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Our Fluval 405 seems to be on its last leg (been running non stop for almost 7 years I think). I need to get another good quality filter for a 75g aquarium with 1 RES, a pleco and guppies. I am not a handy person, so making one myself is out of the question. Can anyone recommend a quality brand? Im looking at another Fluval, but I know there are other brands out there. Im open to something else, if its good quality. Thanks!

FX6 would be my pick.

Kansasslider wrote:FX6 would be my pick.

Why is that?

Well I have been useing them for 4 years with no problems. They are easy to clean. Hold a ton of media. Are quiet and move a lot of water. The more water a filter moves the better.. I have tried other filter brands and none of them compared to the fluval fx. You could say I'm Fluval forever!

I even had one set up in a 40 gallon tank. Water was crystal clear.

Awesome! I love to find out why people recommend what they do

I don't much about the other Fluval filters but I know the fx is a quality filter. I would probably stay with your 405 if the fx doesn't fit your budget.. Is it just the motor that's going out?

I think some online shops have great deals on filters for black Friday or cyber monday. You check it out!

Yup, this is almost the exact same thread viewtopic.php?f=9&t=38523

Petsmart has the FX6 on sale for $170.00 plus free shipping!
http://www.petsmart.com/fish/supplies/f ... 16924.html

Got my order in! Thanks Kansas!

Kansasslider wrote:Petsmart has the FX6 on sale for $170.00 plus free shipping!
http://www.petsmart.com/fish/supplies/f ... 16924.html

Damn, I must have just missed that! What a deal! I got my FX5 used for a steal, but a brand new FX6 for $170 is the kind of thing you buy even if you don't need it right now.


As for the original question - I second the FX6 (or FX5, they''re basically identical, and you can find a FX5 used for a good deal sometimes). It's so easy to use, easy to clean, very powerful, and has a ton of space for media. Water changes are a breeze - I just attach a water hose to the purge valve, run it out the back door, open the valve and let gravity do the work.

My only complaints are:
1. plastic parts - The purge valve and the screws that tighten the cap have both broken on mine, and replacement parts are Fluval brand only and WAAAY overpriced.
2. hose diameter - you can fit standard plumbing fittings to the hoses, but it's not a great fit, so if you're trying to plumb the filter into a more elaborate or DIY configuration, it's kind of a pain. Again, this is obviously so they can sell you their overpriced parts.

Good points. How long have you had your filters running?

Another vote for the fx6. I've been using an fx5 for around 5 years now and it probably the best filter I've used in 30 years of having a res. I had a 405 (I think it was a 405) for a bit years back and while the water was always clear and clean, i do less maintenance less often with the fx5. 7-14days for water changes and 2-3 months before needing to clean the filter. I could go 4 months before filter cleanings, but I dont like seeing anything above 10ppms when testing the water.

I think there was someone who had their FX5 running over a year without a cleaning... would like an update on that