Fluval FX5

[peanut95]

I have two fluval 404s on my 72 mixed reef and I would like to know if the fluval fx5 would be a good upgrade since my tank isn't drilled. thanks for any help. Greg

[emoore]

Why do you need the 404's? Do you have live rock? If so I would invest the money in powerheads for more flow.

[McCrary]

You have plenty of filtration, don't worry about adding another fluval.

[peanut95]

my 404s are shot. Yes I have about 80lbs live rock and about about 70lbs of sand.

[cubuffs]

I would recommend getting rid of the canister filters and do a HOB overflow into a 20ish gallon sump/fuge. You will get much more filtration from one of these setups than from a fluval. Just my opinion though....

[peanut95]

I thought about that but I don't like the overflow box idea.

[emoore]

Do you have a skimmer? You could ditch the 404s and get a powerhead or two for flow.

[peanut95]

yes I have a skimmer but I want the fluval for fish waste.

[peanut95]

does anyone have one. I would like to know if you like it?

[peanut95]

bump

[kodyboy]

I second getting rid of the fluvals, nitrate factories
get a lifereef overflow or a hurricane overflow both work well
get a decent skimmer with your sump, an octopus mw150 would work great

[wtac]

If you are adamant of using a canister filter, avoid Fluvals. Eheim or Rena XP are much better choices. Better build, better engineered and they last.

The FX5 IMHO, an Eheim 2260 Italian made knockoff. The fittings are the same as their Laguna pond productline they just don't last the test of time. The motor is on the bottom and electronically pauses for gassing off...well put the motor on the top and there is no need for another gadget to fail...which they have.

If you have a quality skimmer, good internal circulation, get an AquaClear 300 or 500 (whatever # they call it today) and use it for chem media. MUCH easier changing it from an HOB filter than a canister or use as a fuge as someone suggested...and you get water flow.

JM2C