Fluval FX 5/6 And Bottom Mount Bulkeads

[islanddave]

Hello All,

I know that some people hook up their canister filters to bottom mounted bulkheads without internal overflow boxes. I wonder how these Fluval filters would fare? The Fluval have what they term smart pump technology, which in my understanding purges air from the system while thew pump shuts off for two minutes.

Anybody out there done this specifically with the Fluvals? Can anyone also make any general recommendations regarding this with other canister filters they have tried.

I am wanting to go this route to have a minimize in tank clutter. The bulkheads would simply have strainers on them inside of the tank.

Thanks David

 

[BNoyes]

Yes, I have 2 fx5's on my 180 hard plumbed to the bottom bulkheads of my tank. On paper it sounds like a great idea, but I would not recommend doing it mainly because if a seam leaks or anything involving the bulkheads break, your whole tank will drain out (which would be a disaster). However, for recommendations, the biggest one is to use a lot of teflon tape to ensure water tight seals. Also, make sure to use check valves to make water changes easier, and lastly make sure this is what you want to do rather that installing a sump to minimize tank clutter because you can't really go back without draining your tank