Need a smaller external than FX6

[itiwhetu]

Temperature is best controlled on high flow systems by putting the thermostat near to the out flow of the pump and the heater down stream, then the tank is controlled by the in flowing water and the heated water runs away from the thermostat

 

[Lajos_Detari]

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.

Did you read my previous posts before making any comments?
Please read before making any comments.

 

[Lunar Jetman]

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:

View attachment 119577​

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?

That looks nice mate. I have actually also heard of Discus keepers using larger filters to help keep the water clean.

Is it the noise of the filter itself or the water going back in? I’ve got an FX4 and my outlet is under the water so don’t have that sound at all. If that’s your problem just top the tank up/lower the output nozzles under the water.

If you’re worried about surface agitation, stick in an air stone on a timer so it comes on during the day when no one is in or in the middle of the night when you’re all asleep.

 

[Lunar Jetman]

Did you read my previous posts before making any comments?
Please read before making any comments.

Yes I did and you’re still wrong about faster flow rates and the cycle in a filter....

 

[seangee]

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

One of those delightful myths the filter manufacturers love so much.
A tank should be an ecosystem that does not require additional filtration. None of my tanks need filtration and I have absolute confidence that if any of my filters fail while I am away for 3 weeks (like now), I will not see an ammonia or nitrite spike or lose fish. That allows me to choose a filter with the right flow for my fish (and in some of the tanks that is incredibly low) and my main use of the filter is to provide circulation and mechanical filtration.

 

[mbsqw1d]

That looks nice mate. I have actually also heard of Discus keepers using larger filters to help keep the water clean.

Is it the noise of the filter itself or the water going back in? I’ve got an FX4 and my outlet is under the water so don’t have that sound at all. If that’s your problem just top the tank up/lower the output nozzles under the water.

If you’re worried about surface agitation, stick in an air stone on a timer so it comes on during the day when no one is in or in the middle of the night when you’re all asleep.

Yeh its just the hum of the filter itself, but I think some of it is the cabinet vibrating as if I open a door on the cabinet for example, the humming quietens a little. The filter is sat on a soundproofing mat designed for washing machines to sit on. But maybe I need to do more.

 

[Lunar Jetman]

Yeh its just the hum of the filter itself, but I think some of it is the cabinet vibrating as if I open a door on the cabinet for example, the humming quietens a little. The filter is sat on a soundproofing mat designed for washing machines to sit on. But maybe I need to do more.

Fair enough. Maybe a few screws need tightening/adjusting or some cushion pads between the door handle side and the cabinet so it doesn’t vibrate as much together.

If you can’t live with it after further attempts to resolve you could look at a smaller model. They’re all going to have vibrations of a sort I would expect, but smaller should be quieter.

If you do go that route and the FX6 is in reasonable condition, you could stick it up on eBay to help pay for the replacement.

Personally I’d try to exhaust all options on the FX6 first before getting rid of it as it’s a decent filter, which I’m sure you know.