Fluval FX5 Carbon Media

[JsX]

I searched the forums for a few hours trying to find something similar.

I recently upgraded from a Mag350 to the awesome FX5 on my 100gal turtle tank. The mag 350 kept my tank crystal clear, clean and kept the odor to a minimum, so I'm hoping the FX5 will do the same and do it better?

The FX5 media first wow'd me, as it is or seems to be 10x easier to clean and handle than the mag350 media. However, when pulled the first carbon media (in the little bag) out of the plastic wrap, I shook the media for an hour before giving up. A lot of carbon pieces fell out and didn't stop. These are tiny peices, but I have never experienced this with Carbon before (I've only used Marineland Diamond Carbon).

When I gave up, there were still peices comming out. I rinsed off the bag for 20-30 mins before placing it in the FX5.

Any tricks, tips, or similar issues?

I ordered a ton of Marineland Diamond media and a few media bags. This seems cheaper than fluval media, and I've only had good experiences with marineland media.

 

[malawi mayhem]

Hi... here is something I just noticed...

Last Saturday I was at Petsmart to get carbon for one of my Fluval 405. I always get the AC 70 3packs... There was a guy there looking at the Fluval carbon we started to talk about it and then we opened the boxes...

At first they looked identical... the plastic wrap is definetly the same! But the AC 70 was just beefier and the carbon felt like a different grade. Also, the fluval cost just a bit less... The AC 70 3 pk is $9.99 here in CT.

I have always had good luck with the AC carbon in all the years I have used it in my now... 9 Fluval 405 I only have one bag break... and it was probably my fault. It always rinses quickly and seems to do a good job.

John

 

[Jgray152]

Usually if you give the carbon a rinse to get the dust out and set it in the filter, you won't have any issues with carbon falling out.

If you want. You can buy a media bag with the micron rating of your choise online, MarineDepot and other online stores sell them, and buy a jug of carbon. Probably cheaper in the long run.