Need a smaller external than FX6

[mbsqw1d]

This fx6 came with the tank (roma 240) and its overkill. I have little to no experience with externals, my other tank has an APS which seems to be doing ok.. it could be a little stonger.

Anyway, fluval are obviously a decent make.. could anyone suggest a smaller model? FX5..?

 

[Lajos_Detari]

What is your aquarium size?
Actually the manufacturer will have the specs for each filter.
FX-5 can be used for aquarium up to 400 gallons.(1500 liters) See my attachment.

For other aquarium sizes, you can check this link.:

External Archives - Fluval USA

Fluval USA - External

fluvalaquatics.com

Yes, Fluval is a good brand. Eheim is also another good brand.

 

[mbsqw1d]

Hi LD, its 240 litre, or 63 gallons.

 

[Lajos_Detari]

Hi LD, its 240 litre, or 63 gallons.

You can consider Fluval 207 or 306.
If you have mostly smaller fish, I think 207 is enough with slower pump output(flow rate).
But if you have bigger fish, then 306 is better as it has bigger media capacity and can store more beneficial bacteria.

Or you can even combine a 207 with one hang one filter such as the C3 or C4.

https://fluvalaquatics.com/us/product/207-performance-canister-filter-up-to-45-us-gal-220-l/

https://fluvalaquatics.com/us/product/306-canister-filter/

Clip-On Archives - Fluval USA

Fluval USA - Clip-On

fluvalaquatics.com

 

[itiwhetu]

I would try two internals one at each end Halea is cheap but are pretty reliable they make filters with various flow rates. I would usually use two Halea 400's on a 240 liter tank

 

[Guyb93]

I personally wouldn’t down grade a filter if the flow of the fx6 is too strong just simply turn the in and out flow down on the top of the filter

 

[mbsqw1d]

I personally wouldn’t down grade a filter if the flow of the fx6 is too strong just simply turn the in and out flow down on the top of the filter

Does this not impact the motor at all? Thought it might put it under some sort of strain?

 

[Lajos_Detari]

I personally wouldn’t down grade a filter if the flow of the fx6 is too strong just simply turn the in and out flow down on the top of the filter

You don't use a 1500 liter tank filter(FX6) for a 240 liter tank.
FX6 has pump output of 3500l/h and filter circulation of 2130l/h.
Your fish will be blown away by the strong current. Your fish will constantly struggle in swimming and they will run out of energy with current that is too strong for them.

Whenever you select a filter, you follow the guides given by the manufacturer or you can choose the next bigger size available.
You don't choose a filter that is 6 times bigger than your tank require filter.

Nevertheless, if you really want to use FX6, you can add a prefilter and adjust the flow rate to the minimum.

 

[Guyb93]

You don't use a 1500 liter tank filter(FX6) for a 240 liter tank.
FX6 has pump output of 3500l/h and filter circulation of 2130l/h.
Your fish will be blown away by the strong current. Your fish will constantly struggle in swimming and they will run out of energy with current that is too strong for them.

Whenever you select a filter, you follow the guides given by the manufacturer or you can choose the next bigger size available.
You don't choose a filter that is 6 times bigger than your tank require filter.

Nevertheless, if you really want to use FX6, you can add a prefilter and adjust the flow rate to the minimum.

All fx model filters come with flow rate adjust so there’s no need to blow the fish away , plus there is ways around by adjusting the out flow so it’s parallel with the water surface hence no strong flow and more water agitation , Iv always been told you can’t over filter

 

[Lajos_Detari]

All fx model filters come with flow rate adjust so there’s no need to blow the fish away , plus there is ways around by adjusting the out flow so it’s parallel with the water surface hence no strong flow and more water agitation , Iv always been told you can’t over filter

Of course everyone knows that canister filters have flow rate adjuster unless you buy the cheap canister filters that cannot be adjusted.
But even at minimum flow rate, the flow rate is still too much when you are using a filter that is cater for 6 times your tank size.

There is no reason for you to have a flow rate that is too strong. Even the manufacturers don't recommend that.
In fact Fluval recommendation for flow rate is only about 2-3 times the tank volume per hour (3500/1500 l/h : if based on pump output) or about 1.5-2 times the tank volume per hour(2130/1500 l/h if based on filter circulations).

Do you know that the beneficial bacteria inside the filter media need time to convert the ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate?
You need to give time for the bacteria in the filter media to have longer possible contact with water in order to carry out these works.
If your flow rate is too strong, probably you only get mechanical filtrations and not biological nor chemical filtrations.

 

[itiwhetu]

Why not just run two internal filters as I suggested earlier. Have a neutral natural base, plant the tank between 30-50% and use the biological power of that to run your tank. With a good base and good plants your filter then only needs to move water and pick up excess food.

 

[Lunar Jetman]

Do you know that the beneficial bacteria inside the filter media need time to convert the ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate?
You need to give time for the bacteria in the filter media to have longer possible contact with water in order to carry out these works.
If your flow rate is too strong, probably you only get mechanical filtrations and not biological nor chemical filtrations.

Sorry, but that’s incorrect. You’re confusing flow rate through the filter with flow rate in the tank. If you’re saying the filter is too fast for the cycle to work then what difference does it matter on the size of the tank? The filter works perfectly fine at that flow rate.

Also, many types of fish live in fast moving rivers so are perfectly happy in current.

Basically it’s down to personal preference. You could quite happily run that filter in that tank but you wouldn’t want to put fish that prefer slow moving water without reducing the flow rate. You can turn the taps (actually I think it might just be one of them, would need to check the manual) and this can reduce the current.

I‘d say the previous owner might have kept a well planted tank where this flow rate would have kept the plants moving and nutrients flowing around the tank.

 

[mbsqw1d]

Surprisingly, the previous owner kept Discus! And it wasnt heavily planted either
I've only got Odessa Barbs in there at the moment, I've never noticed them being blown around. The tank is planted too:

The noise of the filter was pushing me to downsize too.. or maybe I just need to figure out how to better soundproof the cabinet?

 

[itiwhetu]

My wife hates the sound of a filter that is why I am now completely internal

 

[Guyb93]

Of course everyone knows that canister filters have flow rate adjuster unless you buy the cheap canister filters that cannot be adjusted.
But even at minimum flow rate, the flow rate is still too much when you are using a filter that is cater for 6 times your tank size.

There is no reason for you to have a flow rate that is too strong. Even the manufacturers don't recommend that.
In fact Fluval recommendation for flow rate is only about 2-3 times the tank volume per hour (3500/1500 l/h : if based on pump output) or about 1.5-2 times the tank volume per hour(2130/1500 l/h if based on filter circulations).

Do you know that the beneficial bacteria inside the filter media need time to convert the ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate?
You need to give time for the bacteria in the filter media to have longer possible contact with water in order to carry out these works.
If your flow rate is too strong, probably you only get mechanical filtrations and not biological nor chemical filtrations.

The only downside I experienced on over filtering was temperature control the water didn’t seem to heat as well as a less filtered tank , but depends on your stock , my stock would have no issue with a high flow rate as they are middle to bottom dwelling fish obviously if you have guppy ect there might be issues , it’s all personal opinion and as for beneficial bacteria maybe that would be an issue if you have no substrate or decor, I’m no expert in this but before I upgraded to my 500l I ran an fx4 on a 250l for a while with no water problems no spikes or mini cycles and it also allowed me to remove my air pump and stone be cause of the increased airation