Still Don't Understand FX5 Mania?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I think the FX5 would be better if the trays where made open without all the sponge and allow you to use what you want in the intire volume of the baskets rather than force all that sponge on you? I know there are ways to modify but I always hate to during Warranty (for what its worth with my experance thus far)
 
So it won't work in one of the trays:nilly:
??

Highly unlikely, although they are a very hearty ivy plant that can grow in very harsh conditions, my nitrates have been cut in half since and so have wc, to me that is worth it. I rely on plants, fx5 and sponge filter for filtration. Better to have more then one way, incase one fails.

And petspoiler, pothos "sticky" not thread :)

And hawk some people mod their fx5, putting bio on the sides where the sponges are, and using custom sponges in the middle, if u run a less dense sponge on top, and middle then use a finer one on the bottom you will have much better success and rarely have to clean them as much. We all know the stock polishing pads are a no go unless you are incredibly under stocked.

_________________________________________________________________________
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?504763-Cheap-plants-less-nitrate!-POTHOS

*Go S. Vettel #1 rb8--1 MORE RACE LEFT! SEE YOU IN BRAZIL BOYS! LET'S MAKE IT 3 BACK TO BACK WDC!* :cheers:
 
An FX5 is a poor mans Eheim.

I run 2 Fluval FX5s and I am happy with them for what they cost.I would like to have a couple of Eheim 2262s but the cost is alot.
I think this sums up this thread. I have read more bang for the buck here a few times too. For the money, they are a big descent filter. I don't think they would be as popular if you had to pay more than what, like $250 for them shipped? I don't own or have ever used one, but the impression I have always got from them is they are a good filter for the cost.
I mean I want and will get a Eheim 2262 or 2080 at some point. It's a personal thing I don't need it, but I just want it if any of you can get where I'm coming from.
Don't waste your money on a 2080. I have a 2262 and a 2080. Go with the Classic's every time.
 
Well Like I said earlier I swear the oscars will fill there mouths with food swim over to the intake and spit it out I swear!!:headbang2. I have never had good luck with plants with African Cichlids are Oscars different? So it's just a floating Plant? Is a T5 with Artinic be enough to keep it alive? I have cheap lites better than stock but barely. I have it on my wishlist for some more decent lights for Xmas (We will See??)

I don't know how many Eheim people have said that what is it about the 2262 that makes them better than the Pro Series?
 
I don't know how many Eheim people have said that what is it about the 2262 that makes them better than the Pro Series?
No trays so there is no by-pass. You can back flush a 2262. They hold more media.They hold more water. They are easy to prime. They move more water. In all honesty I would not use the 2080 on a tank bigger than a 125. And even on a 125, I would add another filter.
 
To the Original Poster, I actually started a thread on another forum asking this same question. So thank you, your questions have been useful to me. I will continue to monitor the responses here.
 
I think much comes down to what's practical and whats affordable. I can buy a FX5 for 200 if I look 230+ everyday, it does a great job, no arguing there. I can buy 2 Aquatop500s for 130 each and its a great running filter, I own 2 400s without a hitch in 2 years. Or you can buy one of the larger Ehiems for what 390 to 500 give or take I haven't researched it. Now looking at that why would I buy one of the upper end Ehiems in a higher price range for the unit and parts when needed, when I can buy 2 FX5s and maybe 4 or 5 Aquatops? Sure some do better than others, one does mechanical filtration better, the other does bio better. Fact is it comes down to what works and they all do. Volume, bioload GPH who cares really when you can mix or match what you want, to do what you want, for a price you want. I think much of the hype for the FX5 is the shear number of people that own them and love them. Sure some have problems but find me a filter that doesn't? I love Ehiems, I have had 2 smaller ones. but to me for a filter they are to expensive, sure they are nice run great and have a huge following as well, specially Europe folks. But for a canister filter they are too expensive. No it's not about money but practicallity and what works for the user, no right no wrong!
 
well i have three 530 's that were given to me from some one who took down their fish room and all of them are sitting in a corner 2 leak and 1 just stopped working.
i have been running fx5's for years now and have never had a problem or ever had to replace a part.
i have 7 fx5's(1on a 75,4 on 2 125's and 1 on a 180 with a 75 gallon sump)and 2 on stand by but i have never needed them.
i have only ever bought one new all the rest were purchased used and i still never had a problem.
they are super quite,keep my water super clean and are very dependable,never had another canister that i would ever say that about,including the 2 eheim professionals i have sitting in the corner with the 530's(i think i just hate throwing stuff away lol)
 
To the Original Poster, I actually started a thread on another forum asking this same question. So thank you, your questions have been useful to me. I will continue to monitor the responses here.

Well you are most welcome. Are you in Dunn proper We moved here from your area? What forum did you post on I would like to check it out?
 
well i have three 530 's that were given to me from some one who took down their fish room and all of them are sitting in a corner 2 leak and 1 just stopped working.
i have been running fx5's for years now and have never had a problem or ever had to replace a part.
i have 7 fx5's(1on a 75,4 on 2 125's and 1 on a 180 with a 75 gallon sump)and 2 on stand by but i have never needed them.
i have only ever bought one new all the rest were purchased used and i still never had a problem.
they are super quite,keep my water super clean and are very dependable,never had another canister that i would ever say that about,including the 2 eheim professionals i have sitting in the corner with the 530's(i think i just hate throwing stuff away lol)

I do no Marineland had a period to to far back (like 2010) with some head problems. They say it's fixed and they are great about replacing those units. With my oscars I was running the FX5 and two 406's the water in the tank was ok not great. The 530 has helped with clearing the water. Truth be it known I think I'm just so-so with both of these filters. I don't think that any canister is going to get you out of water changes. But I guess I'm still looking for a simplier option. My health is just so so I have a hard time cleaning lots of filters. The FX5 I thought was the answer and I expected more than it turned out to be. To me is it a good filter yes....but great filter....to me it falls short. I am all Fluval except 1 530. I know and can fell it coming that allot are going to say a sump system. Wish I could find one all made ready to go at a reasonable price (with sumps I don't even no what that is?) we will see I guess
 
MonsterFishKeepers.com