FX6 Flow

[MetalRavioli]

Hey!

so, I have an FX6 running on my (almost cycled) 90 gallon tank. I didn’t realize how heavy the flow is until today when I put plants I got for the tank in, and they look like they’re in the middle of a tornado. Is there any way to lower the flow? I don’t want my fish to be flying around like pebbles in a jar!

 

[deeda]

A couple options would be to redirect the output nozzles so they aren't blowing the plants around though it may take some tweaking to get it right OR to slightly close only the output valve a bit to reduce the flow which also will reduce the amount of water filtered through the canister.

A new option is that Fluval offers a spray bar kit for the FX4 and FX6 filter which needs to be purchased separately for about $22 or so.

 

[MetalRavioli]

A couple options would be to redirect the output nozzles so they aren't blowing the plants around though it may take some tweaking to get it right OR to slightly close only the output valve a bit to reduce the flow which also will reduce the amount of water filtered through the canister.

A new option is that Fluval offers a spray bar kit for the FX4 and FX6 filter which needs to be purchased separately for about $22 or so.

Will try this. I know there are two nozzles, one seems to have three wavey lines on it, which I assume means flow. The other one seems to depict a box with an opening on top or something? Any idea what that one means? I’ve turned them both on the lowest setting, and I assume it will take some time for them to lower.

 

[FJB]

I was able to have an FX6 + 1 AC110 in a 75gal for several years, both operating at full blast (i.e., not dialed down in any way) without having too much disturbing flow, and allowing delicate fish (guppys together with adult silver dollars) and plants. Note that 75g and 90g tanks are the same footprint. For the AC110, I used the empty soda bottle DIY tamer. I will not refer to it further today.
For the FX6, it simply came to the correct positioning of the outlet (picture below). Note that I could also used a spray bar (I have 2 other FX6 with spray bars), but in this case it was not necessary. Note that the spray bars sold on eBay for FX filters are NOT made by FLUVAL. They are generic but work perfectly, are good looking (black pvc), and are cheap!

Shown in the picture is the rear, right corner of the tank (for reference, the Intake is in the opposite corner, rear left). The two nozzles are positioned such that the RIGHT NOZZLE HITS the SIDE WALL AT AN ANGLE, so the flow slides forward along the side wall, then hitting the front and continuing circling the tank along the walls. The LEFT NOZZLE HITS THE BACK WALL also at at an angle, such that the waters hits the back and continues to move along the back wall. The overall effect produces a clearly visible circular motion, fairly gentle.
This worked for me very well for several years. Good luck!

 

[Andyroo]

F FJB "For the AC110, I used the empty soda bottle DIY tamer." - can you describe and/or offer a pic?
I'm having a not dissimilar issue to MetalRavioli on a home-made system and am looking for a compact, perfunctory (IE ugly's fine) diffuser that will keep surface agitated/oxygenating without descaling surface fish.

 

[Rocksor]

start at 1:13

F FJB "For the AC110, I used the empty soda bottle DIY tamer." - can you describe and/or offer a pic?
I'm having a not dissimilar issue to MetalRavioli on a home-made system and am looking for a compact, perfunctory (IE ugly's fine) diffuser that will keep surface agitated/oxygenating without descaling surface fish.

 

[FJB]

Yep! that's the one. It can take many forms....

 

[The Masked Shadow]

My Fx5 was really strong, so I built a simple apparatus with a couple PVC pipes. Spreads out the flow.

 

[MetalRavioli]

Oh wow! This is all very helpful! Thank you guys! I’ll reposition the outlet and let y’all know how it goes!

 

[Tj203]

Hey!

so, I have an FX6 running on my (almost cycled) 90 gallon tank. I didn’t realize how heavy the flow is until today when I put plants I got for the tank in, and they look like they’re in the middle of a tornado. Is there any way to lower the flow? I don’t want my fish to be flying around like pebbles in a jar!

I don't know what kind of fish you're going to have in there but unless they are extremely small you should be completely fine I had an fx6 running in a 55 gallon with no problem. You'll have a cleaner tank in my opinion with the flow hopefully the detritus won't stick to the sand bed or substrate whatever you're using.