Fx5 problems

[BCherdingthefish]

No worries! I know what frustration feels like. I have a theory on these FX5's just based on user reports. I think the motor might be TOO strong for a lot of situations. That motor is going to create a lot of vacuum which in most cases is good but if there is too much resistance it will pull air SOMEWHERE and it's trickier to locate vacuum line leaks because when you try to find them with positive pressure you usually cant find them. Most o-rings and pressure seals are based on pressure to "squash" a silicone or rubber seal/gasket to establish the seal. More pressure = better seal. This isn't the case with vacuum hoses.

I think it may have been sucking air in from the valve that connects the input hose to the filter, because when I would go over there that is where it would sound like the air was.



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[Bderick67]

With how many times I have restarted this filter, I am very aware of how it burbs itself! Lol!!

That seems to have fixed the problem. How interesting that just a prefilter would do all that. Thanks for the help! I'm just glad it was something simple and not a problem with the filter itself.


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[majorhavok]

Great thread and nice fix! With all these threads maybe someone will consolidate into a master FX5 help thread. Seems like a fantastic filter with some nuances that may need to be accounted for.

 

[CanadianKeeper]

ive had three fx5s..... their hosing is terrible... first thi9ng anyone should do is change the hosing. also the clamps from the hose to the filter its self are bad... it cuts the hosing they give you...

 

[Bderick67]

ive had three fx5s..... their hosing is terrible... first thi9ng anyone should do is change the hosing. also the clamps from the hose to the filter its self are bad... it cuts the hosing they give you...

Ive run upto four FX5s over the years and never experienced any problems with the hose.

 

[ecoli73]

If the bubbles come back, consider not using the sponges, that is the other popular reason for micro bubbles.


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[Bderick67]

If the bubbles come back, consider not using the sponges, that is the other popular reason for micro bubbles.


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Which sponges, the pre filter sponge or the stock sponges? The stock sponges do not create micro bubbles. What creates micro bubbles is clogged fine filter media, if running polishing pads or fine filter floss then frequent cleanings(3-4 weeks) are needed. With stock sponges, scrubbies and biomedia i dont see reduction in flow for 5-6 months if I even see a reduction is flow. My water is clear with this method so I don't even see a need for polihing type media.

 

[13razorbackfan]

ive had three fx5s..... their hosing is terrible... first thi9ng anyone should do is change the hosing. also the clamps from the hose to the filter its self are bad... it cuts the hosing they give you...

Yeah....I use a braided reinforced vinyl tubing from my FX5 to my custom spray bar. Makes a HUGE difference in current and surface agitation. The main issue I have with the FX5 is the dual nozzle. It does nothing to help display the power this filter really has. I know when I first made the spray bar and hooked it up I was shocked at the difference in current in my tank. Shocked is an understatement.

 

[F1 VET]

I agree with the hosing issue, all you need is 1" Id hosing, and the stock ribbed hosing slows down gph as well. Here's a 15$ way of adding performance to your fx5, plus the clear hosing makes it just look cool too!

I like the spray bar idea but I feel like all the 90degree bends hinder the flow, less bends, less length equals more flow and with my fx5 on a 125 I need all the gph I can get
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[ecoli73]

Yeah....I use a braided reinforced vinyl tubing from my FX5 to my custom spray bar. Makes a HUGE difference in current and surface agitation. The main issue I have with the FX5 is the dual nozzle. It does nothing to help display the power this filter really has. I know when I first made the spray bar and hooked it up I was shocked at the difference in current in my tank. Shocked is an understatement.

Actually although it doesn't show it, spray bar reduces flow rate.


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