Question about filtering a 400 Gallon Tank

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I cant answer the 1st two questions, But I can say that I plan to Run a Drip system. As to whether or not I let the drip fill the tank back up after a back-flush or not? That depends on how much water I loose from the back-flush so time will tell.

ALSO - I plan to run the two FX5's I already have in addition so hopefully that will cover any needed redundancy/Backups
 
nzafi said:
I have a couple more questions out of curiosity:
1) When you do the backflush does it impact your bio capacity and cause mini-cycles? I think some folks complained about this.
2) Do think there is a need to run two for backup and sustainability?
3) Are you running drips on your tank? I think you were taking approach of letting your drip fill the tanks up after backwash but dont' remember.

I was under the impression it you would need to backwash more often, which is awesome.
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1) I have an Apex on the tank and can see the impacts of backwashes. There is no mini cycle at all. Nothing that has shown on a test kit.
2) I wanted redundancy because I travel often for work and want to make sure I have a heavy bioload capable backup. The more research I did the more I was convinced running two would solve all of the problems people encounter with Ultimas. I can confirm it did resolve all of my concerns.
3) Yes I am running a heated and dechlorinated drip system. Initially I designed the system to let the drip fill it back up overnight. I actually haven't tested this yet. I lose about 30% tank volume for a really good backwash. Since there are pups in the nursery I haven't wanted to push it.

I thought I would have to backwash much more often too. This was a REALLY welcome surprise. I think running two made all the difference in the world. Most people who are running these only invest in one and overdo the flow rate.
 
i just ordered my Ultima 1000 today - got a good deal! Now I need to find a deal on a PUMP =)
 
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Also ordered the Pump =)
 
I got a Reeflo Dart/Snapper Gold
 
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Arkangel77 said:
I got a Reeflo Dart/Snapper Gold
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You are going to LOVE that pump. I would recommend running the snapper impeller over the dart since you have the 1000 model. That will help the Ultima perform its best.
 
ya - the snapper was the plan. It will use less power and still give me plenty of flow! I got the gold cause they claim its a better motor =)
 
Arkangel77 said:
ya - the snapper was the plan. It will use less power and still give me plenty of flow! I got the gold cause they claim its a better motor =)
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Currently running standard dart and gold models, have to agree the gold is better. My apex shows it’s watts usage and I play around with them often. If you valve it back the watts drop, seals and motor last longer too.

Have you planned your intakes and backwash design yet? Let me know if I can help.
 
Only thing I have currently is bulkhead in the tank. I have some hard line and was gona use some of that flexible pound line maybe, so a combo of both. Not sure yet. Any help from you is welcome! =)
 
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