Fluval 303 vs. 2 Powerheads + HOB?

[kj5kb]

I recently purchased a ~75G setup that was "abandoned" for about a year...nothing in the tank but bacteria & algae for the last year. Fluval 303 canister was running, but got disconnected from the UGF so it was sucking bottom water. Other half of UGF was running a 402 powerhead, with a trashed impeller...so "nada". Tank must have got to some kinda stasis tho; water was clear and not smelly...at least til I disturbed the gravel :silly:

Anyway...Fishes are 6-8 4-6" GF and 1 6" Common Pleco. Yes, I know that's a lot of bioload! (let's not get into a GF vs gallonage discussion...I already know the 'rules') Tank will be lightly planted with at least 70W of light.

The UGF is 2 separate isolated pieces. I'm planning to run it reverse with a Penguin 660R each side. Powerheads at each end of the tank, + a Whisper 60 in the center. That will allow me to run carbon/ammonia remover as needed.

Fluval 303 is ~ 320 GPH. Penguin 660's are ~170 GPH each. That makes it about equal BEFORE I add the Whisper 60 which is ~300 GPH at full unclogged throttle.

Any reasons NOT to do this? I have been running a 30 breeder for about a year with a Whisper 60 and one 660R RUGF...been working great! Partial changes every 3-4 weeks.

I could always add MORE 660R's too.

--Don

 

[Mgamer20o0]

the RUGF plus hob. the RUGF will use your substrate as a bio filter.

 

[Rbishop]

I use 4 660's on my 75 and 90 gal RUFG. When you put your hand over the gravel (1 /1/2-2"), you can feel a light upward current. I do not see food collect on the bottom at all, except in one or two low flow areas.

 

[jm1212]

def. use a RUGF on your tank. with that many big waste producers, there is going to be alot of junk on the bottom. the RUGF can help keep the waste on the gravel down by pushing it up to the HOB.

 

[kj5kb]

Thanks for the responses!

Sounds like I'm on the right track. I'm thinking the powerheads in the corners and the HOB in the center will make for decent circulation, too. Would be even better if I put the powerheads towards the front of the tank, wonder how that would look?.

I ordered 3 660R's (one for an upcoming 20G) and a Whisper 60 from Pet Solutions...the 660R's were only 17.99! I'll be wanting a Whisper 20 or 40 for the 20G, I may just have to order a couple more 660Rs at the same time.

Bob rb, are you running a HOB with the 660Rs? and how are they laid out...all 4 near the corners, or two at the corners, two near the middle?

I'm thinking with 4 (vs 2) 660Rs and a HOB, I could change water much less often, too.

No one mentioned that powerheads (even 4 of 'em) and a HOB are way easier to maintain than a Fluval 303, either...but I guess that's a "given", innit?. Less likely to leak, too. I also like redundancy should an impeller break/jam, motor die, etc. And having common equipment in 3 tanks ain't a bad idea either.

Methinks the 303 is going on ebay...

--Don B

 

[Rbishop]

All four across the back, with a Mag 350 canister.

 

[kj5kb]

Thanks rb...may have to order a few more 660R's...with the GF bio-overload that extra filtration may be well worth the investment!
--Don