What filtration medias are recommended this? I used the stuff that came with it but one of the baskets is still empty
320693
All you need are the sponges (1 course, 1 fine), biological media (ceramic rings, etc), and chemical resin product (BioChemPure, Boyd's Chemipure, etc). You will have outstanding results and the longest service intervals for any kind of aquarium filtration. Use enough of each type of media (mechanical, biological, chemical) for the volume of your aquarium. Any extra space should be used for extra biological media or perhaps a denitrating product (Seachem Denitrate, etc).
320694
I use Aqua-Pure Cut-To-Fit Filter Pads by HBH. They come in polyfiber, ammonia and carbon. It's cheaper than the pre-cut ones Rena sells.I also use more bio-chem stars than what comes with the kit.Start with your mechanical filter pads (like the foam 20 & 30 PPI that come with it), then the bio-chem stars, then the chemical pads.I've been using Filstar XPs for over a decade in both fresh and salt water and I've been very happy.
320695
buy more ceramic and activated carbon for the extra basket and just use sponge
1052496
I use paper filters for easy clean up but the mesh is sufficient on its own. Paper filters fit right into the mesh basket.
1317946
Hello, we had the same problem with 5 gallon buckets that we used with the filters. My husband drilled two very small holes in the very top of the bottom bucket to allow air in and it speeded up the filtration rate significantly. Hope this helps.
2560
I haven't had to do this yet but ordered the kit that has the filter and extra bags. I would assume it has directions or you could call customer service or look it up on YouTube. Sorry, I couldn't help.
1377667
Were you able to find the right permanent filter basket for the 8 cup? I have the same question.
1176648
I ordered the kit that had filtered in it. I haven't had to order anymore but they do sell the filters separately on amazon.
191421
Hi Hansonzg, I use three of the 17.63 Oz. boxes of media when I change my filter. One box for each of the three levels. You could almost use four boxes and add a little more to each level. I buy a 40 oz. box of charcoal media for the charcoal basket and the 40 oz. box lasts me for about three or four changes. The rings work great, thats what I use.One thing I've learned is to buy a couple of extra paper cylinder filters. Those I change the most so its nice to just pull the dirty one out and replace it with a clean one off the shelf. When the flow gets low it typically means the paper filter needs to be cleaned or replaced. Having a couple of extra is a handy approach. This has been an awesome filter ! Hi Hansonzg, I use three of the 17.63 Oz. boxes of media when I change my filter. One box for each of the three levels. You could almost use four boxes and add a little more to each level. I buy a 40 oz. box of charcoal media for the charcoal basket and the 40 oz. box lasts me for about three or four changes. The rings work great, thats what I use.One thing I've learned is to buy a couple of extra paper cylinder filters. Those I change the most so its nice to just pull the dirty one out and replace it with a clean one off the shelf. When the flow gets low it typically... » Read More Hi Hansonzg, I use three of the 17.63 Oz. boxes of media when I change my filter. One box for each of the three levels. You could almost use four boxes and add a little more to each level. I buy a 40 oz. box of charcoal media for the charcoal basket and the 40 oz. box lasts me for about three or four changes. The rings work great, thats what I use.One thing I've learned is to buy a couple of extra paper cylinder filters. Those I change the most so its nice to just pull the dirty one out and replace it with a clean one off the shelf. When the flow gets low it typically means the paper filter needs to be cleaned or replaced. Having a couple of extra is a handy approach. This has been an awesome filter ! « Show Less
359036
Since this is the prefilter media I would say place it in the top basket where it will trap larger debris (but I am not sure much will get past the outer foam inserts). It also helps to "break up" the water current to get a more even spread in the basket. The very similar looking Bio-Max rings are biological surface area modules that should be placed in the bottom media basket.
1078081
R. Freidenberg is correct. But in order to backflush you need a "blank" portafilter basket. This will prevent water from passing through the portafilter and enable your machine to suck up the cleaning solution. Blanks can be ordered online. Make sure you get one that is the correct size for your portafilter.
130235
If you are using the paper filters you can use the Fine setting set in the middle. If you are using a reusable basket filer it would be medium
1603708
Possible concern is growth of pathogens on the filter media. We use ours for many months until volume is noticeably slower, indicating packing of media with filtrate.
475978
I would contact the company I use this stuff and ended up replacing all of my de filters if your trying to fight green algee and have not broken down your de filter and cleaned all of the screens that's what you need to do they algee up and your just pumping the green stuff back into your pool I wlll never use this stuff again hope this helps
755904
You are welcome. I have used various filters and absolutely rely on Aquaclear. Cut white felt to fit over the sponge to add an extra layer of filtration. Best if changed ever 2 or 3 days. You will understand once you see what is filtered out.Keep me posted.M.
1258420
Hi, it's your filter, no matter how clean it looks on the outside it gets pretty clogged internally. You can order three packs of filters on Amazon. You could always pull it out until they arrive. Rob
1929530
I would contact Complete Filtration Services they shipped it to me , I don't have my information any longer on the product itself.
928457
Hi, I would assume those have just as high a bioload as the Comet Goldfish I have. The FX5 comes with three media baskets. I use Seachem Matrix in the bottom and middle tier. In the top tier I have crushed coral and floss, but you can also put Matrix in that basket as well, but leave more room for floss and the blue Fluval filter for mechanical filtration. I also wrap the outter foam with fine-filtering cloth cut to size for filtering fine particles. The higher surface area of the foam on the outside of the baskets is better than a fine pad on the inside which can result in cavitation and fine bubbles being dispersed from output nozzle. Hope this helps. BTW, I did my research and Seachem Matrix out-performed regular ceramic media.
1471527
I bought the permanent filter, I prerer it. You could use normal paper basket filters as well.