I have a fluval fx6 going to clean it tomorrow I know there is function to drain the filter before moving it .Last time I shut off the valves connected the drain hose but only a small amount of water came out I presume I did something wrong any tips on this please thanks in advance.
draining a fx6
- Thread starter bathawk
- Start date
The trick is to release pressure inside the canister, either but loosening one or both of the hose attachments, or by loosening several of the screws holding the top and wiggling the top loose (a little). Then, water will flow out by the drain when opened.
I personally always detach the filter move it to a counter next to my utility sink and attach hose and let it drain into the sink. I don’t open anything until it is fully drained.
That works fine, depending on where the filter is located (some positions easier than others), or who is doing the lifting.
No big deal, but when full, it is over 40 lbs. For me, I drain a substantial portion of the water first.
No big deal, but when full, it is over 40 lbs. For me, I drain a substantial portion of the water first.
To drain the FX 5/6 filter using the purge valve at the bottom of the canister:
1 Unplug the pump from power source
2 Close the IN and OUT valves
3 Hook up drain hose to purge valve after removing rubber drain cap and direct to drain area
4 Open purge valve then disconnect IN valve from canister, use a towel to catch any water from valve/hose. Water will immediately drain from filter
5 Most water will drain from filter, once it slows down close the purge valve and remove drain hose. May need a towel at this point.
6 Disconnect OUT valve and move filter to work area.
Owner's manual does have more concise instructions and also how to use the FX filter pump to drain. If you don't have the manual, it's available online.
1 Unplug the pump from power source
2 Close the IN and OUT valves
3 Hook up drain hose to purge valve after removing rubber drain cap and direct to drain area
4 Open purge valve then disconnect IN valve from canister, use a towel to catch any water from valve/hose. Water will immediately drain from filter
5 Most water will drain from filter, once it slows down close the purge valve and remove drain hose. May need a towel at this point.
6 Disconnect OUT valve and move filter to work area.
Owner's manual does have more concise instructions and also how to use the FX filter pump to drain. If you don't have the manual, it's available online.
Well tried the using the method advised but only a few drops of water came out . I have a table next to the aquarium so had to lift the fx6 on to the table then attach the hose to the purge valve then place the bucket on the floor so that it was beneath the fx6 that way I was able to drain the whole filter .
I once ran a canister for 18 months before I cleaned it. The water flow never seemed to slow down so I never bothered to clean it. When I finally opened it up, I realised the media was still in their plastic bags... doh.
