Would a Fluval FX5 be overkill?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I

Insidiac

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Apr 12, 2011
29
1
0
Rhode Island
I have a 120g, and plan on putting in about 12 1" RBPs (I expect to end up with around 7 or hopefully 8 adult RBPs), and will have it heavily planted. Thus, I have a couple of questions regarding this filter.

Since its only 120g and the FX5 is rated for 400g, wouldn't that be overkill?

Would the strong output of the filter agitate the water a bit too much for my piranha and plants?

Would the strong input of it accidentally suck in any plants that may be near the intake?

RBPs are from the amazon, where the water isn't that rapid I think, so I assume the strong water flow might keep them annoyed or something
 
FX5 isn't overkill, as they get bigger you may even want to add an other FX5.
I have no idea how manufacturers rate their filter but whats important is if the filter can efficiently handle your stock's bio load, if it doesn't then even its rated for 1000000g won't mean a thing to me. I had a FX5 on my 75g, 3 FX on my 180g and they were never bothered by the current, they actually enjoy swimming in the current.
part of the amazon has calm water, some has fast moving water some has crazy rapid. many river channel looks calm but the water is actually moving very fast. as your rpbs get bigger its good to add a good power head or two. at 1" they will be ok with the current out of the FX5, heck even my tetras are not bothered by my 1000gph
 
Insidiac;5159286; said:
But do you guys think the plants will get damaged by the intake or current, or sucked in by it?
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No it won't get sucked in by it if you planted them properly (shouldn't have plants too close to intake anyway regardless which filter) and depends on how you position the outlet.

this is a 75g with FX5
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Insidiac;5158782; said:
RBPs are from the amazon, where the water isn't that rapid I think, so I assume the strong water flow might keep them annoyed or something
Click to expand...

As JP said, this is kind of a general misconception. Even calm looking waters can have currents of thousands of gallons/hour.

My currents:

small S. rhombeus, 29g, 500g/h :eek: (he doesn't care)

6" S. manueli, 90g, 1500g/h <-- not enough imo

8" S. elongatus, 100g, 2000g/h <-- will be upgraded to 4000g/h soon
 
I have just put an eheim 2080 in my tank and my reds love it. I will be adding a power head shortly as well and within the year I may add another fx5 for more mechanical filtration.

Eheim 2080 holds more bio filtration where the fx5 holds less bio and more mechanical. Both are crazy good tho
 
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