Filtration for 125 Gallon Tank

What size tank do you have your FX5 on Vader? Is that the only filter on the tank? What is the output current like - is it tough to manage? Just laying the groundwork for my 150. Wanted to see what you thought of your FX5.

cf, it's on the 125 gallon Asian. It is the only filter on the tank and it is still overkill; it hauls. The output current is very strong however (with dual adjustable ejection ports), so while it is ideally suited for a tank trying to recreate a current (my reticulated loaches really appreciate it), it is not well-suited for those looking for a calm tank effect. Think Class 4 rapids.

Maintenance wise, it has bulletproof construction. The hand-tightened screw down bolts are a great feature. It also has a big footprint, is heavy, and is very hard to move when filled with water (though there is a drain port, I will never use it). Keep doing those bicep curls. The media trays are monstrously large and the mechanical stages add up to miles of foam. I don't think you can get better volume of media in a single filtration unit.

Overall, I am extremely satisfied with it and would buy another unit in a heartbeat. Not the best choice for a 'lithe' individual as it will be a pain to manipulate and move for monthly filter maintenace, etc.

EDIT: Forgot to add, I love the fact that unit doesn't need to be primed. As long as 2 gallons of water are in the unit, just plug and play. This makes water changes a breeze. The unit also does a reboot once every 24 hrs. to expel any air that has accumulated in the filter; very handy feature if it happens to be located near an airstone.
 
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Wow - thanks for the feedback Vader. You have certainly sold me (I was close to sold before). I want to use it on my upcoming 150 heavily planted. My only concern is the Class 4 (excellent visual BTW) Rapids output. May be hard to adjust the flow around the plants, etc. Have never done a spray bar. Do you think it would be easy to add one (two) to the FX5?
 
I don't have much experience with spray bars, but from what I can see I don't think it would be practical; the bar would need to be very long to prevent impedence of flow out of the unit. LOL at Class 4 rapids.... my tank always has a fine misting of tiny bubbles as a result. Great effect at night actually under the blue LEDs. You won't have to worry about oxygenation; it's a built-in airstone. Again, perfect for a current tank but not great for delicate plants. My tall Indian rotala and H. corymbosa wave with the flow, but I've also positioned them behind the output vents. If you positioned the port behind a tall driftwood feature, you would probably be fine. Then again, I've seen your tanks and your specimens are liable to fill in the entire space regardless! :D
 
:: Throws in a vote for Eheim 2217 ::

Re Spraybars - I have one in my 46g w/ a Eheim 2215 - it is mounted almost vertically down the back, center of the tank - flow is directed along the back wall of the tank so that I get a subtle, but visible clockwise current as you look down into the tank. When I do a PWC, all I need do is see how far that top hole is shooting water once the level drops below it - then I know whether or not it's time for a backwash etc.
 
:: Throws in a vote for Eheim 2217 ::

Re Spraybars - I have one in my 46g w/ a Eheim 2215 - it is mounted almost vertically down the back, center of the tank - flow is directed along the back wall of the tank so that I get a subtle, but visible clockwise current as you look down into the tank. When I do a PWC, all I need do is see how far that top hole is shooting water once the level drops below it - then I know whether or not it's time for a backwash etc.

2 2217s are certainly under consideration. Not sure I get the idea of how you have it setup. Would it be possible to get a pic, or is the spray visible?
 
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No visible spray - the spraybar is the not quite vertical one near the center on the rear wall. The spray is directed toward the right-rear corner of the tank.
 
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