Hydor ETH 300w/ FX6

[josh_g]

So I have a Fluval FX6 which I wanted to run my hydor 300w external heater on. The only problem is... it doesnt fit Has anyone on here fitted a Hydor ETH to the FX6 pipework? If so can you tell me how please and what I would need to do it. Also is a 300w heater enough to heat a 785 u.k litre tank?

Many Thanks

 

[IsdaFish]

Yep go to lowes and get a tee 1x1x3/4, 3/4 barb fittings, 1" id tubing. Pretty self explanatory. If you need more info I can take a pic of my setup.


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[DMD123]

When I talk to others about my custom plumbed 300watt Hydor eth heaters on an FX5, there are always a ton of questions. So I thought I would post how I did it. The problem is that the FX5/6 uses a 1" tubing and the heaters are 5/8", so a special adapter needs to be made.
Its just a couple simple PVC fittings to make it work. A 1" barb adapter into two 1/2" barbs. The 5/8" heater tubing will work on the 1/2" barbs but will be slightly loose so a hose clamp is absolutely necessary. Just make two of these, one at the bottom and one at the top with some short 5/8" tubing to connect. Then you will have to replace the Fluval ribbed tubing with smooth type. I also made custom PVC spray bars, but you will have to figure a way to get the output of water into the tank.

Actually I had changed the barbed fitting a little but this is what is going on under my stand. Had to zip tie it in to keep heaters upright

Hope that gives some inspiration. PVC plumbing parts are your friend and you just need to think outside the box.

 

[Peterepete]

Hi DMD123, From what I understand from your post is that you are running both Hydors on the single output of your FX5 due to the volume of water the FX5 delivers. Based on the restrictions of the Hydor hose size you need both...correct ? Im setting up 2 x FX6 on my tank tomorrow with 2 x Hydor 300w, Im thinking I will do the same as you have done to ensure minimal restriction on flow.

 

[DarylMac]

When I was making some DIY filter parts I had a hard time finding 5/8 PVC that would work with the Hydor/Rena tubing.

There are brass fittings that would work, but I wanted to avoid brass on a closed loop system in case I ever want to keep shrimp etc.

Anyhow, as someone mention above you can go 1/2 barb with a hose clamp, or you can do 3/4 inch barb - but you have dip the 5/8 hose in boiling water for 30 seconds first so that it will get malleable (only dip the amount of hose you need to slip on the barn, otherwise the hose gets too soft to push on).