Top off media baskets in fx5?

[Whynot91]

I'm running 2 fx5's at the moment. In my previous tank where i used them i was never able to top off the media baskets as i would get bubbles. Since then i've take all the pad's out and only topped off the media baskets to half.

How much media do you guys use in the baskets? Do you guys fill it up to the rim?

I'm still not planning to use any pads as according to my experience and what i read in the forums they clog easy.

Advise?

 

[calioutlaw1a]

If you fill the media baskets to the rim, they will not stack properly. I fill maybe 1/2 of each tray with matrix, and have a blue fine filter pad on top of each tray.

Although I have read about how quickly the blue pads clog from other users here, I personally have no issues with them clogging. This is likely because I run my FX5 on a tank stocked with small fish that don't have big poop to quickly clog the filter, though I do have a couple of big plecos that poop like mad. I really don't know for sure why I don't have any problems with the blue fine filter pads clogging, but I'm not complaining.

 

[rhodes_96]

In regards to the pads issue. It is quite simple.

If your going to use efficient bio media like ceramic rings, biomax, matrix etc, then this type of bio media benefits greatly and lasts a lot longer if it is pre filtered with a blue / white pad / poly / filter floss etc. The outer sponges WILL NOT stop the media from being clogged.

If you choose not to use it, your bio media will eventually start clogging. When this happens your water parameters are at risk of not being optimal, and you will need to take action. Removing the media to clean it can also mean upsetting the tanks parameters. If it's your only bio filtration source, then possibly trigger a cycle.

As far as placement of the pad goes. It goes on top of the bio media in the top basket. You only need one pad, not one one pad on top of each tray. (overkill)
As mentioned by the previous poster filling to the rim the baskets may not stack properly. if you allow a about 1/2'' from the top of each tray, the baskets including the the top one with the pad will fit properly and remove bypass issues.

 

[Whynot91]

Ok so i stuffed both my fx5's with mediaa. This is what is in the 3 trays.

Fx5 #1
Tray 1. 12 scrubbers
Tray 2. Eheim substratpro
Tray 3. Large ceramic rings


Fx5 #2
Tray 1: 12 scrubbers
Tray 2: Eheim Subsctratpro
Tray 3: small ceramic rings


Both filters seem to be working great with no noise. They are pretty much filled to about 1/2 inch from the top.