Fluval FX6

[DiscusOnly]

Finally decided to retire my Eheim and Fluval 304 on my 90 gallon.

All I can say is wow...the FX6 is one big strong filter. Out of the box, I think it's a great filter but I am debating on converting it to spray bar as the output is really strong. The hose is much bigger than my old ones so still need to modify the output for inline heater. I like the design of this canister much better than those older clip on lid.

[dagray]

I have one and will be building a spray bar for it as that is the only way I can figure to control the output to keep the volume of water flow without creating current.

Mine will be replacing a Fluval 406, and a Marineland Magnum 350 canister filters as well as a Marineland HOB filter.

This will save me space under the stand as well as give better filtration.

[DiscusOnly]

Are you planning to do it with PVC and drill?

I was thinking of trying to cut a few slit across a 20" PVC and see how it goes.

[dagray]

I picked up a Fluval spray bar kit and will try that, otherwise it will be 0ne inch or bigger PVC to make the hanger and then use the PVC that is the size of the filter hose to make the spray bar by drilling 1/4 inch or a little bigger holes down the line of the PVC.

[wcav]

Use 1/8 inch size holes and 3/4 inch pvc for the spray bar.How long is tank anyway?You may want to put a valve to control on the flow also. I use spay bars on all my tanks and if you adjust the position of the holes to be at an angle to the water's surface you can get great water movement.Do not glue up the parts over the water until you have it adjusted just right.Have fun!!

[dagray]

My tank is 48 inches long (standard 75 gallon). I plan to make the spraybar out of the size PVC that the filter hose is, and the reason for the larger holes is so that debris (pond snails) will pass through. I may use smaller holes closer to the filter and larger holes at the far end of the tank.

I plan to glue an end cap in place and glue on a 90 degree elbow, and use two sized up PVC to make a hangar that I can slip the spray bar into.

My plan is to bounce the flow of the spraybar off the back of the tank.

[DiscusOnly]

That's the way I had my two spray bar position with the old filter (one pointing down and the other angle toward the back wall). For the FX6, I am thinking of running the spray bar at the bottom of the tank. I too have a 48" tank but 29" deep.

[dagray]

interesting concept... spraybar at the bottom angled to the glass... that would diffuse the output with the glass and the water above... hmmmmm

[DiscusOnly]

I have some Angels in this tank that are showing signs of spawning. I figure what I will do is connect the output of the FX6 to a 1 1/2 PVC (vertical) Have a 90 bend at the bottom and have a PVC going across. I am trying to grow out my jungle vals to cover the entire bottom of the tank. I am trying to create a carpet like grass and just keep them to 4"-5". The vertical PVC will be their spawning cone.

Now I doubt any babies will survive with all the other fish in there but just wanted to give it a try.

[dagray]

I might go flexible clear tubing instead of the rigid PVC for your vertical line for ease of pulling out the spray bar and cleaning it. Also with a clear nylon or vinyl line you will be able to see particulates, flow, and??? in your filter line (giving you an indication of when it needs to be cleaned).

[Ryan]

The FX6 seems like a really large filter for a 75... I have two FX5 and one FX6, and they are on 150 - 210 gallon tanks. We're talking about a filter that can run up to 925 gph.

[dagray]

I did the math, and with the Marineland "Emporer 180", the Marineland Magnum 350 Canister, and the Fluval 406 I am pushing close to 750 gph now.

My plan is to eliminate the other filters (keep the Fluval and Marineland HOB as backup filters) run the output of the FX 6 as a spray bar, and I have a big stump I can use to diffuse the flow of the FX6 or I can run the output vertical in the far corner away from the intake line and run it so it empties straight down as close to the bottom of the tank as possible to cut current and maintain volume.

I also will run a low flow pump to pump water through a Coralife 6x UV filter, and be able to get away from running any airstones for any thing other than décor.

[DiscusOnly]

The FX6 seems like a really large filter for a 75... I have two FX5 and one FX6, and they are on 150 - 210 gallon tanks. We're talking about a filter that can run up to 925 gph.


I think the FX6 is a bit big for my 90gal but I really wanted to clean up the stand until my tank. I was getting sick of slow leaking Fluval 304 and Eheim (they are great filters, just too old). Refurbishing them isn't cheap either.

I am definitely over filtering this tank, especially since it's not even a discus tank.

[zenche]

I think the FX6 is a bit big for my 90gal but I really wanted to clean up the stand until my tank. I was getting sick of slow leaking Fluval 304 and Eheim (they are great filters, just too old). Refurbishing them isn't cheap either.

I am definitely over filtering this tank, especially since it's not even a discus tank.

I know i'm resurrecting a 1.5yr old thread...but did anyone figure out how to get a spray bar for the FX5/6?

[Jason.M]

I recently put a 5' spray bar on my 125 gallon with an fx5. Works great. It's 3/4 inch cpvc with 1/4 inch holes. I think I'm going to redo it with 1" cpvc. I'm worried the 3/4 might be choking it off a bit. I went with 1/4" holes so the water would not spray as hard. The end closet to the output hose still sprays pretty strong though.

[Ryan925]

Is it just deceiving or is the fx6 about the size of a small shop vac. Looks huge

[Ryan]

They are huge.

[CraigJ]

Is it just deceiving or is the fx6 about the size of a small shop vac. Looks huge

I've got an FX5 and I'll let you decide :)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3848/33171164716_37d243b51c_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SxdTB3)

[Ryan925]

I've got an FX5 and I'll let you decide :)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3848/33171164716_37d243b51c_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SxdTB3)

Lol that's kinda what I thought.

[BABYJIZAY]

I recently put a 5' spray bar on my 125 gallon with an fx5. Works great. It's 3/4 inch cpvc with 1/4 inch holes. I think I'm going to redo it with 1" cpvc. I'm worried the 3/4 might be choking it off a bit. I went with 1/4" holes so the water would not spray as hard. The end closet to the output hose still sprays pretty strong though.

Hi there, do you have a picture of the spray bar you made?

[Willie]

Does anyone have problems with the FX series leaking? I had a Fluval 406 and gave up on it after six month of struggling with leakage.

Willie

[Ryan]

I have three FX5 and an FX6 and I’ve never had a leak. Just make sure the initial setup is secure with the provided hose clamps and always make sure the lid is screwed down well and the outlets are fully seated.