2x fx5's running as 1????????

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bigcol

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Dec 14, 2008
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Newcastle Upon Tyne/ UK
Hi guys, ive just recently got 2 fluval fx5's and was wondering if any1 has ever rigged them together? What i mean is inlet from the tank going to 1st fx5 then outlet from 1st fx5 going to inlet of 2nd fx5 and finally the outlet of the 2nd fx5 going back into the tank????????

Would this work or am i heading for a disaster?

Help please guys, its sounds like a great idea in theory buit will it work :popcorn:
 
I would be worried about restricting the flow to the 2nd FX5 in that configuration, especially as your mechanical filters become dirty. Not sure if you slightly restricted the second outlet...but probably not a good idea.
 
I agree - it's better to have them separate.

Another option would be to have the outflow of one or both of the FX5 go to a "dump" filter above the tank (basically a rubbemaid or other container filled with filter material above the tank...with holes in the bottom that allow the water to "dump" back into the tank).
 
I too would agree. They have there flows that they need especially for optimum performance. If you try it, go for larger hoses, fittings and such.
 
I would think you would lose alot of the benefit of having two, you won't get twice the water turnover and if one should start to clog both will have a reduced output.
 
Parallel or Series, that is the question!

When a pump(s) is/are in parallel (tandem) they work together at the same pressures and discharge rates (gpm/lpm).

In series pumping the work of one aids the other and boosts the incoming pressure of the second.


I myself would be very uncomfortable series pumping, connecting the output of one to the inlet of another, due to the fact that there are many ways this could fail you catastrophically.

All it would really take is to have one filter clog faster then then other and the effects multiply back into the first filter. You could end up having one FX5 doing the work of two. This would probably end up wrecking the filter and your wallet.

Stick with a tandem set-up. This allows for redundancy and safety.

Respectfully,
FireMedic.
 
The idea of using a sump or container in order to receive outlet water from one FX5 by another seems do-able. I can agree that the first filter would do a great job at "pre-filtering" the water for the second FX5. The first could be LOADED with mechanical and chemical components, the second all BIO.

A word of caution about this:
You would have to ensure that, no matter what, the second FX5 would be able to always have access to inlet water. Especially in the event that the first filter stops or is stopped by you.
You could ensure this by having the container perforated and partially submerged in your aquarium. Maybe? Hope this sparks some thought. Good luck.
Respectfully,
FireMedic.
 
Im building a sump anyway as the tank has holes in the back so instead of having a pump to get the return i will just use the 2 fx5's to do the job, maybe get a T-peice to join the 2 outlet tubes for a maximum flow back into the tank :D

My brain is racing with ideas that prob wont even work :ROFL:
 
Ideas are the best thing for your brain. Consider jotting them down in a notebook for future tweaking. It has helped me in my 18 years of fishkeeping.

Respectfully,
FireMedic.
 
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