220 Gallon Tanganyikans - Filter Options

[micr0]

Hi Everyone - I'm in the process of setting up a 220 gallon 972 x 24 x 29), and I'm looking for opinions on filtration.

It will be lightly stocked compared to you monster keepers! I keep Tanganyikans and this tank will have about 30 cyprichromis, a pair of foai, and 6 xenos, to start.

I'm considering the following filter configurations:

1. 2x Fluval FX5's

2. 1x Eheim 2262

3. 1x Fluval FX5 and 3x Aquaclear 110's

I have used Eheim 2128's on my 125 gallons for years and like them for the most part, but they leak now during any loss of power. Most recently I had 100+ gallons of water flood my basement during a power outage (luckily no fish were in the tank). I have read the round "classic" style Eheims are less prone to this problem, but I'm still a little wary after the latest disaster... Is this something I'll have to watch out for with the 2262? The FX5? I know cansiters are among the most popular options for large tanks, but if possible I don't want to worry about replacing gaskets, applying vaseline, etc., every two years. Any that "just work"?

Both canisters are rated around 900gph. 3 Aquaclear 110s also adds up to around 900gph. Keeping in mind I won't be breeding arapaimas in this tank , would these larger HOBs still be entirely insuffiecient? I like the ease of use and reliability of aquaclears. Right now I like the idea of option 3, although I have no experience with Fluval canisters.

Thank you for any suggestions or opinions!

 

[12 Volt Man]

for that stock level of smaller fish in that size tank,

1 large cansiter and 1 AC110 would be fine IMO.

your eheims never should have leaked. if they were there was an O ring problem or a loose connection somewhere. so I wouldn't let that steer you away from canisters. I like the renas myself.

I like the combo of canisters along with an AC110. I clean the AC110 each week with my water change while only cleaning the canisters every month or so to do most of the bio work in the tank. Canisters have an advantage over the ACs because of the extra media capacity.

 

[deeda]

I also like the idea of the large canister and an AC110. I suggest the Eheim 2260/2262 as it is virtually indestructible, holds a lot of media (of your choosing) and with your suggested stocking levels, should need cleaning once or twice a year. The AC110 will help with mid level debris removal and can be cleaned weekly during water changes as suggested by 12 Volt Man.

Everyone has there own preferences for different canisters but I really prefer Eheim Classic models as they are simple to maintain and seem to last forever.

The problem with your 2128's is most likely the primer pump button o-ring failure which isn't addressed in any Eheim literature. You can use the Search button to look for the specific topic relating to this repair or PM me for an excellent link to fixing it.

The only disadvantage to using a power filter is the opportunity for the Cyprichromis to have an avenue of easy escape unless you are able to block off the opening of the return water. They seem to be able to find the smallest opening to gain access to the floor!

 

[micr0]

Thanks for the responses. Ideally I would go with the 2262 and the aquaclear but it's hard when I could get the FX5 and 2 or 3 110's for a good amount less.

 

[swk]

If a sump is not an option, there's no way I wouldn't at least use one eheim 2260 or 2262 on a tank that size. The sheer volume of biomedia you can fit in them is the main reason why. You would need 2 fx5's to equal the volume of biomedia that one large eheim canister holds. I would go with 2 2262's if money wasn't an issue. Otherwise I'd use a 2262 and either an fx5 or a couple of ac110's to help polish the water. Tangs are sensitive to water quality and are generally quite expensive fish. Why skimp on filtration when keeping expensive stock?