I'm pretty happy with my FX5s. The first time I turned them off during a water change, neither would start again (they were still filled with water). I took them both out and cleaned the impellers. They both started back up, and I've never had a problem with them again. It was kind of weird since the impellers weren't even dirty.
I'm through with Fluval
- Thread starter Gage Zamrzla
- Start date
I have my brothers 405 or 404...whatever. BUt I have that same problem sometimes when i take it apart and clean my media. I have found its because it wont fill itself back up w/ enough water. So when I disassemble it I make sure i fill it back up to the top w/ tank water before hooking it back up.
I also have an fx5 and have never had an issue w/ it. It also gets abused w/ a much heavier bio-load so it gets cleaned quite frequently. Fx5 gets a big thumbs up from me.
But if your gettn a 180 have you thought of running a sump? If you want to stick to canisters 2 fx5's will be needed to properly fileter it....if not more. After going from a canister to a sump I prefer a sump. Maintance is way easy. To clean an fx5 takes 5 minutes at the least. A sump.....1 minute...as simple as changing out a filter sock.
I also have an fx5 and have never had an issue w/ it. It also gets abused w/ a much heavier bio-load so it gets cleaned quite frequently. Fx5 gets a big thumbs up from me.
But if your gettn a 180 have you thought of running a sump? If you want to stick to canisters 2 fx5's will be needed to properly fileter it....if not more. After going from a canister to a sump I prefer a sump. Maintance is way easy. To clean an fx5 takes 5 minutes at the least. A sump.....1 minute...as simple as changing out a filter sock.
i'm a big fan of the FX5's and i've used fluval 404's and 405's for years without a problem.
the only issues i've ever had with the 405's is starting the syphon again after cleaning the filters. i had one that the suction pump for priming didn't work (i bought it used and the plastic diaphragm was warped and ruined), so i had to play with the hose a little to start it pumping. the only other thing that goes wrong with the 405's is that pump cover thingy, but they are cheap and easy to get. i bought 10 of them on ebay for $5 each to replace all of them on the 405's i had.
the only issues i've ever had with the 405's is starting the syphon again after cleaning the filters. i had one that the suction pump for priming didn't work (i bought it used and the plastic diaphragm was warped and ruined), so i had to play with the hose a little to start it pumping. the only other thing that goes wrong with the 405's is that pump cover thingy, but they are cheap and easy to get. i bought 10 of them on ebay for $5 each to replace all of them on the 405's i had.
The occasional Fluval does have issues starting back up, but not most of them. On a tank that is 150 gallons or more I think it is a good idea to look into a small pond filter that has a backwash option. The only time you clean the filter is when you are draining the tank for a water change, no dragging it out, opening it up, etc. We used the AquaUV ones at the shop I was running and they were amazing.
I love my FX5. It's a beast. For my fluval 304, I couldn't get it running one day, so I (dunno if this is good advice or advisable but it worked) turned it upside down to help get the air out, and it started again .... or on its side anyway. Worked with my new aquatop too... FX5 just runs itself though, no issues lol.
Fluval makes a good filter have filter. i have a 405 and 2 FX5's. I'd guess you might have a dirty impellar. Call thei customer service department.
phillydog1958;5093722; said:
that is a very good idea.. fluval customer service and techinical help are the best.
