FX-5 on 240gal tank

[darkangel]

I have decided to go with an FX-5 maybe 2 on my 240, But would like to try and plumb it into the overflows as the intake and have the output plumbed to a spraybar. I was thinking of filling the overflows with bio-balls and puting a piece of sponge on top for a pre-filter before the water goes into the filter. Can this or will it work, or am I asking for trouble. Tank stock list (I'm hoping I can get them, trying for all wild) 6 X Altum angels, 8 X Red hook silver dollars, 4 X Red streak gold severums, 12 X laser orange cories, and a few plecos to be decided on later.

[Darren88]

a fx5 is rated for 400 gallons 1 would be plenty definitly no need to go to 2

[darkangel]

I was thinking 2 for the fish load in the tank. After all, you can never overfilter.

[Wingin' It]

I agree, you can never over filter...more is better...and good back up for when cleaning.

[hybrid]

You will eventualy have a fairly substantial bio-load when all your fish grow up.. I suggest additional filtration

[jvision]

I read a thread on MFK where a guy hardlined his FX5, and had the intake split and drilled in near the top with strainer baskets. The output was split into 3 and plumbed into the back as well - 2 near the bottom corners and one near center.

If you hardlined it to an overflow, I'd be nervous of air getting into the intake - at best it would make your filter loud as hell; at worst, it'd break the siphon and your filter would stop.

[medhatnoobee]

the problem I see is you should plumb an automatic top off. the overflow doesn't hold much water. the evaporation rate of a 240 will cause you to need to top up every day to keep the level in the overflow anywhere near stable.

[damtrees]

the problem I see is you should plumb an automatic top off. the overflow doesn't hold much water. the evaporation rate of a 240 will cause you to need to top up every day to keep the level in the overflow anywhere near stable.

+1

[corrosionjerry]

FX5 is so clumsy... wish they would do something about that / Mine works great however it will never be my favorite for several reasons.... the looks of the intake and output is visualy unapealing and to clean the puppy is not fun! All that said , it works very well

Edited November 26, 2010 by corrosionjerry

[jvision]

I agree with the intake and output. PVC is the way to go. If you have a black background, Kryolon Fusion flat black works well at keeping it hidden.

[jet_ran]

I have decided to go with an FX-5 maybe 2 on my 240, But would like to try and plumb it into the overflows as the intake and have the output plumbed to a spraybar. I was thinking of filling the overflows with bio-balls and puting a piece of sponge on top for a pre-filter before the water goes into the filter. Can this or will it work, or am I asking for trouble. Tank stock list (I'm hoping I can get them, trying for all wild) 6 X Altum angels, 8 X Red hook silver dollars, 4 X Red streak gold severums, 12 X laser orange cories, and a few plecos to be decided on later.

[darkangel]

Thanks for the replies. It's still in the works and I'm trying out different ideas and alternatives.

[hustler]

Sump.... thats my vote you have the overflows I dont know why your not running one already.

a small sump will do more than 2 FX5s...and alot easier to clean.