125 gal filter quesiton

[Mysphit]

Last week my GF and I setup a used 125 on a regular oak stand, not DIY. We put on my old magnum 350 to just start the cycling while we decide what filters we want on it, going with cichlids.

This is the dilemma, I would love to put a sump on the thing but no idea if I would ever be able to get it in the stand now that its already full and starting to cycle. Anyone ever try and have luck with something like this? I would love to be able to hide the heaters in the sump, want a very visually appealing tank in the living room.

I feel like its a lost cause and that I'm just going to end up with 2 canister filters on it, probably the magnum till it dies and a Rena xp3 or xp4.

 

[ziggy2]

The canisters will be fine. Maybe a Fluval fx5, those are nice. You can add a sump no problem. You will need an overflow bulkhead that will attach to your sump. It will hang on the back instead of being drilled. It works fine.

 

[shookONES]

I'd personally stick with canisters. If you're THAT concerned with hiding heaters, Eheim offers thermo-versions of certain canisters. The heaters are built right into the canister. From what I hear, they work extremely well too.

 

[dmopar74]

use the hydor in-line heaters, they go on the return lines from your cans.

 

[merc123]

I've got 2 XP3's on my 125 cichlid tank, overstocked.

 

[KABB44423]

use the hydor in-line heaters, they go on the return lines from your cans.

100% correct

 

[Wolf3101]

A pair of Fluval 405's would be my recomendation. Even over the FX5.

Why?

staggared maintance for one thing...(keep one running while cleaning the other.)

More than one pick up and return point for better water flow...

Far more media options (4 split media baskets for a total of 8 chambers. PLUS the large seperate mechanical filter foam frame.)

Not having all of your eggs in one basket...so to speak. FX5's are reliable filters..I run several of them..but ANYTHING can fail.

Common spare parts...

Far easier to servace than Rena's IMO with a higher GPH per dollar if you shop carefully...

Using an in-line heater is always a good idea.

 

[fshfanatic]

I am not a huge fan of the Fluval 4 series.. I prefer the Classic Eheims, you could get a pair of Classic 2217's full of media and ready to go for under $250

Petsmart.com Free shipping 149 each They will match this
Price. Or this one. I love mine. Great filter!

Here are the stats

The Eheim Classic 2217 chamber canister design allows for the greatest flexibility in media set up for biological, mechanical, chemical and absorptive filtration. The flow rate has been calculated to provide the exact balance needed between mechanical/biological long-term filtration and water circulation and oxygen enrichment, resulting in optimum conditions for successful aquarium keeping. The 2217 is suitable for aquariums up to 160 gallons and has a pump output of 264 GPH. Comes complete with media (Ehfisubtrat, Ehfimech and fine and coarse filter pads) and quick disconnect valves.

Plus they are designed to be filters you "set and forget" I maintain mine like 4 times a yr, I could go longer but cant help myself..

 

[Wolf3101]

If your not removing the fish waste and unconsumed food material from your water fairly quickly then you might as well just leave it in your tank.

The biological filtration process WILL eventually break it down but this comes about at the expence of a much higher overall bio load. Any filter your only cleaning out 4 times a year is NOT removing contaminates from the water and should be set up as a bio-only filter. All of the tank water is, after all, bieng run through this trapped material constantly. This can also lead to a high nitrate condition if the material is left in the filter long enough and contribute to a rapid cascade failure and quick poisening of the water in the event of a power failure.

In my own personal testing I've found that running canisters for extended periods of time without servacing drimaticly raises the TDS (total desolved solids) readings of the tank water. This CAN be controled through large frequant water changes but your, in essance, causing yourself a lot more work than necessary.

The older 03 series of Fluval canisters are in fact VERY similar to the Eheim classics in most respects and I wouldn't own one. They ARE reliable but thats about all you can say for them. The internal flow path of the water in the 04/05 series is far superior to any of the older designs as is the conveniance of use and servacing. They provide a MUCH greater degree of mechanical filtration while still leaving you plenty of room for additional media.

Any type of... use this or don't use that... advice is of limited value without the underlying reasons behind it IMO.

 

[TEL]

My tank was already established I just lowered the water level and drilled it for the bullkhead fittings with a cordless and a glass cutter holsaw and if you can get 2 canisters in there you should be able to fit a sump.