How to Clean Fluval FX6 Canister Filters (Quick & Simple)

Today's video is a step by step guide on how to clean a Fluval FX6 Canister Filter. In the video, I explain how to remove, clean and reinstall the filter with a quick and easy process.
- FX6 Canister Filter: amzn.to/3dXbW0b
Canister filters can be intimidating to clean, but it's really not too difficult once you do it a few times. The FX6 has a few tricks to it when it comes to cleaning and maintenance, and I walkthrough those in the video. I also mention the correct setup of the media and filter trays for the Fluval FX6 canister. A full unboxing video can be found here:
FX6 Setup - • Fluval FX6 Canister Fi...
If you're interested in any of the products use in the tank and video, feel free to check out the links below.
Equipment:
- FX6 Canister Filter: amzn.to/3dXbW0b
- Sicce XStream SDC - amzn.to/3fRZWk1
- Seachem Tidal 110: amzn.to/3yRUHdq
- Sicce Ultra Zero Pump: amzn.to/3PO5ko4
- Python Water Changer: amzn.to/3a17dbb
Food
- Xtreme Krill Flakes - geni.us/iTAWsN
- Xtreme Big Fella Pellets - geni.us/9Cra
- Xtreme Nice Pellets - geni.us/6ADcc
Chemicals/Media
- Fritz Glass/Acrylic Cleaner: geni.us/uvmwK8
- Marine Pure Bio Balls: amzn.to/3csSudK
- Chemi-Pure Blue: amzn.to/3bgsVMd
Thanks again for watching, and we'll see you next week!

[@blackdiamond4930]

EVERY time I do a cleaning and water change, I refer to THIS video. I just don’t feel confident without it!!

[@CichlidBros]

Love to hear that it’s been helpful! 👌🏻

[@blackdiamond4930]

@@CichlidBros About to do my water change and cleaning right now… hence the re-re-re viewing of this vid!!! Again… THANK YOU!!!

[@denaclaud6193]

Thank you for doing these videos... you have no idea how helpful they are. And you can't go by the 'Likes' because I've used this video 4 times to ensure I don't forget anything and I just 'liked' it for the first time. Very, very clear instructions and video. Thank you again. I have Discus tanks...but my main display tank is 150g with an FX 6 and an FX 4. My other display tank is a 92g Red Sea.... so no Fluval filters there. Then there's a 45g, a 37g, a 20g QT and a 15g QT.

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you, really appreciate that! And glad it’s been a helpful video! Sounds like you have a great setup 🤙🏼

[@brandonheckman1262]

I've always had canister filters but the Fx6 is just built different and it's great. But I definitely almost overflowed everything and this video was a fish room saver. Lol thank you. Great video.

[@joakimlager2477]

Looks very clean and healthy in The tank. U have The feeling 4 it.. Wow

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@brianp6180]

Good video love the FX6. I used to rise my sponges in tank water but no more. I can get them much cleaner using fresh water out of the tap and the sprayer in my sink. After I clean them I soak the sponges in the sink with some prime to get rid of any chlorine. I then add a cap full of it to the filter when Iassemble I do rinse the bio media in tank water.

[@billbillinger2117]

Guilty here as well lol. Got ahead of myself and then got a mess to clean up.

[@philcarlino6942]

Late response to this, but Jason from Prime Time Aquatics did a video about this. He linked scientific studies. Spraying down your sponges with tap water is no big deal. You will kill some bacteria, but not enough to spark any kind of cycle. You would need to keep them in tap water for over an hour to have any kind of negative effect. Don't feel guilty about it. Ever since I've seen that video I clean my sponge filters under running tap water, around same temp as my tank, and have had no problems whatsoever. Hope this helps some people out there.

[@CichlidBros]

Yep, I totally agree. As long as the sponges aren’t in the tap water for long it should be just fine

[@christopherbohdan6960]

Need to clean the impeller as well as part on maintenance. I learned this years ago on my first FX6.

[@GSL1960]

You have a beautiful tank....

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@phillipspangler913]

I use fx6 in my 250g along with the sump and main oump. I have 4 large koi in tank, works great

[@Skysmeller1]

Great explanation, not sure if it was to get best video lighting but cleaning a dirty FX6 over a carpet with a towel is Pretty wild, I always go outside for those but you know what you’re doing

[@timothywheaton9867]

This is the core of how an fx6 should be cleaned, make sure you have a fine pad at the top tray as this will keep the filter crystal clean replace it once a month if that it’ll only cost 7.99 for 3 sponges

[@petzpastelpalace]

For years now I’ve washed my sponge filters in tap water and then dipped them into tank water before putting them back in the filter. I feel like it helps to make the sponges last longer and I’ve never noticed it affect my tanks negatively.

[@deedit99]

Love the bala with the chilids . I heard it was possible as long as it’s bigger.

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks! I would agree. They’re actually a good tank mate for a lot of cichlids as long as the tank is large enough for them

[@billbillinger2117]

Love the tank, and great info. I bought an FX4 for my 90 gallon Cichlid tank as my old one wasn't able to keep up very well. Now I can't keep the tank clear to save my life. After it cycled and the bacteria were established after about a week it was crystal clear for a few days, ever since then it has been Hazy/cloudy...My instinct says to mess with it or "clean" it but I also hear I should just leave it alone as all water parameters are great...Not sure what to do. it's been about 2 weeks straight now of hazy water. Fish don't seem to mind they're all healthy...not sure what to do.

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you! I would just keep your filter clean and do regular weekly water changes and it should even out and become clear soon. Here's a full video we did on the topic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bamYhn-ipdSmntk

[@billbillinger2117]

@@CichlidBros Just wanted to say thanks for the reply and video recommendation. Watched it as well as some others you have regarding the FX series, learned a lot.

[@iluciferi5320]

Good video. Only thing is that rinsing in tap water won’t cause any adverse effects. It’s a quick rinse & dry & won’t hurt the filter or system…

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks! I agree but wanted to demonstrate the safer route for beginners. Rinsing with tap likely won’t cause harm unless it’s a long exposure but it can be tricky to explain to new comers

[@charlesfranklin3533]

My Chicago Brother's You Guy's Are the Best.

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks for the support!

[@sap1281]

You left out the part where you forget to turn on the valves and for 10 seconds wonder why nothing is happening when you turn it on. Or is it just me?

[@CichlidBros]

I turned the valves on before plugging back in

[@cmfriend02]

Lol definitely haven't done that myself like 2 minutes ago

[@A_ree_ta]

Hahahaha me af 😂😂

[@ronaldevans4709]

Looking good

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks!

[@natepate6117]

hey was told by old timer that the order you had yore resin to go back down through your media and polisher sure enough it turned crystal to air like clarity, same thing i did as well

[@boguzboguz5327]

Cleaning the filter on carpet. I love it 🤣🤣

[@CichlidBros]

Haha, gotta keep the concentration up to avoid spills!

[@InYourCorner73]

Great video as always.... One day I would like one of these to replace my 2 75 GL Power Filters and a sponge filter for my new 90 GL. How long does this whole process take? also how frequently do you need to do this? Bonus question if you don't mind.... I'm looking to do a tank setup similar to yours in this video, but was considering adding Angelfish & Apistogrammas/ some type of schooling tetra. Would this work? if not what are your suggestions?

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you! The whole cleaning process usually takes about 30 minutes - roughly the same amount of time as a water change. I let this filter go too long, but usually try to do a cleaning every 3 months. Also, I think that would work. I would just avoid oscars, true parrots or chocolate cichlids, as they get pretty big compared to the apisto and most tetras

[@Linda-jj1sj]

Thank you!!!

[@1013VS]

Great canister filter but can also be a ticking time bomb if not maintained. After cleaning recommend placing the output pipe in a bucket, turn it on for a minute, or suspended debris can get back into your tank, which is annoying.

[@samanthacroston3171]

How often do you maintain yours ?

[@1013VS]

@@samanthacroston3171 went to sump never going back.

[@samanthacroston3171]

@@1013VS oh really that’s what fish shops use right ? I have goldfish it’s so hard to keep the tank water right , are sump filters easy to maintain?

[@1013VS]

@@samanthacroston3171 Sump filters are easy to maintain, I clean the entire system every 6 months, and clean the filter floss every 2 weeks. Currently on a 100 gallon set up with a 20 gallon sump, housing cichlids. I personally recommend it, yeah the initial cost is high but worth the time and expense on the long run. The only con is water evaporation, but filling a bucket every 2 weeks is nothing compared to the pros. In regards to power outage just drill a hold on the outlet so you dont flood.

[@Odin_aquatics]

Only thing I would add is to put your chemipure sandwiches between 2 foam pads. This way water is forced to go through the chemipure instead of around it

[@robg915]

You should use a pre sponge filter. Worth it's weight in gold and keeps your fx6 running much cleaner.

[@bonnieaknockboonecountyky121]

Thanks!

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you! Really appreciate it!!

[@tonycannell7939]

To make life easier, put chemical in top tray, like you did, once every 4 to 8 weeks, just a simple 3 minute job to change carbon and purigen. Leave rest alone, not done a full clean on my fx6s in months, flow still very good.

[@dougmottert2258]

you need to clean the motor housing and impellor every time you clean the filter so you don't get mico bubbles coming out of the exit

[@tannerolafson3619]

Not every time but with my filter I try to do it at least once a month

[@dwhiteman11]

I noticed that after you had drained the water out of the tank you used they python hose to refill your tank. When you do that do you add a dose of prime all at once?

[@metrotrain]

How do you hang the power strip? Velcro? I remember seeing in another video of yours also. It was nicely hanging.

[@AS-ih2dk]

Should the foam pad dimples be facing up or down for surface area maximum contact?

[@LordBonesaw]

Up

[@daddykiller5835]

Love your videos. Fish look great 👍 New subscriber.

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you, and welcome to the channel!

[@yancyhammondjr]

What do Chemi pure blue do? Also would it be okay for me to throw away all the sponges in my FX6 and purchase new sponges since I'm gonna be getting new Cichlids? Basically starting a new tank

[@TheLunerknight]

What's the drain pipe size and hose called as I need a new one

[@zoranaleksov1633]

Hi mate what is that green adapter you have on the tap and where can you get one from thanks

[@easy4978]

hi nice video !!! I want to buy FX6 but ...I don't know can I put it in my bedroom ? does it make very loud noise when it working ?

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks! This is one the most quiet filters you’ll find, so it’ll likely do great

[@richardviger3086]

I was looking into getting some chemi b,he for my tanks, but I saw that it said for marine tanks, so I wasn’t sure if it was the right stuff. Is that only for salt water,? Is there one for freshwater? Do you use the same for all of your tanks? Probably a stupid questions, I know. Thanks for all the great videos, love the channel!

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks! Chemi pure blue is my go to and can be used for freshwater. If you have plants in your tank, I would recommend Chemi pure green

[@dirty_elite_modz3116]

I always us tap water for filter cleaning quick blast with a shower head been doing this way for years

[@CichlidBros]

Yep, usually tap water won’t hurt too much unless its a long contact time 👍🏻

[@jefflloydPSF]

I have had my Fx6 for over 5 or 6 years. I do have a whole house water filter that includes my outside hose. I just use my hose to clean it. Much easier. Even so, it takes me at least an hour. How long does it take you?

[@maralindaresto2763]

4/12/24 6:08 pm I have a turtle in this tank. I don’t have to take the water out of the tank?

[@buddbenner7427]

I just got an fx6 from a friend and the pump turns on but its slow like surging with no intake or output from the water source I'm trying not to get a whole motor and I have yet to clean the impeller or motor I'm hoping that will solve it

[@Eggnog-xf5hs]

Your video is very helpful!! I've seen different videos but no one puts new filter media? How long do you use it for?

[@CichlidBros]

Glad it was helpful! I don't replace the filter media usually. Other than the chemical filtration, the rest can be rinsed/cleaned and reused

[@Eggnog-xf5hs]

The problem is that I have a turtle and it produces a lot of waste. Now i have two filters. One is the penn flax 1500 and the the fx 4 but I have not changed the fx 4. Hopefully it's not difficult 😬

[@mattcopenhaver59]

If you have multiple filters on 1 aquarium is it ok or safe to clean them at the same time

[@CichlidBros]

Probably would be safe, but might be best to do one each time

[@Ganda-ze1hu]

Im fx6 user aswell, can i lower the outflow by turning the valve?

[@dankurth5319]

What size is the hose you used to drain the filter? I bought my filter secondhand, and it didn't come with the hose

[@CurieBohr]

Do you unplug it after or before closing valves. You start step one closing valves, then show the plug but it’s not clear if it was unplugged or if you unplugged then showed it.

[@CichlidBros]

I usually unplug first, then turn the valves, then remove the hoses

[@jmartinez2735]

Will the fx6 stop working when it needs cleaned.

[@CichlidBros]

The flow will slow down for sure but usually won’t completely stop

[@Arachno25]

At the end of the video you mentioned water movement by your Wavemaker….which one are you using and how many of those?

[@CichlidBros]

I have a Sicce XStream 6500 in this tank. Has worked really well

[@dr007md]

From experience, would you suggest another Fx6 vs. the Penn Plax as a secondary canister filter? I have a 125G south american cichlid tank with an Oscar, a Jack Dempsey, a red parrot, 2 true parrots, a firemouth and a synodontis catfish.. all adults.

[@CichlidBros]

Fx6 is definitely stronger and more reliable, but also a higher price point. If you can afford it, I’d recommend

[@lpkev]

How often should I clean my FX ? Im not going to lie it can run for 2-3 months sometimes before I remember to clean it out. Could that be my reason for high Nitrate all the time ?

[@CichlidBros]

Doesn’t hurt to clean more often but I’m usually 2-3 months as well. Cutting back some on feeding or increase water changes would help with nitrates

[@lewwallace7048]

How much turbulence is best at the outlet? We have 2 large koi in a 125 gallon tank. They are about 18" long each. Mostly submerged or more above the water level? We have an fx6.

[@CichlidBros]

I usually like to create as much surface agitation as possible

[@lewwallace7048]

Is a bubble wall helpful also?

[@txnmia8613]

Why is water gushing out of the out house when i disconnect it? 1:34 in and this is already a disaster

[@Seagoatsunday]

noice!😘

[@Seagoatsunday]

Im about to wc this big boy at an hospital office..first time..wish me luck!😜

[@chrispalmer9802]

Very similar to how I do mine except i just let the python drain into tub without using the valve. Have to suck start the water change but it allows you to have tank water on hand like a hose and allows me to fill the filter all the way back up when I'm done through the spouts on the lid.

[@matty00866]

even tho you have a towel down not on the carpet dude lol. i do that shit outside. how often do you find your having to clean your fx6 filter out, im surprised how often they could do with a cleaning like this but im feeding twice a day while i grow my severums out

[@Joker-pm4kf]

How many Oscar cichlids can I have in a 155gallon tank

[@stevenstolfi544]

Instructions unclear and my house is flooded. Did you unplug the fx6 when you put the hose in the bucket

[@CichlidBros]

Idk how I could be more clear 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@robertperagine419]

U should use a sump so much better and easier to take care of. 🙂

[@chino7287]

I once made the dumb mistake of removing the input hose without turning the clamp to the off position. Water everywhere!! 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@CichlidBros]

Happens to the best of us!

[@sap1281]

Once the little red clip that holds the valve on fell off. I didn't notice it until I turned the filter on and water shot the valve off. It took 2 hrs to clean up

[@1bam1productions]

You should consider buying the submersible pump that you can put in your aquarium to pump the water out so you're not wasting all that water from the tap while you're draining your tank. Seeing that you have a lot of tanks you would save a lot of money on water and help the environment

[@CichlidBros]

Yeah I use the Sicce ultra zero usually

[@1bam1productions]

@@CichlidBros nice

[@brianmcpeek651]

When you refill the tank what do you do when using tap water??

[@CichlidBros]

Add dechlorinator (Prime) as it fills

[@catapultmovement3653]

@@CichlidBros What brand do you use?

[@CichlidBros]

@@catapultmovement3653 Seachem Prime

[@Leysner77]

what is the size of that tank ?

[@CichlidBros]

180 gallons

[@wellhung5929]

How often should you clean the fx6?

[@CichlidBros]

Depends on the bio load of the tank. I usually do every 3-4 months

[@walter6242]

You leave it plugged in the whole time?

[@CichlidBros]

At 1:08 I show unplugging the canister

[@Whiteknight0721]

Surprised you don’t have any fine pad on the tanks

[@samdavis6591]

Anyone every get little dark worms inside of filter I've never had this problem

[@lobosjeffunnormal6209]

How often do you change the fx6

[@CichlidBros]

For my 180, I usually alternate cleanings, but each canister gets one every 3-4 months

[@lobosjeffunnormal6209]

Thankyou...

[@rubenmartinez3790]

Tank size? please

[@CichlidBros]

180 gallons

[@AntonioCastro-ws8uk]

Why didn’t you clean the propeller. Unscrew the four screws then clean it. That wouldn’t been nice to show how its done

[@gillart99]

The water that comes out of my FX6 and into the bucket is almost literally black. Looks nothing this. Uh oh.

[@tripshobbies2810]

Not starting and stopping when you first turn it on? Wait what? It's going to do that daily anyways isn't it.

[@CichlidBros]

If you refill the canister with water it’ll do less of that. Will still occasionally as it becomes air tight

[@tripshobbies2810]

I just hook it up empty mate, it gravity fills and pushes most of the air out through the valve on the underside of the lid. when the tanks filled and I turn it on it burbs that last bit of air out when it switches off 60 sec after first powerup. Then it's silent from there onwards. Might blow a few tiny bubbles out again 12hrs later when it repeats the self purging a second time.

[@EpicConspiracy]

You know you can clean the sponges from tap water and nothing bad will happen

[@sainia0372]

It’s a nightmare man! Every time I’m trying to clean the canister filter fx6 I cannot figure out what to do ! The instructions are simply not clear enough ! I have water spilled everywhere ! Sorry Fluval it’s not what I expected ! For the price it is even the material is very flimsy . Some of the parts can simply snap of or break if not handled as fragile !! They could’ve used more durable material . Come to think of it it’s an external filter with risks of spilling gallons of water if not done properly hand it requires regular maintenance and water changes the hoses and other inlet tubes could’ve been made of better more robust material . Not impressed in fact it’s becoming a headache every time I want to clean the filter . There are no instructions for simply cleaning the filter ! The hoses are so complicated that I always get it wrong and have waterworks everywhere !! It should say it’s not for the laypersons and us only made for people who are éxperts with aquariums !! 😢 after watching videos and reading the instructions again and again I still don’t get it !

[@stogieman1270]

I mean you’ve literally just watched a video that explains it well

[@jhaywardkittery]

Which Layer do you put the amonia pads/ carbon pads etc??