Just Bought 125 Gallon Tank

greensparrow

greensparrow

AC Members
Jul 30, 2010
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Castle Rock, CO
Hello,

I just bought a 125 gallon tank and was wanting to get some opinions on the filtration system. If there is a sticky for this, I apologize (can you please post link to sticky if so, cause I am still learning my way around the forum). I have been reading on websites that the Rena XP3 cannister filter ($189) is a good choice. What I am not so sure about is how many should I buy? Will one be enough or should I buy 2? I have 7 juvenile cichlids btw (if that helps make the decision). I am wanting to transfer them from my 60 gallon tank once I get the tank properly cycled. I have heard different opinions on other websites (some say buy two for a tank that size and other say one is enough). Since money doesn't grow on trees (shoot!), I was hoping I could get one now and start up my tank and then later on buy another. I also saw an xp4 in the store, but not sure if worth getting over the xp3. Can someone also give me an idea of the pro and cons of having two cannister filters going at the same time. I plan on putting sand in the tank as well and want to make sure that will not cause problems with a cannister filter as well. Thanks in advance for all the help.

Green
 
jm1212 said:
Penn Plax tend to be more problem-prone and arent as good at filtering the water as the filters from Rena, Eheim, or Marineland.
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But if I have a problem, they are "local" and parts ship quickly.
 
XP5:) You'll never want another filter again. I run a XP5 along side a magnum 350 pro on my 125.
 
Thanks for the quick response guys! Another question... Are the cannister filters expensive to maintain? With HOB filter, I know you change the carbon filter once a month and they run $8 for a package of two I believe. For the materials inside of a cannister filter... How often do they have to be replaced and how much does it usually cost (rough estimate)?.. Thanks again!
 
Filter media can last you a very long time. Usually you can just wash the media in tank water to get off all the gunk and to maintain your beneficial bacteria.
 
I've only used Rena XP3s but I'd go with 2 of whatever kind. Check http://www.kensfish.com/canisterfilterlinks.html for prices.

I don't change HOB media just rinse & reuse, saves bucks & bacteria.

You can run the new filter(s) on the old tank for a few weeks & move all over to the new tank if all the fish are moving. If some are staying in the old tank then you'll at least have a jump start on cycling.
 
jm1212 said:
350 gph for a 125 gallon tank really isnt enough IMO. go with two.

also consider two Marineland C-360's. i've had mine for a few years and its the best filter i've ever owned.
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I noticed when I looked up Rena XP4 it shows that it will filter up to 260 and the xp3 will filter up to 175 gallons. Is there a reason that an xp3 cannot handle 125 gallons? Not second-guessing you, just wanted to understand why it is not enough. I am feeling that it might be better to get the xp4 so I don't have to spend the money on 2 xp3's. Is there anything I should know about the xp4 (why people would get two xp3's instead of just one xp4)? Thanks!!
 
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