Fluval FX5 Filter Media; Which to Use?

Discussion in 'Filters, Pumps, etc..' started by jdog, Aug 31, 2011.

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  1. jdog

    jdog Plankton

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    Sooooo...
    I'm wondering what is the best media to use for my FX5 baskets? I was thinking Phosban (phosphate) on the bottom, Purigen (proteins) in the middle, and finally Carbon in the top. Is this the best use of the media baskets for my tank? Right now I only have two clownfish, a few hermit crabs, some snails, and one (1) leather coral in a 90G, but I would like to expand to include some additional soft corals and a few more fish - just not sure what yet ;)
     
    jdog, Aug 31, 2011
    jdog, Aug 31, 2011
    #1

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  2. chumslickjon

    chumslickjon Purple Spiny Lobster

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    Why is the tank so empty?
     
    chumslickjon, Aug 31, 2011
    chumslickjon, Aug 31, 2011
    #2
  3. jdog

    jdog Plankton

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    Empty? Yes indeed...just not sure what to add! I'm also quite new to saltwater aquariums, don't want to rush it and kill everything.
     
    jdog, Aug 31, 2011
    jdog, Aug 31, 2011
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  4. chumslickjon

    chumslickjon Purple Spiny Lobster

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    I was just curious.
    You probably don't need to have an FX5 and spend alot of cash on media for that setup right now.
    For comparison, our company has a pretty big tank (around 100 gallons) with a lot of stuff in it, all we use is a skimmer and filter socks, live rock is the main filtration. Do you have live rock?
     
    chumslickjon, Aug 31, 2011
    chumslickjon, Aug 31, 2011
    #4
  5. jdog

    jdog Plankton

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    OK...
    I have around 100lbs of live rock. I'm really just concerned about getting the proteins and phosphates out while maintaing a good level of calcium.

    I had the FX5 from a brackish setup I had; it was essentially sitting around collecting dust. Is there a way I can make use of it?
     
    jdog, Aug 31, 2011
    jdog, Aug 31, 2011
    #5
  6. chumslickjon

    chumslickjon Purple Spiny Lobster

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    We'll see if any experts have anything to say about it. What I was told, was to stay away from canister filters.
     
    chumslickjon, Aug 31, 2011
    chumslickjon, Aug 31, 2011
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  7. jdog

    jdog Plankton

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    Any thoughts anyone?
     
    jdog, Sep 2, 2011
    jdog, Sep 2, 2011
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  8. Thatgrimguy

    Thatgrimguy Flying Squid

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    I'm using two FX5 on my 150g fowlr at my business. I run carbon, phosphan, and rock rubble in mine. Just make sure you clean it at least every other month. I had mine left over from freshwater as well. I have never tried purigen.

    Canister filters aren't bad, they just aren't neccessary. They are only "bad" if you don't perform proper maintenance, but so is everything else. Just make sure you don't let a bunch of food and detritus settle and rot in the sponges.. Like I said, clean it every other month and you will be fine. It will allow a lot of bacteria to grow so you can get away with less live rock.
     
    Thatgrimguy, Sep 2, 2011
    Thatgrimguy, Sep 2, 2011
    #8