Do I need a third filter for a 125 gal. ?

[DLeung10]

We have the following in a 125:

1 gold severum ( 5 inch)
1 blue-face green severum ( 5 inch)
3 red hook silver dollars ( 3 1/2 - 4 inches )
3 silver dollars ( 3 inches)
6 blood parrots ( 3 1/2 - 4 1/2 inches)
2 Algae eaters ( 3 inches )


Present filtration is a Eheim 2217 Classic Canister and a Penguin
330 power filter. Weekly 1/3 water changes.

Is this enough or is a third filter (power filter) needed ?



Thanks,
DLeung

[Dahlia]

What are your water parameters? Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate (especially nitrate). If you are struggling to keep any of these in control you may want to look at anoither filter. If nitrate is your problem then you should up your water change frequency or look into live plants, filtration won't do the trick (although good mechanical filtration that you change frequently might help keep nitrates down by preventing as much waste from breaking down in your water).

I don't know the GPH of the filters you mentioned, but I think a good rate is 8 X the gallons in your tank.

If your water consistently tests stable from these elements I wouldn't think you need more filtration. Unless it just makes you feel better.

[NickH]

I would add another HOB filter. A Penguin 330 or an Emporer 400. With your current setup you can't be pushing more than 600GPH.

[TKOS]

I am thinking that eventually when those bad boys grow up they willproduce a lot more waste and you will notice that water quality will quickly go down. So either more water changes or more filtration. You probably have some time to find a good deal so I wouldn't panick or anything, just be on the lookout for a nice addition.

[DLeung10]

Thanks for the replies.....

The existing filters were moved over from the old tank. With 3 openings in the 125 gallon tank, I thought another may be needed to cover each 2 foot section of the tank properly, rather
than having 1 filter at each end.

Would a AC500 ( the AC300 will not fit over the brace trim) be too
much current to add to the Eheim 2217 and Penguin 330 ? The
manufacturer has a aggressive tank size rating : "for aquariums over 100 gallons".

With a third filter(power filter), should I stop the use of a 10-inch
air stone ?



Thanks in advance !

[TKOS]

What about a canister filter?

I don't think that the AC 500 will be a problem. Those are strong fish and should have a problem with the current. The airstone won't be needed though with that added water churning power.

[DLeung10]

TKOS,

One canister is enough...due to cost and number of pipes/hoses
sticking inside the tank.

Leaning towards an AC500 because I already have a Penguin 330 and would like to see firsthand why the AC500 is so favorably
rated.

[DLeung10]

Dahlia,


pH is 7.6, no chemicals used to tweak tap water's pH

ammonia is 0

nitrite is 0

nitrate is @ 20-30 before water change

[beviking]

Sure, go with the AC500. You can adjust the flow if it seems too much at full flow. These are great mechanical filters so you may want to turn one of the other filters down instead of the AC500. Good luck!

[Prometheus]

I've heard alot of great things about the AC500 (300's)'s ...

I had this same dilema...

I opted for a second penguin 330 (over an AC or emp.) so I could use the same filters in each one...

If you go with an AC let us know what you think of it...

[Grandmastr]

why dont u make urself a diy wet/dry filter

the guy at my lfs, made his for his 125 marine tank for only 40 bucks and only uses 3 ohter power heads in the tank for water circulation and no problems for the past 4 years

[NJ Devils Fan]

I would definitely get an AC 500, especially sinse those fish will be very messy.

[><(((\"> JLange]

I have 2 Emperor 280's and 18" X 60" UGF powered by two 600 gph Power Heads, on my 120G at Home and Similar on the 120 at the store.

Both are woriking perfectly.
JOhn <><

http://www.noahs-marine.com/Noah_Images/PICS/Aquarium/120/DSCF0002.JPG