Filtration for 120 gallon tank ?

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jake72

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I currently have a 40B with aquaclear 120 and eheim 2217. When I move I will 'upgrade' to a 120 (48x24x24). I was thinking of putting the 2217 and either buying a second 2217 or a fx4. Then maybe build a sump and long term run it off a sump. The problem is that i can't do the sump when I first set it up (time issue et all); but the sump seems like it has benefits over the canister filter if done right.
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So the question is around the initial filtration - this would be a planted tank and intended long term population is as follows:

2 or 4 angels; 2 or 4 GBR; 8 to 12 cardinals; 8 panda cory; random guppies (which the angels might eat when they get larger); 8 to 14 mix of Pangio myersi and Pangio semicincta and possibly 4 or 5 zebra loachs. Oh yea and 5 or 6 otos, 1 or 2 bn pleco and 1 upside down cat (3.5 inches). Some of these fishes are from the current 40B and mostly just filling out the schools when I move to the 120.
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I know the angels don't love a lot of current and the cardinals will tolerate it but prefer a little less so a bit concern about having an fx4 but maybe can reduce the flow a bit or build a spray bar.
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I'm also worry the bio load might be a bit high for a 120. Not sure there as most of these fishes are a bit light on bio load for their length.
 

Rbishop

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I don't think you will have a bio-load issue at all, even if not heavily planted. Are you still planning on running the 40B after the set up of the new tank? Two 2217's should suffice until you go the sump route. Spray bars are a great option if you allow for adequate circulation around the decor.
 

FreshyFresh

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If your setup allows for it, I like to run an aquaclear HOB and a canister. I like to have the HOB to do the bulk of the mechanical filtering and clean the HOB weekly during my weekly water change.
 

jake72

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So you think i'd be better off with a second 2217 over a fx4? Not disagreeing just curious.

I don't think you will have a bio-load issue at all, even if not heavily planted. Are you still planning on running the 40B after the set up of the new tank? Two 2217's should suffice until you go the sump route. Spray bars are a great option if you allow for adequate circulation around the decor.
 

jake72

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I have an aquaclear 70 on the 40b i could use (I'm not going to keep the 40b - not enough room in the new condo). The reason I was thinking of not using it was that it creates turbulence that the angels seem to dislike but i could run that or buy a 110 if necessary. Thing is that I'm using the 2217 and the 70 on the 40b so I would naively think that the 120 would require more filtration.

If your setup allows for it, I like to run an aquaclear HOB and a canister. I like to have the HOB to do the bulk of the mechanical filtering and clean the HOB weekly during my weekly water change.
 

FreshyFresh

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I know I'd prefer the design of the 2217 "classic" over an FX4.
 

jake72

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Ok. I have a 2217 and i'm happy with it - the store was telling me that Eheim pulled all distribution out of US and they can no longer get parts et all for the eheim filters (I don't know if this is just their distributor or if that is all of usa). They recommended the fx4 (they know I am moving before I buy the new filter so would not purchase at their store). I have no complaints with the 2217 i have and buying a second is fine - the only thing (on paper) the fx4 offered was the alternative value for filling/draining the tank.

I know I'd prefer the design of the 2217 "classic" over an FX4.
 
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