel!
By the way, Pinky Floss is backwards in this video. I verified at the Pinky web site that the water should hit the white surface first and the pink surface last. You can read about it here:
www.pinkyfilters.com/
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Did you know that there's a friendly and helpful group of fish keepers on Facebook at: Ben O'Cichlid Sure, "cichlid is in the name but the group welcomes all types of fish keepers from beginner to advanced.
For behind the scenes videos and pictures follow me on Instagram at: ben.o.cichlid
Here are some links to products I've used and recommend:
(You get a great deal by using these links and help the channel:
Filters:
SunSun 302-B (265 gph): amzn.to/2Y6Ylhy
SunSun 704-B (525 gph with UV): amzn.to/2YFbHjV
SunSun HW 3000 (793 with UV): amzn.to/3hCm54W
Filter pads for all SunSun filters: amzn.to/30Ieg7E
Cut your own filter pads: amzn.to/2zD6SiP
SunSun Pre-Filter (goes over intake): amzn.to/3fv6aU1
Flexible hose cleaning brush: amzn.to/2N5x8p7
SunSun Pre-Filter (In-Line Canister): amzn.to/2UQ79WX
SunSun Canister O-Ring replacement: amzn.to/2BhU7uf
SunSun UV 9W replacement bulb: amzn.to/2N0eoHB
Suggested Bio Media that I use in my canisters:
Biohome Ultimate: amzn.to/3e8Cs70
MarinePure: amzn.to/37z9UB7
CNZ sponge filled bio-balls: amzn.to/3e7aitd
Pumice stone: amzn.to/2Y6vk5t
Crushed coral/aragonite: amzn.to/2N6DYKM
Chemical Filtration I've Used with Good Results:
Seachem Purigen: amzn.to/3hCygyG
Seachem Matrix Carbon: amzn.to/2Y6sOft
Mesh bags: amzn.to/2AJb4hj
Fluval FX-6 Canister Filter: amzn.to/30KhPu1
Other items:
Suggested substrate (aragonite): amzn.to/2N6DYKM
My favorite LED lights: amzn.to/2N0YrRd
Inexpensive Powerheads: amzn.to/2N5dTMu
Better quality Powerhead (Hydor): amzn.to/37y8pTT
Heaters I use:
Eheim: amzn.to/3e2PByp
Cobalt Neo Therm: amzn.to/2N5eFZU
API (Black Plastic Shielded): amzn.to/3e8HujY
Recommended Meds to have on hand:
Fritz Maracyn 2: amzn.to/2UJRqJ1
API Furan 2: amzn.to/2N10iWb
API General Cure: amzn.to/3ejsFLe
Kordon Ick Attack: amzn.to/37A2iOF
Seachem Metroplex: amzn.to/2N5g9TY
Seachem Garlic Guard: amzn.to/2N3W549
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Water Treatment Products I Use & Recommend:
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Seachem Clarity: amzn.to/2CdDCA4
Aquarium Quick Start Products I Recommend:
Seachem Stability: amzn.to/3e2SgYS
Fritz Turbo Start: amzn.to/3d7UXr1
Dr. Tim's One and Only: amzn.to/2CdEFju
For more fish keeping videos with tricks, tips and hacks, check out these playlists:
For "My Best Fish Keeping Tips" click here:
• "Best Fish Keeping Tip...
For tips and tricks with Fluval FX canister filters go here:
• Fluval FX Canister Fil...
For tips and tricks with SunSun canister filters go here:
• SunSun Canister Filter...
For videos on water changes and controlling nitrates, click here:
• Water Change, Maintain...
For videos on general canister filter maintenance, click here:
• Aquarium Canister Filt...
My Top 10 most popular videos of all time:
• Most Popular Videos wi...
Never forget - YOU ROCK!
Want more tips and tricks to care for your fish? Check out these playlists!
Best Fish Keeping Tips Playlist is here: ua-cam.com/play/PLr8ew8o8WXoDLeItfzOiRG8DV-1W9qNX4.html
Lowering and Controlling Nitrates Playlist is here: ua-cam.com/play/PLr8ew8o8WXoD-pzZaHgtIFqurG9HZn2zz.html
Every Live Stream is Here: ua-cam.com/play/PLr8ew8o8WXoApHjaPfc6rdr7oipfEbZ-k.html
The Water Change Tips & Tricks Playlist is here: ua-cam.com/play/PLr8ew8o8WXoCdEYkD0rQa0OWejFk5-bHD.html
SunSun Canister Filter Playlist is here: ua-cam.com/play/PLr8ew8o8WXoCiMWEpBFJFJGxTqJH_MdMg.html
Fluval Canister Filter Playlist is here: ua-cam.com/play/PLr8ew8o8WXoC8gSuqdG1c4nOzlAMFTmiD.html
Re draining out to the garden (about 10 ins into the video), all you need to do is use the tube that came with your vacuum kit, use the clear hose that comes with that with the hozelock fitting on the end. That tube will fit on the drain valve at the bottom of the FX6 and then all you need is make a garden hose with a male hozelock to attach to the female end of the tube that came with the vacuum kit. Leave the output valves attached to the FX6 and in an open position, open the drain valve and the water from your tank will drain out under gravity, no need to power the fx6. No jubilee clips needed. You can reverse the whole thing by attaching the hose that went to the garden to a tap and refilling your tank via the FX6.
As I've never played with an fx6, it was nice to see such a complete tutorial on what it can do and how it works.
Holy smokes, so glad I found this video, that's super easy to drain the damn thing that way!
You can drain your tank and canister using the purge valve at the bottom of the canister without having to buy anything extra except maybe a longer hose. You just have to close the outlet valve at the top open the purge valve and turn on the filter.
That would work. Not as fast a drain, but it will work
Can't thank you enough Ben.You alongside many of the prominent Cichlid Tubers have brought a beginner like myself a wealth of knowledge.Forever grateful for all your help.All the best and hopefully the worst is behind you.
MrFirstSeed You are very welcome and thank you for the kind words
Another Great and Informative vid .... Thanks Ben !
Thank you Benny.
Great video! I recently got my first FX6. I used Seachem Matrix in it. So far I love this filter! Thanks so much for the tips!
Excellent tip. New project for the weekend! Thanks
This hobby certainly keeps us out to trouble (but not debt, LOL).
Thanks for watching.
You inspire me to try cichlids. Beautiful tank!
great video on how to use that FX6, can't wait for mine.
Great video. I love the fx6. It’s so quite sometimes I still go over to check if it’s still working lol
Very helpful thank you. Starting my first fx6 cleaning now.
They are amazing canisters.
Great video Ben. I just purchased the fx4 for my 75 gal that I'm setting up. Thanks for the tips.
Good timing Brian, I hope it helps.
Wow ben fantastic vids one of your bests I have had my fx6 is a month or so and been looking at it thinking that I can use these for a water changer much more powerful than my 210 gallon pump already ran out and got the stuff for it and now I have to re do my media I thought it went from bottom to top amazing tips I am sure to use all of them thank you for teaching me once again on how to do things in this hobby thank you so much
Ry Mac cichlids My pleasure my friend 😊
Great video! Very helpful
I don't have a Fluval, but am glad I watched anyhow! I learned a few things and must say that this is the 1st video I've seen how to temperature match. So, Thank you and as I saw on IFG's video I am so glad your fish are doing well. That infection was just heart breaking.
Sharp video Ben.
Having owned multiple fluval canisters from the 2003/2004 era , 2 x404’s and a 403(yes, I replaced parts as needed and theyactually still work) I now have the mighty fx6 and I cannot say enough how much I appreciate the updates. The drain, the way it pushes out air. The ease of maintenance is something I greatly appreciate but the thing that I still cannot wrap my head around is how whisper quiet it is. I have a fluval q2 that is much louder than than this giant canister that pushes water like a madman. I also have another 75g rated air pump (125g tank) and it’s also much louder. Mind you these are not loud air pumps. The fluval is virtually silent (to my ears which after 20 hrs on large scale commercial construction projects admittedly don’t work as well as they should or could) . I’m going to get another as I now have about 20 peacocks and they’re getting bigger ... cool vid.
Nice to see you happy and back in action enjoying the hobby Ben after your fish loss.
Thank you. I was going to do one more follow-up video on the disease but concluded, "No, time to move on!" so here I am. I appreciate your support of the channel.
Great vid Ben thanks. Also I took your advice from last year and got myself a python for water changes. Wow what a great tool! Appreciate you always sir. Gatorboy
Yes, a Python is a game changer. I'm thinking about getting a few of them so each tank has its own equip to help avoid cross-contamination. We'll see. It can get real expensive real quick.
Thanks for watching and supporting the channel GB.
Great tips Ben! I have a FX6 that i just got not to long ago. I am treating my tank with general cure right now so I'm running just on bio media and sponges. Love these filters.
Yes, they are the battleships of canisters. Very sturdy and well built.
What are you treating with Gen Cure?
Xgreat tips beautiful tank . Thanks for posting✌👍☑
You're welcome and thanks for watching.
Thanks for the tips Ben!!!!!
You are welcome J Mo!
Great video thank you ben!
You are welcome and thank you for watching.
That is awesome Ben!
I myself got the FX4 and love the power horse. But I’m sure 5 and 6 is even better. Very ergonomic and compact. The feature of the sand gravel vac was like $14 shipping price only as alternative for purchasing in the store. That was cool. Not many companies give you the option to get a expensive add on for the postal and shipping fee only.
Thing is I used mine for water changes lolz. But not for purpose of use. I use the thick clear tubing for my salterwater tank bag...
Great video and as always you take your time teaching from step by step. Good day my friend. Tricks and tips is your 2k18 name
Great video Ben, i have recently purchased a pre filter to use before my canister filter. I plan on using the canister for biofiltration and the prefilter for mechanical. Haven't implemented it yet wanting to pick up some biohome media before i start. Thanks for sharing.
I've thought about that with my SunSun's. Let me know how that goes. To get the volume of biohome needed to impact nitrates (according to Pond Guru), you would need to fill the entire canister with the bio, so the pre-filter idea is a great way to go. I'm particularly interested in knowing if you notice a nitrate reduction after running that way for a while. Please do let me know. Thanks.
Good shit man 👍👍👍
Hey Ben, great video! Love the tips, and I am going to use those for my FX6. I as well use the water changes to feed my outside plants. Couple of questions if and when you have time.... The filter (mesh bag) part seen at the top of the tank where you suction to pick up the detritus, is that a fluval product? Also, I love those rocks that you have that are kind of black and white sandstone looking, what kind of rocks are those? They look beautiful with your black substrate. I use basically the same stuff you use in the FX6, but I also use 100% organic pumice stone pieces replacing one tray of the fluval biomax. I bought a big bag last year at bigbox garden center and I like using it. Purigen and chemipure are a staple in my FX6.
Hello Drea and thanks for watching. The siphon system that plugs into the bottom of the FX-6 is a Fluval product that was included in filters after 2016 (I believe).
The rocks are "zebra stones" available at rock shops or on eBay. I'm really liking them.
I have small pieces of pumice in the 704-B that I'm running on my 135. Some have told me it's as effective as Seachem Matrix. I'm not entirely sure about that, but it sure is less expensive.
Love the advice and draining and filling tricks with the canister. Knew there had to be an easier way. 😆 Thank you!
Happy to help!
YOU DA MAN - Ben!
LOL, thanks J.L.
If I ever get a fx6 I know what video I will research great stuff ben.
Great idea!
Helpful as always and easy to follow
Thank you Neilpp!
Your very welcome. Keep the great videos coming
Cool beti'm ice got one just sitting with a sun sun 304B uv light. Great information I've wanted to get one of those scrubbers for a while you rock
Outstanding
Great video its always nice to see how others go about their maintenance. I learned something new about my cannister filter today. Maybe we can get a video on how to clean the motor and propeller next time you do yours?
Good idea! "Fluval Tips and Tricks, Part 2"
Thanks for watching.
Hello Ben , I really enjoy your vids. My question to you is how do you feel about the eheim pro ll canister filter? Also have you seen pondguru ‘s way of summer loading up a FX series filter?
I personally jet wash my sponges with shower last real long, then rinse in filter cleaning water but every thing else i do same. But i did learn a trick for using filter for water change. Great info movie sir.
Amazing video! Hello from a fellow fx6 owner.
Great tips Ben. When I eventually get a 120ish gallon tank I'm getting the FX6. Nice to watch tips for it. The quick water change to the garden is a great idea. Those plants must be crazy with that water.
Thanks for watching Dave. Yes, I'm sure the water is good for them and it's better than just wasting the water since I'm in So Cal and we're always talking about drought.
Great video! I'm a newbie with a 30g and a 5g. I dont have a FX, but a JBL 902e on my 30g. My water mineral content is poor and I've read about the various benefits, such as those you mention of crushed coral in a media bag inside the canister. How frequently do you switch your crushed shells, etc? How frequently do you do maintenance on the filter in general?
Ben, Can you use the 1" tubing on the output on the bottom to backflush it?
Is the drain outlet at the bottom of the FX6 designed specifically so you can use it for water changes? My FX6 came with instructions on how to use it to do water changes, both draining and adding treated water back into the system. Even came with the tubing to do it as well
Great Video! You can also use the area at the bottom of the pump on the Fx-5 and 6 for the same thing in almost the same manner..
Yes. I tried that but found it a bit slow.
Thanks for tuning in.
my Eheim 2260 / 2262 have a backwash valve at the bottom so I use a 5/8" hose to connect to that and drain. Very handy. I do have a python for when I want to gravel vac and water change but if i only want to change water, this is better :)
Great vid; love the water change "cheat." I, however, am not a fan of adding municipal tap water, inasmuch as it contains as much chlorine as pool water (in order to meet safe potability requirements). I bypass my water softener, and then run water through a carbon filter to remove chlorine prior to re-filling my tank (I use a couple of large 15 gallon bucket; and add treated hot tap water to normalize the temp to match my tank; and then pump it into the tank w a dedicated submersible pump). I always do a final rinse with carbon-filtered of sponges or other components of my FX6 to ensure i am not introducing chlorine to my tank (let's not kill off any beneficial bacteria with chlorine!).
If you have a water softener you wouldn't have chlorine in your water
Dude. I have had my Fx6 for like 5 years now and you just blew my mind. I have been avoiding water changes because of having to hump a bucket back and forth from my bathroom. Wow!
I’m currently doing it without running the pump. I shut the valves, unplug, remove the output hose and replace it with my drain line, then open the valves and let the tank drain to the desired level.
To finish I close the valves, replace the output hose and (after having filled the tank) plug in and then open the valves.
So simple. Thanks for watching.
Great tips Ben
I love videos like this!!! I'm very interested in what kind of gear folks are using (although I already know what you use Ben😬). I have 2 FX6's working on my 120 with standard issue foam pads, ceramic rings and seachem matrix. I also stuck a small internal filter in the tank with a pothos plant growing in it (that's just for fun).
Wow, that's a lot of water movement. Are you heavily stocked? I've heard great things about Seachem Matrix. Someone suggested I go with the Pond Matrix size because the usual stuff can be like powder. What do you think?
Thanks!
Ben Ochart It's not too overly stocked. I'm reluctant to say what fish I have because it's a mix of african's and south american's (taboo in a lot of folks eyes), but, they're rescues so I don't feel too badly!!! I'm working to get the mbuna's and venustus rehomed. Anyway, the two filters came with the tanks (I buy used) and I only set one up tank but wanted to keep the media cycled in the filters so I set both up on the 120. The Matrix came in one of the FX6's. Mine is like small gravel not powder or granular. The filters seem to be doing just fine.....of course, water changes are and will always be a part of this life that I chose!!! LOL Sorry for the long comment.
Hi Ben, this was by far one of your top 10 videos. I’m glad you figured out some tips to utilize that filter to the best of its ability. I never thought of the way you drain it to lighten the load. Rather, I purchased a small cart/dolly with a handle from Farm and Fleet that has a platform that platform on wheels that only sits about 4” off the ground. Then I just roll the unit outside and drain it. I normally don’t replace the sponges in the side trays, but I do rinse them rigorously under tap water. I do rinse the two black egg crate sponges in tank water. I have tried many times through the years to use various polishing pads on the trays, but they always seem to clog up and restrict the flow after just a few weeks, so I just stopped using them entirely. I have also found through the years that a dirty impeller will also slow down the flow in those filters. I’m glad you figured out that trick to refilling the unit after servicing it, so you don’t have to try and lift a heavy canister back under the stand. Thanks very much for sharing your tips and tricks
I was thinking of you Dennis when I mentioned "throwing your back out..." Thanks for watching my friend.
Ben Ochart yeah it certainly not a lightweight when it’s full of water and media.
I gonna watch those pinky pads. If they are getting too gunked up then I might follow your lead.
How long do you run your FX-6 between maintenance?
Ben Ochart I tried using all different types of polishing pads and floss for years, and it always got clogged up in 3-4 weeks. I completely stopped using it over a year ago, and just use the egg crate sponges. Now I can get great flow for about 8-10 weeks. I usually service them now every 3 months.
Great video, thanks from Germany 👍🇩🇪
What I do with my FX5, is put a coarse sponge on the outside layer, then a medium sponge to take the place of the white pads Fluval supplies. I then fill all of the inner baskets with either Biohome Ultimate or lava rock. I repeat this for all three baskets, then the top basket I'll put a fine sponge pad on top of my media. Give it a try, it works great. I've also used the extra white pads to cover the intake in the aquarium to prevent any fry from getting sucked in. But as you stated in your video, those pads do house a lot of beneficial bacteria so the pad on the inside of tank adds that little bit of help as well. Great video!!
Thank you brother 👌
My pleasure and thank you for watching.
Ben I need help !!! New Fx6 setup is making a Swishing Sound . Can't seem to figure out problem !! I have 2 other Fx6 and No Problems .
Very helpful informations you gave !👍
Just subbed from M.A.C !👍
Thank you PA!
Ben Ochart Welcome !👍
Hi I 'm planning on buying one of these but I am a newbie when it comes to these high tech filters. I have a couple questions, I use a hand pump to suck up the poo and extra food from the substrate which is also how I remove half my water for the water change. how do you vacuum the substrate if you just drain the water with the fx pump? It looked like you just put water straight from the tap to fill your tank. Don't you have to treat your new water before putting it in the tank or can you put tap water in and treat it once it is in the tank to remove the chlorine? I need a new filter system but don't know if I can handle something really complicated...is the fx6 complicated to run/maintain/clean? Thanks for your info and help. :)
What sponges to you use to replace the sponges the fx6 comes with?
Great tips
I just got myself an fx6...I was wondering why you didn't use the drain output (the one at the bottom of the fx6) for a waterchange instead? Issn't that way easier than having to switch around hoses?
Good job buddy.
thx for the tips/video
Do you have a link for the replacement sponges that you use?
Can you replace original intake and output with clear hose?
how do add fresh cold water if its a tropical tank?
What are the two products you mention at the 18:23 mark and what are they used for?
Thanks for the great tips on the fluval fx6. But I am not happy with my brand new fluval I have no water pressure hardly any water is being sucked into the thing or being pushed out it dribbles out how does it filter 400 gallons an hour I don’t know I don’t think it’s doing that at all ... Very unhappy with this filter I actually want to take it back and get my money back It is not worth the money I paid for it $400.00 !!! I have a little filter Submerge one That pushes out more water than this fluval fx6. What do you think is wrong with it ? Do you have any ideas ?
Thanks for sharing
You are welcome Chris and thank you for watching.
Man great idea. I was gonna buy a separate pump to make wc faster. Only thing is it doesn't work on my tank. I have my fx6 hooked up to my overflow so it will only drain a few gallons. So I'll, just have to use the intake over the front. I'm not using any parts that came with the filter because of the way my tank is drilled. So great idea thanks man
I'm glad that you liked it Jeff
This is the first FX6 vid I've seen that makes it a tad more interesting than the Eheim 2262. I enjoyed your DIY "cheat" with the HD hose. Btw, can that same technique be similarly utilized on the aforementioned Eheim?
If I could get an FX4 or 407 fo same price what would u recommend I get??
Using the out put for water change is a great idea!
Thank you Aaron.
Very cool tips!
Thanks Kevin. Are you running a FX on any of your tanks?
Ben Ochart no but I’ll know what to do when I get one 👍
Hi Ben. I was wondering if you wouldn't mind telling me what kind of sand/gravel you're using? I really love the look of the fine black sand/gravel in your tank. Thank you!
Hello Rich and thank you for watching. The black substrate is a product call "imaginarium" and I believe it is available via one of the big box stores like PetSmart or PetCo. I bought it on line but don't recall from where.
@@BenOchart thank you very much!
Hey nice tank. What kind of rock is in your aquarium?
im curious as to why you choose to use "filter floss" in between your chemical and biological filtration? should we not layer our mechanical filter aka foams then finish with chemical/biological filtration? love your channel, much love thank you.
I'm following a tip I received a while back that suggested that I run the cleanest water possible over my biological because if small particles clog the media then the type of bacteria that lives deep in the biomedia ("anaerobic") would die off.
thinking of getting fx6 for my 135
Why not use the "service" valve at the bottom of the tank for draining aquarium and filter? Is there any reasons for that?
I have found that valve to be disturbingly flimsy so I make a point of not disturbing it
wow, What an incredible video on this filter. I myself don't own one (yet) but it made me realize that the possible reason I am having an issue with ammonia is because the poly fibre I have in my 406 and 306 as well as my Marineland 400 Bio wheel filter may be overburdened with detritus or some kind of decaying material - hence the ammonia build up. Tomorrow i will rid all the poly fibre and see what that does to the ammonia level in my system. Also possibly do a water change on the aquarium (75g) as well to help rid the high NH3+ level (2.8-/+) ALSO, I noticed you control your heaters with INKBIRD.. What is your thoughts on the INKBIRD heater control? I'm very interested!
the operation of the inkbird has been solid but I like the heavy duty controller from Jehmco more. The Jehmco costs 3x as much, but it's built like a battleship.
Red lava rocks are really good as matrix media. Really good stuff !!
Hi all...
I need a canister filter for my 98 gallon tank. I want fx6 but should I buy fx4?
Please help me? Thanks in advance.
Thanks
Great video Ben, in my fx6 from top to bottom I used the black then the blue and then the white filters from Fluval, Also quick question on the pinky filter pads the water flow need to touch the pink or the white area first?
Hello my friend. I was told that the white is a "floss" that should touch the water last. But someone commented on this video that they were in backward. I'm going to contact Pinky and find out for sure.
Ben Ochart yeah I thing that the white need to touch the water first and then the pink, that's the way that I put it in my sunsun
Good video Ben, great tips. One tip from me. I have two FX6 on my 125. I cycle my set of sponges. The bottom 2 get a good wash with my power shower. Top and middle sets get rinsed as usual. Then middle set goes to bottom tray, top set goes middle tray, and then clean bottom sponges go in top tray. Been doin this for months, just keep cycling them. Never brought replacement sponges.😊
That's a great tip Adam. How long to you go between services? Maybe, because I west so long the first time, they were just too gross to reuse. Maybe with a shorter time between cleanings I can do that.
Ben Ochart, I usually alternate a service, one canister each month. Next time I clean mine ill post a video..
Nice video as usual and I didn't realize it's over 20 min lol.
I almost released it in three parts. Thanks for sitting through it.
Ben Ochart .thats my game of thrones
I used to find little snails in my fx6 at the bottom I don't know how they got thare
MIght have come in as eggs???
I have the same filter I just purchased and it’s making a gurgling noise. Not sure how to make that noise stop? Any suggestions?
Lock out the hoses, unplug, open and top off with tank water. Close and plug in, open hoses. See if that helps. If not, make real sure all areas are securely closed (without over tightening and risking cracking the plastic). Air is in there. Finally, there's a chance that your impeller is not seated correctly. Watch some videos on how to disassemble and, clean and replace that fluval motor unit and crack it open. Good luck.
If you close the intake and open the bottom valve, it will do the same thing without having to spill any water, i have a fx5 and 6 on a manifold running one 200gal tank
Thanks for the tip on draining the FX6. I run two of them and have used the small drain at the bottom but it is slow. Your idea is much better. Do you have any tips on buffering water? I have to go through a process to bring up my gh and kh because my tap water is so low. My process involves dissolving buffer and salt into about 30 gallons of water in a spare tank I have and circulating it for a few hours. Then I have to pump it into the tank. Kind of a hassle. There has to be some tips to make it easier that I haven't thought of. Thanks for all your vids.
My tap water is pretty hard and I use aragonite and shells to mineralize the water and help keep the pH high and stable. Here are some good tips that include baking soda which you might already know about: www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/water_chemistry.php
dgrant591 just pre mix your buffers and salts in a 1 litre container of warm water then just add it your tank as your filling it up. Same with your Prime/Safe.
Thank good tips I whached the hole video even tho I have a sump. ;0)
Same here. He is so good at explaining things while still making it interesting. I changed to a sump because of the weight of canisters. Maybe I would have tried these tips and kept the canisters. Don't know. The sump is still far easier to get to my filter socks to keep clean. wife of JP
LOL, what a great comment. Thank you JMF, much appreciated.
Thank you wife of JP
Hi Ben - I have been watching a lot of your helpful videos. I have a RES turtle with 2 ruby minnows and 3 large gold fish in a 75 gallon tank with her. The 1st video of yours I watched you explained your 3 crown hat and mentioned your son playing baseball and Drive Line - small world I know a coach in WA who knows Kyle Boddy. Anywho, my question is what happens if you forget to turn the valves back on and ur fx4 has been running for 4 days with no water cycling through? I am a new turtle mom and really new to aquariums and all that go with it. I feel like such a dunce in forgetting to open the valves and letting it run for 4 days - I just got the pump 1-1-2021, I hope I haven't damaged or ruined it. I did turn the valves on and water is now flowing through! You Rock, too! TIA
In my Fluval FX6 in the top tray is use Fluval's black egg crate sponge then their Blue polishing pad then poly fil. The middle basket is Marine Pure and Seachem Matrix. The bottom tray is also Marine Pure and Seachem Matrix and under that I use Fluval's blue polishing pad.
rmedinaw1 I could be wrong but doesn’t the fluval fx6 flow around the sponges and up thru the baskets ? If that’s the case you have your setup backwards ?
No flow is UP the outside and DOWN into the middle
You can't really do the water change thing with the eheim pro filters because both the intake and output tubes come off together, but thats a nifty little trick Ben.
Thanks Kyle.
When if ever do you vacuum the sand/ bottom of tank with "python or similar device?
Very rare since it’s tightly packed sand and the wave makers are set up to blow waste toward the filter inputs
I have now placed my carbon upstream from a 20 ppi sponge. This has eliminated having to pre-rinse the charcoal. The sponge is very effective in pulling out any fine particles.
Did you see how much dust came off? Why allow that to go into the system at all if a one minute rinse can get rid of it?
the dust is the same material and has the same characteristics as the pellets. Letting the dust settle downstream in my sump sponge saves me the hassle of having to rinse it out (which is only partially effective) and I retain the dust to help with absorption of organics.
Also carbon impregnated sponges are sold in the hobby to do this very thing: www.ebay.com/i/192006257644?chn=ps
HalfMan HalfCichlid I get where you’re coming from.
Yes, the FX6 came with a black carbon sponge.
Question...why not just use the bottom valve that is already installed on the can? I do the same operations you did...water change to the flower bed and drain the can for service but instead of running the filter I used the supplied valve. No need to buy new fittings or risk damaging an extremely expensive pump. Sure...my way might add 5 minutes to the water change but if we can't spare 5 minutes in front of our tank we are in the wrong hobby right? I'm not being critical...just curious.
That would work but my only complaint about the FX can is that the utility valve at the bottom always feels like it's about to break when I open and close it. I wish it was a stronger plastic. So, I avoid using it that much. Just my consideration. You're idea would work fine.
@@BenOchart My FX6 actually started to leak at the purge valve. I believe it is the most common defect on these filters. Luckily the purge valve is available as a spare part. I recommend using the purge valve as little as possible.
@@BenOchart ua-cam.com/video/vNCKCu5EQt8/v-deo.html
It’s 2:55 am in jersey and I’m up watching your video,I have the fluval g6 canisters and wanted your advice on how to go about stacking the inside for quality filtration,I have the egg crates,bio media rings,active carbon and poly fiber so how should I go about putting it together,thx in advance Ben,I’ll be waiting for your response
I have a frugal fx6 on my 125 aqueon packaged setup. I also have 3 HOB filters. I do a deep clean on my fx6 every 3 months. Even rinsing the the debris from the sides and corners of the trays. I honestly don't have to worry about any loss of good bacteria cause it will immediately re-establish after 3 or 4 days cause of the HOB's. You can buy any cut to fit or ammonia or carb or whatever you want to put in the center trays. Therre is no exact science to it. It's your tank do what you feel needs to be done. I have lost some fish in the last 3 years of owning my fx6 but most of mine are adult and I have aggression against one another and not from water issues
Hello Amir. I suggest, from top to bottom, sponges, then bio-media like rings or matrix, then at the bottom your chemical filtration like Seachem Purigen or ChemiPure or even carbon.
Ben Ochart ok thx Ben
Great video as always........... can you do a vid using a SunSun canister ?? Would you provide a link for the micron bags please !!
Thank you! Check out this playlist: ua-cam.com/video/5bXxfKQ1_xg/v-deo.html
The micron bags are available everywhere. Here are some from PetSmart: www.google.com/shopping/product/4142635117065007126?lsf=seller:8064,store:10916481269654794466&prds=oid:122558711281817811&q=micron+mesh+media+bags&hl=en&ei=ExGDWpOzHuaY0gLopbigDg&lsft=:google,:5218054,:cpc,:GSC+-+Medium+-+Specialty+-+Fish+%7C+*Catch+All,:GSC+-+Medium+-+Specialty+-+Fish&lsft=gclid:CjwKCAiAtorUBRBnEiwAfcp_Yxedq2NLK-qX42ETb8qpiDOfnZ9KL-C_4EKBqMgz3FcYdLLmxwXEAhoCFIsQAvD_BwE
It would be a video featuring a trash can 😂
I wonder what happened to the bio max
New to the aquarium game and picked up a 150g tank and FX6. The drain plug slowly pops off every 5-10 sec. No leaking but I can’t find an answer to this. Awesome video and I will be following for much needed advice!
My fault. I didn’t know you needed to spin the locking nut to keep the rubber plug in.
I'm glad that you figured that out 'cause it would drive you crazy.
Thanks for tuning in!