Equipment Review and Discussion :: what kind of media do you recommend for a fluval FX5

[PetriTheTurtle]

Petri is finally getting an upgrade! Since getting a larger tank for her, my old Fluval 304(?) hasn't really been able to keep up. Since money was tight I bought a cheap whisper filter to help with circulation and resigned myself to doing frequent water changes.

But I finally have a little extra cash so I bought a Fluval FX5 for $199 on ebay last night. So I was curious, those of you that have the FX5, do you like it? and, what do you think is the best media to use in it?

Thanks in advance!

[Daniel3507]

in my FX5 i have:
Top basket: pre filter mixed with a little bio media
Middle: carbon and fine filter pad
Bottom: all bio media

does me pretty good

[BullDog]

Good deal!
I loved the FX5 so much, I bought a second one to replace my ageing 404

My media:
Top: Prefilter + coarse filtration pads (actually an air filter )
Middle: Carbon + bioballs (Just put them in last change, I got them in a "deal" with some carbon).
Bottom: All biomax (biomedia).


Personally, I don't really recommend the Fluval prefilter. I find the gaps are too big, and let most of the gunk through (which is why I added the coarse filtration). But in the FX5, the 6 foam pads around the outside do a pretty good job at getting the big stuff out.

It's really trial and error. I would recommend transferring most of the media from your 304 into the FX5 to start (to preserve your beneficial bacteria), and add and subtract as you feel needed

[bearsphan3.14]

Does anyone use the Fluval Clearmax? It used to be called Green-X.
Here is what it says:Fluval ClearMax
Traps phosphate, nitrite and nitrate
Provides crystal clear water and
creates ideal conditions for fish and
plants
For fresh and saltwater

[BullDog]

Myself, I haven't heard of clearmax. I don't know if anyone here uses it.

[Chrisbarnett]

From looking at it, it used to be called Phos-X not Green-X. I've never personally used it, but if you want to remove phosphates in your water (a key cause of algae) then you could use it if you want. I've been thinking about getting some phosphate remover chips to put in my canister filter. I just don't really need them.

[bearsphan3.14]

I just got my FX5 for my new 100 gal and I am a newbie to canister filters. I just thought it would be good for the nitrate & nitrite removal. I'll throw it in anyway if it doesn't hurt