Fluval canister FX4 or FX6 for a 135 gallon tank?

HI everyone

So I'm trying to plan a 135 gallon freshwater tank. I want to over filter but I'm not sure how much is too much.

I will be getting the Fluval Aquaclear 110 HOB simply because I like them.

But I also want a canister filter. I really like the Fluval products and am set on that brand.
What I can't decide is if I should get the Fluval FX4 (for up to 250 gal) or the Fluval FX6 (for up to 400 gal).

I plan on having sand substrate, pictus catfish and some cichlids, most likely severums, a pleco and maybe some big schooling fish. But I don't want to get equipment so powerful that I couldn't change my mind on stocking at the last minute and decide to go with a big school of cory cats and dwarf cichlids etc. I just know I want a lot of filtration so that I never have to worry that that is an issue.

I have amazon prime and I work at petsmart so the price difference for me to order the FX4 or get the FX6 from work is about $30... no big deal really.

Any opinions or advice is much appreciated. I mean, maybe I'm crazy and even the FX4 is way to strong of flow, I have no idea. This is my first "big girl" tank LOL.

Thanks

 

On a tank that size, you need a FX6. It has 2 adjustable outlets, you can aI'm them at the surface or at the back wall of the tank, or one of each. That cuts back on the current.

 

If you can DIY stuff yourself, you could easily make a spray bar that would better lessen the current if aiming them up or back isn't working the way you want.

The FX6 has the better filtration capabilities and flow is actually remedied by aiming in other directions if it's too strong. I run a canister on my 10 gallon betta tank and all I had to do was aI'm upwards. Breaks surface tension to aid in gas exchange as well

 

If your handy a spay bar would work well. I don't have one because I'm lazy

 

Haha nice. Thanks everyone! FX6 it is.

 

I really like the FX6, but it is my first canister filter. It is huge, I can barely get it under my aquarium stand. But so far, it has operated flawlessly. I have mine on a 46 gallon tank and the flow is not bad, I angle the nozzles up to the surface just enough to cause some nice ripples up top and still give the fish some quiet spots down low.

 

I have been through a lot of filters because I am old and I like to experiment.
I am positive that an educated hobbiest can run a tank with a tea cup, but that is a lot of work.

We seek a filter that does it all, makes it where we seldom need to check in. That is not the hobby.

Like you, I have sentimental filter favorites.

In my opionion, the FX6 is the best I have ever seen for an experienced guy. The flow rate is too high for some tanks. I run mine through a biologiacl pond filter that is 'supposed' to handle 4000 gallons.
It does OK with my 150 gal tank and the flow rate is is course reduced.

See another post I made today as to the G6 which I think would be perfect for your new tank.

We all want to spend less and that is possible as long as we are not lazy. All you really need is a 'tea cup'.

 

Thanks, I'm glad you like the FX6 cause I just bought one today!
I also bought a Fluval 110 HOB and I have an old wet/dry filter with a bunch of blue bio balls from my uncle's old set up that I'll be cleaning out and setting up for it too. I'll be having at least one good size pleco in there so I just want to make sure the filtration is good.

 

I don't think you will regret the FX6....it is a beast. I buy all the filter pads off Amazon Prime which is a good deal too! Please let us know how it performs.

 

I have 4 FX 6's running this tank, it has about 120 African cichlids and stays crystal clear.

It's a 360, and I do 1/2 H2O every 2 weeks!

 

I have 4 FX 6's running this tank, it has about 120 African cichlids and stays crystal clear.

It's a 360, and I do 1/2 H2O every 2 weeks!

Wow... that's a lot of fish! Very pretty! And so colorful