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What's the best flow pattern with a Fluval FX5? I have it set up with the intake on the left side of the rear glass of the tank and the 90-degree adjustable output on the right side rear corner. I have one nozzle blowing straight towards the intake, and one blowing towards the front glass. There seems to be a few small whirlpools where debris collects and just moves in small circles. Is there a more optimal setup?

Also, when I place my hand in front of the intake, I can barely feel any water flow. Is this normal? The output current is fairly strong, but the intake can't suck up larger pieces of debris from the bottom of the tank.

Whatever position seems to be effective in sweeping the debris toward the intake is good. In mine, I have one pointed toward the corner, and the other angled so it stirs up the surface water a bit. There is no one optimal setup.

As for the intake, yes, that's normal. If you look at the big strainer, if you put your hand at one part of it, the water simply sucks in on the other side. But if you watch it carefully, you should see little debris getting sucked in. The output should be strong.

Thanks, makes sense. I scooped out the big debris for now - I assume it was because my old filter was hugely inadequate and the debris eventually settled to the bottom, and new debris should get picked up more easily.

What about output height? I have mine right at the bottom of the tank since I have no substrate, and turtle poop usually sinks right down. I have the front-pointing output oriented vertically so the top does get some stirring. The nozzle toward the intake is oriented horizontally.

If the bottom is working for you, then that's fine. I've got mine about midway.