Professional canister filter performance meets at-home convenience. Loaded with user-friendly features, the Fluval FX5 canister filter is designed for convenient installation and maintenance. Provides reliable, high-volume multistage filtration without the complicated installation associated with large wet/dry filters. The Fluval FX5 employs an advanced electronic circuit board to continually monitor pump performance for powerful, energy-efficient output. Compact design comfortably fits most aquarium cabinets. Features self-priming, instant-start system for "plug-in-and-start" convenience. Large, lift out, stacking media baskets allow custom filtration options (media sold separately). 925 gph. Measures 16" dia x 17" high. For freshwater or marine aquariums up to 400 gallons.
Includes: 9.8 ft (3 m) of 1" diameter tubing, foam filter blocks, 3 removable media baskets (1.5 Gallon or 5.9 Liter total media capacity), instructional DVD, and hard copy of instructions.
Notable Features:
Multidirectional Output Nozzle - Twin output nozzles can be adjusted to create specific water flows to reach all corners of the aquarium.
Self-Priming, Instant-Start System - Just add water and plug in. Fluval Smart Pump Technology will do the rest. No need for manual siphoning.
Smart Pump Technology - An electronic circuit board is employed to continually monitor the pump. Impeller speed and force are constantly measured to ensure powerful output and energy efficiency.
AquaStop Valves - Unique Click-Fit technology allows for fast set up and leak-proof maintenance. The valves rotate and are at 55-degree angles for easy positioning. They can be used to regulate water flow with no harm to the motor or its components.
Purge Valve - The valve drain allows for partial discharge of debris without needing to move the unit, open the filter lid, or disconnect hosing.
Multi-Functional Rim Connector - Innovative rim connector easily secures hosing in place. Fits most aquarium frames.
Clog-Free Strainer - Heavy-duty, anti-clogging strainer prevents build-up of solids that could impede water flow.
Bottom Media Basket
Fluval Polishing Pad (#25752)
Fluval Fluval BioMAX (#27246)
Quick Start Guide
1. Filter Placement/Installation Requirements
The Filter Lid must be at least 7.8 inches below your aquarium's water level but NEVER more than 4.9 feet.
The hosing supplied with the unit is 9.8 feet long. If longer hosing is required, intake hosing must not exceed 9.8 feet and the total length of intake and outlet hosing combined must not exceed 16.4 feet.
Hosing must follow a straight path from the filter to the aquarium rim, with some slack but with NO loops.
The water level should never be more than 7.8 below your aquarium rim.
NEVER install the filter above the water level.
For best performance, filter should be completely beneath the aquarium.
Position the drain so that you will be able to attach a hose without moving the unit.
2. Place the Rim Connectors over the back of the aquarium.
Place the longer section on the inside of the aquarium.
If aquarium walls are less than 5.8", use suction cups to secure connector.
3. Prepare Intake and Output Connections Intake
Attach Hosing to Valve using Metal Clamp.
Measure and cut Hosing.
Attach Hosing to Intake Tube.
Fasten Intake Hosing onto Rim Connector, using three Rim Connector Clips.
Output
Attach remaining length of Hosing to second Valve using Metal Clamp.
Measure and cut Hosing.
Attach Hosing to Output Nozzle.
Fasten Output Hosing onto Rim Connector using three Rim Connector Clips.
4. Prepare the Filter
Loosen and disengage black Lid Fasteners.
Remove Lid.
Lift Media Baskets out of canister.
Rinse Media Baskets, Media, & Foam Inserts.
Replace Foam Inserts and fill center of each Media Basket with media. Leave at least 1/2" of free space at top of each Media Basket so they fit together properly.
5. Prepare the Filter Canister
Stack Media Baskets so all shapes match. Re-insert T-Handles and place Media Baskets in canister filter.
Move canister filter to final position under aquarium.
Pour 2 gallons of water into the canister filter.
Replace Lid and hand-tighten Lid fasteners. Do NOT use tools. Doing so may damage the unit.
6. Final Assembly
Slide Intake Valve onto IN Connection on Filter Lid until it clicks.
Slide Output Valve onto OUT Connection on Filter Lid until it clicks.
Open AquaStop Valves by turning Valves to "OPEN" horizontal position.
Check all connections.
Plug in filter (pump will run for two minutes, stop for two minutes, evacuate any air, and the pump will start again).
Fluval Advanced Filtration
There are three basic types of filtration. Mechanical filter media removes waste particles and solid debris through mechanical strainers. Biological filter media breaks down and eliminates organic toxins - ammonia and nitrite - through bacterial action. And chemical filter media actively changes water characteristics through deliberately managed chemical reactions. Fluval offers a wide variety of filter media materials. Some perform more than one job. This is the true power of the Fluval system the broad range of media available for use in its baskets. These extensive choices give you maximum flexibility in designing the aquatic environment just right for your aquarium.
The Fluval Stack of Media Baskets
The stack of three large-capacity media baskets in the Fluval FX5 Filter enables you to employ all three types of filtration, in whatever configuration or sequence you determine. Filtration always begins with a mechanical stage of waste particle removal as water is drawn through the foam that lines the perimeter of each basket. It continues as water is pumped down through the media in the three baskets. In all, the media baskets will hold a total of 1.5 gallons (5.9 liters) of media.
Because you can place one, two, or even three different kinds of media in each basket, you will be able to design a system that provides additional mechanical filtration, as well as biological and chemical filtration in the widest possible variety of combinations. This section contains detailed information, as well as general guidelines, about media selection and use.
Top Media Basket
Pre-Filter, Carbon, and Zeo-Carb are all options for screening small particles from the water. Pre-Filter is inert, acting solely to create a screen. Carbon removes dyes, medications, and dissolved wastes that a simple screen cannot. Zeo-Carb removes ammonia; it is often used in beginning setups to keep initial ammonia spikes lower than would occur naturally.
Middle Media Basket
The middle media basket is useful for chemically modifying water. Peat Granules, for example will gradually lower the water's pH level. The middle chamber is a good place to begin the biological reduction process as well. Many media types provide both mechanical filtering and biological treatment, creating an excellent environment for beneficial bacteria to proliferate. Even many chemical compounds will support colonies of bacteria. With the primary mechanical purification of the water stream occurring in the foam inserts, it is typical to load additional biological media into the middle media basket. BioMax and extra Carbon, or Ammonia Remover are commonly used. This is also the place where more exotic media, chosen for a specific application, can be used.
Bottom Media Basket
This basket receives the purest water stream, making it the proper place for dedicated biological media. Placed here, BioMax, for example, provides optimal biological power in a very compact ring. With a multitude of pores perforating both the surface and the internal matrix, it is an ideal substrate for this position. To capture any small particles remaining in the water before it reaches this final stage of filtration, consider layering a Polishing Pad, a fine mechanical filter, on top of any biological or chemical media placed in the bottom basket. This will prevent the clogging of the delicate pores of the media used here, enhancing its useful life.
To be effective, media must be cleaned or replaced regularly. Check media monthly, and change when necessary. However, never change all media at the same time, or valuable bacterial colonies will be lost.
Quiet, convenient canister filters are inconspicuously located under your aquarium. All the canister filters we offer are customizable, and can hold a large amount of media (mechanical, chemical, and biological) in varying combinations.
Whether you're setting up a larger aquarium or simply want to upgrade your existing filter, the versatile and reliable nature of a canister filter makes it a great choice. Use the following chart to determine which canister filter is right for you.
A canister filter is a sealed container filled with various filter media. The principle advantage of canister filters over power filters is their roomy media baskets which can be filled with a variety of filter media to create custom filtration.
Which aquarium filter is right for you? Today's aquarium fillters include undergravel filters, power filters, canister filters, wet/dry filters, and internal filters. Read more to make the smart aquarium filter choice.
Please note:
Oversize or heavyweight items with this symbol ship for an additional $7.99 each. Additional shipping charges will apply during checkout.
Please note: Return of electrical equipment to Drs. Foster & Smith for exchange or refund is limited to 60 days from the date of purchase. Beyond 60 days, please contact the manufacturer for repair or replacement as covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
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 "Fluval FX5 Canister Filter")
Professional canister filter performance meets at-home convenience. Loaded with user-friendly features, the Fluval FX5 canister filter is designed for convenient installation and maintenance. Provides reliable, high-volume multistage filtration without the complicated installation associated with large wet/dry filters. The Fluval FX5 employs an advanced electronic circuit board to continually monitor pump performance for powerful, energy-efficient output. Compact design comfortably fits most aquarium cabinets. Features self-priming, instant-start system for "plug-in-and-start" convenience. Large, lift out, stacking media baskets allow custom filtration options (media sold separately). 925 gph. Measures 16" dia x 17" high. For freshwater or marine aquariums up to 400 gallons.
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