I built the stand for it, bought a used Fluval on Craigslist, spent a week cleaning the bejeezus out of it, and spent all morning somewhat hectically emptying the tank, cleaning the tank, moving the tank and refilling it with as much of it's original water as possible.
The only major problem with the filter is that an FX5 is super overkill for my 40gal tank
As soon as I hooked it up in a plastic tub to clean it and test it, I realized I had a serious whirlpool going. So, instead of just cranking the output valve down 50% and losing the high flow rate, I decided to build something to spread out the output. I ended up with what is basically a submerged spray bar that wraps the corner, each leg is about 15"
It's 1/2" PVC painted black (Krylon Fusion) with a ton of holes drilled in it. I had to use a stainless steel hose clamp to get it to fit in the output hose. I tried 3/4" PVC, but it just wouldn't fit. It works like a charm. Flow is at 100% and it's barely noticeable.
The only remaining problem is that I had to move the floating dock from the back to the side, due to the output... unfortunately, the intake is sorta in the way.
I guess I could put it on the front wall, but I think it would be awful looking. I'll play with it and see what I can figure out. The Captain is still small enough that he can get up there, but I guess I may just have to start working on a top deck basking area, which I kinda wanted to do anyway
Anywho- I'm happy, and so is Captain Spaulding!
