Fluval FX6 High Performance Canister Filter Review

Anyone who has ever kept fish as pets knows that they need to have the right equipment to ensure that their fish are healthy and happy.

One of the most essential items any aquarium enthusiast needs to have is a high-quality filter that will help to keep the aquarium water clean. Without a good filter, likely, your fish won’t get the oxygen they need to be healthy because the water will be too dirty.

With so many brands and styles available on the market today, it can get pretty confusing, particularly for anyone new to the world of aquariums.

We are going to look at one of the more popular aquarium filters, the Fluval FX6 high-performance canister, so you can learn how it works and decide if it is the right choice for you.

Fluval FX6 High Performance Canister Filter

Who is This Filter For?

Some people suggest that anyone just getting into aquariums should buy inexpensive products until they decide if they want to continue having fish. This is definitely not the way to do it.

Sure, you don’t want to spend a lot of money, especially if you are a beginner and unsure if aquariums are for you. But, if you don’t have a quality filter, chances are you will have unhealthy fish, which in the long run will deter you from wanting to continue.

The Fluval FX6 is the ideal filter for anyone – whether you’re a beginner or have been keeping fish for years. This is a high-powered filter that will make cleaning the tank a whole lot easier, which is excellent for beginners who have never cleaned an aquarium before or for anyone who loves their fish but really doesn’t care much for cleaning their tanks.

What’s Included?

Everything you need to set up your aquarium with a quality filter is included with the Fluval FX6. When you open the box, you will find the Fluval FX6. You will also find:

• Two trays
• Three filters
• Flow clamps
• Metal clamps
• Intake
• Small hose
• Large hose
• Two packages of Biomax
• Two pouches
• Carbon foam
• Two pieces of biofoam
• Output nozzle

Overview of Features

You will find plenty of features and benefits with the Fluval FX6. First of all, it is easy to start. All you have to do is read the instructions, and you will pretty much immediately be able to figure out how to set it up and get it running. If you are a beginner, don’t worry because it is so easy that even a child could set up this filter. Here are a few of the best features of the Fluval FX6:

Construction

Some aquarium filters are made from cheap plastic. The Fluval FX6 is built to last, and it is very durable. The plastic that the body is made from is soft, but this doesn’t mean it is fragile. In fact, it is pretty strong.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

One of the best things about this filter is the pump is underneath and outside the main body. This means that cleaning and maintenance is a lot easier than it is with other filters.

Also, the upper lid has six clips that keep it tightly closed, but they are easy to open when you need to. Finally, when you use this filter, you can use a hose to change water instead of dragging heavy buckets of water back and forth.

Quiet

All aquarium filters make noise, but some are a lot noisier than others. This is not a concern with the Fluval FX6. Yes, it does make noise, but compared to other filters, the noise is relatively minimal. Over time, if used continuously, it will become even quieter.

Smart Pump Technology

The Fluval FX6 has smart pump technology. This means that the filter is going to outperform most other filters on the market today. There is an electronic circuit board that ensures the pump continuously runs.

There is even a self-starting filter feature. This gets rid of air that might be trapped inside the system. Every 12 hours, the pump will stop for a couple of minutes to release that trapped air.

Clean Water

Obviously, you want your fish to live in a clean and healthy environment. The right filter will allow this to happen without you having to do a lot of work.

When you use this filter, you can be sure that the water will always be crystal clear. This filter can even help to eliminate dyes and other liquid impurities. The media basket can easily be removed, and it is stackable. It can hold as much as a whole US gallon of media.

How to Set Up and Clean the Fluval FX6

While it may be a total pain to set up some canisters, you won’t have any problems setting up the Fluval FX6. This is a self-priming filter, so there is no need to shake it or suck on the hoses to eliminate air bubbles. Instead, this filter does all the work for you.

All you have to do is plug the unit into an electrical outlet, and it will bring in the additional water that may be needed.

You won’t have to worry about air bubbles because the Fluval FX6 will not only know they are there; it will also get rid of them, so you don’t have to bleed the hoses. As mentioned previously, there is a 12-hour cycle, so the unit will stop working for a minute to release any air that has been collected.

Cleaning the Fluval FX6

One of the greatest things about this aquarium filter is how easy it is to clean. Here are the steps you need to follow in cleaning the Fluval FX6:

1. Seal the Aquastop Valves and release the locking clamps to get to the inside parts of this filter.
2. Lift the media baskets using the T-handle release. This makes it easy to clean each section separately (there are three sections).
3. Use the anti-clog, telescopic strainer to get rid of larger pieces of debris, such as dead plant particles.
4. Rinse the strainer each time you do any sort of maintenance on the filter.
5. Use the purge valve at the base of the unit to empty it out before opening. This will keep the mess to a minimum.

If you happen to forget about cleaning the Fluval FX6, don’t worry, because it has smart technology that will remind you every month.

We have extolled the virtues of the Fluval FX6, but like any product, there are also going to be a few disadvantages that may make some people think twice before buying. So let’s take a look at both the pros and cons of the Fluval FX6. That way, you have all of the information you need before going out and buying this or any other type of filter.

Pros

High Turnover Rate

This filter has an output of 925 gallons per hour. Other filters don’t even come close to this amount of turnover. Remember, the more complex the filter works, the cleaner your aquarium water is going to be.

Quiet Operation

This unit has rubberized feet. This means that it isn’t going to move around or make a lot of noise while in operation.

Smart Pump Design

This filter is designed so that the smart pump design will monitor the flow of water and how much power is being used so you get the best performance.

Media

The Fluval FX6 can hold up to one-and-a-half gallons of filter media, and the media you need to get started is included with your purchase.

Setting It Up

This filter is easy to set up and just as easy to operate and maintain. It is ideal for aquarium enthusiasts of all levels.

Cons

Weight

We love the fact that this is a large capacity filter. However, we don’t love that being large capacity makes it a bit on the heavy side.

No Pores

The media that comes with the Fluval FX6 doesn’t have any pores for anaerobic bacteria, which removes much-needed oxygen.

Purging System

Some people have complained that the air purging system for this filter can’t always be relied on.

Conclusion

Whether you are a beginning aquarium enthusiast or have been at it for many years, if you are in the market for a quality filter, the Fluval FX6 is an option to consider. New parts are easy to order from the manufacturer and from aquarium supply stores, and the customer support you will receive from Fluval is second to none.