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I'm getting my 100 gallon tank next weekend. I need filter models to get. Also, what media do I purchase?

What filter do you have now? The FX5/FX6 are very good. You can find cheaper off-brand filters too, like the Odyssea series (on Aquatraders.com). Most canisters come with sponges, you'll need bio media and chem media (carbon, purigen) if you plan on using it.

The FX6 is great however it will set you back $300. It comes with ceramic rings and 2 media bags. Most of us use ceramic rings. I also use carbon and purigen. You can get your media cheaper from Amazon and E- bay.

How often do you have to change the media?

Carbon and purigen I change monthly. If you use carbon it needs changed monthly. I clean my whole filter monthly but I also have 4 turtles and fish. The ceramic rings and foam pads you need to rinse in tank water. They might need cleaned every month or every 3 or so depending on how dirty its getting.

Thanks guys! I bought the Fluval FX6. I'm going to start with the media it comes with and see how that goes.

One more question: Does the filter go in the cabinet in the stand under the tank and have tubing or something or does it clamp right on to the tank?

Its a large filter. Think 5 gallon bucket!! If it will fit you would put it under the cabinet. If it won't fit you will need to put it next to it. It will come with a set up DVD. It has one hose that will need to be cut to length to make 2 hoses.

Can you cut it with scissors or do you need garden shears?

I used a razor blade knife. I guess you could use scissors.

Is it easy to screw it up? Now I'm paranoid.

No its really easy. Just watch the DVD and if you have questions just ask me. Just make sure you have enough hose to make 2 before you cut them. I tend to cut them a little long then trim them shorter if needed. Let me know if you need help but I'm sure you will be fine.

So my FX6 came with only about 3 feet of tubing. I don't see how if I cut that in half it will reach from under my cabinet and into my tank. Also, it only came with one white rubber valve attachment to the hose and the picture shows two?

You bought it new? It's possible someone returned it. I'd call Fluval customer service, they should send you what you're missing or maybe you can return it to where you bought it.

I bought it new in the package but off Amazon, so there's really no recourse. So I called Fluval and am paying $46 for the correct amount of hosing.