Can I Fix My *LEAKING* Fluval FX-6 Canister Filter?

[@paulneuman6021]

I love my FX4's so far🤞

[@garethsinclair3117]

Love that phrase, "the less u mess" its so true. I run fx6's and only clean x2 per year because of previous issues with sunsuns busting seals constantly. The upgrade to the fxs seem to be lasting better x

[@BenOchart]

I put a version of that saying on a tee shirt 🤣. Thanks for watching and commenting 😳👍🏻

[@charlespryor9144]

There's a gasket inside of that out flow and inflow valve where you had the leak. That gasket isn't in the servicing kit. I was able to clean the gasket and lubricate it to stop the leak. Just like you said also, the surface area has to be really clean. I had to do it twice before I got it to stop.

[@AndrewSparkfish]

Excellent tutorial. Recently took the valves apart for silicon treatment, now they are so smooth and easy to open and shut. Did the same with the drain vlave.

[@caseyruegsegger282]

Thanks for sharing this. Completely removes the anxiety I have with servicing my FX6. I will be referring to this when I finally crack it back open.

[@BenOchart]

Thanks. I hope it helps.

[@malagabee]

19:22 there is gasket ring inside that valve that needs lube or replaced. I had to exchange 1 that leaked right out of box. And another 1 leaked brand new out of box. Popped it open and reseated it and it hasn’t leaked since.

[@BenOchart]

Good tip. I’ll play around with the one I took off. Thanks!

[@irecruitfish7410]

I've had three FX6 canister filters over the years only one leaks because I bought it used but I just replaced all the gaskets and it works perfectly fine hands down my most favorite filter because it's so quiet.

[@BenOchart]

Quiet and built like a battleship.

[@razinfishes1918]

I have a similar setup where I'm running a sump plus an FX6 but also have another FX6 on another tank. So I make sure I always keep a spare vale and keep a service kit available here at the house for such a day as when I ever see a leaking canister.

[@BenOchart]

Smart move!

[@American_King]

Good stuff Ben I have a smaller Fluval canister no problems so far but I have heard about the issues with the larger canister FX and others

[@BenOchart]

The larger units are very strong and that of course puts a lot of pressure on everything.

[@gregward8234]

I think it was a great video Ben I have a big frontosas he spits sand all over the place . 😅 the the only problem I've ever had with a filter leaking was my sunsun 3000 fx6 has never had any problems yet. But I saw a video from a guy from Australia who had a perfect fix using plumber's tape it works great put around the seal twice never leaked again.😊

[@BenOchart]

That’s a good tip. Thanks!

[@dad8129]

Hi Ben, really useful video, I have a question regarding further leaking from my FX6, which just adds to my frustration with the issues encountered with the FX6 over the last 2 days lol

[@muggy427]

Yes Ben Canister filters do suck how else would the get the water from the tank to the filter

[@BenOchart]

Yuk, yuk, yuk, everybody's a comedian, LO

[@harshtruth9148]

I have the Fluval 407 and I use a 20 gallon tank under the cabinet to put the canister in just incase it leaks. Never had an issue yet with leakage tho. I also ordered replacement O rings so when one gives any issue I can immediately replace it. The Fluval website has every component of the canisters for sale by itself....every piece.

[@johnsakers9130]

I have 2 - FX6 /2 -FX 4 /1- 307 and 1- 407 fluval filters. They are all over 3 years old and never had a problem with them. Like these filters alot. I believe if u take care of them properly you won't have issues.

[@eduardoferreira8121]

@@johnsakers9130 you'll have problema eventualy and if youre like me, who lives on a 3rd floor , cant risk it

[@jeremymoore450]

Ben, Very thorough on the o ring replacement and maintenance. I can’t afford to buy canister filters even during the Black Friday sales period. The Fluval canister filters are just so expensive. I use the Tidal HOB filters on all my tanks. Similar but easier to maintain and cheaper and gives me options for adding media. 😂❤

[@markbaumgardt2868]

Hi Ben I've had my Eheim 1500 XL over 15 years never had a problem with it it's only a very small amount of out put lost as you said you get what you pay for another thing is I never had to replace anything

[@windowlicker532]

Hi Ben…did you test the fx6 with the power off and full of water..?…my sunsuns are great until the power goes out..then they leak…I am going to try that food grade silicon..next time I have one apart..I did Vaseline but it seems to dry out

[@BenOchart]

Yes, and a very small amount of water seeped out. I tightened things up a little more and now it’s running on the 300 and I haven’t heard the alarm after 10 hours, so, fingers crossed, I think it’s okay. I’ll update at the Sat live stream.

[@windowlicker532]

@@BenOchart thx Ben…catch you Saturday 👍

[@PriceTagAquariums]

I might have to save this video in case I need it 7 years from now! ha. 5:58 Be careful with that monster maggot! LOL

[@BenOchart]

🤣🤣🤣

[@dad8129]

Firstly the inferior screws and bolts, which seem to cross thread easily, the plastic lungs for the lid and now when I was all set to go, now a leak from the drain valve. The leak is coming from the red valve, I eventually, after a lot of tries removed the whole drainage unit, the o rings were fine no issues there, I had immense problems removing the red valve from the housing and in the end had to use a AA battery to press against the valve to remove the whole valve. The o ring on the red valve itself was broken, hence my problem, I've never used the drainage valve before so maybe through non use the o rings made them dry which caused the turning of the valve really difficult and maybe broke the o ring?. Do you know if I can replace the o rings rather than the whole unit, I've had to buy the service kit and plastic lid lugs in the past 2 days and really didn't want to spend out on a whole new drain unit ?

[@walterotiepka1460]

Mine leaks by pump either the o ring isn't seated right or I have to tighten screws that hold in pump. Does a great job but a pain to service

[@mikesouthworth58]

What size tub you running on it I never thought about that but sound like a good idea. Walmart or ordered it and size you got. Thank you keep it fishy.

[@BenOchart]

Like 40 gallons. It can also serve as an emergency tank

[@eduardoferreira8121]

My fluval fx4 valves died on me after 5 years of use. Did a maintenance and got leaks everywhere over the valves.. removing the valves and tubing directly to the filter

[@paulneuman6021]

🤞😁have a great day

[@paas624]

I prefer canisters filter that are under negative pressure where the filter is at the end of the system sucking filtered water from the canisters back to the tank on the returnside. Perfer pumps on top of the covers

[@BenOchart]

Like SunSuns do?

[@paulneuman6021]

Curious if you kept the sponges from the FX 6 in your sump ta keep bacteria alive🤔

[@BenOchart]

I didn't. I had just recently rinsed everything out in tap water so it didn't matter much. Plus as you know I'm a "most of the bacteria is in the deep substrate" kind of guy anyway.

[@liaml9992]

I put the rubber seals in boiling water when they start to leak seams to give them a new lease of life for awhile longer.

[@Foxx_69]

Canister filters dont suck. But the fluval fx6 does. Its built purposfully to fail over time, with its junk plastic valves and cheap proprietary pumps . The only reason it is so popular is because of the water it can move. The fx5 was higher quality canister. The FX6 went cheap with all the same features.. i run two of them. They are my least favourite filter to touch. Something always goes wrong

[@BenOchart]

A friend of mine was considering buying a used FX-5 in good condition. I'm going to share this comment with him. Thanks.

[@Foxx_69]

The quality of them seems to be better. Motors are backwards compatible as are many of the other parts. I tend to not touch them unless i really need to. I have big ehiem and sun suns. Never had a single issue . Ive had the purge valve leak as well as two motors go out. I dislike the plastic valve system

[@Foxx_69]

The quality of them seems to be better. Motors are backwards compatible as are many of the other parts. I tend to not touch them unless i really need to. I have big ehiem and sun suns. Never had a single issue . Ive had the purge valve leak as well as two motors go out. I dislike the plastic valve system

[@Foxx_69]

The quality of them seems to be better. Motors are backwards compatible as are many of the other parts. I tend to not touch them unless i really need to. I have big ehiem and sun suns. Never had a single issue . Ive had the purge valve leak as well as two motors go out. I dislike the plastic valve system

[@Foxx_69]

The quality of them seems to be better. Motors are backwards compatible as are many of the other parts. I tend to not touch them unless i really need to. I have big ehiem and sun suns. Never had a single issue . Ive had the purge valve leak as well as two motors go out. I dislike the plastic valve system

[@badger3044]

Sorry but my question is not on topic. I'm just watching your aquarium in the background. And I'm wondering how big Your Malawi trout is and do you have any problems with aggression with that venustus, I've recently tried to add a venustus And he was fine for about a week and then turned into an absolute maniac terrorizing all of my other fish. This was my first time owning one and I did make the mistake of buying a full grown large one. He was the biggest fish in my tank but he was absolutely gorgeous. I couldn't resist purchasing. I was thinking about trying to get another one. That was the same size as my other fish in the tank. Because I love the bright yellow body and how big they do get, In your experience Do you think maybe I purchased to big of one And being the biggest fish in the tank he was constantly asserting his aggression. Or is it kind of common place no matter the size of this fish. on my research that I did unfortunately " after " the purchase said that they are not Community fish. Best kept in a species only tank. Just wondering What You're experience has been with that specific one you own., Have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year.🎉🎅

[@BenOchart]

Hey Badger, I think adding a mature large male venustus to a cichlid tank is asking for trouble. Mine more or less grew up with the fish in the tank and is a bit of a runt venustus, one of the smallest I've ever owned. They are beautiful fish and I get how you fell in love with one. But a big one will fight for the top spot from day one. You'd be better off getting a slightly smaller one and letting him grow up in your tank. Good luck. I hope he mellows out. It does happen sometimes.

[@badger3044]

Yes I'm aware that is usually how I do it if I know It's gonna be an aggressive sicklid I'll go on the smaller side or at least try to match the size of the fish That I already have but I could not resist that venustus He is super super bright yellow bright metallic blue face and that giraffe pattern is incredible., Thank you I appreciate it Ben have a good night.

[@mikejejenich-pb5zx]

Always good to have a spare impellar. And motor. My motor crapped out on me. On my fx 6 And had to order a new one. Fluval is way overpriced in my opinion 👋

[@jaredmartin4787]

Brill Cream!!!

[@jimo4581]

A dab will do ya!!! Love it!!

[@elementsoflife000]

Do a video of how you clean your acrylic tank without scratching it please.

[@BenOchart]

I'm not currently running any acrylic tanks. I do have a 60 gallon acrylic I hope to get up and running soon. You do have to be careful when cleaning, very gentle and make sure no substrate is caught up in your cleaning pad or you'll end up with scratches.

[@elementsoflife000]

@@BenOchart i got into acrylic tanks because of you. What did you use to clean it without scratching it?

[@pacae911]

Your channel should be called “plastic aquarium plants”😂

[@BenOchart]

You are obviously new here. I’m currently running 4 tanks with live plants. Check out one of my recent “Lap of the Fish Room” videos and check those live plants out. And by the way, if you know a way to keep live plants with large African cichlids. Please let me know🤣

[@chrisg8100]

Everything fails at some point. Just like anything else, maintenance is key. I use fluval products but way over priced. I have sponge filters that do just as good.

[@Kvickification]

Depends what you mean with just as good, nothing wrong with sponge filters but calling it just as good as a properly setup canister is very false.

[@stevengrom4375]

Get a Eheim!!

[@Socialmediaisvile]

Yes most suck once they need fixing 💯 , right in the garbage , time for a new one esp with a valve leak .

[@paulneuman6021]

I'd hate to see a monster maggot

[@BenOchart]

LOL! Me too Paul, LOL!!!

[@Lexicoyote]

Use lots of Vaseline on the valves . That’s what I use on all my gaskets …. 2yrs running and no leaks … Don’t be scared to use lots of Vaseline . Vaseline creates a seal like all petroleum greases …cheers … Just my 2 cents …

[@beeemerg6504]

As a owner Fx 6 is overrated.My input valve cannot be removed off the lid . Eheim 2217 cheap ans simple .

[@joeader6046]

My opinion is that Fluval are overrated and way too expensive

[@robertjohnston25]

My opinion is they make the best filters on the market

[@markfranklin8831]

My opinion is that they do make the best but way over priced

[@TexKP]

I got my hands on a secondhand FX5 and I’m seeing just how poor the build quality is, because half the parts need to get replaced. I had a smaller Fluval canister filter years back and certain parts just felt bridle and cheap. Rena and Penn-Plax may lack in terms of raw power, but they don’t nickel and dime you as much in the long run due to handles and knobs cracking.

[@DiscusNT]

Yes canister filters suck. They are overrated cesspools of filth IMO.

[@mattphillips6714]

Ben to be frank this topic has been done to death with every KZbin fish channel. You either like canister filters or you don’t, and if it’s a brand of filter that is widely available with a spares supply of connectors, o’rings or impellers then leaks are covered, these are service parts much like a car except your filter works harder as it operates 24/7. Someone is a complete fool if they think these parts should never fail and to cover for hardworking equipment some suppliers even put a life on serviceable parts eg 6-12 months this is to cover an inconvenience of equipment failure. I know Fluval EU stands by its equipment so much that if a serviceable part fails even in the filters extended warranty they replace it for free. Not all manufacturers have this kind of customer service, it’s just annoying to see this kind of unnecessary click bait. I have followed you sometime now and just a quick search through your videos shows you overcome a leak with a canister in the past with guess what a spare part, please refrain form making this type of video because all it accomplishes is people throwing unnecessary shade or taking potshots at aquarium equipment, I use 3 types of canister on my custom tank and if condensation and noise were not a factor I’d happily have a sump also if my local fish shop used a different brand and had a spare supply for servicing I’d look at other brands but Fluval is that reliable and cover for spare parts is that good I’m very happy to stick with Fluval and for the record there is at present time no better or bigger turnover than an FX6.. take care everyone and have a great Christmas..

[@BenOchart]

Thanks for the input. Did you watch the entire video? I ask because there are several steps and actions taken in this video that have never been done in any of my prior videos. I’ve been very fair with Fluval in the past but when I take into account how my SunSun’s (at half the cost) have run just as long with fewer failures, that Fluval price point stops making sense. Additionally, here’s some KZbin content creator insight: it’s true that many have seen this topic, like yourself, many times, but many, thousands, are seeing it for the first time. My channel will continue to post topics that are of broad interest to both veteran fish keepers and newbies and as I learn and evolve, many of those topics will sound similar but will include new twists on older topics. At any rate, your input is appreciated and I thank you for watching and commenting.

[@mattphillips6714]

@BenOchart that's not the point I'm making and I made it quite clear its the point of allowing shade to be unnecessarily put upon canisters no-matter the make..

[@BenOchart]

@@mattphillips6714 If products don't meet up to expectations, fall short, are over priced or over hyped, would pointing that out be "casting shade?" I think whatever opinion people have about products, they can go ahead and express them. Good, bad or indifferent. In the end each of us is responsible for making up our own mind and taking responsibility for our decisions. I assure you that I was much kinder about the failures I have experienced with Fluval than many would have been on YT and, as pointed out in the video, I have my share of responsibility in the breakdown of certain parts, such as the purge valve. The beauty of KZbin is that each of us have the freedom to express opinions and also to "avoid the shade" if you will and simply not watch those things we feel are not right or you feel are treating products unfairly. Thanks for the conversation and have a wonderful holiday season.

[@mikerichardson8983]

That's why I don't use canister filters. They always fail at some point. I use matten filters and sponge filters for the last 30 years with no problems. Not to mention, matten filters and sponge filters are way cheaper.

[@neutronshiva2498]

Good for you. I like how there is as many opinions as users.

[@mattphillips6714]

@mike your filter runs via an air pump which can fail just as much as a canister filter so your statement has no point.. I’m willing to bet good money that you’re not using the same air pump from the last 30 years as they don’t last that long. Yes your system may well be cheaper but it doesn’t have the same turnover/quietness as a canister or be fitted to other external equipment like a uv system it’s fairly limited in its capacity. Matten filters are perfect for a fish room but as a filter for a large system in a family room where your partner doesn’t tolerate tank noise then it’s doomed..

[@mikerichardson8983]

​@@mattphillips6714 if you don't have redundancies in your fish aquariums, your just asking for problems. I have kept fish for forty years, saltwater and freshwater. All my aquariums have two heaters and my air system has two pumps on a closed loop. That is how you keep your fish safe from failures.

[@mattphillips6714]

@@mikerichardson8983 i have a large custom tank 206gal yes I have 2 600watt titanium heaters 3 canister filters and 2 emergency rechargeable air pumps, I’ve been keeping fish the same length of time as you. Sorry if my comment before offended you somehow it’s just I don’t tolerate unnecessary shade being thrown at good reliable aquarium equipment.. I have written a comment on the main page of Bens post as I strongly feel this type of video shouldn’t even be made.. take care hope you and your family have a great Christmas..

[@davidquintana6843]

Just change the o rings once a year that's all