Ok heres my dilemma... I got 125g tank that is on a double stand, problem is that I have very little space to play with for filtration. I got about 5-6" of space between the tank and stand and also I can only access one end the tank due to another tank being in the way. As for space behind the tank I probably got another 5-6" to play with so, pretty much leaving me in my opinion only sponge filtration and a pair of magnum H.O.T.s. I was told earlier that using a canister on a tank that is almost the same level as it, is not good? Anybody got any other ideas on filtration for this tank? Thanks for ANY help!
Filtration dilemma for 125g tank
- Thread starter Unattended Fish
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Can we assume that the 125 is on the bottom level of the stand? I'm assuming so...but just want to be 100% clear.
Personally I think that it would be fine to use a canister filter. One of the things to be concerned about with canister filters is too much head height (vertical distance from the canister filter to the top of the tank/water level).
For example...with the Fluval line of canister filters (100 thru 400 series)...the maximum head height is around 4-6+ feet:
http://www.aquacave.com/Hagen-Fluval-Canister-Filters-C996.aspx
There is no mention of a "minimum head height"...so I think that you would be fine with a canister filter for your 125 on the lower level of your 2-tank stand.
Can we assume that the 125 is on the bottom level of the stand? I'm assuming so...but just want to be 100% clear.
Personally I think that it would be fine to use a canister filter. One of the things to be concerned about with canister filters is too much head height (vertical distance from the canister filter to the top of the tank/water level).
For example...with the Fluval line of canister filters (100 thru 400 series)...the maximum head height is around 4-6+ feet:
http://www.aquacave.com/Hagen-Fluval-Canister-Filters-C996.aspx
There is no mention of a "minimum head height"...so I think that you would be fine with a canister filter for your 125 on the lower level of your 2-tank stand.
Yes tanks on bottom thanks for pointing that out, forgot to mention. Only thing the tanks sitting is a 2x4 so from floor to top of tank is around 25" or so. I would love to use a or a couple of canisters but, heard using canisters on lower sitting tanks is not recommended and could shortened the life of the pump. So hence looking for any other options. Thanks for replying
I tried to explain in my post above that there usually is a maximum head height for canister filters (the height that the water levek is above the canister filter). And I mentioned that this maximum height for many Fluval canister filters is 4-6+ feet.
But there does not seem to be a minimum. Thus you can have a canister filter sitting right next to your 125 gal. tank without a problem. So the 25" you mentioned would not be a problem at all.
Can you be specific why it is not recommended to use a canister filter on a lower sitting tank?
And even if this does shorten the life of the canister filter...by how much? Is the difference significant?
For example...if a canister filter normally was good for 10 years...even IF using a canister filter on a "lower sitting tank" was "bad"...what if this means a lifespan of 9.5 years (just 6 months less)??
If you prefer to use a canister filter...just do it. Otherwise go with the sponge filter (or a number of them for a 125).
Didn't mention but, I got a 40b that also on a double stand and same height off the ground and has a eheim 2215 on it and the flow is drastically weaker than when I had it on the top (~36")tank which is another 40b. Just seemed wierd to me that the flow from the lower tank was weaker than from the top tank.
Traditional canisters use gravity to feed them so it makes a difference when considering tankheight in relation to the filter. If my memory serves me h.o.t. stands for hang on tank so that is what they are designed for, maybe they run more like a hob where the motor sucks watwr in instead of blowing water out. I am also under the impression that the h.o.t. is best with fine media for polishing and not the best standard filter, its been a few years since I researched them so I may be mistaken. I'd look at 2 ac110s and 2 sponge filters.
Thanks guys for the replies, all the help was much appreciated! Might just go with a couple of large sponges and a pair of smaller HOB filters since this tank will not be that heavily stocked. Anybody had any experience with the newer fluval C line of filters? Might try a pair or trio of the c4's...
I dont have any in use ,but have seen a couple, they look pretty stout , yesj ust looked them up again ...pretty much ac 70's with wet / dry effect,,2 of those +2 BIG sponge filters on small powerheads....it'll work fine ...and that way you can keep nitrates down by cleaning a filter with every water change.. be warned though the c-4's may not fit over the trim of a125.. you may have to do something like penguin hob's or aqueon (or modify the tank)