Fluval FX Canister Filters - Before You it Plug in - WATCH THIS!
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- čas přidán 9. 02. 2019
- #fluvalfx
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Do you own or plan on buying a Fluval FX series canister aquarium filter? Before you buy one, or before your next maintenance, watch this. In this video I share 5 common Fluval FX canister mistakes that can make a big difference in both performance and durability. They have certainly worked with the FX-6 I'm currently running on my 100 gallon African Cichlid tank.
What tips do you have for Fluval canister filter owners? Share them below and let's "Always be learning!"
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Visit his channel here: / @ifg_official
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Visit KGTropicals here: / kgtropicals
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Had to comeback and show love to this video. All of my comments were deleted when my channel was hacked.
Thank you my friend!
Ben!! Thanks a million for this very straightforward, clearly spoken, and not rushed info! I just bought the Fluval FX4 as my Eheim Ecco kicked it's own bucket after 18yrs of operation! I could NOT find anywhere how the water flows through this thing so I can set up the baskets properly and your step #3 is invaluable. Thanks bud from Calgary Canada.
Hey Ben. Good tips for the FX series. Another great video. Have a great Sunday.
I’ve been watching everything from you to figure out how to build my set up, thank you so much for all of the help!
You are so welcome!
Articulate and concise 👍 thank you, I’ve spent way too long trying to find clear info and I’ve finally succeeded😁
Your chuckles are well timed with regard to having leaks... great vid
A little pain in those chuckles, LOL. Thanks for watching!
Hi Ben, this video was very well done!!! I like how you discussed measuring the hoses. I also like how you clean the sponges to save money and improve performance. I don’t use any chemical media, so I just put more bio media in the bottom tray. Also, there is also 4 metal clips that the screws to the motor go into attached to the plastic ears on the housing. Great job my friend! I will share it and congratulations on 13 K.
Thanks Denny, you helped me out originally with both the FX-6 and the sump set up, if you recall! Thanks!!!
Ben you are so awesome! Honest and passionate about your work! I have learned so much from you, now mind you I’m a 75yo. Male! I have had aquariums for >50 years! Old men do not like changes! You just got to humorous all the time!
Thanks for the tip on the sponge material. I was about to order some. Even if you replace instead of rinsing the sponge in tap water, there will be no good bacteria either way. Also, you could rinse half in tap water every other cleaning to keep half of your beneficial bacteria in the filter.
That's a nice hat my man. And I appreciate you work, thanks.
Hero ♥️ plug and player here, found out canister was switching off was normal, thank you ☝️
Thanks for the great tips/mistakes. I just bought a used FX4 got home set it up and plugged it in and then a few seconds later it would shut off. That's when I stumbled to this video. I have to learn to read the manual ;)
SSTRIKER I’m glad this helped
How long before it comes on again?
This was soooo helpful! I bought my fluval second-hand, with no booklet. Thank you!
I’m glad it helped 😀👍🏻
Thanks for the info Ben!
great topic ben thank you !
All very good tips Ben.
Thanks 😊
Thank you Michael
Thank you. I washed mine with tap water too. It has never been a problem at all. Been using mine for over nine years. Never needed a sump and it’s quiet.
Hi, Ben great tips dude. Yeh I guess these are the mistakes that beginners do. They you said, not many fish keepers bother to read the instructions booklet. The last few dats my fx6 filter has been pumping crap back in to my 6 ft American cichlid tank, so it’s time to remove the hoses and clean them out which is very difficult for me to do because I’m a disabled ex army veteran, so the plan is to replace old hoses and then get someone to clean out the old hoses. Loved your cichlid tank, awesome fish dude. Keep sending out your great tips dude.
After my servicing, I had forgotten to open my input valve. When I plugged it in, nothing... no attempt to start or anything. I thought that was pretty awesome that it sensed a no flow without attempting a start; prevented some damage, I'm sure.
Thanks a lot for for the information truly appreciate your
This video is definitely on point!!!!
Well Done!!
Hey Jack Jill! Thanks for stopping by and the great words of encouragement.
would not see any points.. )))
Nice explanation given
Plan to use it soon😊👍
Just plugged it in, it shut down, panicked, then found your very helpful guide, phew!!! Thank you Ben, very helpful!!
Same! I came back to this video after 6 months of having my Fluval FX4 because I remembered him saying something about this. It’s only my second time servicing the thing and I got worried when it shut down after plugging it in. Thanks for the peace of mind Ben! 🐟
Thanks for the video, setting up my first aquarium soon and I got the FX6, trying to study up before I open the box :)
Smart move 😀👍🏻
Thank you for the great video.
Best video I have ever seen thank you
You two are Awesome!!!
Thanks for the tips
Best video i found for automatic shutoff without any knowledge
Thank you Ben
Thank you for your tips sir
I just got my fluval a few hours ago, thanks for this :)
I hope it helps, thanks for watching.
lol me too
Great stuff! Also have seen people put ceramic ring media in the lower level about1" high to catch the initial crud as it flows in before the outer sponges(in the bottom)...have had that in all three of mine for some time and does work very well!
I used to do that in my SunSun canisters off of a recommendation from Pond Guru.
I'm glad I watched this. Just bought the Fx6 for my 55 gallon turtle aquarium and it's pretty intimidating lol.
Dude, #4 is exactly what I was experiencing. I just plugged it in. I'll give it the chance to purge itself till tomorrow and see how it's going. I'll check back in with an update. Thank you!
Thank you I got the canister and did not get instructions. I panicked man you are a lifesaver once again thank you.
Glad I could help
Thanks for the video...and cool hat!
You're welcome. My son brought me that hat from Sweden.
Great tips! Will come in extremely handy when I get the used aquarium and FX4 I'm picking up next Sunday!
just picked up the fx4 for 224 on sale at PetSmart today get it while its good
@@louis7775 224 what Louis? I'm assuming you are in the USA and it's $?
yes dollars , $224
Great tip with the hoses I just saw it 5 years to late
Damn, I knew I should have gotten this video to you sooner 😉
I appreciate you watching!
New to your channel. Thanks for the fantastic presentation.
Thank you
I knew like 2 thanks for the info great great I formation 👍🏿 thanks
Interesting video, very nice.
The fact that I did exactly what tip 4 was is embarrassing… thanks for the tip hahaha
Thank you brother! Haha I definitely panicked when it shut off and is why I watched this vid. I'm glad it was the first one I found!!!!!!
Hey Scott, so did I! But I went and read a little more carefully and realized that I hadn't broken the canister, LOL. Thanks for watching.
This was my issue too. Thanks for this video. Very helpful. Godspeed
Same here! Saved me a night's sleep lol. I guess there is actually engineering value in the high price tag haha
Hi there. I was wondering after 12 hrs of shut of time. How long does it shut down ? I had morning for almost a day. I noticed it shut down. So I went ahead and changed the water again anyway. An it fired back up an running. Thanks
Hello first of all thanks for your video it really helps me a lot
But I have a question
Can you put more the one different chemical media on the las stage of the fx6
I use 2 bags, one with charcoal, and one with a purigen type media. As long as the bags don't prevent the baskets from piecing together properly, you're good.
Thank you for the video
You're welcome
I’m glad I watched this before I bought one. I’d have made most of those mistakes. Just had a bad flood/ leak with an All ponds filter( sun sun)
Thank you for stopping by and watching Pamela. Another tip that helps (covered in a later video) is to place canister filters in platic containers. That way if they do start to leak the water is contained. You can even get sensors that set off an alarm if there's water detected. It's covered in this video: czcams.com/video/blpw1Jo9fgM/video.html
Thanks for the video. Just picked up the fx6 today to upgrade my 307 since it's struggling with my new 75. Only issue I seem to be having, doesn't seem like it pushes much more water opposed to my 307.
Maybe the split outputs on the FX6 make it seem like it’s pushing less water than it actually is? If it was one output it would be super high pressure.
Great video!
Great tips Ben, when I first ordered my fx6 I ordered extra hosing just in case . Guess what ? I cut the hose too short on the output 😂 , not only that I also cut my finger with the Stanley knife resulting in 7 stitches to my index finger. The hose tip is the one everyone should remember , I made that mistake and I'm sure many others have . Great video Ben 👍
Extra hose? You are a smart guy. Sorry about the finger cut, that sucked.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
I definitely panicked because mine shutoff right after i plugged it in thanks man 😭😭😭, you explained exactly what i did to a tee. I unplugged it and looked at this video asap trying to find answers.
There should be a cover on the plug with a big note: Filter will turn itself off - DON'T PANIC!
LOL!
Hi again Ben and fish friends We have a FX5 that’s surging , we are at a loss as too why any ideas would be great tia
Have to say that I love the cap you wearing! :)
Got two FX6, Sunsun 704 & 703 and a CrystalProfi E902 to my 190 and 80 gallon tanks.
Both the Sunsun canisters started to leak within a year, and for me the leak on both filters came from the Inlet and Outlet Connector, took everything apart and used plumber tape behind all orings.. that did the trick.
Also had an issue with the FX6, but in that case it where a leak in the middle of the hose that started to spray water and not the pump itself.
My apartment have newly laid parquet floor so I don´t want anymore leaks..
I´m going to put each canister in a small container and then put a WiFi water-detector (puck) at the bottom of each container, if there is a leak the sensor will both sound an alarm and send a warning to the phone, it´s a total cost of about 250€.
Like your videos, keep it up.. regards from Sweden!
That’s the best way to have a canister. There is from my son who played baseball in Sweden one summer. He fell in love with the people and the country.
Swedish coat of arms. 🇸🇪
Great video!!
Love your videos and I’m from Memphis lol what’s the name of the lubricant?? Thank you
Great Advice
That’s helpful . Why is my FX6 making a noises like there are rocks running around the side and like a water swishing noise. Please help I’m all most done with it I clean it out as per instructions and now it’s making all these funny noises
I have had the same fx6 for almost ten years and never once have I taken apart the motor housing still runs fine
Very good and helpful tips cause my boyfriend just did number 4 lol took everything apart and started cleaning it thinking it was broken
Not uncommon 🤣
Ben! Could you please do a video on properly closing the lid so that it's not too loose, or too tight. I can't seem to find this happy medium that doesn't allow air in.
I had to laugh at this, I bought an FX6 recently, used but nearly new with new media.
Firstly the guy I bought it off did the cut in half hose thing! I had to sort it. 🤨
Then when I finally set it up I did the plug and play, guess what! I did exactly what you said, pulled the plug, tried again then went on google! 😂
Great video!
I always rinse my pads in tap water.
I guess my biomedia have at least 90% of the nitification cycle bacteria, so loosing the 10% or less from the spunges is no big deal.
They will be replaced within a few hours and the ammonia and nitrite spikes isn't even measurable with any standard water test kit, so it will not harm the animals in the tank.
Of course, for anyone who have spunges only as both mechanical and biomedia, this method doesn't apply, one shouldn't rinse them all in tap water (or aquarium water, for that matter) at the same time.
Rinse the foam from one media basket each service of the filter.
It will reduce service intervalls, but keep the fish safe.
Excellent points Daniel, thank you!
Me too granted my water is from a well not a city source. While I don’t have a nice FX6 (too poor) I run a sun sun canister filter and a bunch of HOB filters. All filled with bags of lava rocks! Easy to rinse when they eventually get clogged. Works well and I save a fortune on replacement filters.
I'm thinking about going to fx4 or fx6 for my 100 gall. Right now I'm using 2 304b Sunsun do you have an video on how you setup your fx6. Question would you just keep 2 sunsun on a 100 gallon or would ypu just go with a fx4 or fx6
Great video Ben, and yeah tap water is the best to clean those sponge filters every month, also shirt looks good, I will get one for sure 👍
Hii Sir please giv me ur what'sapp number or email ID to discuss about my African Chichlid tank fish are dying I tried every thing. Iam cleaning tank every month temperature Iam keeping 26 to 28 is it Okie. Please giv me ur num I'll send pictures alos. I live in q8.
Thank you very much. My num is o
00965-67772291
@@aribsulaimani1620 Hi Sir, the best idea is to go on Facebook Ben O'Cichlid-All About African Cichlids and The Aquatic Lounge or Northfin USA (Jay Wilson) there are tons of experts that can help you, good luck my friend.
@@efrainscichlids9038 thanks alot sir, appreciate but if I'll more happy if can get ur what'sapp number🙏🤗
Ben, I have a FX4 and it started to make this loud vibrating noise. Fluval said to change the impeller which I did and it still there. Have you run into this problem? Have you ever cleaned the hoses? Thanks.
Number 1... I heard someone say cutting the hoses 50/50 is necessary, but I haven't yet heard the reason WHY.
Mistake nr.6: Reading and following advice without understanding (and preaching it without explaining, lol)
I have my Fluval 5 for many years, I just clean my last week. I rotate medium, I will not replace everything at the same time. I do clean the foam filters , the way you do it. But I bought a bulk polish filters and cut them up, to used it in my system. My question is, after I clean it and put it back together. My problem is, it sounds like it constantly filling up. It gets quite for awhile and then sounds like it trying to fill up. Is there anything wrong?
HI BEN; GREAT TIPS AS USUAL....ITS SO GREAT THAT PEOPLE CAN COME ON YOU TUBE AND LISTEN TO A PERSON LIKE YOU WITH A LOT OF KNOWLEDGE...THEY CAN LEARN FROM OUR MISTAKES....YOUR THE BEST......
Thank you Daniel, very encouraging. I did a quick visit to L.V. and after checking the cost of housing and utilities ... we might be relocating. If we do I will certainly reach out and come see your tank.
Good afternoon. My foams are turning orange. Are you able to tell me why. I have 1 large snapping turtle in a 125 gallon tank
great video ben can you make a video on the fx 4 puting the lid back on the canaster every time i do mine it leaks what am i doing wrong ? it takes me a few times to get it not to leak.
Make sure the O ring is properly seated. Take it off and give it a light coating in food grade silicone lube. That might help.
Ben I have loved all your videos on the fx6 really showed me how to set it up I did a ton a research before I bought it over a year and half now and yours was the best thank you going to get a tee shirt real soon
Great to hear that Ry! And, in advance, I thank you for picking up a tee, enjoy it my friend.
Purchased this canister filter after failed attempt to build my own off a CZcams video, I have my 200gal aquarium plumbed in 1” pvc , do you know if I can connect from the fx6 to the pvc?
Great video
I've been trying to get some help with this but I get no replays to the comment. So hopefully you can help.
I set an fx6 up a few nights ago. Now I'm watching it in the tank and it doesn't seem to have that great of suction. I'm watching small particles that should get sucked up or that would have gotten sucked up with my Fluval 110 float right by. Any ideas to why?
Thank you
Hi, One of my Fluval 5FX lid fastener clasps has a broken at the bottom. I was just about to replace the whole clasp when I found that you can just buy the plastic orange barrel shaped thingy's separately but can not figure out how to put them on. I have tried to unscrew the pin from the rest of it but seem unable to do so. Can anyone tell me how to do it?
I just bought my fx6 about 2 or 3 weeks ago and it’s throwing out micro bubbles and big bubbles, Hoses are both submerged, no bubbler or air stone near intake, I have plumbers tape around the end, could it be I put to much media in the filter
Hey my man.
I put the premium activated carbon bag in the middle canister and one on top canister. It turned my water blsck..o cleaned the fish tank and it was cloudy so I bought these bags..war I didn't do is clean any of the sponges..I'm knew to this and I got a 125 gallon tank..please help..lol
GREAT VID! Question- i use bubblers but i notice your partial to powerheads...any reason...OR you just dont like bubblers??
Bubbles are great, but for aesthetic reasons I choose not to use them. I do have a massive airstone in my sump.
@@BenOchart thanks for the quick response...working on my channel..to be able to get to Ben O Cichlid Legend status! Lol...would love some feedback on it..if you get a chance.
Hey, just saw your video, so what kind of setup do yo have? I saw something similar to a sump but also with the canister... Can you please share?
Hello Jose. Check out the playlists I have on the full set up. Several videos show everything, for lights to filter. Start here: czcams.com/video/mJmLZllIZ-U/video.html
Does the flow on the fx4 flow the same way
Question on an old video. What’s up Ben. I cleaned my fx4 impeller and all. I did this because I unplugged it to do a big water change. When I tuned it on the flow decreased dramatically from the output. (Before cleaning). When I serviced the filter I assumed the flow would would be strong again, but it wasn’t. Any suggestions my friend?
Check your intake hose. I have had to clean mine two to three times during the cycle.
Ben, I just came across your video - well done sir! I set up a 180 gallon tank in February with an FX4. I am curious how do you deal with surface. Also, do you have an videos or picture of the depth settings of the filter's input and output and how they are directed/located in your tank... are there advantages/disadvantages of how these are adjusted?
^To clarify, how do you deal with surface protein?
Love your vids!
I point one FX output slightly up and toward the intake in the far opposite corner and the other slightly down. I also have 2 powerheads pushing a lot of water around. One under the Fluval output, also pointed toward the input, and one on the other side pointed slightly up and forward, breaking surface tension and helping to create a circular water movement pattern.
@@johnsoncraig2230 freshwater aquariums don't really have a problem with proteins.
Not like saltwater setups
I have a 220gl fresh water tank for 20 years the FX5 finally stopped working so I bought the fx6 installed it let it get rid of the air plugged it today and it’s not working.Pretty lost at what to do
Hi The orange shaped barrel nut on the bottom of one of my cover locks is broken. I was going to replace the whole lock but have seen that you can just purchase the orange bit for the bottom. I am unable to figure out how to put a new one on as I cannot seem to get the metal pin to seperate from the round tighten it up thingy (ha! sorry for the descriptor there). Can anyone tell me how to do it please.
Thank you for posting this video!! I just had to clean this filter for the first time. And I had issue #4 and yes I did read the book but it doesn’t say anything about it turning off and back on after cleaning. I rechecked everything 4 times before trying to find an explanation.. so again thanks for this video!!
Glad it helped! I think we all have that, "oh no, what's wrong!" moment when we first set up a Fluval FX.
Good tips Ben! Great video as always.
Thanks Joe T, I appreciate you stopping by!
@@BenOchart anytime. Always glad to tune in.
Woohhh.. at 1st i thought i was touching the wrong channel.. then i recognize the tank behind him 🤣
You have no idea how hard it was to film laying on the floor in front of this filter. LOL!
In this video about Fluval mistakes I notice a sump next to it. please explain that setup. Thanks...
That's a 20 gal quarantine tank you're seeing. However, I do have a large sump and a SunSun 704-B on my 150.
Guilty Of Panicking Because My new Fluval shut off 😂😂😂 ... thanks for your help!
🤫 I did too 🤣🤣🤣
Ben,
Thanks for a great CZcams channel.
I just got my FX6, Yet to set it up and I am confused if I should add chemical media to my FX6. What is the advantage of it? Some other CZcams videos were only doing biological in all three trays.
Also, is any chemical included with the filter? Mine did not have and came just just two white bags and a thin black sponge.
Looking forward to your response.
Thanks!!
Is it going on a new or already established tank? If it’s new, activated charcoal, chemipure or Purigen can help clear up the initial cloudiness. After my tanks became well established I stopped using chem filtration. If you do use it I would put it in the bottom middle section so water hits it last before returning to the tank.
Ben Ochart - Thanks!!
It’s a used 135 G tank I picked up and setting up from the scratch. I will be using a sponge filter from my existing 55G tank.
Hello question,I have a few fx6,the other day the power went out on my house since it came back just one of the filters is acting up,the out hose is like shaking and I heard like a weird noise coming from inside the filter,like pushing the water something like that,and is just that filter
Sounds like some air got in there. Unplug it for 5 minutes. After you plug it back in it will stop to purge air. After that you should be fine.
Great video! I made the mistake of starting my fx4 up with only a gallon of water in it.... I wonder why the filter wasn't pushing any water through it after 20 minutes.... Lol! I mis read the directions and had to add about another 1.5 gallons of water to the canister. Then magically it began working properly!! Lol! But, in my defense I just got done working a 16 hour shift. And I was extremely tired but excited to set it up and I did so. To my dismay. But, everything turned out great when realized what I had done. I hope everyone learns mistake! 😁😁😂🤣
Cap, we've all been there, LOL! I'm just glad you didn't burn out that pump. Thanks for stopping by, much appreciated.
Any tips on how to get rid of white particles I'm using fx6 have floss init aswell
I had success with Seachem Purigen. Also products like Fritz Monster 360 and Seachem Clarity can help.
If it’s a new tank it will eventually clear up on its own.
My directions say to put the rings bio in the bottom basket. Also some time I noticed that the thin filter at the bottom will stopped the water flowing out, why. If I rinse out the new filter first, it does not do it
Ben, I wonder if the flow can be turned down a bit on the FX4.
Robert Brennan Sure. Turn the input output down a bit. Should work, but check with Fluval to make sure it will not harm the motor/pump
Awesome video Thanks for sharing FishFam NJAE19
Will the micro bubbles eventually go away
Man I was beating my head against a wall trying to figure out why it kept shutting off 🤪 I got this second hand so it didn’t come with the booklet
I had the booklet ... but who reads it, so I too was going crazy, LOL!
If you put a conditioner in the tap water to rinse the sponges you won't loose the bacteria. Use Safe and its very cheap to condition the water when you need to clean the sponges.
I just talked to fluval rep he said that water comes up thru bottom center and the last filter before going out was the top middle filter???
Not on this model. There’s nothing there, at the top center, that could pull the water.
Hi sir
. I have fluvale x5 .I just cleaned then I got pressure of the pumps.can you give ideas thanks you
I'm not sure that I understand the question??? If the canister is not working, be sure that you filled it with water before plugging it in. If you start it with not enough water in it, it will just hum and then overheat and burn out.
Number 2 Great comment
Number 5 Don't be scared, get in there