FX5 as a water polisher?

[Badtaz30]

I just got a 180 with a large sump to replace my old 150. I now have a unemployed FX5 that is only a few months old. I don't want to run it all all the time. So, I was thinking of packing it full of mech filtration and running it after a water change. Or should I just sell it, buy a Diatom filter and buy beer with the left over money?

 

[iloveoscars702]

it would clog pretty fast. you should run it 24/7 with bio and mech. more filtration wouldnt hurt

 

[Toby_H]

If you run the filter after a water change... then turn it off and let it sit for 6+ days... the water in it will be NASTY when you turn it back on...

Also the waste collected in it will biochemically change while sitting and could convert into any one (or more) of many forms that you do not want in your aquarium...


Feel free to pack it full of quilt batting... I personally would use a coarse media first, medium media second, quilt batting third... maybe even a finer mesh media if available/practical...

But as mentioned, you'll need to clean it fairly frequently compared to what most people push their canisters for...

 

[Fractal]

If you have a sump why not just strap a filter sock on it? That'll handle the water polishing, but the draw back is you'll have to clean it often.

 

[Badtaz30]

I figured that I would clean the filter after every cleaning. I like the Sock idea, The company I work for does ground water clean up and we have tons of socks of all sizes. I just have to take the time to convert it.

 

[ArroLover]

I used the water polishing pads and they clogged within less than a week of use. Id say no bueno

 

[ArroLover]

Oh and Id go with the sock idea, works much more efficient and easier to clean

 

[Badtaz30]

I'm thinking about that diatom XL. I saw some crispy tanks because of that filter.