I am now the proud owner of a new FX5, what a beast. I havent set it up yet, i havent even read the instructions. However i have had a quick look at it. I assume the bio media goes in the centre. My question is do those who have these filter use all 3 sponges supplied. I was thinking of using just one and replacing the other 2 sponges with bio media. What do others do?

LOL, Congrats Hun! I have one and love it!

I have no idea how to set the media. I use my FX5 to wash clothes!!!!

i use the sponges on the outside of all the basket and then i put a biomax in all the center of all the trays with a blue fine filter pad in the top. works fine for me in that combo.

Congrats, from what I hear it's a great filter!

Join the club of filter beasts ). Yes leave all sponge in place. this is the mechanical media. you don't need any sponge in the trays so if you like fill 3 trays with media as I do or choose between carbon/media/fine polishing pad/mix large+small media. around 4L of Etheim pro substract is needed to fill all 3 trays. I buy 5L at £40. Etheim pro offers the best area for colonisation. if you use small media or small carbon, bag it in stockings/fine bag cos small bits can reach the motor.

don't use it to wash jeans cos the water goes blue )

got it set up and working. So far so good, its seem like a good filter and easy to use