Equipment Review and Discussion :: Talk to me about the FX5.

[therabbittree]

I've got two females..roughly 6" each in a 75 gal now.. I know, I know... its too small. I change the water weekly and up until 2 weeks ago had dual filters on it. I've had the turtles for over 5 years... 2 years in this size tank and 3 in a 55 gal... They don't fight etc, and have grown up from small babies together. I got them from a case I prosecuted against the sellers in NYC..ie illegally selling undersize turtles under 3" carpace etc...
Any how, I'm saving $ for a bigger tank ie 220 or 240 gal tank..but its tight $ wise and space wise. I only have one spot for the tank ..etc.. I only want to buy a good expensive filter once..so when I step up to a larger tank I'll be already set filterwise.
Thanks,
Deo

[BullDog]

I may have missed it but what size tank is your FX5 used on? Also what size are you turtles that are living in it?

I've got a 75 gal and 90 gal, with 7" and 8.5" RES, respectively. They've both got atbas, so the tanks are filled right up.

[Rubicon]

I've got two females..roughly 6" each in a 75 gal now.. I know, I know... its too small. I change the water weekly and up until 2 weeks ago had dual filters on it. I've had the turtles for over 5 years... 2 years in this size tank and 3 in a 55 gal... They don't fight etc, and have grown up from small babies together. I got them from a case I prosecuted against the sellers in NYC..ie illegally selling undersize turtles under 3" carpace etc...
Any how, I'm saving $ for a bigger tank ie 220 or 240 gal tank..but its tight $ wise and space wise. I only have one spot for the tank ..etc.. I only want to buy a good expensive filter once..so when I step up to a larger tank I'll be already set filterwise.
Thanks,
Deo

Why not just get another 75 and make a connecting ATBA??

[therabbittree]

no space for two tanks...I only have on spot for tank unless in basement..but that would be pointless.. the spot I have only can fit a 6 foot tank max and I have a 4 foot tank on there now...its the divider between my kitchen and dining room etc..

[Rubicon]

I may have missed it but what size tank is your FX5 used on? Also what size are you turtles that are living in it?

I've got a 75 gal and 90 gal, with 7" and 8.5" RES, respectively. They've both got atbas, so the tanks are filled right up.

Wow nice!! So you have an FX5 on the 75 and 90?

[Rubicon]

Since this setup is going on a 75gallon I'm contemplating running a 404 and a 4+.

[BullDog]

Wow nice!! So you have an FX5 on the 75 and 90?

Yup. Someone was commenting how spoilt my turtles are, with an FX5 each

[papoopeepoo]

I did some research and found that though the FX5 is not as good with biological filtration as its competitor, the Eheim Pro 2080, it's much better with mechanical filtration, which I think is best for RESs. I ordered an FX5 last night, I should have it on Thursday (2/19). Ill keep you guys and gals posted on ease of setup and any other thoughts.

[papoopeepoo]

I got my FX5 today . The box was bigger than I expected, the delivery man struggled with it . The canister part is pretty large, but not awkwardly so. With the help of the manual and DVD, the setup was straight forward. All the parts feel like quality design and craftsmanship.

It took me about 45 minutes to set up the filter, after I did my regular tank maintenance and water change. The hardest part with managing all the filter media, rinsing it, and installing. Even that was not very difficult. The intake tube has a gigantic guard, which I'm happy to see, making it hard for my turtle to get anywhere close to getting stuck to it. I'm very happy that water flow can be regulated without damaging the motor because the full output is very powerful, and my turtle is only about 2 inches right now.

I'm pleased with the noise level that the filter makes. As I type this the sound of my keys nearly covers the low hum of the motor. This is my first Fluval, and I'm pleased so far.

Right now, for internal media, I'm using:
1) Carbon
2) Polishing Pad
3) Biomax

In the next week or two Ill be switching the carbon to the 2nd slot, then replacing the Polishing pad with Fluval pre-filter, and moving it up to the 1st slot.

Rubicon, with the help of a deal on eBay I got the filter & media for under $280. It's a bit steep for a filter, but it should work out in the long run. Alvin is gonna be spoiled, and I'm glad . Good Luck.

[BullDog]

Lol, I know what you mean about the box! When I ordered mine, the FX5 box was inside another box. The mail carrier left the box in the truck, then rang the bell, hoping nobody was home, and when I came to the door she's like, "Oh. I've got a really big box for you." So she had to go get it

Hope it works out well for you