Fluval fx5

[Catfishracer]

Thanks guys that helps alot. Looks like the fx5 will do the job!

 

[TwistedPenguin]

I love all 3 of my FX5's. Media choice would depend on whether you want it mainly for biological or mechanical filtration. The big sponges in all 3 baskets and nothing else would still be excellent biological filtration and would work best for mechanical (like for Oscars). If biological filtration is your main concern then you could use the sponges plus media stones in the middle of the 3 baskets.

 

[Catfishracer]

I love all 3 of my FX5's. Media choice would depend on whether you want it mainly for biological or mechanical filtration. The big sponges in all 3 baskets and nothing else would still be excellent biological filtration and would work best for mechanical (like for Oscars). If biological filtration is your main concern then you could use the sponges plus media stones in the middle of the 3 baskets.

What bio media works best?

 

[TwistedPenguin]

Name brand? I honsetly don't think there's a difference. Just any of them that are the cheapest. Just about every canister filter maker has their own brand but I've never ever noticed a difference so I just always get the cheapest boxes or bags of little rough stones.

 

[Catfishracer]

Well I am the proud new owner of a fx5!!!!!!!!!!

I got it for 199.99 with 20.00 S&H You cant beat that!

Cant wait to set it up

Here is a link to the auction...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370265249780&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

[Nigel-James]

Setup is easy, the step by step DVD makes it simple.

 

[glenngreen]

I found that with the fine pad in the FX5, it would clog and slow flow way down after only a couple of weeks. If you leave the pad out, and just use the prefilter in the top basket with biomedia in the others, the flow will stay at the max far longer.

 

[Nigel-James]

I have also read bad stories about using the fine pad with the FX5. I have just taken the pre-filter media out of my top tray and replaced it with bio-balls however I would definitely recommend the pre-filter media over using the fine pads.

 

[RyanP]

got mine new on ebay for 150+ 30 shipping....think the guy stills sells them on there.

 

[bgcoop8784]

Personally in my fx5's i use a medium filter pad cut to size in the top basket, buy it in bulk rolls, and i use SERA Siporax bio media in the bottom two, not the cheapest, but i still haven't noticed it breaking down any, works great, main thing to remember is the water flows through the sponges on the sides then from the top basket to the bottom, so put your larger bio-media in the lower trays.