Fluval FX5

[Curtis]

Does anyone have experience with this filter (Fluval FX5)?

[crazy loaches]

Not personally but it is quite popular on other forums.

[Bitey]

If you're looking at a filter of that size and price, consider an Ocean Clear bead filter. It requires a separate pump but you'll get more flow. Water changes are combined with backflushing the filter. Just turn off the pump, flip a few valves, connect the drain hose, turn the pump on and wait a few minutes.

I haven't had to open up a filter to change media in 2 years.

[Curtis]

If you're looking at a filter of that size and price, consider an Ocean Clear bead filter. It requires a separate pump but you'll get more flow. Water changes are combined with backflushing the filter. Just turn off the pump, flip a few valves, connect the drain hose, turn the pump on and wait a few minutes.

I haven't had to open up a filter to change media in 2 years.

Which one do you have?

[Tinman]

I had an older one .The Rena XP-3 or XP-4 is superior and I bought one on line for 80.00 US with a link from the folks on this forum.The seal around the top is the issue for Fluval.The upper seal was a PIA at times and one of the little plastic tabs that held the top on broke off and that was the end for mine Flow rates are a little low on this style as Bitey pointed out but I find them very sufficient. Rena's will not bypass as most will after a few weeks or months of use either and the Fluval would as the baskets have holes in the sides. Tinman

[Bitey]

If you're looking at a filter of that size and price, consider an Ocean Clear bead filter. It requires a separate pump but you'll get more flow. Water changes are combined with backflushing the filter. Just turn off the pump, flip a few valves, connect the drain hose, turn the pump on and wait a few minutes.

I haven't had to open up a filter to change media in 2 years.

Which one do you have?

http://www.redseafish.com/Product.asp?d ... &proID=100

There's only one bead filter model. Initially, I thought I might need a micron filter as well to catch the small particles but after adding UV, my water is crystal clear.

[Curtis]

If you're looking at a filter of that size and price, consider an Ocean Clear bead filter. It requires a separate pump but you'll get more flow. Water changes are combined with backflushing the filter. Just turn off the pump, flip a few valves, connect the drain hose, turn the pump on and wait a few minutes.

I haven't had to open up a filter to change media in 2 years.

Which one do you have?

http://www.redseafish.com/Product.asp?d ... &proID=100

There's only one bead filter model. Initially, I thought I might need a micron filter as well to catch the small particles but after adding UV, my water is crystal clear.

What size tank do you have it on? What pump do you use with it? Do you have any other filtration on that tank?

I'm trying to get ideas for what my next filtration scheme is going to be.

Thanks.

[chris1932]

I have a Fluval FX5 on my wild South American 150xt tank. I will say it is a nice filter. I have Seachem Puregen and Peat in it so it drops flow in a months time. But you should be opening it up that often in my opinion anyway. If you are in the USA look to That Pet Place/That Fish Place for a good deal on one.

[Bitey]

What size tank do you have it on? What pump do you use with it? Do you have any other filtration on that tank?

I'm trying to get ideas for what my next filtration scheme is going to be.

I have it on a 125 gal acrylic tank stocked with cichlids. I've tried pretty much all the filters: the Magnum 350, Fluval, Filstar XP2, CPR wet/dry, and the Pentair modular filtration system. The Ocean Clear bead filter is by far my favorite. It's much easier to clean than the cannister or even wet/dry filters but doesn't have leaking or overflowing problems like the wet/dry and Pentair systems. I really dislike rinsing and bleaching micron cartridges or pads and then putting them through the dishwasher or washing machine to wash out the bleach.

I just have a Gen-X PCX-40 pump followed by the bead filter followed by an Aquaultraviolet 57W sterilizer. The water is crystal clear and nitrate is <5 ppm though that's mostly due to the UV and frequent water changes with RO water, respectively.

The Gen-X pump is reliable and affordable. It was kind of noisy but after breaking in, I don't notice it. It has an external fan to cool itself, minimizing heat transfer to the water.

Bead filters are very popular for fish farms and ponds but as far as I know, there's only one small enough for aquarium use. I think the Ocean Clear has the capacity to filter a small pond.