Fluval 405

[mannyfresh79]

Any recommendation on what kind of media I should use on the four different trays and in what order for a fowlr, 60 gal?

 

[spoonman]

use a small sump and not the canister. If you want to use it, just use the pads and live rock rubble. I used a canister for a while and changed to an HOB filter. Actually cheaper and easier to maintain. JMO

 

[mannyfresh79]

Ok, I already the canister, I'm planning to use it for a year and then going with a sump.

 

[baron1282]

I am using a Canister, and it has been great. No issues!! I don't know why people have issues with them. I do clean mine out every other week, as to not allow BIG stuff to linger in the filter.

 

[mannyfresh79]

I am using a Canister, and it has been great. No issues!! I don't know why people have issues with them. I do clean mine out every other week, as to not allow BIG stuff to linger in the filter.

Which canister do you have, and what media do you have in it.

 

[baron1282]

I use the Fluval 206. I use

Amazon.com: Hagen Fluval 106/206 Bio-Foam: Pet Supplies

Amazon.com: Fluval Carbon, 100-gram Nylon Bags - 3-Pack: Pet Supplies

Amazon.com: Fluval Biomax Bio Rings - 500 grams/17.63 ounces: Pet Supplies

Plus

Poly Filter

I put the poly filter in on top of the sponge filter, bio-rings, and active carbon. It's an extra filter in each chamber. I also have that BIG sponge filter it comes with on the other side of the filter. I have not replaced the sponges the filter came with, nor have I replaced the bio-rings it came with. I did add more bio-rings to the container as it seemed like the amount it came with was low. The carbon filter and poly filter is the only thing I change out.

When I go to clean it out, I first take out about 5 to 10 gallons of old fish tank water, and I disconnect the filter. I open the filter and place all the filter media into one of the 5 gallon buckets holding the old tank water. I take the canister part to the sink and clean it out with warm water (No soup). The filter media I shake off and with my hand brush off all the gunk and build up on the sponges and each little compartment.

I reassemble the filter and hook it up. Before I even prime it or turn in back on (Most important) I put a fish net over the return inside the tank. When I start to prime all the gunk comes out of the tubs and into the net (Not the fish tank). I turn it back on and all is good. I replace the Carbon about once every 2 months, and the poly filter once every 4 months. It has kept my tank nice and clean! I have had no Nitrate's building up, and my water is crystal clear!!

 

[baron1282]

I never though about using rock rubble, kind of make it like a little sump tank.

I guess that's an idea.

A sump is better, and I do plan on it down the road. I just like the filter right now. I might even keep it on with the sump tank. No amount of extra filtration is going to hurt your tank.

 

[mannyfresh79]

Thank you!!!

 

[Beengirl]

I have the Fluval 406 and I use the big thick black sponges, a few of the chemipure elite, purigen, and phosban in it. I took out the biomax and the water polishing pads. My water is fine. I do clean out the canister weekly, though.

 

[Beengirl]

I have the Fluval 406 and I use the big thick black sponges, a few of the chemipure elite, purigen, and phosban in it. I took out the biomax and the water polishing pads. My water is fine. I do clean out the canister weekly, though.

Oh!! And I still use the 4 long sponges too. Forgot to say that.

 

[mannyfresh79]

Oh!! And I still use the 4 long sponges too. Forgot to say that.

Ok, cool. Good to know!