125 gallon native filtration and water flow questions

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J

jdhuegel1

Gambusia
MFK Member
Sep 30, 2011
297
3
16
Frederick MD
Hello,

I'm setting up a new tank and am wondering if I should scrap my 3 Marineland 350 canisters for a FX5 or run with these. I'm considering one on each end and one in the middle (72"L tank) if I stay with them. I'd like a 'current' in the tank also so not sure if they would interrupt that if theyre spread out. The tank will house my 7" largemouth bass, an 8" bullhead catfish, and a 32" (and growing) american eel for now. Also considering some undergravel jets using a couple powerheads. Thoughts?? Thanks!
 
Obvious one first. That's a lot of fish for a 125. But to each his own.

I would look at it this way. You want two things, flow and filtration. If you already have filters that give you both with no added expense then you should stay with that. The fx5 is a powerful filter with tons of filtration but since it has only one output, you will have to modify the output or add power heads to combat dead spaces. Keep in mind you have to fill the fx5 with media. A lot of media. Which can get expensive. If money was no object, I would do the fx5 with a koralia power head or two.
 
Thanks for the reply. Money isn't an issue, but I already have 3 Magnums - just wanted to know if they're enough. I do like the fact I can combat dead spaces with the 3 Magnums. I suppose I could always just add an FX5 if I need more filtration. I've got a Rena 2 laying around too which is actually a pretty nice piece.

Do you really think the 125 is small for those 3 fish? I've had many fish in the past in bigger and smaller tanks. I'm not one to give an animal unfair conditions... thoughts?
 
I particularly like the Magnum 350s, I would run with those due to the fact you already have 3 and can add them to the tank how you please. The fx5 is one filter, limited options due to one input and one output. I dont think you have a lot of fish, just fish that are big with limited space that produce alot of waste. I would consider upgrading tanks in the future but thats just me
 
stingraybob said:
I particularly like the Magnum 350s, I would run with those due to the fact you already have 3 and can add them to the tank how you please. The fx5 is one filter, limited options due to one input and one output. I dont think you have a lot of fish, just fish that are big with limited space that produce alot of waste. I would consider upgrading tanks in the future but thats just me
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Ok, thanks for the input. I'll see how well the Magnums do for starters.

Eventually I will have a custom setup built, this is not permanent by any means. I just completed a canopy and lids (tank has 2 braces on top instead of one) and will hopefully get water in it tonight to start cycling.
 
I would run the fx5 but add some extra powerheads for flow. My buddy has a new fx5 in his 75g tank and its not enough current
 
Ambervikings91 said:
7 largemouths.... idk dude thats a lot of fish
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Sorry - it's only ONE 7" Largemouth Bass. Only ONE 8" Bullhead and the Eel. 3 fish total!! Although, if the Bass keeps his appetite like this he's going to get HUGE. He crushed 3 minnow and a Hellgrammite last night. No breaks between!

Regarding the flow/pumps: I've rebuilt the 3 Magnums and have one on each end and one in the middle. They "should" get the job done. As for flow - I've got a few powerheads I'm putting at the bottom; one of which will run through PVC to a few jets under the gravel. Water goes in tonight.
 
NgaNasty said:
I would run the fx5 but add some extra powerheads for flow. My buddy has a new fx5 in his 75g tank and its not enough current
Click to expand...

I decided to run the 350's for now since I already have them, and had already got new gaskets/seals/impellers for them. If they fall short, I'll get an FX5. As for flow, I'll be using a few powerheads.

Thanks!
 
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