Thank you for doing it right. Everyone else tells them to fill it back up before opening the valves. You only need to do that one time and after that it is self priming as long as there is water in the hoses. Most people don't read thy just repeat what they hear.
@PriceTagAquariums8 ай бұрын
You're welcome! I try to do things right the first time lol
@lynnpappas40498 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for this video. I have a 75 gallon tank and up till now (I have purchased a FX 4 and am waiting for it to be delivered) I've been doing water changes the same time I do a gravel cleaning. I've attached a 25 ft white water safe hose to my large plastic tube cleaner and trail the hose out the back door which is about 10ft from my aquarium. Because my source of water is some distance from the aquarium (in the kitchen about 25 ft) and my sink faucet isn't the kind that will allow me to attach any kind of hose; I have purchased a very heavy duty large garbage container that has heavy duty wheels. I keep this container in the garage just outside my door going into the garage. When it is needed I roll it into the back door from the garage into the kitchen and fill it up from the kitchen sink thus in doing so I can monitor the water temp. When I have enough water that I know will refill my aquarium I roll the container into my front room where the aquarium is and by using a small submersible pump and a length of clear hose I refill the aquarium from the container. Once done I roll it back out into the garage. After viewing your video I can see where having the FX is going to help me immensely. Now when I refill the aquarium, I'll just attach that piece of clear hosing I have to the FX while putting the other end into my large container I have with the water supply and let the FX empty it out into the aquarium. Wow, that's going to be great. Thank you so much for a great video.
@PriceTagAquariums8 ай бұрын
That's perfect. I'm always happy to hear I can help someone out. Thanks for watching!
@rollinxloud7 ай бұрын
Fluval also has a fx gravel vac that goes along with the fx series. One of the many reasons the fx series is awesome.
@PriceTagAquariums7 ай бұрын
@@rollinxloudThat's nice to know. Thanks!
@lynnpappas40497 ай бұрын
Hay there, I received my FX4 and it has been up and running on my 75 gal aquarium now for almost 2 1/2 weeks. I'm continuing the use of the two Cascade 600 Penn Plex filters until I'm satisfied that the FX4 is doing it's job effectively; then I'll remove the two 600. I did purchase the Fluval gravel cleaner for the FX series. It's awesome. I've used it once since I got it, and will be using it again tomorrow. It makes cleaning the gravel a breeze; and cleaning the unit after your done is a know brainer as well. I did add an additional filtering agent to the filtering bag that comes with the unit. I had a large media bag that was a very fine nylon fabric. I removed the existing filtering bag and put it inside the media bag and then re-attached both inside the canister. It works great. Thank you so much for your input, it's greatly appreciated.
@cherisesmith63458 ай бұрын
Great video. I love my fx4 on my 55 gallon tropical community tank
@PriceTagAquariums8 ай бұрын
Thanks! Yeah it's much more efficient, esp. with it heavily stocked. Thanks for watching!
@Dassick895 ай бұрын
honestly a garden hose and a aerator thread adapter works so much better for me. Nice to see how they intended to use it though. Some clients of mine use these and I just use the hose and adapter for changes and fills. Though I do occasionally purge through the drain line to remove excess debris in the filter.
@PriceTagAquariums5 ай бұрын
Yeah, kinda neat, really. Check this out to, if you want. instagram.com/reel/C3YLoqprcxj/?igsh=MWozeWFya2VsOHV3cg==
@LividToaster3 ай бұрын
Thank you for your video ❤helped a bunch today
@PriceTagAquariums3 ай бұрын
You're welcome. Glad to hear
@craigherring1643 Жыл бұрын
Excellent thumbnail. You know when the guns come out the video is worth clicking on. 10/10.
@shocwavesniper4823 Жыл бұрын
Excelent video, see you at Royal Union Pets in Tallmadge on Tuesday!
@PriceTagAquariums Жыл бұрын
Sounds good. Thanks for the support! Cya Tuesday.
@vibesaquatics11 ай бұрын
Thanks for the video bro 🙏🏾❤️🤗
@PriceTagAquariums11 ай бұрын
You're welcome! Thanks for watching
@pilotmpl6 ай бұрын
If you do weekly water changes, do this method 2 times a month, then 2 conventional water changes to clean the substrate. Then every 4th month I clean out the filter as well. This method will show you how dirty the filter is too, the first gallon of water or so is usually really dark when it's time to clean the filter!
@PriceTagAquariums6 ай бұрын
That sounds good! I have a pre-sponge filter on the intake, so I can go longer before doing filter maintenance. Thanks for the suggestion and watching. It's nice to have a variety!
@gbrew83911 ай бұрын
I drain through the FX4 because it’s easy and gravity fed. I attach a garden hose with a quick connect and just let the water drain down m driveway. I fill the aquarium using a pond pump and hose into the top of the aquarium. Seems simpler that way. I have saltwater so I like to get my SG correct in the 30 gallon Brute before refilling the aquarium
@PriceTagAquariums11 ай бұрын
Sounds like a great system you go by. I've really grown to like draining through the fx4 myself. I'll have to get a pond pump. Very good info! Thanks!
@PaulKingMetal7 ай бұрын
I use a submersible pump and two 44 gallon Brute trash cans. 😉👍
@PriceTagAquariums7 ай бұрын
Those Brutes come in handy!
@Hrogthar6 ай бұрын
Great option if you don't like bothering with a siphon
@PriceTagAquariums6 ай бұрын
Agreed. Nice to have the option, if the other fails.
@vibesaquatics11 ай бұрын
Just subbed to your channel 🎉🎉🎉👏🏻👏🏻🕺🏼🕺🏼🕺🏼
@PriceTagAquariums11 ай бұрын
Thank you!
@Alligator.commonsnappers10 ай бұрын
I could see draining it this way on occasion but filling through the filter? For me, no.
@PriceTagAquariums10 ай бұрын
Yeah, I did it a few times, but after some more experience, I like using my Python to refill more. Thanks for watching!
@DLex9129 ай бұрын
Yea, I agree. I ran a water line to a spicket from my aeration tank in a filteration closet I built to fill my tank. Much better than using the filter.
@DLex9129 ай бұрын
Also, just as a suggestion for better filteration, placing the intake and the outputs on opposite sides of the tank makes for better efficiency.
@PriceTagAquariums9 ай бұрын
@DLex912 Thanks for the suggestion. I've done it both ways, and it's worked efficiently either way. From what I understand, it really depends on the filter size, size of the tank, and the pointed direction of the output. Then again, if you have cichlids, they love digging in the sand, so everything gets stirred up regardless of which side its on. Thanks for watching! 👍
@WhiteSandsMbuna7 ай бұрын
If you had an ro system, and filled barrels in preparation for a water change you would like this system. This would also work well to transfer water from a plant tank in a different part of the house. For me, i have a 50 ft hose from sink to acquarium.
@michaezapin11 ай бұрын
Well, I like to do it old school because it kills two birds with one stone. I go in to the top of the tank with a hose where I create suction in order to vacuum the gravel bed to collect all the debris - and of course when doing this it vacuums up the old water. How are you cleaning your tank itself (gravel bed) if you aren't using my method? And if you are using my method aren't you doing twice the work?
@PriceTagAquariums11 ай бұрын
I use the python a lot more often, esp with gravel substrate, per your method. The fx4 is only in my cichlid tanks with sand substrate. If I need a quick water change, I like draining it with the fx4 and then afterwards, fill up with the python and hook attachment from the tap water and add my water conditioner and/or some beneficial bacteria.
@John-gl3ky6 ай бұрын
Hi thanks for the video. How big is your tank. Could you get away with fx6? Or would that be too powerful? I think I have similar size tank and wondering if I could get fx6
@PriceTagAquariums6 ай бұрын
You're welcome. Thanks for watching. It's a 75G. You could get one if you're planning on having an overstocked cichlid tank. I have 12 in mine, so an Fx4 with a pre-sponge works just fine.
@latishsalian274711 ай бұрын
i think it will kill beneficial bacteria in the fliter ???
@PriceTagAquariums11 ай бұрын
Yeah, it may kill some, unless you have pre treated water from a clean water container, like joesaquarium had mentioned, going straight from the container into the filter/tank and not from the tap. Also, with a well "seasoned" tank, there may be enough beneficial bacteria to help. I still like using my python more. All good considerations, including yours! Thank you!
@Joefosterbookreviews11 ай бұрын
So how the water flows through the filter is up the side then down the center through all your media. Clean tap water that was not conditioned so any beneficial bacteria you had on your media is killed by the Chlorine in the water. I would have treated the water in the bucket first.
@PriceTagAquariums11 ай бұрын
I'm aware how water flows throughout the filter.. Thanks for the tip!
@TheSalient110 ай бұрын
I don't use it ,I drain with a 850 gph pump. Then fill with python
@TheSalient110 ай бұрын
Also if u have a mature tank , tap water does not kill off enough bacteria to cause issues, I clean all my sponges with tap water in all my canisters. Non-issue, prime time did a video on that subject as well as have I. And patty
@PriceTagAquariums10 ай бұрын
@TheSalient1 Yeah, after some more experience, it's just easier and more practical to refill with my python. Draining it through it isn't bad, though.
@PriceTagAquariums10 ай бұрын
@TheSalient1 Yeah, I've seen those videos. All very informative, esp if you have a deep substrate. I like the pre sponge filters, too. Makes the longevity between maintenance last longer.
@ashes.n.cole. Жыл бұрын
Seems like a success when water doesn't end up everywhere 😂
@PriceTagAquariums Жыл бұрын
Yeah, and if it does, I'll have you clean it up 😉
@ashes.n.cole. Жыл бұрын
And I'll have Boo clean it up! 🤪
@P.B58646 ай бұрын
Hello. 500 liter aquarium, would you choose 407 or fx4?
@PriceTagAquariums6 ай бұрын
If you can afford it and find a good deal, I'd go fx4. What kind of fish are you planning on stocking? If it's community fish, the 407 will be fine. Maybe a powerhead on the opposite side. But if it's cichlids, I'd even go fx6.
@SG-Cichlids11 ай бұрын
Save even more time especially if you have several tanks and buy two pythons. One for draining and one for filling. Put a pump on the tap side of the draining python and place it in a bucket in your tub. The bucket does two things. It keeps the pump cool and it catches any sand so it doesn't go down the drain. While you're draining one tank you can be filling another tank. Personally I won't fill my tanks with the same hose I drain with. They grow mold and bacteria. Another benefit for people who use the tap to create the vacuum. By using a pump in the bucket you don't waste all that water. Using the tap you waste more water than you remove. Last benefit. Using the pump in the bucket you still have the vacuum pipe on the other end to vacuum your substrate. Does a much better job than the tap or gravity. One more tip. They sell instant water heaters just bug enough for one faucet. They are small and fit under your sink. I have one on the faucet I use for my tanks. When I'm filling tanks and i turn on the hot water it comes out at 80° for as long as I need it. Game changer. What used to take me 6 hours Friday, Saturday, and Sunday now only takes about 5 hours one day a week. Using the feature on the fx filters is a hassle.
@PriceTagAquariums11 ай бұрын
Thanks for the tips. I'm glad this works out for you!
@jordanturner992910 ай бұрын
Hey man do you know the width of the tubing? I need around 8metres to drain outdoors rather than into several buckets
@PriceTagAquariums10 ай бұрын
I checked the instruction manual, and it doesn't say. I've bought 5/8" width tubing, and it works just fine. It is a thicker wall tubing.
@jordanturner992910 ай бұрын
@PriceTagAquariums legend! I would translate that to around 16mm inner diameter ! This is the clarification I needed thanks for getting back to me brother 🙏
@PriceTagAquariums10 ай бұрын
Yeah, you're welcome.
@carfan64662 ай бұрын
Why does it tell you to turn the filter off and turn one of the valves off when input my hose ti the drain valve and turned it on and its emptying my fish tabk whist being on
@PriceTagAquariums2 ай бұрын
If I'm understanding correctly, also in my video, you won't need to plug the filter back in (turn on) until you're ready to fill the tank back up. The water will easily be gravity fed out of the tank. The reason you close the output valve before draining is because if the output is left open, you'll break that cyphin from draining once the water level goes past the outputs up top, and it won't drain as well, if at all.
@carfan64662 ай бұрын
@PriceTagAquariums thanks for the reply. That's what I'm saying. I leave the filter on leave the valves both on and the filter carries on working and I'm able to drain water out of the drain valve. So I wonder why fluval tell us to turn the filter off and turn the output off when it works perfectly fine with both on
@PriceTagAquariums2 ай бұрын
@carfan6466 Well, that's great then! You're welcome. Yeah, I'm not sure why that is. I reached out to them regarding your question. I'll get back to you if they do. Appreciate the input! 👍
@carfan64662 ай бұрын
@PriceTagAquariums that's really kind of you to reach out to them. Only reason I mention is as I'm worried that maybe it damages the filter leaving it on when draining and that's why they tell you to turn it off. Just want to avoid turning filter off if I don't need to as I know over time turning off and on knackers the motor
@PriceTagAquariums2 ай бұрын
@carfan6466 yep, I get it. Fluval created a case number for me, so I'll hopefully hear from them soon 👍
@ErwinNunez-vi9nw9 ай бұрын
I have a problem with my fx4 drain valve. Its leaking. any fix for that?
@PriceTagAquariums9 ай бұрын
I've never encountered that, so I'm not sure. Maybe try and find a plug close enough with a seal at the hardware store. On my next filter maintenance, I'll take a closer look.
@ryanpeterson5239Ай бұрын
I realize this is an older comment but I believe Fluval sells a repair kit with a new seal
@PriceTagAquariumsАй бұрын
I believe they do as well.
@mikeheaps229910 ай бұрын
Seams like a bit of over kill with a canister filter on such a small tank… I put canisters on my 125 and my 180 but I use hang on the back for 75 and smaller.. just to much work for a small tank imo
@PriceTagAquariums10 ай бұрын
It all depends on the type of fish, how big they are, how many, how much you feed, and the bio load the fish produce. Generally speaking, a heavily stocked African cichlid tank needs a decent size filtration system. However, I do use 2 hob on my 55g mbuna and it does well. To each their own! 👍
@burt9451 Жыл бұрын
😎 'promo sm'
@PriceTagAquariums Жыл бұрын
It's in the description below.
@tonyguarini61403 ай бұрын
Python way easier.
@PriceTagAquariums3 ай бұрын
It's nice to try new things. I actually have two pythons, so I can't complain either way.