Removing PADS on FX5?>

[blacksnow]

Has anyone done this? They get clogged way toooo fast =O. I don't feel I should have to open the filter once a week, or even once every other week to clean them.

Has anyone found something better to replace the stock pads with?>

 

[justonemoretank]

Unfortunately no. But I definitely feel your pain. The FX5 is one my least favorite filters for this reason. Flow goes down to zero if a pad gets clogged. And the pads are expensive.

 

[blacksnow]

Unfortunately no. But I definitely feel your pain. The FX5 is one my least favorite filters for this reason. Flow goes down to zero if a pad gets clogged. And the pads are expensive.

I really regret not spending the extra $ for the eheim...if i cant find a replacement for the pads, and how to get rid of the microbubbles i will be replacing it very soon with an eheim

 

[Jgray152]

You can order some 20 PPI Filter Foam to replace the outside 10 ppi sponges. The huge surface area should increase the maintenance cycles compared to using them in the center of the baskets.

https://www.aquaticeco.com/customers/subcategories/427/Filter-Foam-Reticulated/

Buy that and you will have pads for the life of the filter.

 

[Deaths Sting]

mine don't clog fast.. i rinse them every 3 months..my tank has always been crystal clear.

FX5 FTW!!!!

note:
were talking about the big stock ones that go around the circumference of the baskets, correct?

 

[crisper]

Mine don't clog fast either. I only need to clean my sponges about every 2-3months.

 

[Deaths Sting]

Mine don't clog fast either. I only need to clean my sponges about every 2-3months.

ya ya, who else!!

 

[brianp]

Well, if you are referring to the six white foam pads around the exterior, I haven't seen any problem with premature clogging in my two FX5s. If you are referring to the round white and blue polyester pads which are inserted into the central chambers, then that is another matter altogether. If you see premature clogging of the white foam pads, you may have the intakes positioned too low in your tank. Many people think that canister filters are designed to remove fish feces from the tank bottom..they are not. I clean the white foam pads and FX5 interiors every 6 months. Yes, the FX5 has a quirky design, but it has its place, depending upon individual circumstances.

 

[Deaths Sting]

Well, if you are referring to the six white foam pads around the exterior, I haven't seen any problem with premature clogging in my two FX5s. If you are referring to the round white and blue polyester pads which are inserted into the central chambers, then that is another matter altogether. If you see premature clogging of the white foam pads, you may have the intakes positioned too low in your tank. Many people think that canister filters are designed to remove fish feces from the tank bottom..they are not. I clean the white foam pads and FX5 interiors every 6 months. Yes, the FX5 has a quirky design, but it has its place, depending upon individual circumstances.

i believe the OP mentioned they were the stock ones, so im assuming their the ones that come with the filter..

i agree with ur entire statement by the way ... +1

 

[Bderick67]

Well, if you are referring to the six white foam pads around the exterior, I haven't seen any problem with premature clogging in my two FX5s. If you are referring to the round white and blue polyester pads which are inserted into the central chambers, then that is another matter altogether. If you see premature clogging of the white foam pads, you may have the intakes positioned too low in your tank. Many people think that canister filters are designed to remove fish feces from the tank bottom..they are not. I clean the white foam pads and FX5 interiors every 6 months. Yes, the FX5 has a quirky design, but it has its place, depending upon individual circumstances.

You mean my canister filter can't take the place a gravel vacs


Good info I like to think the mechanical media in my canisters is there to keep the bio-media clean, not to clean the aquarium.