Equipment Review and Discussion :: just irdered an fx6 filter

[Rjs]

I am looking into adding an elbow o my intake pipes so it sits on the bottom of my tank ???

[Rjs]

Have you guys tried using poly-fil loose as filter floss or poly-fil batting as a buffer pad?
In which tray?
In what order?

I have been seeing fresh and salt water aquarium canister filtration systems on YouTube people are using this?

[steve]

No one implied that you were not going to do a water change, but you won't benefit from that level of over filtration. If you want to do less water changes, then you need more water. Larger tanks will require less maintenance.

Poly-fil batting or floss will clog very quickly against turtle waste.

This page recommends the filter layout: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=30145

[Rjs]

Steve is that your opinion or your experience? ( poly-fil)

[Rjs]

Fluval Water Polishing Pads are extra thick micro-fine polyester pads that effectively trap micro particles and debris as water passes through. Fluval Water Polishing Pads are ideally used when cloudy water occurs or after tank maintenance to provide crystal clear aquarium water. For freshwater and marine aquariums. For use with Fluval FX5 External Canister Filter, sold separately.

[steve]

I don't use it, but it's usually used around here to pick up very fine waste when we're adding sand as a substrate. Otherwise, it's not really discussed.

[ljapa]

For polyfil or polishing pads, I've heard that they clog fast and are not recommended.

However, I've never tried them. I'd say go for it and report back.

I will say that new carbon does an amazing job on water clarity, and I can speak from experience there. I used carbon for many years, but eventually pulled it from my filter because I have a planted refugium. The carbon can pull some micronutrients the plants can use.

When using carbon, my water looked awesome after cleaning the filter and replacing the carbon. Once I stopped, my water looked good, but never as nice as it did when using carbon.

[Kansasslider]

Having 2 or more filters won't make your water changes any easier. If anything you will have more work to do as you will have to clean more filters. I have 2 filters and trust me its more work. I still have to siphon the sand no matter how many filters I use. Instead of spending 3 bills on another fx you might consider a wavemaker instead. They are cheap and really add good circulation to your tank. The more circulation you have the more junk your filter will pick up. I also don't recommend the fine polishing pad. I tried it years ago and all it does is clog up fast. Carbon and purigen keeps my water crystal clear. As far as putting the outflow on the bottom of the tank it might work for you but in my case because my setup is close to the ground it didn't. The water pressure kept the air from escaping the filter when it turned off to purge.

[Rjs]

I thought sand was not to be used for turtles due to they eat it??? I do have river rocks about 1-1/2 to 2 inches I read in this forum river racks are a no no?
I am looking into a wave maker any recommendations to use or stay away from?

[steve]

Sand is a good substrate, as there are fewer instances of impaction. If the turtle aggressively eats it, then yes, you should remove it. River rocks are fine as long as they are large enough but avoid using too many as they trap waste and debris. I'm not sure about a wave maker, what kind do you have in mind?

[Rjs]

Don't know Steve that's why I was asking about it. Kansas bring it up....I really didn't want to have to many things in my tank I am getting a universal rock back wall with a 2 inch cap on it I want to hide all my stuff behind it...that's why I have one fx6 setup with intake in far left side and the return on top of the water level on right side...I was to install the second fx6 it would go in the middle with the return at water level. But if I have to use a wave maker maybe I can have them make a custom rock that the wave maker can be housed...but I don't want one that will fail in a year....

I have bought 3 air stones by top fin but 2 broke in half the other the plastic connector came out

[steve]

Oh, I re-read his post. Yes, he makes a good point.. instead of additional filters, use a wave maker or powerhead to increase the circulation in the tank. It will definitely help the filter catch more waste/debris.