New 125 what equiment is recommened?

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slakkr2

AC Members
Mar 5, 2005
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Hello All,

I'm not exactly a newbie, but decided it was definately worth solicting some advice. My 29H has been up and running for 2 years now and two of my bottom feeders are geeting quite large; hence the new tank.

I purchased a 125L which is going to be used for freshwater fish and I'd also like to put some live plants in there.

I've done some research and I believe a canister system is the way to go for my setup, but which one? Here is what I looked at thus far:

2-Fluval MSG 304
1-Magnum 350 Pro System
Undergravel filter (is it necessary)

Does anyone have any recommendations/input on what type of equipment would be most benificial for my tank while keeping in mind I don't want to empty my bank account.

Thanks a bunch!! :)
 
I don't know if you really need 2 canister filters. I would think even a single Fluval 304 would do.

I would actually recommend the filter that I use, which is a Rena Filstar xP3, which runs about $110 online. It is 350 GPH (like the magnum) but rated for 175 gal. Has 3 large media baskets as well.

Also, there is a good chart which compares filters at: http://petsolutions.com/info.asp?ii=59

Hope this helps!
 
Excellent reference theop

Thanks so much for the link; it's an excellent reference chart. Not to mention all of the time it will save me. Never heard of the Filstar XP3 before, but will look into it. Is it easy to work with? How long has yours been up and running?
 
Filstar XP3s get good reviews from people. Great bang for the buck. From Big Al's online they run $99.99. I am budgeting and planning for a 125 right now myself. My plan was to run 2 XP3s on it.
 
To get a circulation above 5 times toal water voume filtered per hour. I believe that there is no such thing as overfiltration, only too much current. I've even considered running 3 if I decide I want more filtration later down the line.

For instance, right now on a 29 gallon I am using two Penguin 125s. That's 250 gallons per hour or a little over 8 times per hours that I circulate my tanks water.
 
I hear ya'...

I completely understand too much current...been there...done that! Do you plan on putting live plants in your 125? If so, are you going to use an under gravel filter? I'm using one with my 29 and I'm not so sure I want to use one with my 125. I've discussed this on the phone with several local dealers and I guess it all depends on who you talk to. Some say, "yes, because it's better for the plants and I should put some powerheads in the gravel for water flow". While others say it's not necessary. Ugh...so many things to think about. :o
 
I have had my xp3 up for about 2 years now. The nice features are that they are easy to maintain (top motor attachment has four latches), relatively quiet, and it has a cutoff value when you remove the hoses (wont break the prime), as well as three quite large media chambers. Each media chamber can hold up to 4 "layers" of filtration, such as a sponge or foam squares. Mine has the uptake and return tubes together in one unit, but I know the latest ones have these so that you can separate them. The return unit has a spray bar and air intake valve.

I forgot to mention that I am running mine on a 55gal, so 2 would be reasonable for a 125, although one would still be passable.
 
slakkr2 said:
I completely understand too much current...been there...done that! Do you plan on putting live plants in your 125? If so, are you going to use an under gravel filter? I'm using one with my 29 and I'm not so sure I want to use one with my 125. I've discussed this on the phone with several local dealers and I guess it all depends on who you talk to. Some say, "yes, because it's better for the plants and I should put some powerheads in the gravel for water flow". While others say it's not necessary. Ugh...so many things to think about. :o
Click to expand...
Traditional UGFs aren not usually recommended for planted tanks. Plants make it difficult to vacuum properly for a UGF. That leads to poolution that is hard to impossible to remove without massively disturbing your tank. Some people do use reverse flow undergravel filters with plants with success. Still, it isn't necessary at all. Any tank I have from now own with the exception of a Quarantine tank from time to time, or cichlids or marine if I ever shoose t go that route; will be a planted tank. My 125 will be planted and have loads of small, colorful fish. I can just imagine schools of 30 neon and lemon tetras, some guppies, etc. in a big tank with plants everywhere. At any rate, if I use 2 canister filters, I will be quite happy I think in that I have a backup if one fails and each contains all the types of filtration I need with the option of chemical filtration should I choose to add carbon for whatever reason temporarily. This way, I have all of my bases covered.
 
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