How to Use a Fluval for a Saltwater Tank

The Fluval 5 series is a line of external filters specially designed for saltwater aquariums. Filtration is unquestionably the most vital aspect of any marine aquarium setup, and properly setting up a filtration system is essential for maintaining the health and happiness of your fish or corals. The saltwater Fluvals are canister filters that sit on the outside of your tank, take in water through an input, filter it through a medium, then shoot it back into your tank via an output. Setting up one of these filters is not difficult.

Things You'll Need

  • Fluval canister filter
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the main filter either beneath or to the side of the aquarium. It should always be in a position below the water level.

    • 2

      Measure the length between the input spout of the filter to the inside of the water level using a piece of a string and a ruler. Do the same for the output spout of the filter, and cut the included hoses to the specified lengths.

    • 3

      Connect one end of a hose to the input spout using the including connector and the other hose to the output spout using its included connector. Lock them into place by twisting the hose lock nut to the right until it's tight.

    • 4

      Attach the other ends of the hoses into the connector valve and tighten them with the hose lock nut on the connector. This connector valve is the mid-point through which water is taken from the tank and delivered to the filter and visa versa.

    • 5

      Attach the output hose to the OUT of the connector valve and attach it to the top of the aquarium with the included suction cups. It can be right below the waterline or just above it. This is where clean water will be expelled back into the tank. This may also be known as the spray bar.

    • 6

      Attach the intake stem (the long tube of plastic with the strainer at the bottom) to the IN of the connector valve. This is where dirty water in the tank will be taken in to the canister filter.

    • 7

      Place the filter medium into the canister filter then close it up and lock it.

    • 8

      Power on the Fluval by plugging it into a power outlet. Water should begin filtering through the filter and expelling back into the tank.