Fluval FX6 Cleaning After 3-months on my African Cichlid Tank

In this video I show the full process of cleaning my Fluval FX6 canister filter and maintaining my African Cichlid Tank! My aquarium is a Waterbox Clearpro 7225 and houses a mix of Peacocks, Mbuna, and Haps from Lake Malawi. It has been set up for about a year and a half now and has been relatively stress free. Hopefully you enjoy seeing the process of maintaining the tank and find it helpful!
Timestamps:
0:59 - My Aquarium Setup - UVC, Lights, Canister Filters
1:18 - Preparing to Clean the FX6
1:30 - How to Empty the Fluval FX6
2:23 - Getting the FX6 Drain
3:51 - Draining the Fish Tank
6:00 - How to open up the Fluval FX6
6:53 - Inside the Fluval FX6
7:12 - How to Know if your Canister Filter Needs Cleaning
8:18 - How the Fluval FX6 Works
8:47 - How my FX6 Filtration is Set-up
13:97 - Siphoning and the Nitrogen Cycle
14:30 - How I Siphon my Fish Tank
16:12 - Reducing Noise from the FX6
16:32 - Setting the Fluval FX6 Up
18:50 - Refilling the Aquarium
22:00 - Cleaning the Glass
23:09 - How to Start up the FX6 (turning it back on)
26:45 - How Quickly the FX6 Clears the Tank
27:12 - Update on Future Videos!
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[@rionasera]

Obviously I love the information especially on African cichlids, but I just have to say you literally have one of the sweetest voices out there.

[@jamesjamesnet]

So true

[@below_average_student]

And she's very pretty, just like you miss Riona. I saw some of your videos, you are just as amazing as Kaity.

[@jamesjamesnet]

@@below_average_student True

[@Kaityscichlids]

Awwww, thank you Riona! I really appreciate it 😊

[@PULAG]

I like how she says "here " but it's like "Heah" lol the Australian agent is nice

[@RichRocketMan]

I don't have a fish tank. I have never watched a video on fish tanks. I don't even eat fish. Yet, YT brought me here. But I enjoyed the beautiful fish and the video just the same. I would LOVE to see YT's algorithm.

[@elijahheyes9061]

As a beginner iv'e found this an extremely informative video. Your explanations are invaluable. Thanks you 🙏🏻🙋🏻‍♂

[@VeilsideSkyline]

I was following your filter cleaning routine until you gave us the upskirt 😂 Great video 😊

[@MikeLangfordGoogle]

Very efficient operation Kaity! I haven't kept fish since I was a teenager, but enjoy your content . My filter cleanings were way more messy. Used to have 7 aquariums in my room, largest was a 1.2m that I built myself for one Oscar, also had 3 ponds in the garden that I built & landscsped. Had to sell everything when the family moved to the UK in 1986...we were back in South Africa within 6 months as things didn't work out, fishless. Then photography beckoned...now living in Cusco, Peru & enjoy watching wild fish when visiting the rainforest 😊

[@mikeallison85]

To stop the crud from the pipe from rushing into the tank when you turn the filter back on I place a net over the outlet for around 20 seconds, helps to capture most of it.

[@Kaityscichlids]

That's a great idea, thank you!

[@100bgeagle]

Or you can clean the tubes out!!!

[@migueleespinosa2632]

Put a bucket beneath the outtake hose and let it reverse flush by opening the valve. It will take care of 90+% of the residue issue.

[@hoytslife4144]

Oh my gosh

[@th3wick3d3nd3]

When I was 18 still living at my mum's house I had a massive aquarium in my room. Full of Cichlids and too many to list. I can't wait to get back into it. 😍

[@Kaityscichlids]

That used to be me too!! I had a 6ft fish tank in my bedroom when I was a teenager 😂

[@grahamhall2662]

What a beautiful aquarium. Your fish are very lucky to have you as an owner.

[@brianp6180]

Good video Kaity, I love the FX6. It’s a beast and hard to clean but you don’t have to do it as often as smaller filters. I use the duel filters like you do and alternate cleaning. Does a great job! I enjoy you videos from the USA. Nice to see fellow fish keepers point of view from all over the world

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much Brian :D I agree, dual filters is the way to go! It is really nice peace of mind too that if something happens to one of them there's always a back up

[@thomasvanderheyden1640]

I agree and disagree. The fx6 is relatively easy to clean In my opinion

[@rsmfernando]

Wow thanks for that concise tutorial on tank cleaning and valuable information regarding the looking-after filter media.

[@sschario60]

Wave maker to dislodge muck... I've not seen that before. Clever!

[@ryanramsaroop4074]

I love watching your videos. There's always something to learn. Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you Ryan! 😊

[@vibesaquatics]

Awesome video! Lots of great info 👊🏽👍Thanks for taking us along on your journey 🙏🏾❤️🤗

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊❤️

[@Ciggy59]

Love the fact that you have taken the time to run through your process, and your tank looks great (I may well move into Mbuna's myself). Im running a 500 ltr tank with the same FX6, but when I come to water changes I let the FX6 do most of the work for me. I have one long hose conected to the purge valve, this runs out into a garden water tank (we use the water on the garden plants). I then turn off the power, close the 'output' valve then turn the power back on, and run the filter until approx a quarter to a third of the water has been drained. Turn off the power and close the purge valve. Changing the hose to a shorter one I place a 30 ltr plasteres bucket next to the filter, fill the bucket with 30 ltrs of treated water, adjust the output valve to just less than 50%, fully close the input valve, turn the power back on and the pump re-fills the tank for me, while I keep the bucket topped up. Cleaning the filter (approx every 2 months), Im doing much the same as you, but I drain the filter using the big hose to outdoors. I cut large pond filter panels to create my internal sponges, but I sandwich a coarse and a medium together in all 6 spaces in the three trays with bio medium through the centre and pads top centre. Refitting the filter, I simply re-attach the input hose and gravity fill the FX6 from the tank, and again re-fill the tank as above once the filter is full.. This filter certainly saves me a lot of humping about with buckets, syphones and steps!!!

[@nateavis5686]

Great video. I am currently running 8 FX6s and 2 FX4s on my tanks. It gives me motivation to clean mine.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😄 And wowsers, that's a lot of FX6's. I think you will need the extra motivation 🤣

[@FairmoundAquatics]

So beautiful and calming to watch 🐠 thank you for this nice video! Love your channel. Girlpower!💪🏻

[@MrKendavies]

Great video….your love of the hobby really comes across on screen. I have a FX6 & you showed perfectly how to clean it… 👍

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊🙌

[@jeffmagnus6432]

Kaity, thanks for your video on the Hagen FX filter. Just a quick comment about decorating. I have found that angling the substrate towards the back can serve two purposes. First, it creates "depth" in your aquarium causing the aquarium to look bigger than it actually is. Second, I find that a great deal of fish waste "rolls" forward towards the front of the aquarium where it is easy to siphon out during water changes.

[@MrPenfold71]

Another great video Kaity. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊

[@abhishekbsws]

Never watched a tank maintenance video before.. With this much interest ❤️❤️

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊❤️

[@noelmangion6316]

Hi Kaity other great video and I like the steps by steps of how you described the way you pulled your filter apart to clean it love watching your videos Kaity 😊

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much Noel 😊 I appreciate it!

[@corrugatedmetal6598]

would love to see another tank scaping video! it's like an art form that i still can't quite seem to perfect, so i'm always looking for more inspiration!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Yes I'd love to do another one!! Jack is so great at aquascaping too. It would be great to do another step by step one, I learn so much from them

[@SrenBruun]

Hi Kaity. I have small tip to avoid that the filter is leaking: You should really cross-tighten the white lid fasteners to ensure an optimal flush seating on the edge of the bucket. First close all 8 fasteners and then tighten the one closest to yourself. Don't fully tighten, but reserve perhaps 1or ½ final rotation for later. Then tighten the one directly opposite and again reserve the last rotation for later. Then you go back to one of the fasteners on the side (90 degrees from where you began) and tighten that one and then the one opposite. Continue around the lid, always cross tightening the fasteners. Then lastly you go around again and tighten the missing last bit, you left off, the first time round. It might sound a little involved, but it really ensures that you get an even pressure on the lid and a lot lower risk of leaks 🙂 And this not only goes for pumps, but everywhere you need to tighten something round...

[@Kaityscichlids]

Ooooo, thank you!! That is good advice. It's like changing a tire

[@Sahadi420]

@@Kaityscichlids another issue that can happen is that junk gets clogged in the bottom valve when you close it after draining all the dirty water out, not leaving a 100% watertight seal. A good idea is to rinse clean water through the bucket (11:33), with the valve open. Make sure nothing but clean water is flowing out, and THEN close the valve. Nothing sucks more than being totally done...and watching a drip come out of that valve. LOL

[@lots33ml]

Exactly right, just like you said, changing a tire. I have 5 of these fx5 and fx6 filters and that's correct.

[@silvianorodriguesdejesus2222]

Oi 💓

[@morgansjodin4859]

That´s alot of water you change..I´we been told 15-25% at max. The FX-series also have large O-rings that needs to be replaced after time..

[@sfephenmarkham1917]

Great tutorial Kaity! I wish they did this well with other filters.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😄

[@manoj3569]

Your tank is beautiful with cichlids and well maintained 👍

[@joeyhacker7518]

Love the irrigation setup 🌱🌿👏 Great video, ❤️ Your channel ‼️

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much Joey 😊

[@briansimpson1807]

Another great video. I really don't think that you can make a bad one. I've heard those fx6 filters are a beast. I'm already excited for the next video.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Hahaha, thank you! I hope I never do 🤣

[@fajrdn]

Yours so thriving and colorful!

[@johnleeson6101]

Very informative video. You have a great idea to use the water coming from the hose used to siphon out water during the water change to clean the filter media and sponges. I was just putting aquarium water in a 5 gallon bucket and then rinsing😁 the media and sponges in it, but I will try your method as it seems to be more efficient and takes less time.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you John 😊 I used to use the bucket to clean the media too! It's definitely much easier doing it this way. I think someone recommended it on my last filter cleaning video

[@miamichi5]

Give you a lot of respect. Taking care of those huge tanks & delicate fishes. Is hard dedicated work. Beautiful fishes & tank. 👌!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much :)

[@miamichi5]

👍👍👍

[@jushua652]

Highly informative. Also great colection of cichlid fishes. Simply amazing

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊

[@marknewman3360]

Love the detailed explanations. Very informative. Doesn't assume we are all experienced aquarists.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊🙏

[@tommybunk2292]

Cool Laila has made an appearance !!! 🥰 I serviced my FX's today too, but I do mine every 4 months (Chemi-Pure Green 4 month life). NICE you're using pre-filters, they really help and make filter service day allot less messy 😉👌

[@Kaityscichlids]

Yes she loves being apart of it 😁 I haven't quite got a prefilter yet lol but I mentioned them with you in mind 🤣

[@andicampbell8621]

I used to love cleaning out my old Fluval as it was always loaded with young shrimp 😁

[@deagusm258]

Hi Kaity Very good video I enjoyed your video It's nice to see how you care for and raise fish, thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@alan61979]

I have two FX6 filters on my Mbuna tank as well. I love cleaning them 😁 I want to see all those upcoming videos, they sound interesting.

[@Kaityscichlids]

That's great to hear! Thank you 😊

[@Mr7141983]

Your fresh water tank and fish look very beautiful.👍👍👍👍👍

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊

[@rasta6966]

awesome video as always. a star pattern for tightening the lid bolts is recommended for an even seal. much the same with car wheels. not required but highly recommended.

[@Kaityscichlids]

I will definitely do this next time! Thank you 😄

[@AL_EVOz]

This looks really awesome! Great tank for the cichilds Kaity =)

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😄

[@Greenfig85]

Hi Kaity, thank you for spending the time to respond to me in your previous video, much appreciated. In relation to Cyan Bacteria, I used the black out method. Towels over the aquarium for 4 days to prevent all light and post blackout reduced my lighting duration haven't had it return in over a year. Good luck with it 😊

[@Kaityscichlids]

That is great to know!! Thank you so much for the tip 😊

[@jamesjamesnet]

Your video is very helpful!! I've seen different video's but your the best Kaity 👍

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much James 🙌

[@michaelhagan9678]

I've been really enjoying your content lately. Keep up the Amazing videos. I would enjoy some more scaping and store tours.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much Michael 😊 I've managed to lock Atlas in for the next one! I'm keen to go back there now I've got the good camera

[@benbarnett5684]

Your videos are always great! Thank you for sharing

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊

[@haitch04]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video, I love your knowledge and the confidence with which you address your tank maintenance . I had my own aquatic business for over 25 years here in the UK and although retired still have 3 tanks in my home. I see people giving you tips and advice which is good, but I get the feeling if something needs addressing or if there's a better way, you'll soon have it remedied. Keep up the good work, your tanks are amazing, love it.😍

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😄

[@stoneysscapes7544]

I love the tips you have received & the best advice I have received from others who have already been successful with whatever it is and to see it in a visual demonstration that is the biggest problem solver / saves a lot of potential problems 🚫 I'm willing to bet that Kaity has already gotten better results from a generous person that is the way KZbin has been fairly consistent with for years . Take care Kaity and be on the lookout for a great opportunity for a new video 😗

[@yojimbodahut2748]

Another great video Kaity! This is why I prefer filter-less tanks. 😂 When my tank was up, plants, algae eaters and shrimp. Best natural tank filters ever! I miss it! 😂

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you!! Yes filterless would be a dream 🤣 I would love to have a tank like that one day

[@pulsedp]

Filterless Aquariums can also be hard work in a different way. Very limited in what you can stock and you must be very specific in the set up and absolutely regimented in the maintenance. Shrimp don't consume fish waste so you gotta have a good planted set up and even then don't overstock. Definitely not for amateurs.

[@thierry1491]

I used to have a large cichlid tank with two filters. I was using a two pre-filter (one each) with sponges. I never cleaned by filters. I only cleaned the small pre-filters which was very convenient, easy and fast to do.

[@j.t.cooper2963]

👍🏻😎 That'a a beautiful African Cichlid tank for sure. Very nice!!

[@Hazel-Hill]

I love all you video ideas. Enjoying the channel very much.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊

[@Coolio783]

Hi kaity. Absolutely stunning tank very well done for the Educational post.🥰🥰🥰

[@ADUAquascaping]

Very beautiful aquarium! Very cool!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😄

[@laurag1076]

So good. I just did my canister yesterday. I dread it and look forward to it at the same time. Haha satisfying.

[@andypuddle]

Brilliant video with good information thanks. I’m amazed you did all that without breaking those nails 😊

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you :D I broke one once and it HURTS haha, it's good encourage to not do it again lol

[@DaRulerofDaSouF]

Beautiful aquarium…job well done

[@davidolsen3209]

Great video as always. Thanks for sharing

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😄

[@johnwoods8735]

Great filters I have one myself love it.

[@Kaityscichlids]

They certainly are!

[@shelleraquatics]

Well done, excellent tutorial and intelligently explained 👏

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊

[@kingmonkey88]

Ah, the joys of fish keeping.

[@th3wick3d3nd3]

Great video as always. I have my two sided fighting fish tank set up and running. I'm going to let it run for a week before picking up my fish which are already paid for, just to make sure it's perfect as both fighting fish cost over $100 each lol but they look extremely awesome!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Oh wow, they are expensive fighting fish!! I bet they look great though 😄 That's so exciting for you, I hope they go well in their new tanks 😊

[@gewglesux]

i used to run pretty much the same setup... pretty much the same fish also on my 125G. Great Job!!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😄

[@gewglesux]

@@Kaityscichlids sadly where i am in NY every shop has pretty much the same boring selection.. have to resort to online or driving somewhere... thanks for the reply!!

[@dudusiagata3117]

Ładny zbiornik jak i ryby pozdrawiam z Polski👍

[@xGR1MxREAPERx]

Jesus!!!! 2 of those fx6 is soo crazy overkill in this tank.. also 80% water changes is insane. I’ve never heard of anyone doing that. 30% is most I would ever do and with your filter setup you should be doing 20% at most as you have double filtration. Crazy. I’ve had my 220 gallon with 1 fx6 with 24 peacock cichlid for 5 years and it never has a speck of anything in the tank and I do a 30% water change 2 times a month. These filters do such an amazing job that you can do less water changes.

[@jamesnave2670]

I like your selection of lighting

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊

[@kodibox-ic2tp]

Hi Kaity, You should always clean your propeller if you have access to it. I find it helps keep the magnet free of slime and buildup allowing it to spin freely. This will also keep it from wearing out from debris causing impellor to work harder or get unbalanced from gunk. I few paper towels to clean outside of magnet and also the inside cavity it is seated in. As always your tanks look marvelous.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much Kodi!! For some reason KZbin didn't show me your comment until now, so apologies for not replying earlier! I really do need to clean it, I don't have a screwdriver at the moment which is why I've been avoiding it, but I need to just go buy one lol

[@michaelcollins8410]

Happy fishies. They really display your efforts ! 🙂

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much Michael 😊

[@Fotosynthesis858]

Happy holidays Kaity! Much love all the way from San Diego, California USA!!! ✌🏾🎄

[@maniatikoleal]

Great video, your voice is really soothing to hear while i did my water changes. Pro tip: clean those gunky filter pads in the grass or near the plant roots, that gunk is filled with nutrients which plants will love to get!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Ooooo that is a great idea!! The plants would love that. Thank you 😊

[@steamjo]

Thanks for giving us so much informations about your filter system. Here in Germany the state of art of the filter system are the systems from Oasis. They have good quality, are easier to maintain than your system and they cost real money.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you Joachim! Someone else mentioned those filters too, they sound like they are quite good

[@november1ist]

Great info i can truly feel your love for the fish

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you Karter 😊 I do love my little fishies!! 🐟💕

[@SerenaBrooks2686]

Your fish tank is gorgeous !

[@redlion6505]

Thanks for the great content, Kaity!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you for watching! 😄

[@80s_monsterkid28]

Fantastic video, Kaity!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you! 😄

[@justwho1]

Hello Kaity this was a real pleasure to watch

[@Kaityscichlids]

Hello 😄👋 Thank you for watching 😊

[@LAIKEM45]

Beautiful tank!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you ❤️

[@SeaOfMadness]

Great video! When I restart my FX4 I put a fine mesh bag over the outlet nozzle so it catches some of the larger crud that comes out and stops it getting back into the tank.

[@edyoung6573]

Great Job!!!! I wish I could have a tank like you do!!! Beautiful Tank!!! I just don't have the space! 20 years ago I had a a 75 Gallon and 2 55 Gallon tanks of African Cichlids! Love them!! They have personality's! Now I just have a small 29 gallon Fresh water planted community tank.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much Ed 😊

[@soshiakter997]

.. .a

[@edyoung6573]

@@soshiakter997 ??

[@713blackout]

Very nice setup

[@FARMOORKOI]

Great video Kaity, thank you so much for sharing, best wishes, Tony😀😀😀

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you Tony :D

[@FARMOORKOI]

@@Kaityscichlids Your welcome, looking forwar to more content😀

[@SaltyWitch]

You would benefit greatly from having some ceramic rings or other bio-media in the bottom of the filter. The Fluval FX line has a very deep channel under the media baskets/trays where the water initially comes into the filter. Add some media there and it will catch a lot of the larger waste before it has a chance to clog your sponges up like you had this time. 😊

[@LushSaltyAquariums]

greetings from Chicago, Kaity! Dirty filters. Super Clean Aquarium!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Hello!! 😊👋

[@Fyreblade2000]

Hi Katie, awesome video!! I took away some very helpful tips thank you! PS. Amazing tank! :)

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊

[@whatthus8730]

Ooooo i like the yoga mat and the wave maker trick! Im gonna have to do that for my tank

[@Kaityscichlids]

It helped heaps 👌

[@NoExceptionsGuy]

I have rushed yesterday and upgraded one of my 2 running FX6s with the dual coarse and fine sponges and found some ammonia in my tests today. My 300 Gallon tank is only 5 weeks old so I should have waited longer before replacing the stock sponges. I am at around 45 African Cichlids now. I have also added Plants on the surface of the water with their roots only below surface. They are placed in the back compartment with my heaters and filter intakes. The fish can't get to them. I uploaded a video of my water change today and to show how it looks. It's amaze balls!

[@Kaityscichlids]

That's such a great idea using floating plants!

[@COOPERSCICHILDS]

Cool video Kathy

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😄

[@applepip10000]

Nice video Kaity love it thanks.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you! 😄

[@123genki]

It really surprised me to see how much work it takes to clean the FX6. I currently have an Oase Biomaster 350 and it's soooooo much easier to clean it. For starters, you can pop out the pre filter while the canister is in its place. Opening and closing back up is also super easy, barely an inconvenience. If I'm only cleaning the pre-filter, it takes me about 5 minutes total. If I'm cleaning the whole thing, maybe 15 minutes. But yeah, it was very interesting to see how other filters work and to also see your maintenance routine. Thanks for the video!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Yes it's such a pain opening and closing the FX6, it takes a long time! The Biomaster sounds really good

[@tompham6888]

I would put a sponge on the FX strainers so you don't have to clean the FX too often. You're brave! I'm afraid of leaks so I haven't cleaned my FX6 for a year or two. LOL. Great videos as always. Keep up the good work!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Oh my goodness!! 🤣 I have done the same before with other canister filters though so I feel you

[@robrob5081]

Nice work, would definitely like to see the discus unboxing if you go I’m considering getting some for my empty 4ft tank.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊 I think it'll be a good video!

[@andreashessler838]

Great video! For the crap that gets trapped under the rocks, I just give it a good waft with an old store card. Seems to get most of it out so that the pump can suck it out with the water.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you Andreas! That's a great idea too

[@weslangan5354]

Very beautiful love your aquarium

[@andersonx99]

Beautiful Tank

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊

[@santhoshchethallur6558]

Good presentation. Good information

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊🙌

[@andrewsheppard8974]

Would recommend watching the pond guru on here, his pimp my filter series, he does the fx6 👍🏻👍🏻

[@Kaityscichlids]

I have checked out his stuff before, his channel is great!

[@damor4878]

Not sure what you did to clean the outer sponges but you can use the garden hose to clean those.i have done for years. It makes no difference to the beneficial bacteria and will not cause a crash. Much easier and they end up cleaner. For pre-filters a good one is a sera external filter. It holds media or sponges of your choice. You simply divert tank water from the tank into the filter then out to the canister fliter inlet.maintenance is dead easy too. Just a suggestion Kaity

[@Kaityscichlids]

Yes I definitely wouldn't be against cleaning the sponges with a hose if I wanted to give them a really good clean or were in a rush. Especially since the filters have been running for so long

[@peasandhapsforever110]

Great video, I have an fx6 and a fx4 on my 125g tank. One thing you can do is put a net over the output hose to catch all of the hose gunk,

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊 That is an excellent idea

[@migueleespinosa2632]

Back flushing is really the way go. Once you remove the valve from the filter, just open it and let the water dump into a pail for a few seconds. Works great!

[@rodster44]

thank you for sharing your process. I'm a reef keeper and I'm surprised that the freshwater hobby hasn't adopted overflows, sumps, auto filter rollers and reactors. Less maintenance much more effective then trapping detritus in a canister for 3 months.

[@Kaityscichlids]

I've got a sump on my other freshwater tank and am potentially getting a filter roller installed which I'm keen to try!

[@pulsedp]

I ran a sump on my 75gal community for a couple of years. It didn't do as good of a job at picking up the fish waste and detritus as most canisters I've used. I tried various flow setups but just couldn't seem to get it doing a great job. I always had to spend more time siphoning crap than I should have needed to. The sump was also significantly noisier than the canisters which required me to sound proof the cabinet. one thing the sump was great for was becoming a home for any fry. They usually all found there way there.

[@Smokey59able]

Such a beautiful tank🔥

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊

[@laurag1076]

Yes to the collab videos!!!!!!

[@MrOz615]

Love your videos .

[@BlackshacksBushcraft]

I'd love to get cichlids again but with the size tank I have room for in the house, I think I'll either go with a planted community tank or maybe just Aussie natives like rainbows and gudgeons and shrimp. In the outdoor pond I want to build, I'm thinking of largerAussie natives. Maybe perch, bass, yabbies or something like that. I've been out of the hobby for so long now I've forgotten a lot so, it's a learning curve all over again. Your cichlid tank looks awesome. I love the selection of fish you have.

[@Kaityscichlids]

That would be really cool! You could even try a shell dweller tank if you wanted cichlids inside, they don't need much space at all. I would love to build a pond when I gave my own place, I love ponds so much

[@BlackshacksBushcraft]

@@Kaityscichlids I think I had some in one of my smaller tanks once. I don't remember what they were called but I think it started with "M". Multifacatus maybe? Not sure of the spelling.

[@greyloveralways]

Another great video, thanks Kaity!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much :)

[@greyloveralways]

@@Kaityscichlids who's your little feathered friend? ;)

[@Kaityscichlids]

@@greyloveralways that is Laila my little 8 month old Parrotlet 😊🦜💕