Extra Media In Fluval Fx5

[ChilliPepper]

I've bought the Fluval ceramic rings (Biomax) to go with the sponge filters I got with my filter. I am considering getting the water polishing pads as well. Is it worth it? I had some Marina Filter Wool in my old filter and I think that definitely helped keeping the water clear. Should I get some more of that or go with the Fluval ones?

Those of you with the FX5, did you buy any extra media and if so, what?

Also, how often do you tend to clean yours out? My new tank will be 600+L and inhabitants include messy cichlids (mostly my Oscar) so I will have to clean it more often that if it were stocked with Tetras I realise

 

[Spanerman]

I prefer filter wool to polishing pads, but you do have to change it quite often

Sam.

 

[england]

In my fx5.i have the sponges/ceramics and the blue circular fine filter pads/white polishing pads....it tends to slow down the filter mind....but i have never had any problems....i love the fx5....i also have pond filter bio media

 

[mattlee]

my blue fine filter pads got clogged up after 3 weeks causing air to get trapped in the canister and almost stopped the flow

 

[sharpshark]

You don't have to buy fluval ones thats for sure, and as for changing, do it when you notice flow has dropped, it will become a cycle after a while, mines about 4 weeks for the fine wool, they don't last long.

To save buy a large sheet of filter wool for a pond filter, you can get it very cheaply and you just have to cut it roughly to size and squish it in for a good seal, I've been doing this for a while and it works well, also most sheets are double thick and you can separate them out in two for extra savings!!!

I am trying to find an external fine filter carrier which can be changed without having to disturb things too much.