Filtration for 125g tank?

A

asincero

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Jan 16, 2006
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I'm in the process of planning for a 125g, planted, Clown loach centric tank. I have a question regarding filtration. I plan on using a Rena XP3 with this tank since I'm currently using an XP2 with my 36g tank and I'm quite satsified with it (good price + good performance). Would this be enough or should I go the multiple filter route with a tank that size?

I was considering the idea of using 3 canisters: one can for biological (fill it with nothing but ceramic cylinders), one can for mechanical (probably use a Magnum 350 with the micron cartridge instead of a Rena XP3 since those filters are supposed to be one of the best mechanical filters out there), and one can for chemical (fill it with nothing but Purigen). This idea does seem a bit over the top, but if money is no object why the hell not? Since Clown loaches are supposed to be really sensitive to bad water conditions, the more filtering the better I think.
 
A single canister with sponges and bio media should be fine really, one filter running means only one filter to maintain. XP3 should suffice, I'm not familiar with these, they're not common here, but via the specs it should be ok, can always keep Purigen on standby and fill a basket with it, if a time comes when you need it. Personally I'd aim for something with a bit more flow, at least 4x tank volume/hour is ussually what I aim for unless it's a heavily planted small fish setup.
 
125g filtration

I set up a 125g in January 2006. I originally had just the xP3. The water was pretty good but I was not happy. It could stand to be clearer. I added an AC 70 and that did the trick. Sparkling water! However, if I had it to do again I would have put up another cannister. I am running presurized CO2 and the HOB filter creates enough surface distrubance that the CO2 absorption rate is too low. I am at about 20ppm and the goal is 30ppm. I am seriously considering gassing the HOB and putting up another canister. Also the AC is noisy as a result of the water fall effect and because the freaking lid fits so poorly, it vibrates. I have solved that problem with a cheap bungee cord. The AC filters are not the quality they were 15+ years ago.
 
I would definitely have at a minumum 2 filter for a 125g, preferably 3. I would got with 3 xp3s as they are the best bang for the buck and a great combined turnover rate of 8.4x. One xp3 is simply not enough. I would also recommend that you keep all of the filter the same, not using 1 for blank and this one for blank. They will be in seperate areas of the tank and you want all areas to be cleaned equally.
 
I am using 2 XP3 for my 100GAL, and my water is crystal clear (I do a weekly 50% water change though).
 
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