Looking For Advise On External Filters

[petertr]

I've always fancied an External Filter, but have never known enough about them to take the plunge.


Someone is selling a FX 5 on these boards at the moment - and it sounds like a cracking filter.

The Fluval FX5 is a large capacity, multi-stage external canister filter system. 607 U.S. Gal. (2,300 L)/H, enabling precise management of water conditions for aquariums as large as 400 U.S. Gal. (1,500 L).
A self-priming instant-start system that eliminates the need for manual siphoning.
Unique click-fit AquaStop Valves that regulate water flow, rotate at 55 degree angles and allow for fast set-up and leak-proof maintenance.
A purge valve that allows for partial discharge of debris without needing to move the unit
Multi-directional twin output nozzles to create specific water flows
Fluval FX5 Smart Pump Technology (patent pending) ensures quiet, efficient operation. This self-priming system provides plug-in-and-start convenience.
Lift-out stack of media baskets.

230-240V, 50 Hz
48 W
2300 L/H (607 U.S. Gal./H)
For aquariums up to 1500 L (400 U.S. Gal.)
Smart Pump technology ensures optimum flow
Self Priming (plug & start)
Automatic water change function
Large, clog-proof strainer
Setup & maintenance guide on DVD
Media supplied - 6 foam filter blocks
Additional filter media sold separately

Would the current this produces be too much for discus in a 300 Litre tank?

Would it provide better performance than the Rio 300 Box filter + an extra Fluval 4 ?


Anyone got any other advise for me?

 

[freerunner416]

Hi,

I have discus and have the tetratec 1200 on a 260 litre tank. My tank is slightly overstocked but is heavily over filtered. The current can be quite strong but you can always turn it down slightly or you can direct the current at the back of the tank wall to diffuse it slightly.

I have never had a Fluval filter but from reading about it i think the FX5 is pretty good filter. I will never go back to internal filters on my big tanks again. The external is just so much easier to use.

I dont think that the current the FX5 would produce would affect your discus that much. If your interested in it go for it!!

 

[aaronnorth]

it will be fine, i know someone who is running it on a 240l tank (no discus though) He loves it.

You could always split the pipe to provide 2 outlets, or get a larger pipe. (upsize the pipe by hose connecters)

 

[8inary]

I use the FX5. I swear by them. A lot of my friends who also keep fish, swapped out their eheims after seeing my fx5 in action.

the flow rate is great and will clear your tank up without any issues. It does stopped for a minute once every 24hours to purge any air out, it is self priming and for the money, i dont think theres much that can touch it.

you cannot go wrong by it!

 

[Anguilla82]

yeah i'd totally agree with what has already been said. i've got one on my 5 foot tank and its brilliant. I have directed the outlet hose to go behind a plastic baffle in the corner of the tank, to limit the flow through the tank, as its planted, so a similar thing would be good for you to do, as i don't think discus like a strong flow.

 

[petertr]

Thanks VERY much for the fast and excellent replies.


Just need to negotiate a better price now.



As an aside, is it much better than this one, that I've been looking at on ebay:
http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...A:IT&ih=017

 

[8inary]

I agree with Anguilla - once installed, if you think the flow is too much, bounce it down the back of your tank, see if that help to break up the flow. the outlet pipe will or should have two directional outlets, so you can direct the flow as you wish.

 

[aaronnorth]

it is a lot better than the 404, it contains more media and has more flow, worth the money.

 

[petertr]

it is a lot better than the 404, it contains more media and has more flow, worth the money.

Ta