Pumping water out of tank with FX5 - Question

[NightStorm]

Those of you who use your FX5 for pumping water out for water changes…..this question is directed at you. Of course all FX5 experts, if you can help, feel free to chime in whether you use your FX5 for this purpose or not.

Is there any way to stop water from spilling out of the canister when you’re removing the output aquastop valve and hosing off the filter? Please continue reading before commenting.

In the beginning I close both of the valves and turn off the power. I then remove the filter’s output valve and hosing. No spill occurs when I do this. Then I connect a 1” ID vinyl tubing to the output section of the filter and pump the water out. The problem occurs when I want to remove this 1” hose. I first close both of the aquastop valves and turn off the power. I then remove the 1” hose’s aquastop valve off the filter and splash!……a good sized amount of water pours out of the canister and messes up the area. Is there anyway to avoid this spillage?

I hope this post was clear and understandable. Thanks as always MFK.

 

[JK47]

Those of you who use your FX5 for pumping water out for water changes…..this question is directed at you. Of course all FX5 experts, if you can help, feel free to chime in whether you use your FX5 for this purpose or not.

Is there any way to stop water from spilling out of the canister when you’re removing the output aquastop valve and hosing off the filter? Please continue reading before commenting.

In the beginning I close both of the valves and turn off the power. I then remove the filter’s output valve and hosing. No spill occurs when I do this. Then I connect a 1” ID vinyl tubing to the output section of the filter and pump the water out. The problem occurs when I want to remove this 1” hose. I first close both of the aquastop valves and turn off the power. I then remove the 1” hose’s aquastop valve off the filter and splash!……a good sized amount of water pours out of the canister and messes up the area. Is there anyway to avoid this spillage?

I hope this post was clear and understandable. Thanks as always MFK.

IMO no there isn't, not a way I have found anyway. I wrap a towel around the valve wehn I disconnect them and it catches 90% of the water that is in the hose. I believe that small amount of water spilling is the reason for the checkered flutes on the lid of the FX5, to help keep it on the lid and not your stand.

 

[NightStorm]

Thanks Justin.

I'm gonna use the towel technique next time.

Ah....I see what you mean about the "checkered flutes". That def does sound logical.

 

[JK47]

Thanks Justin.

I'm gonna use the towel technique next time.

Ah....I see what you mean about the "checkered flutes". That def does sound logical.

Yeah try the towel. Simple but keeps everything clean. I pop the inlet side off, plug it back in for a short bit and let the filter empty itself out about half way, unplug, turn the output check vlalve to avoid back syphon. Doing that makes it super easy and half the weight to pull out and keeps from spilling water once the hoses are off too. In case you haven't tried that, give it a shot.

 

[benzjamin13]

I've used my Fx5 for water changes before. Didn't really like using it for some reason. However, I actually used the purge valve for this. I would turn the aquastop off on the output and it didn't seem to shoot out the purge valve as fast as I thought it would've.

 

[NightStorm]

Thanks gents!

Gonna experiment with what you guys advised.

 

[Jgray152]

There is a process I have been using for years...

Steps..
1) Keep filter plugged in. Close intake valve
2) Slowly work off the intake valve. When working it off slowly, you will be introducing some air which will reduce the water level in the valve so nothing spills out
3)TURN OFF PUMP & close output valve and remove. No water will spill out.

 

[Spiritofthesoul]

As Jgray152 said

Close the inlet valve and remove (keep the pump on).
Wait a few seconds
Close the outlet valve and turn off pump

Do this in order!!!

Once I turn off the pump before closing the valve and water gets backsiphon from the outlet tubing and I got a shot of fish water on my face...

 

[Jgray152]

ADJUSTED LAST STEP. As Mentioned above, close output valve FIRST before turning pump off.
Steps..
1) Keep filter plugged in. Close intake valve
2) Slowly work off the intake valve. When working it off slowly, you will be introducing some air which will reduce the water level in the valve so nothing spills out
3) Close output valve, TURN PUMP OFF and remove. No water will spill out.

 

[zigis]

With the intake valve still closed open the drain valve at the bottom of the filter and drain into a bucket at this point you should be able to remove your aqua stop connector with no water backing up.