Fluval FX6 External Filter

Installed this on a 600L setup and it’s been flawless. Prime it once, plug it in, and it just runs. Flow rate’s strong without blasting the fish, and the multi-stage filtration keeps water crystal clear. Handles heavy bioloads—ideal for cichlids, goldfish, or planted tanks with messy eaters.Maintenance is straightforward: shut-off valves, easy-lift baskets, and a purge valve for draining without lifting the whole unit. I’ve cleaned it out monthly and it’s never clogged or dropped flow.⚙️ Specs & FeaturesFlow Rate: 3500 L/hTank Size: Up to 1500LMedia Baskets: 6-stage filtration (mechanical, chemical, biological)Footprint: Compact for the power—fits under most cabinetsSmart Pump Tech: Auto air purge every 24h to maintain efficiencyDrain Valve: Bottom purge for easy water changes🔇 Noise & BuildRuns near silent—just a low hum if you’re close. No vibration, no rattle. Build quality’s solid—thick casing, tight seals, and heavy-duty clamps. Feels like pro-grade kit, not hobby gear.👍 Pros✅ Massive flow—handles big tanks with ease✅ Multi-stage filtration—crystal clear results✅ Easy maintenance—quick access and purge valve✅ Quiet operation—ideal for living spaces✅ Durable build—long-term reliability👎 Cons❌ Pricey—but worth it for serious setups❌ Large footprint—check cabinet space❌ No media included—buy your own to customise❌ Heavy when full—drain before moving🧭 Personal VerdictIf you’re running a big tank and want gear that just works, the FX6 is a beast. I’ve used it for months—no leaks, no noise, no stress. It’s not cheap, but it’s built to last and keeps water spotless. Ideal for anyone who wants pro-level filtration without babysitting the kit.

It is the strangest of things, Before continuing, the retailer has absolutely no responsibility for the way in which , this so called “ flagship “!of Fluvals range.I have and indeed continue to trust this brand very much , from its bug bites range all the way up to this widely regarded pinnacle of Fluvals high end engineering.The above photos will hopefully demonstrate why I am beyond askance at how this particular FX6 made it past quality control.As already stated, this is in no way the retailer’s fault because Fluval Filters come security sealed.I have sent the above photos to Fluval and they sent me a letter NK in response to customer services that , regrettably seems an unresponsive re direct.That aside, This Filter Put ko can quite correctly infer that this is indeed the Daddy of all Canister Filters.So anyhow, you are going to be paying , at the very least £250 or $300!…Its still a no brainer, this canister filter exchanges my aquarium, approximately, 5 the mes an hour.Don’t be fooled by what it says on the box because that filtration rate is under optimconditions and of course sans any media.As difficult as it is believe , I love this filter, its the best filter I have ever ow.A little aside here. Turn it off when it’s feeding time because your food will end up in your filter and not your fish . Yes, it really is a strong filter.As some of you may know, the 07 series intake sports a very useful ball intake which adequately prevent bigger d brid from finding its way into your filter and thus reduce ce flow and of course filtration.The patented anti-clog Glenn Miller Microphone intake sports no such anti clog ballBasically speaking, anything’s by that can be taken into the FX6 will be drawn into the filter.I would suggest that this is quite possibly why the FX6 is quite correctly seen as the top filter.And it is , the best filter I personally have ever used.However, as previously alluded. The anti clog intake will indeed take anything into the filter. Uneaten food, brilliantly ant that’s an A star right there because no one wants uneaten food going Gorgonzola in their set up.Alas, and its all about trade offs , more regular filter maintenance is brought about.Still not a criticism incidentally. this is a beast of a filter which , if optimally maintained will well prove why it as and remains one of the best, if not the best, canister filters you can buy.So, because it absolutely sucks every last piece of detritus up there’s absolutely nothing to prevent it from clogging that lower ring of sponges in short order , thus increasing filter maintenance.To prevent this you can and possibly should of use a pre filter sponge on the nd of the intake to prevent the almost immediate accumulation of gunk on the sponge’s inside the filter, because as you will know , a tinker up filter will reduce flow and therefore efficiency.Further, From the manufacturer, at least in my recent FX6, there is not nearly enough silicone grease on the rubber seals/gaskets. (Of which there are a few). You really don’t need to pay a lot for Silicone grease incidentally but a good seal will save you in more ways than I care to describe. This thing pumps out water after all.Spare parts, which you absolutely must have are a bit pricey.That doesn’t trouble me at all, the filter requires proper and diligent maintenance.Mai in summary.Not enough Silicone grease on the seals and gaskets.No way of stopping those wandering Malaysian Trumpet Snails getting, at length , into your Impeller and alas, because they are Malaysian Trumpet Snails , damaging your impeller.So basically, get rid of Buddy Holly’s Microphone intake. Stick a good sized sponge on the back brake and prevent whatever might otherget into your filter itself. Obviously the benefits of this simple step alone will cut down on your filter maintenance too which is a win.Anyway this is my honest review. The FX6 is the best at what it does but you do have to give it a leg up with a decent coarse intake sponge .

Brilliant! I bought this filter to replace an Ehiem Professional 4 plus 350 which refused to prime. In addition I needed to get rid of the useless lump a Juwel corner filter. I have large fancy goldfish and the Juwel filter just couldn’t cope. So I bought the biggest capacity filter I could find as I was fed up with unessesary water changes and the fish swimming around in filth. Despite hoovering the bottom of the aquarium on a daily basis. Another thing I hated about the Juwel filter is that there is a space under it and debris and sick fish seemed to love to sit under it.The Fluval FX6 is big but I managed to fit it under my aquarium but had to remove the shelf.Despite being a woman, I managed to set this filter up on my own, connect the hoses and fill it with water before turning it on. Fluval recommend you do this in one of their YouTube videos. All I had to do was to switch the unit on by plugging it in and wait. The filter will start up, then stop for a minute before running continually. So much easier to operate than the Ehiem. The Ehiem was a nightmare compared to this filter. I wholeheartedly recommend, brilliant and stress free set up :)

Fantastic item, highly recommend.