Fluval Fx5 Modification.

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I have one FX5 now on a 220 gallon tank (with two Fluval 405s). I would like to exchange the two 405s with a second FX5. If I do, I'll be making some modifications to the filter. You have done what I have been thinking of for some months now, but I haven't been able to find any diagrams of the filter to stare at while I'm thinking. Thanks.

I'll be able to compare the original and the modified FX5s since they'll be sitting side by side on the tank. Afterward though, I'll likely hook both of them up to the same spray bar.
 
I wouldn't hook both up to the same spray bar. Keep them seporate if possible. They will work more efficient. Unless you know your spray bar can flow over 1000 GPH .

If you need help with the modifications let me know. The filter is not finished yet. I lost my job and I started up my own landscaping company so im slowly bouncing back.

The Fx5 has been running for about 5 months now without cleaning with the course, semi fine and very fine filter pads and the flow is still really good. I have the filter at about 70%-75% of the total flow.
 
Here is where I got the rolls of foam. I got the black, green and white. White didn't last very long, better off using poly fiber.

http://store02.prostores.com/servlet/pondandgardenwholesalers/the-Filter-Mats-and-Media/Categories

So far I have found 3 fish in the filter still alive. 2 real small babies with another electric yellow about 5/8" long. The first baby is a few months old now and is in a 30 gallon doing great. The other baby and the larger one I found last week. The velocity going through the filter must be real slow for them to live in there for a LONG time. Plus, they get all the food they want hahah. No stress from other fish.
 
It appears they do not have the large coarse foam anymore. Look at pond supply website and you should be able to find rolls of foam.
 
I have noticed a few have been wanting to know how I modded the Fx5 so I will give this thread a bump to bring it back for a while.

All the silicone I used for an adhesive, which was only ment to be temporary in case I wanted to go back to the original design, has been removed due to the adhesion failing.

A few months ago the silicone let go everywhere but it still filters good. Not as good as before though. With some more permanent adhesive it will be even better.

The work I did on the cover is no longer there either because I was using silicone with acrylic. I will be using different material for the cover eventually. When it worked 100%, it worked fantastic. Its still works great but needs some work.

This modification has eliminated the problem with the reduced water flow and micro bubbles due to using polishing pads. Why is this? Due to the INCREASED surface area for fine mechanical filtration.
 
geph;2074143; said:
Man that sounds so much better and alot more easier to maintain. Why couldn't I think of that. You should tell fluval about your idea, you never know they could use your idea for a new filter and call it the fx6, and get a certain percentage.
Click to expand...

do it! if you get even 1% you could make a ton!
 
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