Filtration for 125 G tank help needed...

dizzykylie

dizzykylie

AC Members
Oct 20, 2006
108
0
0
46
Ohio
www.myspace.com
Hey all,

Just bought my tank...a 125 gallon tank that I am going to use as a community tank with some plants.

I am now so confused as to what type of filter I need for this large of a tank. Some places I read say 1 Canister is enough. Others say 2 or 3 canisters. Ugh...I am so coRnfused!!

Anyhow...right now in my shopping cart I have a: Filstar XP XL - Formerly Rena Filstar XP4 - (450 GPH - Up to 265 Gallons)...will this suffice or do I need another canister or could I get by with a Hang on Back filter?

Instead of this canister could I go with 2 AquaClear 110's as I have read some other people with large tanks having.

Any advice is appreciated for this newbie!:headbang2:
 
ME, personally, I like 2 filters. This way I can clean one and the other still have good BIO/bacteria in it. I run a pair of Magnums in my 120gal. I have the same filtration in my 100gal.
 
The one in your cart should be enough, but like tanker, I prefer two on tanks that large. It could be another similar sized canister or a large HOB. Your choice may easily depend on what tyepe of fish you plan on keeping and the stocking levels..some fish are a bit messy when eating and you may want more turnover to keep the tank clean.
 
Thanks for the advice. I do like the idea of having a lot of filtration but right now I've already blown quite a few bucks getting the big tank so here's my new plan and please tell me if this thinking is flawed in anyway.

Buy the big canister filter to get the tank cycled and up and running for a bit and when I start to get stocked up I can then add a hang on tank filter for extra "oomph" to my filtration. Will this extra filter cause my tank to go through a mini cycle? If so maybe I should just go ahead and get the second filter now. I do have plenty of time as my tank won't even be here for 2-4 weeks and I'm having someone build me my stand. But just thinking ahead in case money gets tight.
 
Adding a second filter later shouldn't cause your tank to go through a mini cycle.
 
Thanks Rbishob. :) That will buy me some time to get other supplies so I can be ready to cycle my tank. I'll make sure to have the second filter up and running before I start stocking my tank.
 
I run two Eheim 2217s on my 125. As mentioned, you can clean one filter at a time and leave the other in service. I have sponge filters on the intakes as mech. filters and the media in the canisters is strictly biofiltration. I alternate cleaning every other month. I've kept discus with this set-up for years and it has proven completely adequate. It now houses hillstream loaches and gobies. Canisters are a bit more of a pain to clean than the AC 110s.

Mark
 
dizzykylie said:
Thanks Rbishob. :) That will buy me some time to get other supplies so I can be ready to cycle my tank. I'll make sure to have the second filter up and running before I start stocking my tank.
Click to expand...

You need not have the second filter up till after you are fully stocked and cycled (If you are presently on a money crunch).

But of course, this depends on your stocking and present filter size.
 
Thanks again everyone for the advice. It looks like I can hold out and eventually be able to get a second canister filter instead of rushing and getting a hang on tank one to supplement. :)

What about dead spots though? Is that something I need to worry about?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom