Hole Diameter to Run FX5 Closed Loop?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
W

Willz

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Feb 9, 2011
177
0
0
Roanoke VA
Hello,
Getting ready to drill a 230 gallon acrylic tank and wanted to use 2 FX5s closed loop on it. The top of the tank has 6" euro bracing all the way around it, so I can't really come in from the top, hence drilling the back of the tank to run the returns and intakes. I haven't ordered the filters yet, so I don't know what size I should drill the holes. And what size bulkheads, etc. I'd like to minimize the amount of hardware I have to get at Lowes once I get the filter. Anyone who has an FX5 and uses it closed loop please let me know what you have found works. Also ideas about the placement of the intake and return holes on the back of the tank would be great. Thanks!!!
w
 
Pretty sure the fx5 is 1" ID.

I love and hate my Euro brace. I hate that I can't as easy run things over the top including wires or air lines; but I recently found something I love about it. I can mount my power heads on the top of the tank and have them more out of the way.

edit a drilled 1" bulkhead will handle more then the fx5 can do with media.
 
Just something I thought up If you don't want to drill your tank.... Never tried it with Euro Bracing...... I do run an FX5 but on a normal tank..... It would be some PVC modification making it but I think it would work....

Euro Bracing.JPG
 
Thanks for the tips! It's acrylic so I am probably going to drill it. Will get some 1" bulkheads. Any ideas on the placement of the intakes and returns?
 
I have 1" diameter bulkheads on my closed loop FX5 setup. I have the intakes going out at the top and the returns coming in at the bottom. I probably should have ran them both through the top, but I was trying something different. I'll see if I can find my pics for you.
 
Willz;5058208; said:
Thanks for the tips! It's acrylic so I am probably going to drill it. Will get some 1" bulkheads. Any ideas on the placement of the intakes and returns?
Click to expand...


Here is the owners manual for the FX5 with their dimensions for hose depth on page 11. You can use this to figure out were to put your holes. Remember you don't want any air to get into the pump or it will not work correctly.

On page 10 it shows how to use it with Euro Bracing If you don't want to drill holes. It's the same as the drawing I drew but with the flexible hose that comes with the pump... :)


http://www.hagen.com/pdf/aquatic/FX5_user_manual_EN.pdf
 
OOps I gave the wrong pages

Here is the owners manual for the FX5 with their dimensions for hose depth on page EN-7 to EN-8. You can use this to figure out were to put your holes. Remember you don't want any air to get into the pump or it will not work correctly.

On page EN-6 it shows how to use it with Euro Bracing If you don't want to drill holes. It's the same as the drawing I drew but with the flexible hose that comes with the pump...
 
Thanks everyone. The copy of the manual was good info :) Now I just have to convince the gf. I have 2 AC110s and with the two FX5s, and couple of Koralia's to move the water it should be good to go. It's hell having a 230g tank just sitting there. Just got done sanding and buffing (took 4 weekends), so I am ready to get this thing fish-worthy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom