Filter advice needed - 55gal FW

R

Rebgen

AC Members
Jan 26, 2005
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Des Moines, IA
I know this post is a little redundant but I'd like to get some more feedback about my filter choices for a 55 gal. freshwater tank I'll be setting up soon. Here's the plan so far:

I'm planning on stocking it as a community tank with Gouramis, mollies, platies, otos, and some Panda cories. I want to use live plants and I'll probably start with low light, easy to grow plants to start with. I'd like to avoid the CO2 injection until I get a little more used to running a larger tank.

I have researched all the threads I could find in regards to filter choices and reviews. Lots of excellent information but I want to make sure I make the best choice before putting my order together. Biologic filtration capacity is important and I've been a fan of bio-wheels. My Eclipse system works great. I've read though that bio-wheels can allow excessive CO2 to be blown off which my live plants won't appreciate. It seems like a canister system is a good choice for a larger tank. The Filstar XP2 is one I'm considering based on all the reviews. I like the biofiltration/chem/mech features.

1) Is the CO2 off gassing with bio-wheels a real thing and something to avoid with live plants?

2) Is the XP2 a good choice for my type of set-up?

3) Is there anything I'm missing or haven't considered?

P.S. I read that the intake on an XP2 sytem can be problematic in regards sucking in fry. Any experience with that?

Thanks much for your help.
 
1) Yes, this is true. But if you are not injecting CO2 gas, theres nothing to go back into the air. If you are injecting CO2 in the future this is not a good choice.

2) The FilStar XP2 is the best filter for this set-up. They have good reviews everywhere and I myself own a XP1. It is quite, effective, and it looks good! If you inject CO2 in the future this filter is a great choice.

When I had fry in my tank they went to the other side of the tank, so they would not get sucked up. If you are worried about this/have fry in your tank just slip a sponge pre filter over the intake. This is done my getting a sponge and cuting a hole in the center of it. Just be sure to clean it every month so the filter can still do its job.

3) Lighting. Since you are not going with CO2 you have to have less than 2WPG. How much lighting on your tank now?
 
I'm not home to take a look but I believe they are 25 watts each. I have two 24" fluoro's in the hoods that came with the tank. I agree with your assessment regarding WPG but I've read some articles on plantgeek.net about certain low-light varieties that tolerate those conditions fairly well. It also warned that you should expect slow growth with those levels.

I've been expeimenting a little in my 12 gal. I have low light there too and I'm getting slow growth and everthing is staying healthy looking. Getting a better understanding of live plants will be my next learning curve for sure.
 
I'd go with an XP2 for your tank, it's a great filter and canisters are the best choice for planted tanks. I've got platy fry in my tank right now, along with some TINY cardinals, and my XP2 doesn't seem to pose any danger :)
 
Thanks for the advice. I'll be going with the XP2 and should be good to go.

After I get all of my components installed and a fishless cycle under way, I'll be back with LOTS of questions about stocking suggestions. Gouramis have caught my attention, but I want to have some Pearls and Dwarf Croaking. Hopefully I'll be able to get males and females. Oh well, that'll be another post.

Thanks for the help and I really like the pic of your 65 gal. BTW.
 
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