FX6 Canister Filter versus Sump Filtration - Which is Better?

In this video I compare a Fluval FX6 canister filter to sump filtration to give an in-depth run down on the pros and cons of each on my freshwater aquariums. I have a Waterbox Clearpro 7225 that has been running two Fluval FX6 canister filters for almost 24-months now, and a Waterbox Peninsula 7225 with a sump that has been running for about 9-months. These tanks are side by side in my house, so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to do a comparison between the two types of filters!
Timestamps:
1:36 - About Canister Filters and Choosing the Right Size
4:07 - Unplugging a Fluval FX6 Canister Filter
6:28 - The Order of Filtration (Mechanical, Biological, Chemical)
11:34 - About Sump Filtration and How a Overflow Works
13:29 - How the Sump Chambers are Setup
17:55 - Sumps and a Automatic Top Off (ATO) Systems
19:42 - Cleaning a Sump Filter
23:25 - Doing a Waterchange with a Sump
25:13 - What it looks like when your Sump runs Dry
28:06 - In Summary - Is a Canister or Sump better for your Aquarium?
29:35 - Exciting news!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I really hope you enjoyed this video! If you did, don't forget to give it a like and let me know what you think in the comments below.
Which do you prefer for your aquarium - a canister filter or a sump?
If you're enjoying my content, don't forget to subscribe to my channel! It's free, and is a way you can show your support and make sure you don't miss any future uploads :)
Click the link below to subscribe:
www.youtube.com...
You can also follow me on Kaitys_Cichlids for more regular updates:
www.instagram....
Happy fish keeping and see you in the next video! :D
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[@Bricktop89-]

You just can’t beat a sump filtration👌🏻

[@asphaltanimal8809]

Definitely 😃

[@MiniManAu]

Canister all the way :)

[@jamesnguyen7069]

why not!?

[@dennisvanopstal7360]

I keep all my tanks clean with Eheim and Oase canisters. Even my turtle tanks. Never a bad smell, never dirty water. So ..... its just personal preference.

[@kennethfarley8347]

@@jamesnguyen7069 Sumps can hold a ton more media.

[@tommuhlemanjr.3871]

Kaity, I know you are a very knowledgeable and advanced fish keeper so I feel a little silly making a very basic suggestion to you. KZbin is making dozens of FX6 cleaning videos available to me, and although I’ve seen them all over and over, your content popped up and I felt that I just had to make this comment to you. I know you are aware of this but when cleaning your sponges, instead of just going at it with a garden hose, please fill up a 5 gallon bucket and wash your sponges in it using tank water. You will use less water and you can clean them much more efficiently. I use two full buckets, the first to wash out the majority of the muck (can be done with tap water if using a rinse bucket with tank water), and the second (with aquarium water) to rinse them clean and preserve beneficial bacteria. Try it, I guarantee you will like it! Cheers!

[@garysoutar451]

Used that method for 40yrs and never failed yet. Water is crystal clear within a hour.

[@RedicL]

I have had many canister filters and I can honestly say, Fluval has been the best. They not only make awesome filters, they pack them with features that other companies just simply skip. I love how fluval "auto primes" and also stops to purge air every 12 hours. I also love how you can purchase plenty of spare parts and maintenance kits, which other companies make a pain to do. Awesome video and keep up the great work!!

[@robertjacobs5836]

This is the most detailed explanation of filtration I've seen on you tube . You broke it down so simple. Thank you!

[@kevinramsamy9681]

Hi Kaity, Great video from you 1ce again, I would like to suggest that you arrange your mechanical filtration accordingly : Coarse sponge Medium sponge Fine sponge Also, consider using fine filter matting(polishing water), as you can cut to your desired size. These are gr8 and dnt clog up as fast as filter floss. I buy them in a 1M x 1M pack, which lasts quite long. I have noticed that there is a significant difference in both of your tanks with regards to water clarity, as in your cannisters, you have the appropriate mech. filtration. I have a 4ft sump running a 6ft tank and I don't touch my bio media at all(Seachem matrix, lava rocks and Alpha grog), bcos my mechanical filtration does the job in polishing the water. I periodically change my filter matting and rinse out my sponges with tank water, and that's my sump maintenance, which takes me about 15 min. I hope this helps...tc and looking forward to your next video.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much Kevin!! That is great advice. I definitely need to get my sump sorted out

[@arthurpellett9256]

One of the best comparison videos I’ve ever seen 😊

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much, that's awesome to hear 😊🙏

[@Yelsin_Salazar]

You put all of the advantages and diadvantages of both kind of filtration, now I can decide better which I'll use for my new cichlid tank. Thank you so much. Your content useful as always!!!

[@Kaityscichlids]

That's so awesome to hear!! I'm really glad you found it helpful 😊 Thank you Yelsin 🙌

[@robertorodi7216]

Great video, thank you, practical and full of details; if you don't mind I just want to add one more thing: if you use CO2 think twice before using a sump because the overflow wastes a lot of it

[@davidhart4789]

Was glad to see you give both gallons and liters when talking. It is nice for those of us not really proficient in the metric system. Loved the video and learned several things I didn’t know.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much David!! Yes I try to always do the conversion because it sucks when I'm watching a video and they only use gallons 🤣

[@matth4520]

Great video Kaity, very informative and very clear description of each type of filtration! Both thanks are looking great! Keep up the great work!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much Matt 😄

[@ghostwriterinme5050]

I’ve been getting information on canisters and sumps and I’m so glad to happen across your channel, Kaity. You’ve single-handedly answered all of the questions I had. For this, I’m grateful. I’m gonna remain a loyal and consistent subscriber… I’m a complete beginner at aquariums and I’ve started with a 75 gallon tank. My next purchase will probably be a Fluval FX6 Canister. I’m not in any rush so I’m truly happy with the process of building a freshwater system. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.

[@peterbott1877]

Nice video Kaity, good work. When washing your canister filter sponges, fill a bucket with aquarium water and get in there with both hands and squeeze them repeatedly while under the water. This clears the detritus within the sponges quicker than just running water from the hose. Tip the dirty water out. I do this 2 or 3 times and you see the water getting cleaner each time.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you Peter!! That's a great idea, it takes forever using the running water. I'm going to do this next time

[@wendyhood1006]

And use the water from the bucket for your indoor plants they love it

[@dinodinosaur2930]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Kaity, what an amazing KZbin journey you have been on ... From not wanting to be on camera to international links ... Well done

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊🙌🙌🙌 And thank you for being along for the journey!!

[@Ayj517]

Canlılığın ve yaşamın devamını sağlayan görünmez kahramanlar, yararlı bakteriler. Teşekkürler.

[@stephen65la]

Great job. This my first sump pump for my 175 gallon tank. All my 55 gallon tanks were hang on back.

[@clintreddy8096]

Love your channel. I'm setting up my 1st sump this weekend,so I'm so excited.Hope it all goes well😅

[@mikewaters8911]

Good video & nice tanks. When I clean my FX6's, I recently started cleaning my hoses & I/O's at the same time. Get one of those long, bendable snake brushes. Amazing how much gunk is in the hoses. No more back siphon of that back into your tank at restart.

[@joeanthony3013]

Great video Kaity! One trick for the sump is to put your biological media on top of plastic "egg crate" (the stuff that goes over florescent lighting). That way the detritus falls through the media, and doesnt clog the media as much. It also makes it easier to clean, as you can lift your media out, and siphon out the nasty stuff...

[@Kaityscichlids]

That is such a great idea! Thank you!!

[@SeditiousCanary]

I built an in tank sump for a 5 gallon planted tank, and it clears water faster than any tank I've ever owned. Its also great because its both fully self contained, and survives a power outage without any issues.

[@brianp6180]

Cool video Kaity! I have used canisters for years. Never tried a sump. I have thought about it but none of my tanks are drilled. Maybe someday! Watching you cleaning the FX6 show the biggest disadvantage to them. Cleaning is a real job! Great filter

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much Brian! It definitely is a slog cleaning them 😂

[@Fyreblade2000]

Awesome Video Kaity!!! Straight, honest with a- ittle humour!! :)

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😁

[@global_]

Thanks for sorting out my doubts between sump and a canister filter😊

[@Kaityscichlids]

That's awesome to hear 😊

[@IndoorEcosystem]

Cheers for the tip on vibration! I was about to return a canister filter for too much noise. I reduced the density and it's working perfectly now! 🤩

[@Kaityscichlids]

That's awesome to hear!! 🙌

[@TheThomas2411]

Thank you . Interesting . If you santos better filtration you can replace ceramic by seachem matrix ;) . For the visual you can add an external Heather and inox canister .

[@joseCalderon1976]

What I love about the sumps is that you can hide all the stuff that you need in your tank like heaters and such. I'm buying a used 125g that comes with a sump, so I'm going to use the set up 👍. I do love my FX6 in my 75g African chiclid tank.

[@kingjeffishere]

Even though I'm working on a 125 saltwater build, I really enjoyed the vid & it's comparison of the 2 options. I've seen awesome success with both on KZbin. Keep up the great content!

[@Kaityscichlids]

That's awesome to hear!! Thank you so much, I really appreciate it 😊🙏

[@laurag1076]

You will find your groove with the sump. You will learn the best ways to do it just with time and practise xx ❤

[@makingmajorprofits1017]

Nice fish tanks. I need to get back into the hobby soon. I had the FX6 and FX5 on my 150, Great Job and Great Video.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊

[@neilgater2213]

i have a 600 litre tropical aquarium an i run a Ehime Pro 3 with 2 inlets and i must say it a lot less hassle for me to clean it out compared to your FX6 i can have clean it in about 10 minutes. i also like the fact it has a pre filter which i check weekly for any fry or shrimp the have been sucked up.

[@aquaenthusiast9185]

Thank you for this nice video! Actually, one can also wash filter floss (altgough maybe a bit more cumbersome). Just press it out in a bucket with tank water...

[@Kaityscichlids]

Very true!!

[@sfephenmarkham1917]

Yay!!! coming to America!!! Great job on the tutorial!! love the real time mistakes!!! Your awesome!!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much Sfephen!! And yes, I'm so excited 😄

[@80s_monsterkid28]

Fantastic video, Kaity! Very informative. Thank you!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊🙏

[@dloz85]

Thanks so much, I'm playing with the sump idea and this helped. We welcome you to Florida btw!

[@Kaityscichlids]

That's so awesome to hear 😊 And I look forward to visiting!!

[@joshuahansen-r4d]

I am a huge fan of cannister as they are reliability. When you move house, you can disconnect the hose and move the filter. Sump are almost difficult to move. Sump advantage is hiding aquarium equipment such as heaters and access. Kaity can't wait to see your american trip and hopefully see the american aquarium stores tours. Cheers

[@Kaityscichlids]

That is a very good point!! I can't believe I didn't even think about ease of moving them. And thank you 😄 I'm so excited!!

[@laurag1076]

Love ya work katie. Love your tshirt! Tanks look great. BB actually lives on every serface area. Not just the media.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much!! 😁 And very true, that's a good point. All the rock in my river tank would definitely be helping with the bio load too

[@kikiux1535]

Great video. Guess there is no right or wrong filtration system to choose. Unless you are looking for "a lot cheaper and not as expensive" :). Do appreciate the information. Awesome video!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Most definitely!! Thank you for watching 😊

[@DiggingRob]

Having your sump Bio media chamber empty & cleaned ….. ….Add plastic egg create 3-4 inches high…… Now add all your Bio media (all in Media bags) so now your next sump cleaning will be very easy & Fast……..Both of your Tanks Are Beautiful……….Thanks for sharing

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much Rob 😊 That's a great idea!

[@pmichael3442]

Took down my 150 gal reef tank and am preparing for a freshwater reboot. 1. Tip that will help you immensely in cleaning your sump. Get a wet dry vac. Fill it and roll it outside for dumping.

[@aquariumaquarium8080]

Great video kaity I in particular and by far the sump filter is my go to filter. I just think your sump is set up on a more complicated way. Btw if you’re thinking of traveling why don’t you come to NC? Love to have you here

[@AguabonitaAquatics]

Good explanations. I'm not overly familiar with sumps and your explanation made it easy to understand. For me that's a big deal, lol! Great work, hope to see you having fun in the Great White North, eh!

[@Kaityscichlids]

That's so awesome to hear! Thank you heaps 😊 I'm so excited for my trip 😄

[@BONP1E]

Nice video, thanks. I used to like cleaning canister filters, but I have to say, since a sump, I won't go back. Great content.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊

[@andrep1784]

Thanks Kaity, nice to see another one beeing used to canister filters...playing with a sump.😅 As i am watching i build my own first sump to replace 2 Tetra ex1200 on my 720l discus tank. I am running an automatic paper filter already as a bypass apart from the canisters, this will end up in the sump of course, what brings me to the first point: I will try to get a dry/wet filtration meaning the first mechanic filtration will be out of the system all the time, not only IF i clean. Easy with automatic paper filters. Second point especially with my discus: Canisters do almost nothing against nitrate, some even call them nitrate power plant...why?...water rushes too quick to canisters to let the anaerobic bacteria do its job. In a sump the water remains far longer with the bio media what in theory should help. I do my videos in german so i dont bother you watching it🤣 but i check by here again, because you make great inspiring videos. cya

[@JonVlogs123]

Nice filtration comparison. 😎👍

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😄

[@Beny244]

Thanks Katie, really enjoyed the video and subscribed. 50 years fish keeping for me and ive run all the systems. These days im all about saving time and aggravation. I run multiple 1000L + tanks all with a parallel sump set up similar to a koi pond set up. Not pretty but its 20 min maintenance per week for 30,000L under management with minimal points of failure. Some points to note. Caution on the use of plants within filtration - the roots multiple and become a haven for anaerobic bacteria ie. aeromonas A and B and others. Are you measuring the nitrates? I think the effect of plants is overstated. I would consider a bottom drain if possible in the sump 50mm drain gravity feed straight out to garden. cheers Col

[@charleshaman1782]

Great idea to compare these two options... but I'm confused at the state of your sump. If mechanical filtration is first in the sequence, then you shouldn't have detritus entering your biological media chamber. Just take care of the mechanical filtration regularly. In your setup, maybe consider layering different gradients of filter sponge, because one big wad of floss doesn't seem to be serving you well. Looking forward to your North America tour!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you! Yes I'm not too sure how so much detritus got it there

[@nathanrussell5372]

your voice is only on the left channel, very strange audio mix. Great content though

[@raghavshankara5601]

Setting up a new tank your advice n info in very helpful 😊😊

[@Kaityscichlids]

That's awesome to hear 😊🙌

[@ultimatefishkeeping]

Believe it or not. According to research, Pothos is actually a water/Bog plant, which, for many, many years, is being used as a house plant. Though it is toxic to Dogs, Cats and Birds. However, it is a nice plant, and because it grows to quite a large size and has many roots, it does a great job of removing unwanted gases such as ammonia from the water. 👍🏼🙂👍🏼❤️

[@Kaityscichlids]

Wow, that makes so much sense!! I didn't expect it to grow so well in there, but it's loving the sump 😊

[@ultimatefishkeeping]

@Kaity's Cichlids I'm glad it is doing well. The only thing is that it is a marginal plant, so the roots are only in the water, not the whole plant, as the leaves will rot and release toxins into the water. So a good tip is to put Eggcrate on top of the Sump and have the stem with roots going into the water. The egg crate will keep the rest of the plant above the water. 👍🏼🙂👍🏼❤️

[@MrEvilmitch]

I have a deep plastic tray I put in front of my fx6 and I lift my trays into it so I can get to bottom tray to replace my chemi pure green bag that way I don't get water anywhere. Then I just drop my baskets back in the cannister slowly letting them take on water on the way down so it doesn't overflow . Lid goes back on and happy days 👌works for me anyway . Great video Katie I think we can guess you will be visiting Ohio fish rescue haha

[@Kaityscichlids]

That's such a great idea!! Thank you 😄

[@theblindfishkeeper]

Way to go, Katie. Super in-depth and easily understandable video! Great explanation of both filter types. Are use a sump and an FX6 on my African tank in tandem, and the pure cleaning power of the sump combined with the water movement created by the FX six seems to be a perfect combo For my African tank. Again, great video!😁🐠🦯

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much Brandon!! I really appreciate it 😊 That's a great combination you've got going 😄

[@dominic9279]

Brilliant video Kaity I thoughly enjoyed watching, thankyou

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much Dominic!

[@TheFishBeast]

Sumps are the beast!

[@Evil_Genius_888]

Good video. I’ve never had a tank big enough to seriously consider a sump option. Someday…

[@King-Kazma]

More and more small tanks have a partition with a sump like filter. You can max out the media if you want to push your stock level, and you can hide the heater in there so it all looks ‘clean’. I think they are easier to set up and service than canisters for smaller tanks, especially with media baskets.

[@Evil_Genius_888]

@@King-Kazma Until 2 weeks ago I had a 20g all-in-one cube running. It’s a great little aquarium. I even briefly considered an overflow box and sump for my 75g, but in the end just put in a canister. Of the current 5 tank’s running I have 3 on Oase Biomaster Thermo canisters and 2 on sponge filters.

[@alan61979]

I think you have both aquariums set up correctly. The FX6s are ideal for messy Cichlids and the sump is fine for your rainbow fish tank. Another down side if a sump is they're not very good if you're using CO2 in a planted aquarium, as the overflow tends to gas off the CO2. I love the way you leave your mistakes in the videos and write what you should have said. The panic when you heard the sump pump running dry, we've all been there 🤣 Looking for ward to vids from your travels.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Hahaha, thank you!! 🤣 I'm glad you appreciate it. And yes, that sound is the sound no one wants to hear lol. I'm really looking forward to the US trip 😊

[@Darklordsid]

Awesome vid dude! Holler if ever in Vegas!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you!! 🙏 I'm sure I'll be there at some point when I come back to America!

[@chelmsford6774]

Great video, it answers so many questions. Thank you!

[@Kaityscichlids]

That's so great to hear!! Thank you Chelms 😊

[@MbSbAquaGamer]

Thank you Kaity . nice video and great explanation . Love from India ❤

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊

[@ZackGreensReptiles]

Great video, another pro of a sump is the increased water volume, currently run an FX6 and eheim filters however hope to add a tank with a sump in the near future.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Ohhhh yes, very true!! I didn't even think of that. It increases the water volume by a lot

[@siyafakher1594]

Hi K, it looks like those Chiclids are creating an awful lot of mechanical waste. Not sure what your cleaning cycle is on those FX6's or your feeding schedule but if you are say cleaning those FX6's and they're that dirty once per month then you might want to reduce feeding. They may also likely chump on some coarse sponges if you placed it on the end of those FX6 intakes. So maybe either fit some coarse sponge inside the FX6 intake strainer or I used Eheim External Canister Pre Filters. I had an identical Chiclid set up to your one, running 2 FX6's. The difference it made for me, meant it was significantly easier to clean and maintain because cleaning the pre filters is so much easier than cleaning the fx and it reduces the amount of mechanical waste the FX6's build up because your catching most of it in the pre filters, which I would clean every 3-5 days. That cleaning took 2 mins whereas an FX6 clean would take 30min minimum. I also reduced my feeding, there's some initial aggression with them being territorial but this soon subsided, as they adjusted to their new routine. The result for me was that the fish were healthier, it was easier for me to maintain the tank and I could enjoy watching the fish more. Keep making excellent content, thank you

[@ROTTERtube]

I just added the FX6 to my 125 gallon saltwater tank. I have the sump on the right side. Thinking of using a 2nd FX6 and no more sump.

[@alexlang5649]

Very interesting and informative video, thanks Kaity!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you Alex!! 😊🙏

[@fishmunga1014]

Cheaper, less expensive had me rolling. Lol. Well recovered though. Yet another great vid mate. 👌

[@Kaityscichlids]

😂😂😂 Thank you so much!! 🙌

[@ronlafond5288]

Well that was an awesome, in-depth review of the two different systems, Kaity. I have zero experience with either, but based on your review, I might be inclined to go towards the sump. It seems to me that having to drag out and to disassemble a canister is a lot more work than cleaning the sump. Ok, so I'm getting a bit lazy. 🙂 Originally, I always thought sumps were magical. A box of water connected to another box of water above it! NO WAY! But now that I understand the system a bit better - thanks to one of your previous videos on setting up your sump - I really like the idea. I like the accessibility and the open system - not having to worry about making sure the canister - under pressure - was sealed correctly. I can also see how a sump would be a practical solution for several tanks combined. Nicely done there, my friend! Keep 'em coming. And are you going to Disneyland? 🙂

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much Ron!! I'm so glad to hear you've found the videos about the sumps to be helpful and insightful 😊 I was completely new to them too before I got the peninsula tank. And no plans for Disneyland 😭 I don't think I'm going to be able to fit it in with all the places I'm going! I would absolutely love to go at some point though

[@aaronarmstrongaa]

Great looking channel. If you want to grow plants you can definitely over-filter a tank so there's nothing to feed the plants

[@musicalhemant]

Hello I m from india I m a discus fish lover and hobbyist. Your videos are amazing. Please make videos on discus fish ..

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much Hemant 🙏🙏🙏

[@malawiaquascape]

I would change these stones into malawi, this aquarium has a lot of setup possibilities😍😍😍

[@AdamSandler-zs9kw]

What type of shrimp is that with the long limbs so Kool

[@damor4878]

Do you remember me suggesting to you to run an internal filter with purigen/ macropore inside it? Much more efficient than a canister filter as it's direct flow. Doesn't need to be big. It's only there to polish the water nothing more. Much easier.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Yes actually!! I do remember this and thinking it was a great idea! Thank you for reminding me

[@michaelschaber1948]

Beautiful set up good on you

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊

[@sirwilliam7988]

Well done Kaity. You explained the two perfectly. I’ve had both types of filtration systems in my tank over the years. Both work really well. Thank you for another fine video.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊

[@KoiBoy6]

Have run dual FX6 and now a sump, it will take a good hose cleaning on the sponges without setting back bacteria too much. Once a month cleaning takes about 20 minutes and is a bit messy and a pain on my back. My sump I change fleece roller every 2-3 months, clean the sump out once a year. 5 minutes to change fleece, 30 to clean the sump. All in, sump is much easier. Swap your floss for fleece roller and you will see your peninsula tank clear as fast as the cichlid tank.

[@Kaityscichlids]

That's good to know!! I'm actually keen to try out a filter roller on it

[@Tommpll]

Greetings from Poland :* You have super aquariums

[@Kaityscichlids]

Greetings from Australia 😄 Thank you so much!

[@tommybunk2292]

I like prefiltered cannisters with high detritus Cichlid Tanks, and sumps on set up's like your River Tank, so I think you it's worked out well for you in my opinion. 🙂👌

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much Tommy!

[@LAIKEM45]

You have the best videos thanks for sharing!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 🙏

[@gaidin]

Useful video, thank you :) I dont really think $20 for filter socks is over the top when you spend $800 on your sump pump though hehe

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you! You make a point 🤣

[@bethanysummers3377]

Ive only ever had a canister filter. Sumps seem scary to my lol. Im sure its just a case of getting used to it. America, how exciting!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Yes definitely just a case of getting used to them!! It definitely helped having someone show me how to set it up 😊 And yes I'm so excited 😁

[@steveott6238]

Flow rates of the FX6's are reduced more by the head height they are pumping to rather than the media inside. 3500lph flow rate is at 0cm head height and this reduces considerably for every 10cm head height added. Normal flow rates for these would be around 45 - 60% of the advertised flow.

[@Kaityscichlids]

I should have mentioned in the video that cutting the hoses so they were no longer than needed definitely helped with the sound as well

[@amiremadian6716]

The great job .Thanks

[@dant6616]

Every Thing you say is so true. Good Video

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊🙏

[@MFSB208]

Do you feel like the return on the sump kicks up the detritus off the sand into the water column more or less on canister vs the sump setup? Wondering if there is a noticeable difference between the two options?

[@Garzajonathan1]

Hey been watching for a while. Not sure how many times you’ve cleaned the fx6. But make sure you clean the motor as well. Propeller is just as dirty as the sponges in the canister. Causes less flow and vibration as well. Mine doesn’t sound the way yours sounded when you put the mike up to it. Sounds like sand and gunk is in the propeller please clean it before it breaks and then you’ll have to purchase new motor. Clean every time you clean the filter.

[@andysfishden6506]

On larger tanks i love having a sump, plenty of room to hide stuff like heaters etc. I have a canister on a tank because it was goven to me, but i dont care for it, too much of a pain to clean. All my smaller tanks i use air powered sponge and box filters, cant beat them.

[@MrNewrossman]

Regards sump not cleaning water as quick, I note you not using a filter sock on the intake side of sump, the big holes the water flows through should have a sock installed so water is cleaned and you swap out every few days and put in washing machine, also can get different micron size for how much kunk it takes out. Great vid, prefer sumps as hide all the equipment and can add extra filters (carbon,chemical) and can add extra micro food as no fish so safe area for say guppys or small inverts to help bioload and not forgetting the extra volume of water always helps. Ohh regardless what external filter a $20 leak/water alarm is a no brainer

[@vishpersaud7825]

Hi Kaity. I loved the video. Wouldn’t it be more beneficial if you used a sump system on your African cichlids tank since the bio load is so high? Even though the FX-6s move a ton of water, they don’t have a lot of room for bio media. Keep up the great work!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you!! 🙏 It totally would be, I would love to have a big sump full of pothos for the Malawi Cichlids. I only use the canister filters on that tank because it's not drilled for a sump, but if it came with one I'd totally use it

[@Kaityscichlids]

Maybe one day I will move them to the peninsula tank for a change 🤣 you've given me an idea lol

[@morgansjodin4859]

Have a 190 gallon tank with full grown red bellys.. they are about 8 years old. But my two FX´6 never get that clogged, how often do you clean yours? I clean them when they start to make some abnormal noise or when I can see a difference with the waterflow between them. maybe once every third month. Have been feeding them floating cichlid sticks sense they where juvi so they aren´t messy.. There is a canister from China called Sunsun that has a even bigger filtration than the FX6.. have two of them.. but the quality is not that insuring.. both of them started to leak and had to fix it by using plumbertape with the o-rings.. Oh just remember when I saw your vid when you fed the predators.. 20 years ago I had a red tail that always ate from my hand.. had to sell him because he where to big.. over 50 cm, I miss him!

[@stuardoruano5776]

Sump is better than canister, you can put a lot of mechanical filtration as you want and biological too, I dont like cannister cause the biological filtration is always dirty, in the future they arent working well (biological filtration). The sump gives more water and a lot area to put different staff

[@laurag1076]

Omg congratulations on your trip! ❤🎉 😊

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😁😁 I'm so excited!

[@laurag1076]

@@Kaityscichlids omg who are u going to see??? I'm guessing the aquascaper guys? Omg who else! I'm so proud of u as an aussie and a woman! And a cappy 🤣🥰🐠

[@BigFoot-158]

Wasn't going to leave a comment but... I have too. I don't know about Australia but here in the states you don't need a drilled tank to have a sump. You just got to buy a different kind of skimmer box.

[@jasonbarker8116]

you should look how the sumps are used in salt water aquariums we try to catch all the detritus be for it gets in to your sump filter sock work really well cheaper ones are available (get a few extra) there should only be a small amount of detritus to siphon out even after a few months your tanks look really nice

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you for the tip!

[@edgoodman01]

ok your video keeps my attention well done

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😄🙏

[@hupthyetan7693]

Your biomedia in the sump tank seems inadequate,the more the merrier.Cover it with mat media on top, to trap some waste and wear filter socks on the inlet tube For such a big tank an improved biological filtration would be good. Inspired by your Chichlid tank,I started one a week ago with 15 large and medium ones, and used my experiences. in tank management.Good luck to you...hopefully me too.

[@basedphantomlord4462]

Great video. Thanks. "You must have a filter" Is like a myth that seemingly 95% of the aquaria community believe. I'd guess at least 80% of aquariums in the US use charcoal based filters which usually come with hang-on-back filters, which everything I read says charcoal filters do nothing unless you're trying to remove medicines and such from the water, so essentially all these people are already basically running a filterless aquarium? The main thing filters provide that is actually needed is oxygen to the water through surface agitation, which can be accomplished more easily with a bubble stone and air pump. Living aquatic plants can also provide oxygen to the water column. I have a 20 Gallon tall Ive been running for some time now, it has a bubble stone and a half dozen different species of aquatic plants...no filter. Living inside are a school of Zebra Danio's, 6 or 7 snails of two different species, 10 neocardina shrimp and a hillstream loach. Planted aquariums are the healthiest, most natural option there is, and it requires less upkeep. Some people claim certain fish, such as cichlids, cant go in a planted tank but this is not true. Sometimes its just a matter of planting the right species of plant.

[@siyafakher1594]

It depends on the stock load and variety/type of aquatic life your keeping, your feeding schedule and type of food you feed, substrate, it's depth and make up, whether it's layered, capped with sand etc the amount of light you provide, your local water quality, whether you do regular water changes or just top ups etc. You have described a low stock load, so of course mother nature is balancing things which is a very natural and easy way to keep aquatic life. In any case, every set up is different and it's all dependent each different case and all those different variables. Of course filters do alot more than pump water, they are firstly mechanically cleaning the water column. If you look at that FX6, you see the amount of mechanical waste those type of Cichlids are making. What works for you with your school of tiny fish isn't going to work for her for example. Then, filters also house media which provides the biological filtration. Now the tank itself and every non living thing inside it will probably be the largest surface area for biological filtration but being able to have a place to store biological filtration is another benefit of almost all filters. Filters absolutely have a purpose beyond moving water, it's all dependent on what you're specifics are.

[@ffemt703]

The sump needs a lot more time to clear stuff to break it down, you need a sump atleast 1/3 the water capacity to have enough filter material. The sump looks quite small for the capacity of the main tank. This only applies in Freshwater. Using a canister filter in a Saltwater tank will cause way more issues as the water changes more rapidly and takes away nutrients that the inhabitants can use as well. Using a small canister filter with just filter material and not biological filtration might work.

[@christopherjunkin4792]

My tank isn't drilled and I use a sump. I just have an on the back overflow. It works exactly the same except you need a little piece of air hose to get the water flowing

[@Kaityscichlids]

That's good to know!!

[@Baking_Baker]

The sump needs filter socks, yours looks like a 4 inch diameter size 👍🏻👍🏻

[@ZweiSpeed]

This gives me an idea for my 29 gallon tank.... err.. sump - to - be!

[@madaboutmilitaria3630]

Great video, recently put a canister filter on one of my tanks and I don’t like it. My next tank I’ll be going with a sump. Going to predatory fins😳and Ohio fish rescue🤔

[@Kaityscichlids]

Most likely!! I'm in town for a baseball game too and hoping it works out 🤞

[@AaronGale85]

Hi. Just wondering what lights you have on the African tank? They are awesome

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you!! They are Freshwater AI Primes 😊

[@Wanfish70]

Hallo..kaity's, amazing filter, wow..👍👍❤️

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😄

Not the first time I came across a canister vs sump comparison where most of the cons of canister filters are not general cons, but specific to fluvals. I came to the conclusion that the problem is actually with fluval and that they are not good canister filters.