Fluval FX6 Canister Filter | Unboxing, Setup & Review
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- čas přidán 3. 03. 2021
- Today's video is the unboxing, setup and review of the Fluval FX6 Canister Filter. In the video, I explain how to properly setup this canister and a few tips and suggestions that have worked in my experience.
We cover the filter media stages and a few recommendations on what to put in the FX6. There are a lot of great choices out there, so feel free to take it or leave it.
Overall, the FX6 has a ton of volume and room for media, along with proven performance over time. We've had a few of these for years with no issues. They are relatively expensive though, so it is an investment if you're going with a FX6 canister.
If you're interested in any of the products use in the tank and video, feel free to check out the links below.
- FX6 Canister Filter: amzn.to/3dXbW0b
- Marine Pure Bio Balls: amzn.to/3csSudK
- Chemi-Pure Blue: amzn.to/3bgsVMd
Thanks again for watching, and we'll see you next week!
If you're looking to purchase an FX6, here is an affiliate link: amzn.to/3dXbW0b
I've been running an fx6 on my 120 for almost a year. My thoughts: your setup is different running two canisters, but I put the filter in the middle and ran the intake and output to opposite corners for more water movement. Also, just a heads up for new owners. When you first plug it in it will run for a minute and then automatically shut off for a minute to prime itself again then turn back on and run. This is normal and it does it periodically to keep primed.
Does it prime through out the day? Or is mine just breaking in since I just got it? Happens like 2 times a day or so
@@lowmile_sti_05 I believe every 12 hours it primes itself. It did freak me out the first time, but you get used to it! ;)
@@edcctf ok good to know thanks for the info!
@@lowmile_sti_05 It's not priming itself, its purging possible air out of it. The reason the filter shuts off and then back on again periodically is to "PURGE" possible air out of it.
thank you, i got nervous at first! came to look at the video and realized nothing was mentioned of the sort…
Nice! I’ve made it a tradition to buy an FX6 every Black Friday. This year I plan on getting two. Love those filters!
where do u look to buy urs on black friday? black friday 2022 i checked out petsmart and petco online and i dont think there was black friday deals on those.i dont see a lot of info online on when the fx6 goes on sale
Stunning tank. Water quality is second to none. I have an fx6 running on my tank and it’s the best I have ever used.
Thank you - much appreciated!
Thanks! Keep up the good work!
Thanks for watching!
@@CichlidBros Hey Troy Would an FX 6 be an overkill for a 36 gallon heavily stocked 80 fish and heavily planted tank?
Nice clean setup. Great review.
Great video. I ran a canister on a non drilled 90. When I upgraded to a 150 it was drilled with an overflow and came with a sump and never looked back. The sump is so much easier to clean and take care of and as you stated it's more effective at cleaning the water. I've got about 70 gallons under my 275 and it works like a dream. Plus I have room underneath for grow out in one of my chambers. You don't need to drill to set up an overflow. Look up DIY pvc overflow. By the way your tank looks amazing I may need to try out that chemical water clarity trick. My tank looks a little worse for wear at the moment. I just had a transition of power on tank boss status. My venustus decided it was time to take over.
After watched this video, i bought the Fx6 and everything doing so far so good on my 125 gallons. Thanks for your recommendation ! Cheers.
Glad it was helpful. Good luck with the tank!
@@CichlidBros thank you. It’s been 2 days already and now my Oscar tank water is crystal clear , like hella Crystal . Have a good day .
I love your channel man! You hella chill. Going to get a FX6 soon!
Thanks man! Appreciate you following along. Can’t go wrong with the FX6 👍🏻
Thank you so much.
I enjoy watching your video's with you and your brothers. I've just got yesterday a fx6 first time. Been lookin how to fill it. Thanks for the tips.
Am john from Liverpool uk.
Awesome. Thanks for watching!
Can’t wait for your follow up video on that saltwater tank. It looks amazing so far!
Coming soon!
Best canister filter I ever owned.....7 feet from my bed ......ultra quiet & powerful & reliable
Great filter 👍🏽
the tank looks amazing !!
Thanks!
Absolutely Fantastic work 🏆 Cheers form Perth Australia 🦘😎🙏
Thank you! Cheers!
like and subed a long time a go man good luck
Just in time on on the ropes if getting a fx6 fir my 125 american cichlid tank i think ima get one!
Nice pick up! Can't go wrong I love my fx6 and fx4
I use a pre filter sponge for my intake because my fish always got sand in my filter. Works great. Plus a home for beneficial bacteria.
Gorgeous tank.
i like it man look nice and lots of info so over i give it a 8.5
Couple tips I use marine silicone on my aqua stop gaskets makes it come of and on easier when I have to take it off . Also Home Depot has black pond tube that I replaced my tubing on canister it is more flexible
I love the fx6! This filter is a beast. I added a second one to my 125 African cichlid tank. Water stays crystal clear. I also can service the filters way less often. My biggest complaint is the plastic hose. It feels cheaply made for such an expensive filter. So far no issues with leaks.
I super appreciate this comment! Thank you for this! Just what I was looking for.
It's essential to run 2 filters on any tank. Just in case a problem arises with one of them. In any combination.
Nice video ❤️😃
Just bought an FX4 for my 75 gallon, they're awesome filters. I plan on adding a second FX4 when I upgrade to a 180 gallon. Maybe I should look at FX6s..
Just ordered one for my 75 gallon I’ll be picking up Saturday can’t wait
Nice, good luck!
@@CichlidBros holy smokes the filter puts out some serious movement along with the ac110 I have the top of the water is moving !! This is my first Fluval canister filter ever barely set it up tonight gonna make a video tomorrow night of it I actually have two fx6 but not gonna open the other till I get a 180-240
That 180 looks pristine!
Thanks!
great video
Thank you!
Fx6 is a a great canister the only one I would prefer over it is a Oase biomaster thermo because of it's easy to clean pre-filter and built-in heater. Both a bit pricey but worth it in my opinion
I haven’t tried out the largest Oase but definitely would like to!
I am planning to buy one but heard flow rate is not that great in 850 oase as compared to fluval is that true?
Honestly mate I’ve got the 850 Bio it doesn’t touch 5FT BY 2Ft. So today I’ve got an fx6. Save ya money. Using this video to set it up @cameron Thomas
I love this video. I have a similar acrylic tank. 135 gallon. I was wondering if the fx6 would be able to attach to it. It can after seeing your great review. Thanks 😄
Just picked up 3 nearly new FX6's from a fellow hobbyist who was getting out of the hobby. I got a steal...650 for all 3!
Very nice!
Quick Q. Just got one haven't set it up yet, but in the instructions it seems very insistent the tubes run verticle up from the filter. Problem is, the FX6 is too big for the underneath of my aquarium stand, so it will need to be set off to the side of the tank. I'm just curious how detrimental the impact of that will be. The intake will be on the side the filter is on, so that will "basically" be vertical, however, the exhaust will probably be more diagonal running across the back
Great video and yes five sand is a slow cannister motor killer.
Thanks!
I love the top on your big tank did you custom make that? Is it plexiglass?
What do you do with the bags. Does the medias go in them
Hi, I’m getting a 145 gallon tank will this be a good canister be good for my tank. Also how many canisters do you have in your tank?
Great overview of the fx6 mate. Only great things to say about mine since I’ve had it....minus the price of course!😂😢
Thanks for watching man!
Just purchased the FX6. Do I set it up on my established tank before, during, or after my weekly water change? Or does it matter?
Thanks for all the info, I have a question maybe you know what happened, my fx6 every day expesl littles bubbles , at the end make a strong noice ant expulse a lot of big bubbles , the noise y strong and when the family are slipping boder a lot
Reply
is it loud? looking at upgrading my 150 that is in my bedroom and I don’t want it to be TOO loud
Is it worth it or needed getting this filter for a 60 gallon tank? I currently have the fluval 307.
What did you put in the intake holder?
Been running 2 FX6’s on my 125 S.American cichlid tank for two years now and I love em. Between both filters the water clarity is phenomenal and maintenance on em is pretty easy, and it takes about an hour to clean one filter. Each filter gets cleaned out every other month and I break it up to one filter cleaning a month as to not throw off the beneficial bacteria too much. Between that and weekly 30% water changes the maintenance on the tank is like a half hour a week and then one hour a month. That’s less time than mowing my lawn weekly, and easier too!!!
Same here Scott, I have the same routine that you have..
Thanks. So who 2 filters? Is it necessary? Also you do. Weekly water change and monthly filter cleaning? I have a 120g and I just set it up
Hey bro,can I put a canister filter in a iOS 6ft tank ?
What type of heaters you got in place?
Bros, I like all your videos, very informative, how often should I change CHEMI BLUE? and can I keep it in the top rack of the FX6 so it will be easier to change? Thanx
Thanks for watching! I usually change out my chemi pure every 4-5 months. Top rack is usually meant for mechanical, but I think it would be okay
Hey there, do you think this setup will help keep my 55 gallon turtle tank clear? I cannot get rid of this cloudy green water!!! I just bought a fluval fx6 and now it's shooting microbubbles all over. My turtle gets covered in bubbles. Ugh this is all new to me and I have no idea what I'm doing!!!
Thanks for the video, what sand are you using? Also, what did you use for the black background?
Carib Sea Sand Substrate: amzn.to/37p2Kzf ... and I selected the black background to come with the aquarium when I ordered it
Hi. Is 1 fx6 enough for a 120 gallon rio 450 tank?
i love your video
Thanks!
My canister came with a small o ring. Is this extra or did it fall out of something? It is not the large o ring that is in the lid it is this extra small thinner o ring.
I have a 92 gallon tank with big oscars. I use Eheim 600+ 4 professional but my water is not crystal clear. I mean its not dirty but far off crystal clear. Iam thinking if such a filter is sufficient for such big fish. Would switching to fx6 solve my problem?
Can you use this canister filter for a salt water fish tank
Hi I got the Fx4. How often do you recommend cleaning a 40gallon turtle tank and do you have a video in cleaning the filter and how to unhook hoses without getting water all over.
I did purchase the items you suggested in my filter
Hey Guys! For the new 210g I got the FX4 since it was rated for 250 gallons. Just now realizing that might have been wishful thinking on my end. Do you guys think I'd be able to properly filtrate the tank with two Emperor 400 HOB filters in addition to the FX4? I have established ones ready to move and each are rated for 75-80 gallons I believe.
Also, did you notice a lack of flow coming from FX filters? It's almost like they're not even turned on haha. I can tell water is going through the output but it's not causing any bubbles of any kind. Granted, the FX4 output holes are a lot smaller than the FX6's. Thanks!
After this video I realized that my fx6 is completely vrong installed.
My bio media is on top and mechanical on the bottom 🤦🏽🤦🏽 thank you
How much chemipure blue would I need for 225 gallon in the fx6?
Would you recommend to open output flow valve full blast on a 125 gallon peacock tank? Or have at a sweet spot for flow?
Yep, fully open would be recommended
What if your tank has a hood? I have the Aqua 950 tank.
How many litres of biohome ultramax we can fill up in fx6?
What do you think about the Biomaster Thermo filter? How does it compare to the Fluval FX6 in your opinion_ pros and cons?
On your 180 tank, how often do you need to clean the FX6 ? Looking to use it on a 90 gallon yet to be purchased. Thanks for sharing and any reply.
I usually clean it every 4 months or so
doesn't chemical filtration come before biological in the circuit (biological being last)?
Just wondering. Couldn't you have set the filter beside the tank. Then get your measurements and connect the in and outflow. Then hang them on the tank. And then hook them to the filter in the cabinet?
Probably could’ve worked. May have been tricky with hosing length but I’m sure it could be done
Quick question......i just purchased an FX6. I notice none of the O Rings seem greased. Is that normal out of the box. Should I grease them? Thanks and great channel.
Thank you! No need to grease them. Good to go out of box
Also I buy the fx6 the bio filter media what else should I
I just so happened to pick up a 100 gallon tank in November and decided to go with an FX6, setting up a tank for the first time in 15 years, then went to Petsmart and found them for $150. I was like, well, guess it was meant to be!
Black friday sale?
@@altena2036 - It was around that time I believe. Not the actual weekend, but in general.
Works on a 180 Gallon?
Does anyone know how tall it stands?
Nice review and editing. Does the FX6 have an adjustment so the discharge can be slowed down? I would use it in a turtle set up and would not want a tremendous amount of water agitation. Thanks
Thank you! It doesn't unfortunately have that feature
@@CichlidBros okay thank you for that information
@Alligator.commonsnappers
You can add a flow adjustment nozzle to output it comes with a valve right at top of filter to choke down flow. Or add sponge to output in tank to slow down flow.
do you think 1 would be aenough for a 10', 300 gallon aquarium? got about 10 blood parrots, 3 oscars, 6 silver dollars and a few other cichlids
Do you use a uv light with your FX6 or on any of your tank setups? Thanks
Nope, not currently
Hi what fish are in the tank? Is it possible to keep Oscar with sevarem????
They’re South American cichlids. Most times that combo would work great
Awsome video bro i also had a FX6, Do you rather chemipure than Purigen?
Thanks for watching! Both are great but I’ve had best success with Chemi Pure
Great filter, run an FX6 and 307 on my 125. Got both over 1/2 off at PetSmart 💵
Very nice!
Can use the fx6 with a 125 gallons rimless fish thank?
Yes
How much the room height’s & width’s (in centimetre) to install this fx6?
I’m worried my aquarium’s cabinet doesn’t fit with this fx6.
It’s a big filter, 21 inches tall.
How do you think this filter would hold up with koi? Thinking about using it for a 100g quarantine tub. Also, how many gph does it pump?
I think it would be a perfect fit for that size and bio load
Would an FX 6 be an overkill for a 36 gallon heavily stocked 80 large and medium tetras
and heavily planted tank?
Yes.
Thank you for wonderful content i have my tank running for over 10 yr and try to install new fx6 my tank sit too close by the wall and having problem to mount the angle bracket for the hoses god damn it 😂
Thanks for watching! Those brackets can be a huge pain for sure lol
@@CichlidBros I kina want to skip the brackets but afraid the hoses after time will
Pop out
I have a plumbed tank but plumbed a fx6 to it instead of using the sump.
Would you recommend this pump for a 120gal tank I have no fish just a 13 year old red ear slider she is a big poop dump truck she creates an insane amount of bio not account the hundreds of eggs she lays a year.
She has destroyed every external filter I've used every two years and that's with pump cleaning every two weeks.
This one should be as durable as any, so it would likely be your best bet
I'm frustrated with my Penn Plax being difficult to prime. Would you say this is a better filter for ease of priming? I have a tall waterfall. Also, is there any flow control?
I haven’t had much issue with the primer button. I try to fill the canister up before plugging in which seems to help. There isn’t a control for the flow rate unfortunately
@@CichlidBros Thank you
I'm actually thinking of changing from a sump to an Fx6 for my 650ltr planted Discus tank. Do you have two fx6s on this tank? Can't figure out if I would need two or not, of an fx6 with an fx4 combo
Interesting. There are definitely pros and cons of each. I have the two FX6's on the 180 now. Felt like I needed the extra filtration with the cichlids growing fast - especially the oscar
@@CichlidBros yeh, to keep a sump quiet you need to restrict the intake by about a quarter so I find with Discus being messy eaters the water column needs that intake to be fully open,which is noisy.
Do you guys recommend a powerhead in my 150 American cichlid tank
Yeah I always like to have them. Helps with circulation in the tank and if you point towards the top of the tank, more surface agitation. I like the Sicce powerheads
@@CichlidBros I like to say you guys are the best I love it when brothers could stick together Family first much love Broski
Awesome video bro, I have da sicce whale 500 on my 135 gallon African cichlid tank and to be honest, it’s a good canister filter but I just got a FX6 and it blows sicce out of da water by far, I’m a sicce guy but idk now lol 🤙🏽💯🔥🐠
Thanks for watching! Yeah I’d definitely think the FX6 has the advantage, although the price will be higher. For a lower price point, the Sicce whale might be the next best option!
True dat but I used a 25%off coupon at PetSmart and scored it for $200 lol
I gotta say I got a great deal for what da FX6 is worth and I’m a kinda guy who goes to sponge filtration for my smaller tanks not to mention I bought the sicce whale 500 when it first came out for $300
How would you say it compares to the Oase Biomaster Thermo?
I’ve only used the smaller Oase canisters before and had some noise issues. The newer/larger models might be good options now though!
@@CichlidBros I just started running the Biomaster Thermo 600 so I was curious. I had been deciding between an FX6 and that, but wanted the prefilter and included heater. So far it's suprisingly quiet. The sponge filters and bio media could definitely be better in my opinion.
We’re you able to fit the whole gallon of MarinePure Spheres inside the FX6 trays?
I used about half the box
@@CichlidBros Ok thanks I’ll probably buy the 2 Quart box then. Do you think MarinePure Spheres would be best or something like Fluval Bio FX?
Yep, it should do well
@@CichlidBrosOk thanks
So how big of a deal is it for the bio balls? Can I just use the rings that are inside of it? Is it that big of a difference?
Can definitely use the ceramic rings. Very similar
@@CichlidBros thanks for answering. Would you say the FX six is good to run the way it comes?
Yep
what light do you use on 180?
It’s an Aquasky
hi hey great video I love yall Channel what's your opinion on Marineland canisters I just always had a problem with the leakage it did not matter how I work on it replace the o ring it just did not matter I still had that problem leaking and it also kept getting air in it what's your opinion about the Marineland canisters
Thank you! I haven’t had much luck with them. I’ve preferred the Penn Plax and FX6s so far
@@CichlidBros I replace my Marineland for the Samsuns they work much better no noise and no air I have 2 sunsun 404b an 703b
I have 2 Marineland C-360’s. The valve blocks leak significantly during filter maintenance. I have to put a bucket under the disconnected valve block to avoid flooding my floor! I even ordered new valve blocks and they leak just as bad when disconnected. Recently, after 3 years of use, one filter developed a slow leak and flooded the floor under the tank. Fortunately, I had multiple water alarms positioned around and under the tank and I caught it early. I will never buy another Marineland canister filter. I will stick with Fluvals or Eheims. I had luck with Rena filters in the past, as well. Not sure those are still manufactured.
@David Hoffman yah never again here lol I went and bought a ( SUNSUN HW 704B CANISTER and they cheap but I'm telling they some great filters No leaks and Quiet and great war flow
Is this to much for 55 and 75 gallon tanks?
It may be. I'd recommend a Sicce Whale canister for a 55 or 75
You’re missing a pro trick. The inlet cage comes apart and a small strip of course sponge can be slid in for tank setups with either small fish or sand substrate.
Yessssssss I was just wondering if it’d suck my hillstreams up to the cage and keep them there
Or my snails
Do you think they’d be able to explore it freely or is it too strong and will make them stuck
@Aquariums Anonymous your loaches should be okay and not be stuck, however if your tank looks like you lost one or 2 don't panic as the way the filter works any fish sucked in will be swimming about in the outer compartment (outside the sponge walls)quite happily as long as your service interval is once a month or fortnightly, snails will live and breed in any filter that they can fit in..
Do you do a water change every week on this tank?
Yep, about 25-30% weekly
Sicce Whale filters are good. I had the 500... But the volume of the trays and motor and build quality are better on the Hydor Professional 600. Which they sadly discontinued in the US for now... This happened after the bankruptcy and ownership change. I owned pretty much most brand's top end filters. The ones WAY.. I mean WAAAY on the top and equal to each other for different reasons are the Fluval FX series, Hydor Professional series, and ADA Super Jet series (With ADA, only 600 and up. The smaller ones have cheaper Chinese built motors)
The FX 6 has the best functionality though. The Ugliest at the same time XD. I had the previous version of the FX6. I just got my new one with the upgrades, the A219. My old one was still mint though. I still have one of my 2 Hydor Pro 600s. One leaked after 8 years. But 8 years is damn good. And the motor is a friggin' monster in that one. My other 2 filters are an ADA Super jet 1200 and a 2400. I will only consider any other brands if they hit the mark of these 3. Which may happen or may never happen XD
How far would you say the intake needs to be from the sand?
The box says 3 inches. I realize this is very late but setting up and just read that.
Do you think it would work for saltwater too
Yep
Just grabbed one on a Black Friday sale from PetSmart for 250 !!!! Today !
Wow very nice!
You mentioned Seashed is that a filter type or a fish store?
It’s a filter from Sicce. Haven’t used their canisters but would like to
Hello ! What about the fx6 noice ??
It’s been the quietest canister I’ve used so far
Can you put more bio media in chemical part of you don’t need chemicals ?
If*
Yep, that’s usually what I’d recommend!
@@CichlidBros cool thanks a lot!
Would I need one or two FX6 for a 210 gallon?
I run 2fx6s on a 120g overstocked tank. Highly recommend 2 for increase Bio, water flow and redundancy especially on a 210g.
Isn’t an FX6 rated for 400g? Why use two? Is it just for preference?
Yep mainly preference. The gph does slow down as debris accumulates, so the rating on the box should usually be taken with a grain of salt