While the Fluval FX4 and FX6 are designed to be whisper quiet, the noise levels for these canister filters may increase over time. Not to mention that you may hear occasional buzzing, humming, popping, rumbling and/or sloshing noises as well.
You can take a look at this troubleshooting guide from Aquarium Blueprints to see how you can fix these problems with the FX4 and FX6.
1. The first step we recommend taking is to make sure that your Fluval FX4 or FX6 has been set up correctly.
The canister should be placed somewhere between 20 cm to 150 cm below the water surface of your fish tank. Furthermore, make sure that the hosing forms a straight path between the aquarium and the canister.
2. Both the FX4 and FX6 features rubber feet at the bottom of the canister. These are used to reduce noises made by vibrations.
If you are missing some of these noise-reducing feet, then you can purchase replacements on Amazon with the following link:
- Fluval Rubber Feet for Canister Filter(#CommissionsEarned)
3. The sloshing noises may be a result of the FX4 or FX6 evacuating air from the canister. This process automatically happens shortly after you turn on the filter for the first time and plug it back in again after performing maintenance. The air removal will also occur every 12 hours.
If this process occurs more than that, than you need to make sure that the hosing on “IN” and “OUT” valve have been tightened up.
You can also inspect the rubber connector as these parts will hardened over time, which may lead to air getting into the canister filter. If the connectors are no longer become flexible, then you can buy new replacements on Amazon with this link. (#CommissionsEarned)
The canister filter will automatically prime tank water when you plug it into a power outlet.
Before turning the FX4 or FX6 on, make sure that the output nozzle is above the water surface; otherwise, the priming procedure may knock water from the output valve back into the canister, causing air to be trapped from within.
You should also add enough water to canister, which is 1.6 gallons (or 6 liters) for the FX4 and 2 gallons (or 8 liters) for the FX6, before priming.
4. Organic wastes trapped inside the hosing may also be causing the noise issues with these filters.
Therefore, make sure that you occasionally clean these tubing by blasting high-powered water pressure with a faucet or via a garden hose.
5. You also need to regularly clean the intake as debris can get trapped rather easily.
6. Of course, you should also clean the foams, sponges and other filter media from within your Fluval FX4 or FX6.
If too much organic wastes get built up within the canister, then the water flow will get clogged up.
Fluval recommends that you clean the Bio-Foam every three months and the Foam Pads monthly. Both should be replaced twice as well.
7. The small biological media could cause noise and other issues from within your FX4 or FX6 as it can dislodge and float all around canister, including in the impeller.
In order to prevent this from happen, using filter bags to hold these media in place.
8. The impeller is the only moving part of the Fluval FX4 and Fluval FX6.
As it will get dirty often, you need to clean the motor regularly to prevent waste buildup and other objects from slowing it down and making audible noises.
Eventually, the impeller will wear down and you need to get a replacement in order to continue using the canister filter.
