fluval fx-5 with a booster pump

[turtlepower]

I have a fluval fx-5 and I hooked up a mag drive 1200 to the intake. Just so happens the fx-5 strainer hooked right up to the inlet of the mag drive. I have both running. It is pumping like a son of a *****. Is this a bad idea? Will there not be enough contact time for the bacteria? Or did i create a super fx-5....

 

[12 Volt Man]

bad idea. what that does is dramatically increase the pressure inside the canister, which is a great way to cause a leak from one of the seals..

 

[Jgray152]

as long as the 1200 pump is on the output of the canister there will be no negative effects in theory. You may want to remove the impeller from the fx5 pump to reduce further restrictions.

 

[buck_wildest]

let us know hwo it works out if something happenes

 

[turtlepower]

wow on the outlet......never thought that way! But i shouldn't have the fluval motor running either way.... but it sure was kickin when both were on. I think I will use just the mag drive, and leave the fluval unplugged.

 

[littlevic34]

should be just fine i have a few magnum 350 with big 1000 gph power heads on the outputs and they make a mag 350 pump like a fx5 on steroids ive had them like this for a year or so with no ill effects so far

 

[turtlepower]

littlevick, do you have the 350 plugged in too?

 

[littlevic34]

yes i have had them both plugged in the whole time

 

[Jgray152]

The way the fx5 pump is designed, the water has to flow through the enclosed impeller which will cause a huge restriction im sure. Lets us know how it works.

 

[phillydog1958]

bad idea. what that does is dramatically increase the pressure inside the canister, which is a great way to cause a leak from one of the seals..

I agree with 12 volt. This sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. You're forcing the canister to work harder than it's designed to. Call Fluval and ask . . . I'm sure they will tell you not to do that and that you are voiding your warranty.