Hello fellow MFK ray keepers,
I know this looks like it would be better suited for the Filtration section of the forum, but I want a ray keepers input. Especially since this 240G tank is dedicated to the rays.
I currently have a standard 30G wet/dry filter (roughly 30" x 13" x 13") that allows for two cubic foot of bio media. I never thought that this 30G would suffice for the bio load of my tank (even with the FX5 on the tank) - especially in the long run. Right now the rays are 7-8" in diameter - that is ALMOST 3/4" growth per month. Eight Geophagus, Two NTT's, and a single Black Aro. All are putting on size and weight.
I was inspired by Joey020283's acrylic build and decided to give it a wack. The dimensions I chose for my new wet/dry is 48" x 20" x 20" which is the most massive one I could fit under my stand and still have room to work around everything. This landed my new filter at around 80G with a bio capacity of almost five (5) cubic foot - more than double the original one.
The filter has already been water tested for three days with no leaks and I am about to put it into commission.
What I need to ask you guys for help is deciding if and where I can add another baffle. I currently have one installed and is designed to be removable (for ease of cleaning under the chambers and adding heaters, and etc.) right after the bio chambers for the sponge. This helps decrease micro-bubbles and any other detritus that could have escaped the mech. filtration. I was wondering if I should add another baffle so that I can add plants and submerged media. This would come right 4-5" before it hits the external water pump. I was also thinking of leaving it be and just adding the submerged media contained in the mesh bags.
What are your takes? Anything I can do to make it even better before I start her up?
Thanks guys!
I know this looks like it would be better suited for the Filtration section of the forum, but I want a ray keepers input. Especially since this 240G tank is dedicated to the rays.
I currently have a standard 30G wet/dry filter (roughly 30" x 13" x 13") that allows for two cubic foot of bio media. I never thought that this 30G would suffice for the bio load of my tank (even with the FX5 on the tank) - especially in the long run. Right now the rays are 7-8" in diameter - that is ALMOST 3/4" growth per month. Eight Geophagus, Two NTT's, and a single Black Aro. All are putting on size and weight.
I was inspired by Joey020283's acrylic build and decided to give it a wack. The dimensions I chose for my new wet/dry is 48" x 20" x 20" which is the most massive one I could fit under my stand and still have room to work around everything. This landed my new filter at around 80G with a bio capacity of almost five (5) cubic foot - more than double the original one.
The filter has already been water tested for three days with no leaks and I am about to put it into commission.
What I need to ask you guys for help is deciding if and where I can add another baffle. I currently have one installed and is designed to be removable (for ease of cleaning under the chambers and adding heaters, and etc.) right after the bio chambers for the sponge. This helps decrease micro-bubbles and any other detritus that could have escaped the mech. filtration. I was wondering if I should add another baffle so that I can add plants and submerged media. This would come right 4-5" before it hits the external water pump. I was also thinking of leaving it be and just adding the submerged media contained in the mesh bags.
What are your takes? Anything I can do to make it even better before I start her up?
Thanks guys!