Before You Service that Fluval FX Aquarium Canister Filter - WATCH THIS!

[@BenOchart]

Thank you for stopping by! For more fish keeping videos with tricks, tips and hacks, check out these playlists: For "My Best Fish Keeping Tips" click here: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoDLeItfzOiRG8DV-1W9qNX4 For tips and tricks with Fluval FX canister filters go here: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoC8gSuqdG1c4nOzlAMFTmiD For tips and tricks with SunSun canister filters go here: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoCiMWEpBFJFJGxTqJH_MdMg For videos on water changes and controlling nitrates, click here: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoCdEYkD0rQa0OWejFk5-bHD For videos on general canister filter maintenance, click here: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoA-6pu7lFTc_D6idLKGCE2j My Top 10 most popular videos of all time: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoBdSWOkNg1Roe2M47dP9Mva

[@mynights85]

..... i never thought to fill the canister with the siphon like that, simple yet mighty game changer

[@migueleespinosa2632]

Here's a tip Ben. Before reconnecting the output, open the valve and let it flush into the pail to remove some of the residue that gets tapped and dumped back into your tank at startup.

[@fishandfloral]

Miguel E Espinosa Thank you for this idea!

[@wah118]

Ah so the gunk that comes out is from the output pipe! Thanks for this tip Miguel! I've tried a net over the output and it helped but this might save me the hassle!

[@wesleyg4386]

VERY good advice!

[@kaytj1]

Thank you very much for your help. It helped me get my canister filter working again!!

[@BenOchart]

That’s great news and you’re welcome 😀👍🏻

[@todddiedrich9106]

Don’t have any canister filters anymore but I still wanted to watch

[@migueleespinosa2632]

Love the hobby.

[@benjamincranwell4187]

This is the best fx6 maintenance video I've ever seen!! Thanks for that mate 👌

[@staceyknight9322]

I have not worked my way up to a Larger tank yet therefore I do not need a canister filter at this time..however I enjoyed watching this I'm always up for some education..and you are a great teacher..you explain things in a way that makes it enjoyable to watch..thanks for sharing

[@obsessivecichliddisorder7258]

I also take off the little cap under the lid and that’s where the air purge chamber is, it can get pretty gunked up. Nice vid.

[@BenOchart]

Good tip, thanks!

[@ericweatherbee9514]

Guess I will take this pos apart again and clean that. Would be a great filter if I didn’t constantly start taking in excessive air. Longest I have gone without excessive air becoming an issue is 2 months. Besides the side sponges I use all biomedia. It’s never been very dirty when I take it apart to try to fix the air issue, probably could go 6 months between cleanings otherwise. So tired of having to take it apart tying to correct this issue. May have to try enheim maybe their seals work. Replace all oring, clean lmpeller, tighten all top connections and hose clamps, motor screws etc. still excessive air when cycle off and on, if I let it auto cycle so much air inside likely killing my bacteria. Thank goodness for WiFi plus that can be scheduled to power off every 3 hours.

[@dougasbattlejr9048]

Well Explained. The best video on the fx series 💯

[@BenOchart]

Thank you!

[@teddilong9104]

Thank you Sir, appreciate this video. You save me alot of money.

[@paololattuca9635]

Hi, I realise I am a bit late in commenting on this vid but just wanted to say thanks for this great tutorial on how to maintain this fantastic filter. Having been inspired by the Hamburg Matten Filters, I have decided to turn it into a giant sponge filter and have filled the middle and last centre trays with 30ppi Poret foam. In the top centre tray I have added Sera clear max balls in the top orange tray, and the fluval egg box foam below. Because the filter works by water spiralling around the outer foams and working inwards to the rise thru the channels and spill into the centre trays, then working its way down, it’s really important to make sure the outer sponges aren’t squashed down into their tray leaving gaps between each tray otherwise water will just move straight to the channel and up and not be properly mechanically filtered.

[@BenOchart]

I’m glad you found it helpful and your set up sounds solid.

[@brucewilson6694]

This was the best "How to clean the FX6" video I've seen. I just got a 180 gallon so I've been watching a lot of FX6 videos and yours is the most indepth and informative. Thanks Ben!

[@tfreemafishvideos176]

I also clean the lid o ring and lube both lightly with petroleum jelly. And I drain a bit of the canister water through the purge valve at the bottom to make it lighter for me to carry. That water is in the first buckets used to clean media.

[@BenOchart]

Sounds good. I heard something about petroleum jelly that wasn't good, can't recall what, but I switched to a food grade silicone grease.

[@suddhashilmukhuty8836]

Superb demo - love the fx6 running to its full throttle. My Oscars just snapped the inlet strainer in half of my FX6😂😂😂 just order one 1500XL - i think my filteration requirement don't need any other addition. Fluval FX6 + eheim 1500XL is the best combo for mechanical & bio filteration for a 6 feet tank

[@edanjwalters]

Great in-depth video mate. Can imagine this is going to help a lot of people out for a long time.

[@NinjaSushi2]

Love the outdoor sink. My dad made one just like it.

[@joflewbyu2377]

Nice informative video. I clean my magnet each filter cleaning. Keeps super strong flow.

[@BenOchart]

Good way to go. I've read that muck build-up can reduce GPH dramatically and very quickly with powerheads. Might be the same case with pumps?

[@elmoreno1sinaloa410]

Just got one for $80 on OfferUp. Was curious about maintenance, very easy! Great job vato! Orale

[@69leotai]

every video is great Ben been watching your video an the pond guru.awesome learn so much. In Australia we dont have videos like this. Its so detail how you explain steps involved. thanks again

[@BenOchart]

I’m glad you found it helpful😀👍🏻

[@SuperTomlay]

Brilliant Video! Liked and Subscribed, thank you very much.

[@BenOchart]

Thank you Tom😀👍🏻

[@jamesdoyle7317]

Excellent video, getting ready to service my fx6, now I feel more confident on how to properly service it correctly.

[@BenOchart]

I’m glad and hope it makes the job smoother for you.

[@ronj9460]

A+ for a very detailed tutorial. I always learn something from every video, Thank you.

[@MikeJones-ex2yf]

Your videos are always clear and informative! Thank you so much. This answers a lot of my questions concerning my FX-6.

[@VinnysAquatics]

Excellent once again! This is a must watch for anyone who has a canister filter, even if not a fluval. Very good tips those things aren’t cheap to replace much better to service them like this 👍 Have a great week Ben I’m looking forward to Saturday’s livestream it was soooo much fun during the giveaway and congratulations to all the winners! 😊

[@linzgudmunsen4949]

Thanks so much! I've been having issues with mine and might have to replace my motor. This looks ultra simple!

[@Whey2010]

Very nicely done! Thank you Ben! And more power to you're YT channel!

[@BenOchart]

Thank you kindly!

[@Joerides7]

Nice tips. I'm going to clean my impeller next service. I love my Trek bicycle too!

[@BenOchart]

Thank you. Yes, Trek road bikes rock.

[@paulhowell8661]

Great thorough video on servicing a canister filter. I also have a Fluval FX6 and I like the 3 bucket ideal we just had a Menards home improvement store and buckets are $2.99. Thanks Ben

[@BenOchart]

Stock up, that’s a great price😀👍🏻

[@mariusvasiliauskas4221]

Great tutorial, thanks.

[@BenOchart]

You're welcome!

[@unbuzzd]

Great video just picked up my FX6 today! Waiting on my 90 gallon tank to arrive next week!

[@wesleyg4386]

Might want to use silicone around the O-ring works great. I'm not saying you don't but for others make sure you inspect the impala for any scratches or damage on the impeller, make sure it's lock and loaded. It shouldn't turn at all when you put the impeller back in. Great job!

[@Remsterdam]

Great video Ben! My tank is almost running 6 months and next maintenance i will clean the impellers too. I have the same set up with the fluval sponge in the top. exept for biomedia i use biohome only. I have aragonite substrate. I also have the filterbags with rings under the fluval sponge. You can keep the biomedia cleaner by putting some floss there and tucking it tight around the bio. Polishes the water and you will see every month how dirty the water still is after the sponges. I replace the floss monthly.

[@BenOchart]

I was using a sheet of Pinky Filter Floss on the top but it was getting too gunked up too fast. After looking at those mesh bags I might put the Pinky back in.

[@lou9294]

Cool video my friend thanks for the information I try to clean my impeller every 3 months as recommended because I burnt the motor out on my fx5 about 5 years ago good thing it was still under warranty the warranty was going to expire the next month how lucky was I God bless you my brother

[@BenOchart]

That's a good routine. Thank you my friend.

[@buxy_OG]

Awesome video, 1 other tip i would add is (what I do) every other cleaning of canister i remove my hoses and clean them. I do this because of the ribbed design of fluvals hoses and hold a lot of "muck" also

[@BenOchart]

Yes! I do that a few times a year.

[@greenriver520]

Great video Ben. Your videos are very informative.

[@sheilamcclain7468]

Thank u for this 💓

[@Acanthicusadonis]

Nice video almost exactly as i do it. The one thing i would like to ad is use some silicone oil/grease on the o-ring, it wil seal better en prevent the rubber from drying out.

[@BenOchart]

Good tip. I have some food grade silicone and will use it with the next servicing. Thanks!

[@YouTubeRc263]

Very helpful. I’m just getting into aquariums and got an fx6 in my 75 gallon turtle tank. Haven’t cleaned it yet but this really clears it up. Thanks!

[@hookedm]

That hair though ! .. morning Ben.. :) ,I always use the finest net I have to cover the out puts when I turn it on. It always spits out a lot of "gunk" so the net just catches it.

[@migueleespinosa2632]

Before you hook it up just let the output hose drain into a pail by opening the valve. Great for water changes too.

[@BenOchart]

Both of those ideas are great. I have COVID lock-down hair, LOL!

[@zaidadams7181]

Try petroleum jelly on the impeller magnet it helps to reduce noise and also prevent damage to the impeller magnet 🙏👌

[@BenOchart]

I have heard mixed thoughts on petroleum jelly. I do however have and use a food grade silicone lubricant. I think I'll try your idea. My only concern would be the lubricant caking up and attracting gunk. We'll see...

[@irecruitfish7410]

Great video How often are you lubricating the o-rings,

[@BenOchart]

Once a year

[@irecruitfish7410]

@@BenOchart thanks and appreciate your channel man!

[@panchopetrov6338]

Should I put any lube on O rings? Thank you

[@johnthomas7177]

Wow very informative I have learned so much from you thank you.

[@BenOchart]

You are welcome!

[@rickylgovier7016]

Hi Ben we brought a second hand 6/2/2.5 tank , the tank came with a fx5 it was running great then

[@brianzambotti4510]

Quick question...how come you chose not to use the purge valve to drain out the water in the sink? No particular reason?

[@jeromepedro5486]

Hi Ben, how many times you hAve to replace the crushed corals?

[@celgibson7219]

Great job. I have my fx6 for a year now. Havent done this. How soon that an fx6 to be serviced .

[@BenOchart]

Depends on bio load, feeding etc. At least every 3-6 months and even longer if using a pre-filter over the intake.

[@aquariumtreasures1054]

Great info great teacher. 😊👍

[@BenOchart]

Thank you!

[@donhangani]

Where did you get the dual headed sponge brush for pipe cleaning? I can't seem to find it anywhere

[@pamannis7665]

Thanks. I have a hard time after cleaning to get mine to prime.

[@BenOchart]

Be sure it's over 3/4 full, valves open and the tank water line well above the outputs.

[@MrNetAble]

Sitting tight. Me do the same tomorrow. ))

[@robi017.]

Nice, thanks.

[@brucelyck7293]

Job well done

[@stevetaylor7443]

How long ago did you do a filter clean before the video?

[@aguilarsergio4323]

Excelent

[@brianp6180]

Great video on a great filter! I bought my 1st FX 6 in June for my new African cichlid 125g tank. I have used other brands of canisters but never the FX 6. The 1st one I bought was defective. The flow just wasn’t right. I returned it to Petsmart and no questions asked gave me a new filter. Even though I loss my receipt. Great price too $239! Once I got the new filter running I was very impressed. I ran it for a month then serviced it. Total waste of time it was still very clean! I will go 2 months this time and see how it looks. One thing i do in my set up is under the foam on top I use pinky floss. It helps keep the media below very clean. My one knock on the filter is the hoses. I hate them! They are very rigid and feel cheap. How long do you go between cleanings?

[@BenOchart]

I was using pinky but it was clogging up too quickly. I usually go 4 months between cleaning. The pre filter over the intake, which I rinse every week, helps.

[@brianp6180]

I see said the blind man. I was using a pre filter until last week and it was clogging up and I got tired of cleaning it every week ! That was probably keeping my pinky floss from getting clogged. As usual I learn from trial and error. I’ll keep my eye on the flow and if need be take out the pinky floss. Thanks for answering my comments a lot of other fish-tubers I follow never do.

[@dae711moe5]

It's been several times my FX4 would not cut on at all. I would have to dump all the water out and clean the propeller and all. Cut right on afterwards.

[@BenOchart]

That’s odd. You should contact Fluval/Hagen about that.

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

Great steps,great tutorial as always!! Thank you for sharing Ben! 👍🌱🐟🌿🙏

[@geraldmartin8478]

How frequently do you do that service on your canisters?

[@BenOchart]

Depends on several factors like how heavily I’m stocked and my observing the pressure of the output and the job it’s doing. Now I can go 4 months between full cleanings

[@passenger3]

Great content buddy 👍

[@BenOchart]

Thanks 👍

[@kevinironside8062]

Do you add any vaseline to the magnet and seals to extend the life and also seal any imperfections?

[@BenOchart]

I lube o ring with food grade silicone

[@rickylgovier7016]

Hi we brought a tank it came with a fx5 it was running great then it started purging and not running properly, we removed it and cleaned the impeller it is still surging , would it be that there are 2 broken orange clips or some bad wrong , can you tell me how too set up each in order as well , I am hoping it’s is not Unfixable . Tia

[@zigzagallah]

Great FX filter video and I've watched all of them. But, I advise All to Not do this in the kitchen. Bath or shower stall will have way less transference of bacteria. Especially to anyone that doesn't' handle anything with aquarium's or that type of bacteria. Health first. Thumbs up Ben, I'm subscribed.

[@robd8873]

I was doing a water change a couple of days ago, I usually turn off my FX 6 at the 50% mark but got distracted and the pump started to cavitate then stopped! It would not re-start at all so I immediately feared the worst and assumed that the motor was toast due to running dry. I left it 15 minutes and hey presto it re-started, I can only assume that there is a thermal cut-out in the circuitry although there is nothing in the manual stating this (why would they ? ) If you ever have this happen give it a while before you hit the panic button. Regards Rob.

[@BenOchart]

I'm glad that had a happy ending.

[@brandnlaws]

Hey Ben. Where is the video of the disconnect?

[@BenOchart]

I might not have filmed that. I just shut the valves and unplugged, pulled out from the cabinet and was on my way.

[@RaulsAquaticsandReptiles]

Great video. Very informative and well done. Very detailed. Question... I have a 55 gallon tank with my Water cow goby. The FX6 is pretty expensive. Are there any other FX Fluval canisters you recommend? Thank you for sharing

[@socalfishnoob9938]

Amazon has great knock offs even with built in UV sterilizers ❤️

[@RaulsAquaticsandReptiles]

SoCal Fish Noob yes I have been looking. The SunSun looks good

[@socalfishnoob9938]

Raul’s Aquatics and Reptiles Sweet that’s the one I have the HW-704B it works flawlessly ❤️

[@RaulsAquaticsandReptiles]

SoCal Fish Noob thank you 💪🏼

[@migueleespinosa2632]

The 407 is great, compact compared to an FX6, and easy to service.

[@johnjr47]

Hello Ben, I have a fluval 307 Fluval recommend that you change the filters once a year and replace the bio filter media every six months, what is your recommendation?

[@robertmanning481]

Are these good for saltwater? I took mine off my freshwater tank and it's about 2 months later and I don't have any flow anymore.

[@stevekharrison]

how do i replace the purge valve on fx 6 my valve is leaking

[@Rustydymon]

Have a problem with my fluval FX4. I’ve cleaned the canister thoroughly - rinsed the sponges, etc. (I’ve had the unit 3 years). I’ve also cleaned the impeller and motor area. I’ve added some circular sponges in the center and ceramic porous balls and the top black sponge. I plugged in the unit after filling it with water. No bubbles. Air locked. Rocked it back and forth, still nothing. Tried this at half hour intervals, still nothing. Unplugged, replugged. Nothing. Took the unit all apart again, including the motor. Wiped the impeller, checked the hoses, etc. I decided to see if the impeller was working. I plugged it in briefly and it turned but intermittently. Put it all back together again. I felt it trying to push the water out of the out take, but it seemed to lack the power to do so. I’ve tried everything. So now I’m think the motor is shot and I need a new canister. What say you? PS: I service the canister every 3 months. Too much media maybe?

[@BenOchart]

I believe you can buy a new motor/pump from Fluval. Sounds like it’s fried.

[@Rustydymon]

@@BenOchart thank you for your opinion. Much appreciated!

[@Rustydymon]

I tried to buy a new motor for the FX4, out of stock. For now, I hooked up an Eheim 2217 classic. Also a hang on filter

[@raycooper2287]

Great video again!! This made me love my hang on backs.

[@BenOchart]

🤣🤣🤣

[@roystevenson1297]

Hi ben great video I love ur KZbin channel great tips question I have a 60gal I want get sunsun canister filter but not sure what size to get for over stock African cichlid 60gal which sunsun canisters I'll fit cabinet I was hoping maybe you can help me with that

[@BenOchart]

Consider 2 404-B’s or one 704-B (check height, it’s a big unit). Go with Amazon, like my Amazon store: www.Amazon.com/shop/benochart or buy from Chewy.com so you have some sort of seller warranty.

[@roystevenson1297]

@@BenOchart okay thank you so much but will one of those unit will fit under cabinet how big are them the Marineland 360 canister it's not working out too good for me I can't afford Fubu canister so I was looking into the Samsung one of my worries is would it fit under the cabinet

[@roystevenson1297]

@@BenOchart sunsun 2404b canister filter good for 60gal African cichlids tank I'm just not sure if 704b will fit under the cabinet

[@ilcancelliere6010]

This is a great and informative video. Thanks Ben. I have my FX6 is is making a rattling noise and I am not sure if it is the impeller (maybe some sands got through it?) or the media tray too full and therefore not sitting flash against each other? 🤷🏻‍♂️Any suggestion you can give me? Keep up with the great videos

[@vandecruz]

Hi thanks for your helpful video ,may I ask you is it normal for a new fx4 impeller side to have a light humping noise as it’s my first time using fx and the filter is working fine thanks

[@BenOchart]

No, it should be totally quiet. Be sure the motor housing it’s screwed down tight.

[@cooltank83-UK]

Great informations thanks 👍🤗💯

[@johnrichardson3678]

Hi Ben. How long do you leave your fx6. For a service. I've only had my fx6 for 3 months now. I didn't even know you had to take all that a part. It's not a problem. How long do you do your service on your fx6 Ben. Thank you.👍

[@BenOchart]

Depends on bio load, number of fish and amount of feeding. Currently, using a pre-filter, I can go 9 months. Crack it open and take a look. You’ll get a feel for how it’s running then gradually dial in your schedule.

[@johnrichardson3678]

@@BenOchart thank you so much Ben. Your a star mate. 👍

[@chrishough4326]

Great video Ben! Do you just have the one fx6 on that tank? Thanks

[@BenOchart]

Thank you. Yes, one FX-6 with a sponge pie filter over the intake and two powerheads pushing waste to the intake

[@chrishough4326]

Awesome! So how many litres does that tank hold?

[@Jpson67]

How often do you clean FX6

[@BenOchart]

Depends on the number of fish, how often and how much you feed and whether or not you have a pre-filter on there. Depending on those factors I go 3 to 6 months between cleaning.

[@yarasub]

I just did everything you just did done this many times before. BUT now it purges just fine at start up runs like 20 mins and I get the sloshing sound , air in canister ok do a purge again, same thing, have done this 6 times same results. Sloshing sound. I have researched a very extensive list of probable causes from forums and no luck yet. (It has a new prop ) everything got lubricant. I’m guessing it’s taking air in somewhere but where ? Even raised water line above hose connections. I’m at a loss for what it could be any ideas? Thank you if I can’t get it fixed just gonna tear it down slap on a new canister ring, but that’s all I got left .

[@BenOchart]

Be sure hoses are not too long. No big curves or loops. Unplug the unit and listen if it takes on water. Let it keep filling until it’s quiet. Now gently rock the canister back and forth and tap it like you’re burping a baby. When no more air bubbles come out of the output, plug the unit back in.

[@yarasub]

@@BenOchart Hey Ben, ya did all that, I have 4 fx's running for 6 years now so I do know about them, which really threw me off because I had this issue before. Fixes were not working this time. I took this one apart 3 times and found nothing, so I have to assume it had to do with the auto purge feature not working right... Ended up just pulling 1 Fx 4 off my 100 gallon and it fired up right away. Thanks so much Im amazed at your dedication to responding to questions. FYI I did spend a lot of time checking forums before reaching out to you, but I find forums rather a waste, just to many conflicting opinions, just wanted to exhaust my base before taking up your time. Thanks again, your the best

[@salvatoreporfino98]

His ok if I take off my wet and dry filter and I put just fix 6 filter? My tank his 230 gal salt water I hope u understand me ty

[@BenOchart]

A tank that size , especially if heavily stocked, should have both.

[@thecounsellor7454]

My fx6 was running for atleast 12 hours. when I got up this morning it had dumped all the water from the canister back into the pond and hasn't worked right since 🙃 any ideas what might wrong

[@BenOchart]

I think it’s designed to work below the tank or whatever it’s filtering since the water siphons down to the unit, using gravity. I assume you have it at ground level above the pond? That would be my guess.

[@thecounsellor7454]

@@BenOchart Thanks for the quick reply ben it is above the pond much higher I'll bring it down level as my pond is half down in the dirt if you get what I mean I'll try dropping it down and let you no how i got on loving the channel love and luck from ireland 🇮🇪 (new sub ) 😉

[@privatestockrecords1]

When i clean my fx6 motor, i plug it in before i reinsert it to the housing. It sputters. Not spining smoothly. Does it needs water inorder to spin normally?

[@BenOchart]

I believe that Fluval warns against running dry. Water serves as a lubricant and cooling agent. I don't suggest that you run it dry. It risks burning out the pump.

[@privatestockrecords1]

@@BenOchart thanks for the tip

[@CharlesWaggoner-si9tb]

I own a 120 Gallon saltwater tank that has internal drains that come from the top water level and out the bottom. I would like to continue using these with the two Fluval FX 4 units I'm planning to use with the tank. As well as the water return will go up the internal piping and be sprayed on top of the tank. Do you know of anyone using this type of drains with these filters?

[@johnfadds6089]

What is your experience with sand in the motor unit of the FX6? Also did you ever have to replace the impeller on one of these filters? Thanks!

[@BenOchart]

I believe sand may have created abrasion in the purge valve which resulted in a leak and my needing to replace it. I have found sand in the canister but not in the pump/motor housing. I’ve never had to replace the impeller. A couple times a year I open it up and give the impeller a good cleaning and lube the o ring with a food grade silicone lubricant.

[@rude1523]

Hello by any chance would you know how I can restrict the flow down in my fx4🤔

[@migueleespinosa2632]

Use the out valve to reduce flow.

[@hamdiomar1838]

dont have screw what i can use

[@matts6122]

any thought on keeping return line higher than the pump (no dips) to prevent any air locks?

[@BenOchart]

My lines are both sloping upward steeply, but I've never heard of any air lock issues.

[@leo2o915]

Amazing videos like always Ben what do you honestly think is the best maintenance schedule on a FX6 and same for the maintenance schedule for the propellor ?

[@BenOchart]

I do the impeller like twice a year, and the rest like 3 times a year (every 4 months).

[@AV8TOR123]

Ben is there a reason you don’t put some small ceramic media in the bottom of your FX6? I know you use it in your SunSun. I use the small Eheim Mech like Pond Guru shows in his FX pimp videos, I believe the FX4. It does seem to trap muck keeping the load off the outer sponges. I’d like to know if you found it unnecessary as it is yet something else to clean. Thanks

[@migueleespinosa2632]

The impact would be really small and it adds more resistance to flow. Not worth it.

[@chapppaz]

I dint understand why your filling the canister separately. If you look in the manual you connect it all back up dry, open the inlet until water flow has finished then open the output and it fills the system, then you switch it on and it self purges. All these additional step,although harmless, are not needed

[@BenOchart]

Owners Manual, Step 9 in section Installation and Use: “Pour at least 1.6 gallons (6 liters) for FX4 and 2 gallons (8 liters) for FX6 of water into the filter canister. IMPORTANT: Correct water volume is necessary for system priming.”

[@chapppaz]

@Ben Ochart but this is achieved by connecting the inlet and outlets onto the canister, leaving it switched off, open the intake then the output hoses. This allows the movement of the water inside, the filling of the canister. Once all air has moved out the outlet switch on the canister......

[@monicavaldez1425]

Mine is leaking from their, I need too see u remove it.

[@PokeGummy]

Cleaned my fx-4 plugged it back in it started running then stopped in the morning…

[@BenOchart]

Does the FX-4 have the auto air purge like the FX-6 where it shuts off every 12 hours for a few minutes to purge air?

[@PokeGummy]

@@BenOchart wow every 12 hours, I thought it was a couple minutes but it’s just been off period

[@BenOchart]

I suggest you contact Fluval. Sounds like a defective unit

[@PokeGummy]

@@BenOchart brother I got it to work, after cleaning the propeller 🙏🏻. Thank u for your help

[@MrHominid2U]

I have all my sponge in pre-filter so I virtually never have to crack open my canister which is filled only with biomedia. The more times you have to open the canister the more chances of something screwing up.

[@BenOchart]

In-line pre filter or a sponge over the intake!

[@MrHominid2U]

@@BenOchart a 4 sponge assembly connected to the intake tube. I squeeze out the sponges every week in expended tank water, turns the water black.

[@leomarc634]

3 months ago I bought a fx4 and now it stopped sending water to the aquarium, it reduced the flow to 0 I tried to contact the store and the river but the answer I have is that I need to buy a new one I am very upset and I do not recommend this canister because I lost it too much money with something that doesn't work.

[@jordanmain7760]

I'm about to take the activated carbon sponge pad out of mine I see you don't use it either

[@BenOchart]

Like activated carbon, it probably is exhausted in a month or two depending on the bio-load. Once my tanks are established I don't use chemical filtration or carbon.

[@russellturner579]

Ben wen u move to Tennessee i live in ky we need meet up so u show me properly clean my f6 I py u 200 dollaers

[@BenOchart]

Let’s talk in Nov. We can film it 😀👍🏻

[@russellturner579]

A if ur forreal I love to and it be nice to get some ur tips that make a great vidioe

[@dont3222]

If I clean my filter in our kitchen sink, my wife will kick me out of the house for good.

[@BenOchart]

I’m very good about not leaving a trace.

[@ARod-br2ui]

I serviced mine, plugged it back in, and it never powered back up again. I took it out, opened up restacked all media/trays to make sure I didn’t have them overpacked. Put everything back together, when I plugged it up nothing. Been 24 hours. I shouldn’t have wasted my money on this piece of crap of a canister filter. Should’ve stayed with eheim 2262.

[@Tox927]

People dont put poop fish poop down your sink, it will back up the drain. Dump it down the toilet...

[@obsessivecichliddisorder7258]

Tox927 no it won’t. Once the poop gets passed the first trap under the sink it joins into the same sewerage line anyway.