Filters - what kind?

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kinggr

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Feb 22, 2003
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Can anyone recommend the best approach to filtration for a new 125g tank? The store where I bought it recommended an undergravel filter with an Aquaclear 500 power filter.

After researching a little, I'm leaning toward a self-priming Magnum 350 Deluxe canister filter - should I still do the undergravel, or is the canister enough? If I do undergravel, it will have 4 tubes - should I put a powerhead at the top of all 4 tubes, or is this overdoing it?

thanks in advance for your advice,
kinggr:cool:
 
Well what kind of fish are you planning on? Regardless, I'd stay away from the undergravel, but if you do get one, I'd use powerheads on it and use a reverse flow operation. If it were me, either a wet/dry system or power filters (I like the Penguins but Aquaclears are very popular too) would be my choice. I just never really liked canister filters much, they were a pain to work on. But they are good filters nonetheless.
 
Welcome to AC! :)

ROLLIN, that won't be enough for that big of a tank. I would go with at least 3 Emp 400s or AC 500s. Or 2 canisters(Filstar XP3s or Fluval 404s) and either an AC 500 or Emp 400.
 
Twin emps or AC would be plenty I personaly Love UGFs but would spend the money on TWIN emp 400s or AC 500s from www.bigalsonline.com
the emp 400 is under $45 shiped and the ac is under 35 shiped I think would order my heaters there also twin ebo jagger 250s would be the best choice.
I ran a 150 with twin emp 400s allways spotless.
BTW welcome to AC
 
Originally posted by kinggr
Can anyone recommend the best approach to filtration for a new 125g tank? The store where I bought it recommended an undergravel filter with an Aquaclear 500 power filter....
kinggr:cool:
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First of all...WELCOME to Aquaria Central! :) Now, me personally, about the UnderGravelFilter - no way...... It may be fine for some, but I have had UGF in the past and never will again. Canisters, Wet/Dry's, HangOnBack (Aqua Clears) would be what I would get for that 125. I'm not "telling you what to buy"....just an opinion on what I think are superior filtration methods. :)
 
Thanks for the info everyone - I love researching things to death prior to making a purchase. One thing I'm not sure about based on your replies and research at other sites - what is the problem with undergravel filters (most people seem to be against them)? Are they ineffective? Inefficient? High-maintenance (you still have to vacuum just like you do without a UGF, right?)? If I'm better off with a couple of cannister filters, I may still go that route (I had a sump setup with a trickle filter on a 58g salt tank a few years ago, and I really liked having everything down under the cabinet, tucked away).

thanks again,
kinggr:D
 
Originally posted by kinggr
sites - what is the problem with undergravel filters (most people seem to be against them)?.....
Click to expand...
It's not being 'against' them. It's just that why 'hold scuzz' in your substrate (gravel)?


About vacuuming, why vacuum when the debris is all the way thru the gravel? UGF 'hold' debris - and sucks it in throughout the gravel...... What's worse is that it can, and is, held under the plastic plates.

Why stay with outdated filtration methods?
 
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