FX5 ?

[pigoo]

Thank you, and do you not use carbon either?

Carbon is really only needed if you're trying to eliminate odors (stinky water)...or if you're trying to remove any medications that were added to the water (water changes serve this purpose as well).

If you do need to add medications to the tank (sick fish)...you definitely don't want to use carbon...since the carbon will remove the medication before it has had time to do its job.

Thus in most situations...you don't need carbon in the fx5.

 

[beerad555]

Thanks for all the advice

Carbon is really only needed if you're trying to eliminate odors (stinky water)...or if you're trying to remove any medications that were added to the water (water changes serve this purpose as well).

If you do need to add medications to the tank (sick fish)...you definitely don't want to use carbon...since the carbon will remove the medication before it has had time to do its job.

Thus in most situations...you don't need carbon in the fx5.

 

[Chicxulub]

How often do you have to replace biomax?

Never. I just GENTLY rinse it whenever I clean my filter. A gentle rinse will wash the mum off of the media allowing your bacteria to function better. A rough rinse or wash will remove the bacteria from the media.

I don't run carbon because I have a blackwater setup. Carbon will remove the tannins from the water along with any contaminants. I keep my water clean and odor free by making sure my water is clean. All carbon does is cover up the fact you're overdue for a water change. If your tank is properly maintained, you'll never need it.

 

[lighthouse39183]

I have the pre-filter in the top and biomax in the bottom 2 trays. I never change out the biomax or pre-filter. I rinse it in aquarium water. However, I threw out the sponges and I put in polyfil fiber to get a better water polishing. I don't use carbon in any of my filters. On my 125g I have the FX5, an AC110 (with biomax and polyfil), and a sponge filter rated for 135g. I clean the filter once a month and change out the polyfil. Rotate cleaning your filters with your weekly water changes. Water tests show 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and so little nitrate it hardly registers. Of couse, like someone else mentioned, it will depend on your stock in the tank also. But you can add more biomax to the bottom trays if you need to. I always add a dose of beneficial bacteria with each water change. I'm sure you will find that not putting the carbon in the FX5 will save you some hassle. I wouldn't leave carbon in a filter for a month.

 

[beerad555]

YOU HAVE ANSWERED ALL MY QUESTIONS , THANKS.

I have the pre-filter in the top and biomax in the bottom 2 trays. I never change out the biomax or pre-filter. I rinse it in aquarium water. However, I threw out the sponges and I put in polyfil fiber to get a better water polishing. I don't use carbon in any of my filters. On my 125g I have the FX5, an AC110 (with biomax and polyfil), and a sponge filter rated for 135g. I clean the filter once a month and change out the polyfil. Rotate cleaning your filters with your weekly water changes. Water tests show 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and so little nitrate it hardly registers. Of couse, like someone else mentioned, it will depend on your stock in the tank also. But you can add more biomax to the bottom trays if you need to. I always add a dose of beneficial bacteria with each water change. I'm sure you will find that not putting the carbon in the FX5 will save you some hassle. I wouldn't leave carbon in a filter for a month.

 

[Slick Fish]

Yep finally got my fx5, thought about using carbon. Then I saw how ridiculously easy is to do a water change without even having to remove my tanks hood.


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