Still Don't Understand FX5 Mania?

[aclockworkorange]

hey fx5 experts, do ALL new fx5's include their sponges? The sites don't all specify about what the STANDARD fx5 box has. ? (they DO say if it includes an extra media "kit")

I'm getting seachem Matrix for all my bio media (already ordered). I don't need the complete fluval media.
the sites do indicate about polishing pads.

Yes, they have the white sponges that go on the outer portion of each basket.

Make sure you have media bags for the matrix, the smaller pieces will fall down into the bottom of the canister and get in the impeller.

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[aclockworkorange]

this is why I stick to hob's and sponge filters...cans ARE nice some are even economical to run......but consider this...6 tanks aprox. 360 gallons run on NOTHING BUT ....hob's and sponge filters and at a total cost of about $360 ....and all the tanks are OVERFILTERED AND easy to maintain ... try that with canisters ...then think about the level of maintainence required to just get an fx5 to the sink (or outside )and clean (anybody for weightlifting....)no such need on an ac 70 ...but plenty of bio to support a good sized tank when coupled with a sponge filter...not ripping on canister owners but trying to give OTHER OPTIONS to those inclined not to pay for "packaging" and who want more real world performance

Just saying, I built my sump for the same price as all those AC110s you got running, and I get more flow than a dozen of them if I want, and WAY more space for media, plus added tank volume. Could have been much cheaper if I skimped on the pump.


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[F1 VET]

@petspoiler,

Here's what a fx5 looks like after a 3-4 months of non-stop running:

Here's the sponges when clean:

As you can tell, 6 big sponges with that much crap in them, yes its a good filter. compare 6 fx5 sponges too 3 ac110 bricks. Easy to clean, I just take outside, put my bio in a 5 gal bucket and blast the rest with the hose. Quick and easy.



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[ecoli73]

Just saying, I built my sump for the same price as all those AC110s you got running, and I get more flow than a dozen of them if I want, and WAY more space for media, plus added tank volume. Could have been much cheaper if I skimped on the pump.


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I think key words are "I built"...


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[aclockworkorange]

I think key words are "I built"...


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Hey, if we are talking about bang for buck (I didn't bring it up), let's get real here... HOBs AND traditional canisters cannot match a good sump in overall performance, and they aren't rocket science to set up.


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[F1 VET]

Hey, if we are talking about bang for buck (I didn't bring it up), let's get real here... HOBs AND traditional canisters cannot match a good sump in overall performance, and they aren't rocket science to set up.


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I completely agree.

But the point of cans are the plug and play, like the difference between buying a rtr rc car opposed to just a chassis and then buying the engine, Servos and remote separate, then building it all!

Sumps have huge capacity, and can run huge gph. In this case petspoiler was originally worried about setting up a canister, so I think for her a canister is ideal!

If I were to build a sump id have to do a DIY drip, auto top off etc, that's why I'm going to wait till I get a monster tank, 210+gals, id hardly want to buy 2-3 canisters for it! Way to much maintenance imo, but for tanks 55-180gals I think cans serve their purpose.

Post a pic of your sump, id definitely like to see it!

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*Go S. Vettel #1 RBR! 3 BACK TO BACK WDC AND CONSTRUCTERS!

 

[ecoli73]

As I said, a sump is just an open system canister of sorts...and if the tank is in the garage(or even if I am single), I would probably do a sump of some sort, although not wet/dry...but as it is, large canisters it is for me




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[aclockworkorange]

Like I said, I have a sump, canisters, sponges, internals, and some HOBs laying around... I have 12 tanks close to 900 gallons total, lol. My original point: all filtration systems have advantages and disadvantages.


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[F1 VET]

Like I said, I have a sump, canisters, sponges, internals, and some HOBs laying around... I have 12 tanks close to 900 gallons total, lol. My original point: all filtration systems have advantages and disadvantages.


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Yea I heard your place is stuffed with tanks, that's awesome. How many fish total? Still waiting on the sump pic!

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

*Go S. Vettel #1 RBR! 3 BACK TO BACK WDC AND CONSTRUCTERS!

 

[petspoiler]

Yes, they have the white sponges that go on the outer portion of each basket.

Make sure you have media bags for the matrix, the smaller pieces will fall down into the bottom of the canister and get in the impeller.

Thank you for reply! Yes, Matrix will be in media bags. I want to experiment with the claims about nitrAte-eating type of BB. I'm gonna see if also using Stability to start this tank helps that.
Lol, don't hate on me for suckering in. I want to compare this startup with past experiences, however subjective my endeavor ;-)

Just saying, I built my sump for the same price as all those ..........

how much would you charge to build ME one? Including plumbing-with-a-map, if I paid for everything & you had all required measurements, pics if U wanted etc.
;-)
I'm partly ribbing you, BUT partly also sayin' maybe You could make some side money off some of us poor souls.

@petspoiler,

Here's what a fx5 looks like after a 3-4 months of non-stop running:.........

Here's the sponges when clean: ..........

As you can tell, 6 big sponges with that much crap in them, yes its a good filter. compare 6 fx5 sponges too 3 ac110 bricks. Easy to clean, I just take outside, put my bio in a 5 gal bucket and blast the rest with the hose. Quick and easy.

That's all really cool to see, F1. Thanks!

Hey, if we are talking about bang for buck (I didn't bring it up), let's get real here... HOBs AND traditional canisters cannot match a good sump in overall performance, and they aren't rocket science to set up.

not when you're a rocket scientist.
but I could seriously give you a huge ego boost by observing you put them together.

My original point: all filtration systems have advantages and disadvantages.

MMMmmm.... so do their operators!



I reely love you guys.