Fluval FX4 & FX6 Filter: Cleaning and Maintenance

[@Piotrasini]

I'm about to do this for the first time and this video made my life much easier. Thanks mate!

[@WaterBoxes]

Thanks for this video. I have several fx filters and have been doing it the hard way for years. I never thought to connect one tube and open the flood gates to fill it automatically. So much easier and safer.

[@rcslyman8929]

Thanks for setting this video up. I'd just bought an FX4 a few months ago and the water was starting to show signs of murkiness, so I knew it was high time to clean it out. Great step-by-step for beginners.

[@JoeDirtDVD.]

Every month, I revert back to this video as a safety net. It’s helped me from making silly mistakes like dumping the “safe” water and emptying my tank🤦🏻. Anyways, thanks a lot for the tips!

[@lilgingethekingofcringe836]

I absolutely love your videos. And they have helped me so much with the fluval filters, I now have 6 tanks, 4 running fluval external filters, just got a fx4 for new main tank 5 weeks ago just away to do my first filter maintenance, it's so much better to actually watch someone do it just to make sure you have things right. The first few I had second hand so no instructions but watched your videos & learned it all. So I'd like to say a massive thank you 🙌🏼

[@EverydayAquarist]

Thank you for watching

[@Thesassysam]

Hey man, just wanna say I know I’m a bit late but I found this video really helpful and I’m glad you made it. Keep up the good work, and hope everything’s going well for you at the moment.

[@EverydayAquarist]

Thanks

[@A_ree_ta]

We got an Fx6 in January and haven’t cleaned it yet 🤭😬 it’s always seemed like a huge task but you made it look easy!

[@tee_pierce6]

🤣🤣🤣

[@willhall5473]

Great video... Inherited a large cichlid tank with an Fx4 with our house purchase. This video was perfect for our first clean out. Cheers

[@schoolwitharotty4068]

I have been doing it all wrong with my fx4 and fx6. I have been lifting and hauling my canisters to my kitchen sink for cleaning and then filling it back up and hauling it back to put back under my tank. I've been killing myself. THANK YOU for this awesome video!

[@garyhill5602]

Filling it with what?

[@r6bbo]

Great video and great tip on refilling the filter so much easier than how I was doing it 😁

[@cichlidmark]

i've left my FX6 about 3-4 months without cleaning before, was not a good time for me cleaning that out after, good advice on monthly cleans 👍

[@rcslyman8929]

It really depends on the amount of usage. My FX4 just got its first clean after purchase about 2.5 months ago, and I only did that because the water was starting to get murky. I'll probably wind up doing a rinse every couple months. But that tank only has three occupants (albeit large ones, 2 goldfish and a sucker), so the canister's holding up on its filtration nicely. I'll adjust that schedule again if I notice it getting murky sooner this next run.

[@DebTim]

I love my FX4 and my vacuum I got free with the purchase.. it's amazing!! Excellent product!

[@Joe-th7kf]

Yo this video helps me every time!!

[@EverydayAquarist]

Awesome

[@Loestus]

Thank you SO much for this video! I got one of these a while ago for really cheap (only slightly used from someone on craigslist) and I know maintenance time is coming up. Was super intimidated as it's much bigger than any filter I've used before, but this video eased that stress and was very informative! Hope all is well with you!

[@notbadsteve]

good vid. I'm considering an fx4 for my next upgrade. i have to say though bruv, I'm an electrician and you really need to sort the plug socket out. if thats the only place to house your fx4, then consider swapping the standard socket for an IP rated one (an outdoor one with waterproof cover). if something goes wrong down there, it could be fatal, for you and the fish. I'm not having a moan bruv. just friendly advice.

[@EverydayAquarist]

Thanks yes you are correct my wiring is less than ideal. Thanks

[@MASTERPPA]

Good idea. I just changed out my plug behind my 90 for a GFI outlet. I think it also covers the ones after it.. But that outlet is right under my 90gallon tank, so I needed a good CGFI

[@lynettesprague287]

Thank you for this video! Do u have a video for cleaning the impeller?

[@meghanchampy4172]

well that was fun, my output fell off and soaked me with water, and sludge. I learned my lesson, but very good video, the rest was smooth sailing! fish seem happier already!

[@inloveandlightpets]

Can you link me to that hose adapter?

[@youngstu8298]

This is my go to video everytime I clean my filter or prime it. Excellent video thanks for sharing 👍

[@thepurpletortoise5794]

Excellent video

[@daxxstryker8137]

Thank you

[@EverydayAquarist]

You're welcome

[@Eggnog-xf5hs]

I'm wondering if I need to buy new media since my turtles poop a lot. I have an fx4 running and a penn plax 1500 but I always get put new filters on the 1500. It will be my first time changing the fx4.

[@kierongreen3636]

I have a 370litre tank would a fluval 407 be good for it or would you upgrade to this filter

[@IKICKURSOCCERBUTT]

what hose adapter did you use ?

[@tuanta6447]

What is the size of the draining hose for fX4 ? The one on the bottom? Please

[@veasnavong7287]

Please give me a link to you hose lock adaptor.

[@banjojhehyan9080]

Helped a lot man. Thank you.

[@AquaticLogic]

With the visible biofilms (or dirt?) built up on your bio-media are you worried that your mech-filtration is not fine enough? I see you have a ton of bio (which is awesome), but I wonder about it getting clogged with detritus.

[@EverydayAquarist]

Seem to work just fine

[@RobertSababady]

Very down to earth and practical video. Thankyou!

[@Klove5343]

I cannot figure out why my filter won't prime I gave tried everything. I have the FX4. Any suggestions? Its only a year old . Thank you in advance!

[@azbrown_knight8240]

ty for the video...hope your lessons helps out for our 75g

[@EverydayAquarist]

Thanks for watching

[@azbrown_knight8240]

can happily report...they did! ty again..

[@shauna4605]

I’ve followed your video with success in the past but this time when I reconnect a hose, it doesn’t siphon. HELP!

[@vonholley]

How often do you throw away the sponge? I want to change my sponge to a coarse and medium for better filtration.

[@1markymark1]

I would get an Oase and be done with it, pre filters are the bomb

[@1ofthe1sChosen]

I was curious about that "junk" your referring to, that comes out of the filter after you turn it back on. Mine does that and throws what I supposed to be, un eating food back into my aquarium. Does your hosing trap food in it? Because its Not in the filter because I just cleaned it! It may be the cause of my Nitrate issue.

[@rnic0]

Paul S Mcgowan It' not uneaten food, it's just bio film( same as on your bio media, the tank glass, etc), nothing to worry about. It clears in a few minutes, and ALL filters do it unless you clean your hoses religiously(now thats too much work!)..

[@DaleMeaney]

It's the muck in your hoses being dislodged. Your filter will suck it back up as it turns over the tank a few times. If it really bothers you though you can use a hose brush to clean out the inside of your hoses.

[@trevormcmanis]

Just remember that the media has to sit in aquarium water after you rinse. Don't let it dry out! Keep it wet and return it back to filter in a timely manner....

[@leesutton1845]

Can I use a fx4 on stock pond 500 litres

[@oscarsemple4299]

This is an amazing guide

[@BenOchart]

Thank you for posting. How often do you replace sponge filter media, if ever? Have you considered using several containers of clean tank water? Seems like after that first sponge the water being used to clean was very dirty. Thoughts? Thanks.

[@EverydayAquarist]

Every couple of years as sponge does degrade eventually. Tbh all I do now is take the sponge out and blast it with a hose to clean it. No issues so far with that method

[@BenOchart]

Everyday Aquarist Some think the sponges contain BB, but obviously you've found that your bio media carries the load just fine. Your method is certainly something I'll consider since those sponges hold a ton of slime. Thanks.

[@magikisreal17]

Amazing info ty

[@irx_9gaming436]

So I have an FX6 and it refuses to restart, we’ve went through two filters and they both died in the same way, we drain it to clean it, clean it, and then when we plug it back in the filter doesn’t turn back on. Any idea why?

[@waynerobinson878]

great video.can you use this fx4 to drain water out of tank and fill it back up again?

[@EverydayAquarist]

Aye you can

[@tastyburger4404]

Thanks for the video! Is the FX4 too much for a 65 gallon/246 litre with 2" Clown Loaches? Not sure what size tank you have in this video.

[@EverydayAquarist]

Mine is 95 gallons. Fx4 would be fine

[@jackiekearney]

Tasty Burger depend what fish you have. I have 75g goldfish tank and I have FX4 it's Ok along with my Aqueon 75 HOB. I think FX 6 is still ok in my 75g.

[@freshfalcon3996]

Good video. Informative and easy to learn from thank you.

[@lalogonbrazy]

What do I do if my fx4 is not pumping any water but the impeller is still running? Please help .

[@DanielleT77]

I am setting up my fluval 4x for the first time and watched your set up video-- thx for that! I can't get the 2 main in and out valves to rotate at all--- and they are dry. I am leery of setting it all up, putting water in and a mnth later not being able to rotate the valves when filled with water. Any tips or suggs?

[@DanielleT77]

P.S. I used man power (my hubby) to get them twisted initially and now they move just fine. Tx!

[@mcshiggitypilot5901]

great vid! How long did it take real time?

[@donanz7543]

life saver

[@shadowmonkey793]

Great Vid thanks for the information 👍

[@jimpill4881]

Where does the O ring go

[@Carlos-jj5vh]

Can anyone help me out? My output flow isn’t as strong as when I bought it. I’ve cleaning everything from the canister and both tubes.

[@Sky_Touched]

I'd clean the impeller as well if you haven't.

[@willdwyer4097]

Do you know if the lid off a fx6 would fit a fx5?

[@kg2nc]

Wow those sponges were really dirty and that water turn black. Great video thanks for sharing.

[@EverydayAquarist]

Yeah that's a months worth, an fx filter can take a lot of abuse and keep on working. Thanks for watching

[@shnobi24]

cool video. Thanks for posting it.

[@EverydayAquarist]

Cheers

[@krewppa]

When should I clean the motor

[@kvnsu123]

What size tubing is needed to drain the FX4 filter? I lost my tubing that came with it.

[@EverydayAquarist]

16/22 I think

[@joekowalski182]

I have one it don't say in manual how often you should change out media balls in filter someone help me out?

[@EverydayAquarist]

Every year or so

[@aldafunq]

Thanks 🍺

[@aquaholicmcgraw7769]

Its really ok to rinse those first foam pad filters in tap water... You have enough ceramic media to preserve a large colony of BB... Plus all the BB in your hoses, tank wall, substrate, and decor... Do your fish a favor and give those pads a good rinse and get some finer filter pads to polish your water a little better also...

[@EverydayAquarist]

Yeah i do in reality use tap water but if i do a video using tap water i will get people moaning about it duebto "killing bacteria". Funny i get some other comments saying i should use tap water! Cant please everyone lol

[@lindaford8513]

Your demonstration of clean the FX4 was pretty good Until you stated to disconnect the in and out valves. Your camera mess up on ya? I show no demondtration on how to disconnect either one of them. I have just purchased my first FX4 and that was tge one thing I needed to see. Cheerio

[@samsimon778]

There are red 'buttons' right where the valves go into the filter, press them, then disconnect the hose.

[@RawbAtLivedotca]

can i use my pressure washer?

[@EverydayAquarist]

Yeah

[@ninjaraivideos]

very helpful

[@waltercabral871]

cool video.

[@EverydayAquarist]

Thanks

[@markcopley7366]

not being pedantic here but on 306 you turn valves of BEFORE turning power off to maintain water in pipes then when you turn back on it self primes as there is pressure still in pipes

[@EverydayAquarist]

+Mark Copley Either way works

[@cyclin_sean.3713]

maybe you could settle an argument,will bacteria in a tropical fresh water setup survive if put into a saltwater setup, cheers dude.

[@Pseudomonas38362]

subaqua.uk no Different kind of bactaria

[@markcopley7366]

lovely severum

[@nunchuckduck3843]

AHHHHH SO MUCH JUNK!!!!

[@esotericman22]

You need a fine pad to remove the fine muck before it hits your bio media!

[@MattyP650]

wrong and wrong again sucker!

[@pipperoooo]

Why why why has nobody I have found yet SHOWN how to remove the Hose VALVES from the lid?? You need a crowbar to get those off. WHY?? Good video, except for the fact you skipped right over that. NOBODY is showing that part. humpf.

[@markleyland2661]

Use Silicone, then they come off easy!

[@goopman5627]

No way this in only one month!?!

[@tranced4ever]

why is your bio media getting so dirty? this shouldn't happen! thats the whole idea of pre filters as it stops the bio media becoming clogged.

[@EverydayAquarist]

For demonstration

[@jarpajon8]

never use tap water!!!

[@mrmatt6824]

Yes use tap water with declorinate

[@laceyhardesty1831]

Water you plants with that filter cleaning water. Thank me later

[@wildsprig]

I wouldn't use tap water to clean the bucket; just pour some of the dirty aquarium water into it, swirl it around and dump it. No need for it to be super clean. Also, you're killing off a ton of your beneficial bacteria by leaving your sponges and biomedia exposed to the air for so long. Probably it's not killing all your beneficial bacteria, but you're not doing them any favors either.

[@shivjuicinwr142]

Every single video with these people cleaning these things always hurt my head. I so irritating

[@Garnele]

You are right! Only cleaning the filtermedia in the dirty filter water. Because of the bacteria

[@darrennew4499]

dam bro...black 🤔