When you have a large aquarium, you surely need to provide a large filter for cleaning the water. The water will acquire its fine state for fish when it is clean. The water gets dirty when the fish defecates, or the part of the body from fish comes off like its skin. Here, the filter will do the cleaning process and make the purity of the water stable. The best choice for the right filtration system that suitable for a large aquarium is the Fluval FX Series including Fluval FX5 and Fluval FX6 filter. This FX Series is the product which most people recommend for bigger aquarium when it comes with the powerful filter.
This filter series actually is a canister or external filter. The external filter is the filter where is placed outside the aquarium instead of the inside of the aquarium itself. In this post, we will compare the Fluval fx5 vs Fluval fx6 which is better for you, so you can determine what you need. Let see the details below.
| Fluval FX5 | Fluval FX6 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   | |
| View on Amazon | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
| New Features | ||
| Maintenance Indicator | ||
| Tech specs | ||
| Aquarium Capacity | 1500L (400 US Gal) | 1500L (400 US Gal) |
| Pump Output | 3500 L (925 US Gal) | 3500 L (925 US Gal) |
| Flow Rate | 2300 l/h / 607 gph (US) | 2130 l/h / 563 gph (US) |
| Mechanical Area | 2,100 cm² (325.5 in²) | 2,100 cm² (325.5 in²) |
| Filtration Volume | 20 L (5.28 US Gal) | 20 L (5.28 US Gal) |
| Media Basket Capacity | 5.9 L (1.5 US Gal) | 5.9 L (1.5 US Gal) |
| Head Height (max.) | 3.3 m (10.8 ft) | 3.3 m (10.8 ft) |
| Wattage | 120V/60Hz – 50 W 230-240V/50Hz – 48 W | 120V/60Hz – 43 W 230-240V/50Hz – 41 W |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 40.6 x 35.6 x 43.2 cm | 37 x 37 x 58 cm |
| Where to buy | ||
| View on Amazon | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
The Features of Fluval FX Series
You can get the Fluval FX5 or Fluval FX6 as your canister filter. The design of this both filter is quite bulky. Here, the weight of FX5 is 8 kg and FX6 is 7 kg which is really heavy to be carried around. The size of this filter is pretty big as it comes in 37x37x58 cm for Fluval FX6 and slightly larger than FX5. The large dimension that may cause trouble when you put it inside your aquarium, but an extremely size the power which produced is pretty quiet with power under 50 watts.
Basically, both filters have similar specifications, it suitable for up to 1500 L (400 US Gal) for freshwater or saltwater aquariums. The water which is given can flow well with this filter. The filter will provide flowing water which is good for the fish environment. Fish will live better, and they will have less stress when the water is flowing. The flowing water can take more oxygen from the air compared to the still one.
Fluval Fx6 comes with new filter media and carbon, unlike Fluval fx5 part. Fluval Fx6 filter had a new pump and designed to handle the pressure so there is less reduction on flow compared to fx5.
Smart pump technology provided in this great Fluval FX5/FX6 canister filter. A great feature that used for making excellent pumping power with a high volume of water and provides to optimal filter performance. Many people who have experienced its pumping capability said that the power is quite reliable. It makes a good flow of water which is optimum. It spins the water very well and making a good circulation of water. The fish get healthy and less stress and on the top of them, it provides durable power which can last for a long time with maximum performance.
A great new benefit of the Fluval FX6 filter over the FX5 is that it comes packed with a full supply of biological, mechanical and chemical Biomax media, and in the FX6 is its 10% power consumption reduction. Also, the Fluval FX6 containing some features changes. One of the new features on the Fluval FX6 canister filter are the two indicator dials located on the top of the unit.
Inside the filter, you will get the efficient and effective filter here. The filter made with fine holes which are strong. Debris and many other things will not be stuck badly in the filter as the filter is sleek and healthy. The filter can bear much debris and impurities too as it is really strong and durable. Its durability is the top class, and it makes a perfect use for a long change as the filter media will be sold separately from the filter itself. You should not buy the filter wholly when your canister is broken.
The filter media is also made with the
Both Fluval FX5 and Fluval FX6 canister filter is featured with the Heavy-duty Anti-Clog strainer. The clog-proof strainer is a
To make the cleaning process get more crystal clear, you will have the six foam filter blocks here. Foam is the most important part when it comes to trapping large debris or the smooth one. The pores in the foam will become a place for attaching the impurities so it will not return to the aquarium. In most cases of Fluval FX Series, the foam is the one which should often be cleaned. It provides a really nice entrapment which will make you have a healthy and clean aquarium.
You will also be able to regulate the water flow from this external filter. The water flow is controlled by the click-fit Aquastop valves. This is an excellent feature which will make a perfect and easy control over the water. You can easily widen or shrink the hole for the water to pass. That is the most important part which will make you have an excellent flow of water. The flowing of water can be adjusted according to your wish because different fish may have diverse needs of water.
The Fluval FX5/FX6 canister filter can also be used for various kind of water. You can use it for saltwater or freshwater aquarium. Some filter will not work well with certain water because of its corrosive characters. Saltwater tends to be more corrosive than the freshwater, and that is why not all canister filters can handle the saltwater tank. Salt water will rust the metal quickly than fresh water, and it will not be good news. Once the structure of the filter rusty, the durability will reduce highly. With the material used in this filter, the durability can be boosted highly as it is stainless. Here is a snippet of some of the main features according to the official website.
Fluval FX6 Canister Filter Setup Video
The Advantages of Fluval FX Series
Now, we also need to find some benefits which are blessed with this filtration system. Both Fluval FX5 and FX6 is High-Performance Canister Filter, it comes with the self-priming system. It is a system which is dedicated to any person who wants to use this stuff and to eliminates the need for manual siphoning. Here, it comes with plug and plays design where you just need to connect it to the electricity source and then the tool will work. It is really profitable for you who do not really know how to operate this stuff. You can set the flow quickly too here.
To learn the maintenance and small setup in this canister filter, you will experience the first part of the DVD guide. It provides you with thorough support. Every detail is mentioned for giving you the best and understandable steps for getting the finest result. It will not be a troublesome guide with much nonsense, but it comes with really good practical directions for doing it. The action is better than speech and it is applied well in this filter. You will get the proper maintenance, and your filter will last for a long time until you will not remember how much the price for buying it is.
The work of this filter is extremely quiet for the larger external filter. With a big size, it does not provide really annoying sounds. It’s heavy and firm structure works well in reducing the vibration of the motor. With less vibration, there will be less sounds come from this filter. It keeps your aquarium peaceful so you will not get any unpleasant feeling when you are spending your time besides the aquarium. Watching fish in an aquarium is quite calming and soothing so you can escape for your daily thought of problems.
The Disadvantages of Fluval FX Series
There are some disadvantages which you will get. First, you get heavy weight which is kind of less portable stuff. It makes you have a hard time dealing with its placements. Then, the foam is not really durable so you need to change it over time. The part of the foam can scatter easily when you squeeze it too much when you are cleaning it. For that reason, you just need to give good cover upon the foam which is used for trapping the impurities for returning to the aquarium.
FX5 vs. FX6 which should you choose?
Both filters have the same good performance. The difference is the size of the dimension through the difference was only just a little and some of the features supporting like two maintenance indicators on the top Fluval Fx6. But if you decide are going to buy this external filter, you must be considered is Fluval Fx5 canister filter are discontinued currently, so you can buy them used only. Besides, if you want something new, the Fluval fx6 canister filter is the best at the time.
Conclusion
Those are all about Fluval FX5 and Fluval FX6 canister filter. You see that the feature of this filter is quite advanced. The Fluval FX Series has an amazing range of advanced feature, it is designed with best spare parts which are solid and powerful. The filtering process happens in a really reliable way with the combination of foam and filter there. The motor provides a powerful flow of water. The usages are easy although it also has some lacks. Overall, this is the best external filter that should be used for the large aquarium by many people because offering super capacity in a compact canister filter and provides really amazing performance with many benefits in it.
If you need more about another aquarium filter, check out our post here: best aquarium filter.
Jack Dempsey says
Hey there, how often would you need to change out the filter media if you run a pretty lightly stocked tank? I have a 55-gallon tank with some pretty small community fish in it.
Aquabase says
Hello Jack,
I usually replace the media filter once a week but of course, it depends on how dirty our tank is.
Cheers.