Fluval FX5 hits USA shores

paulfromero · 01/28/2006, 11:51 PM

Hi,

Today, I installed a new Fluval FX5 cannister filter for my 300g tank. Its brand new to the U.S., as far as I know, and it is only at my local LFS...not on the internet yet. I paid $289 including tax for this guy, and I believe it was money well spent. Using the included installation DVD, the setup went smoothly. My only complaint is that Fluval provides the minimum length of 1" flex pipe for a basic installation. At only 9.8' of total provided length, you'd best not make a mistake cutting (you wont be able to get replacement Fluval pipe yet) or dont have a non-standard install (filter will work with up to 17' total length of pipe, however). Since this filter is aimed at large tanks, it seems to me that many people will require extra pipe.

The FX5 recirulates 607 gallons of water per hour; it accommodates 1.5 gallons of media; it incorporates an electronics circuit board to continually monitor the pump, impeller speed and force. It stops automatically once every 24 hours for two minutes to evacuate any air from the system. It also features a purge valve at the cannister base for draining water during maintenance and before moving it.

I know this sounds like a Fluval ad, but this filter is significant in that its the first Fluval to be rated at 400 gallon tank; in my opinion its equal to 2 1/2 Fluval 404s.

Here are some photos.

Thanks,

Paul

paulfromero · 01/28/2006, 11:54 PM

The FX5 1" intake is on the left

paulfromero · 01/28/2006, 11:58 PM

Here is a shot of the Output manifold. While it does give significant flow plus acres of sponge filter area and media storage, I wouldnt consider it a substitute for a big Iwaki or similar closed loop circulation pump.

Paul

paulfromero · 01/29/2006, 12:00 AM

The cover of the manual has a good shot of the whole filter. Inside, its easy to read, and there is an included
DVD that gives good installation tips.

Paul

Zoalander · 01/29/2006, 12:08 AM

I don't understand why canister filter are still used. My nitrates were always between 10-20ppm until I removed my fluval 304. I just use it now once in a while to run carbon.

horkn · 01/29/2006, 12:13 AM

i use a canister filter for both carbon and phoslock..

i never have had any detectable nitrate since the tank went though its cycle.

but, that said, a caniter filter really doesnt have much use in reef tanks- at least outside of water polishing....

paulfromero · 01/29/2006, 12:42 AM

Hi,

I am running the FX5 and two 404s. They seem to do a good job of polishing the water, removing large particles, and housing the chemi-pure media. Every two months, I replace 4 of the chemi-pures and clean out the filters. I dont do water changes, but there is a top off system for evaporation (about 2 gals a day +/-). My tank does not have sps, but it does have 6 fat and happy tangs, 4 angels, 3 wrasse, 2 cardinals, a 3 day old banded cat shark, a clown, an engineer goby, 4 pseudochromis, and a mandarin. Softies include gorgonians, zoos, and mushrooms.

Paul

01/28/2006, 11:51 PM	#1
paulfromero Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 471	Fluval FX5 hits USA shores Hi, Today, I installed a new Fluval FX5 cannister filter for my 300g tank. Its brand new to the U.S., as far as I know, and it is only at my local LFS...not on the internet yet. I paid $289 including tax for this guy, and I believe it was money well spent. Using the included installation DVD, the setup went smoothly. My only complaint is that Fluval provides the minimum length of 1" flex pipe for a basic installation. At only 9.8' of total provided length, you'd best not make a mistake cutting (you wont be able to get replacement Fluval pipe yet) or dont have a non-standard install (filter will work with up to 17' total length of pipe, however). Since this filter is aimed at large tanks, it seems to me that many people will require extra pipe. The FX5 recirulates 607 gallons of water per hour; it accommodates 1.5 gallons of media; it incorporates an electronics circuit board to continually monitor the pump, impeller speed and force. It stops automatically once every 24 hours for two minutes to evacuate any air from the system. It also features a purge valve at the cannister base for draining water during maintenance and before moving it. I know this sounds like a Fluval ad, but this filter is significant in that its the first Fluval to be rated at 400 gallon tank; in my opinion its equal to 2 1/2 Fluval 404s. Here are some photos. Thanks, Paul

01/28/2006, 11:54 PM	#2
paulfromero Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 471	FX5 Intake vs. Fluval 404 intake The FX5 1" intake is on the left

01/28/2006, 11:58 PM	#3
paulfromero Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 471	FX5 Output manifold Here is a shot of the Output manifold. While it does give significant flow plus acres of sponge filter area and media storage, I wouldnt consider it a substitute for a big Iwaki or similar closed loop circulation pump. Paul

01/29/2006, 12:00 AM	#4
paulfromero Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 471	Manual....pretty....well done. The cover of the manual has a good shot of the whole filter. Inside, its easy to read, and there is an included DVD that gives good installation tips. Paul

01/29/2006, 12:08 AM	#5
Zoalander Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Oak Park Illinois Posts: 1,571	I don't understand why canister filter are still used. My nitrates were always between 10-20ppm until I removed my fluval 304. I just use it now once in a while to run carbon. __________________ Previously known as Vetter1980 Current Tank Info: 36x36x10 frag tank

01/29/2006, 12:13 AM	#6
horkn Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: milwaukee wisconsin Posts: 4,125	i use a canister filter for both carbon and phoslock.. i never have had any detectable nitrate since the tank went though its cycle. but, that said, a caniter filter really doesnt have much use in reef tanks- at least outside of water polishing.... __________________ people write stupid things in this space Current Tank Info: 200g DIY wood reef, 2x 250w SE 10k MH 2x80 t5ho, 75g sump, Geo Ca RX, ASD 6" recirc skimmer

01/29/2006, 12:42 AM	#7
paulfromero Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 471	my setup Hi, I am running the FX5 and two 404s. They seem to do a good job of polishing the water, removing large particles, and housing the chemi-pure media. Every two months, I replace 4 of the chemi-pures and clean out the filters. I dont do water changes, but there is a top off system for evaporation (about 2 gals a day +/-). My tank does not have sps, but it does have 6 fat and happy tangs, 4 angels, 3 wrasse, 2 cardinals, a 3 day old banded cat shark, a clown, an engineer goby, 4 pseudochromis, and a mandarin. Softies include gorgonians, zoos, and mushrooms. Paul