Fluval 405 Set Up Help

**Grangers710** · 06-06-2011, 08:51 PM

So I ordered a 405 and just waiting for it to come in. Never used a Canister before. I went out and bought some Filter Floss which I was planning on using on top and then biomax for the rest of it. Will this work ok? Any problems with this? How thick of floss should I use? Any input is appreciated!

**Cliff** · 06-06-2011, 09:07 PM

I never used filter floss in my 405, but from what I read you just need to cut a single pad to fit the top tray.

Keep in mind, you should check the pad once a week to see how fast it will get dirty and need to be replaced. After a while you will learn how long you can leave it before changing the floss.

**SmokeyCFH** · 06-06-2011, 09:14 PM

I'd always thought filter floss was more for saltwater, in the sump, or for ponds, but i dont see why you couldn't use it in your canister...

**Alasse** · 06-07-2011, 02:34 AM

I can say from a voice of experience, don't use filter floss in your 405. It gets clogged very easy and will slow your filters flow VERY quickly. You will find you will need to change it quite often and it saves you very little if anything cost wise.

I have tried filter floss, i have tried cutting my own out of filter pads to fit, all i can add it, i found that nothing was as good as the original Fluval Polishing Pads

I use Ceramic rings in 3 bottom baskets and the Fluval polishing pads on top (3 each side of the basket)

**dbosman** · 06-07-2011, 03:07 AM

There is a DVD in the box.
Standard setup is ceramic rings for the pre-filter. BioMax, which is basically thicker ceramic rings, for the secondary stage. Then what ever chemical your friends or enemies have talked you into using as your third stage.

If yours come with filter sponges, don't wash them out. Rinse them in old tank water or treated tepid water. Try not to squeeze them much. Smacking them against the side of a bucket or laundry tub will drive most of the dirt out.

Enjoy the new filter and monitor it a bit too much the first six months or so. After that, you can put the cleaning dates on your calendar.

**Alasse** · 06-07-2011, 04:52 AM

Mine came with media.

Standard setup
2 x Fluval Foam, 4 x Fluval Carbon (70 g), 4 x Fluval Biomax (200 g)

I dropped out the carbon, added in more Biomax and Polishing pads...works a treat.

**Grangers710** · 06-07-2011, 03:32 PM

Thanks for the info everyone. Glad to know that filter floss is a clogger on this? Even if not much is used?

**Trillianne** · 06-07-2011, 03:50 PM

Floss is not a clogger.... but it collects the finer particles of ick that get through the larger media below. Which means it gets dirtier or gunkier sooner and needs to be cleaned out or replaced.

My 405 came with the foam and rings as well as carbon. I replaced the carbon and use a wad of batting (aka floss) in the top of mine.

**admael** · 06-10-2011, 07:21 AM

Filter floss goes on the bottom basket. Biomax on the top

**Cermet** · 06-10-2011, 12:56 PM

"I can say from a voice of experience, don't use filter floss in your 405. It gets clogged very easy and will slow your filters flow VERY quickly. You will find you will need to change it quite often and it saves you very little if anything cost wise."

Wow, either your tank gets really, really dirty or the 405's must be junk - my floss (and I use on one unit, a 100 micron filter pad and floss) in the Casade stays high flowing and clean for two months or more.