Fluval FX6 filters

[Alan C]

I’ve just received a used FX6 and was wondering whether it would be wise to do a complete filter and biomedia replacement before setting it up? Or would it be ok which the filters that are in it? They look ok and are clean, but I’m not sure what to do.

If I do change the filters, then are there any changes I should make? For example more biomedia or use completely different sponges?

 

[Connswater]

If it has been used on an aquarium I would boil the media if ceramic for around 10 minutes and if there is foam media, replace, I would also flush the filter, perhaps with hot water (above 70 degrees), maybe running it as circulation from the sink, though obviously there is risk of damage or burns so not boiling water, you might want to use a disinfectant safe for children's bottles. Even sun dried filter material might contain harmful disease material, low risk, but unless you know the tank it was used on, I would take precautions, some folks give up on the hobby after a disease outbreak. You could use bleach but on foam hardly worth the risk of not being able to rinse it properly.

Hope that helps, large filter foam sheets are cheap to buy on Ebay.

 

[hamfist]

In contrast, for me, a weak bleach solution should be just fine to disinfect media, ceramic or sponge. Obviously thorough rinsing afterwards is good !

If the filter and /or media has been left to dry out since its last use then the chances of any surviving pathogens are pretty small. Aquatic organisms of all types rarely survive long in a dried state.

People's approach to risk and budget for new media varies of course.