Bio balls in a FX5

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
johnnycoolxx;5078482; said:
+1 for seachem matrix. It has more surface area than other brands and its actually cheaper to fill up an FX5 with matrix.
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It takes about 4 liters to fill the middle and bottom trays does'nt it?
 
Sorry, brain fart. I have an FX5 but I cleaned out my 405s yesterday, so I guess I had them on my mind.

Yes, the flow in the FX5 goes from bottom to top in the outer ring and top to bottom through the center, so you would want the floss in the center of the top tray. You should still clean the whole filter, not just the top tray, every time you open it.
 
cdc;5078503; said:
It takes about 4 liters to fill the middle and bottom trays does'nt it?
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I think it holds 6l total so between three baskets it sounds about right. Seachem sells pond matrix in 1,4 and 20 liter containers.
 
cdc;5078369; said:
I'm looking at buying a new or used FX5 so I was trying to get am idea of the total cost as I know they don't provide bio media. The one I have looked at comes with 750g pre filter media and 500g of Fluval biomax.

I don't know whether to get an fx5 with no media and just buy enough of the pond matrix or regular matrix.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fluval-A218-FX5...938?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item483fe8d972
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I do not think that is the best deal out there. The included pre-filter is useless (serves no purpose, mechanical or biological). The biobox is good, but is only worth about $10. I would buy a new fx5 for around $200 shipped and spend around $30 shipped on 4L seachem (pond or not) matrix. I find that the included sponge filter is sufficient to keep my tank clear of debris. You can test polishing pads later if you wish. I did not put polishing pads in my fx5 because I enjoy the high flow output and dont like cleaning my fx5 that much. Total cost for you should be $230-240 for a new setup.

There is a member on MFK who is selling a new fx5 shipped for $200. PM Ajno

Not sure if he still has any left. BTW, you live in socal so used fx5 deals pop up very often. Total cost might be around 180ish if you are willing to wait and monitor the marketplace (and be quick too). Good luck.
 
Bderick67;5077612; said:
Best to use pond matrix in the FX5. It is bigger and you'll have less getting through the bottom of the media baskets. Use the blue filter mat in the top basket, as this will trap dirt and get clogged. If you use it in the top tray you can clean/replace it without tearing apart the whole filter.
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I believe the water in the FX 5 flows top to bottom. The blue filter mat will work better in the bottom basket . Keeps you from tearing it down prematurely.

I use ceramic rings in top basket, Eheim pro in the middle and matala mat cut to fit in the bottom.. works like a charm!:headbang2
 
You want the biomedia to be dealing with the cleanest water possible, so all mechanical media should be before this (outer ring and top tray in the FX5).
 
Mr Pleco;5078720; said:
I believe the water in the FX 5 flows top to bottom. The blue filter mat will work better in the bottom basket . Keeps you from tearing it down prematurely.

I use ceramic rings in top basket, Eheim pro in the middle and matala mat cut to fit in the bottom.. works like a charm!:headbang2
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Having the blue filter pad in the bottom basket will do nothing as far as keeping your bio media clean. Your choice of media is good, just the placement is upside down.
 
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