240 Filtration Ideas?

[iWantKicks]

Aloha MFK fam!

I recently acquired a 240, and was wondering what would be the best filtration?

I currently have 3 fx5 and plan to use all of them. (If its a good idea)

I was planning on doing something like this:
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/f...Pics-and-Questions-Looking-for-final-thoughts
(yeah, i used the search )

One fx5 would be completely dedicated to the diy UGF. And the other 2 running normally.

I plan on using large river rocks (1-2") as substrate and burying the UGF.

GOALS: - Accomplish weekly water changes without having to gravel vacuum. (if possible)
- Have sufficient filtration.

I have an extra 55 gallon laying around to make a sump if the 3 FX-5 aren't enough.

Thoughts? Hate it? Love it? Better solution?
Thanks in advance!!

 

[PDRed302]

Sounds like a good plan to me. I've never been a big fan of under gravels but to each their own. I think that the 2 other FX5's would have no problem taking care of the tank as long as it wasn't critically overstocked. The 3rd FX5 as an under gravel definitely won't hurt.

I can see you getting away with fewer gravel vacs when performing water changes but I still see it being a necessity at least once or twice a month.

Good luck on the build and keep us posted!

 

[Gill Blue]

I have a 245G that I'm in the process of assembling, and I'm going with a reverse flow UGF running 800GPH with a laguna pump and a 60G sump (still undecided on flow rate). the larger the stones, the less surface area you'll have. my substrate will be mostly 3-5 inch stones, I'm going to try to avoid smaller pieces if possible. my RUGF is more to keep the substrate clean than for biological filtration, that's what the sump is for.

I tried using an emperor 400 to run an ugf in my 90 and was happier with the powerhead I was using before and went back. I don't know the gph of the powerhead, but from the current, I think it's close to the 400 from the emperor, but with more pull than the emperor.
no idea if that will apply to the fx5, but something to watch for. I'd probably run the ugf fx5 without any media to maximize your flow.

 

[iWantKicks]

^^ I'm not planning to use the UGF for bio purposes. Solely so it keeps the bottom clean and to prevent having to vacuum the gravel. I always run my fx5's with only ceramic rings in 3 baskets, and the standard foam on the sides.

I'd also want the tank to look as clean as possible. (meaning less intakes/spraybar/heater in there)

I was thinking about using the 55 sump anyway, so i'd have someplace to put my heater

 

[Countryboy]

I think that using fx5 for ugf like you want to set up would put too much strain on the fx5 pump. That's a lot of extra footage to pull or push water through. With a tank that size go with the sump set up instead of ugf.

 

[Gill Blue]

well if you're doing it just to keep the bottom clean I'd go with a reverse flow. 1"-2" gravel would be a pain to vacuum and ugf's do need vacuuming.
I'm disguising my pump/prefilter as a log.

 

[boldtogether]

 

[F1 VET]

3 fx5 are a small fortune lol but perfect.

And sand is a good solution to avoid vacing all the time, gravel isn't the best option for sub imo



Go S. Vettel #1 rb8

 

[Redbellypiranha]

A sump and a fx5 (or a couple fx5 depending on bio load and tank size) canister filter is always to go on big tanks. I will post pictures of my system on my 300.


Sent from my iPad using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

 

[iWantKicks]

I think that using fx5 for ugf like you want to set up would put too much strain on the fx5 pump. That's a lot of extra footage to pull or push water through. With a tank that size go with the sump set up instead of ugf.

well if you're doing it just to keep the bottom clean I'd go with a reverse flow. 1"-2" gravel would be a pain to vacuum and ugf's do need vacuuming.
I'm disguising my pump/prefilter as a log.

Combining the ideas together, Would i be able to hook up the outflow of the fx5 to create a RUGF?
Would that make less strain on the pump? and make gravel cleaning a thing of the past? *crosses fingers*

In Hawaii, river rocks are very expensive. I found a good deal on craigslist for 1-2" rocks for $10/45lbs which is a really good deal. That's why i was going with that size.

3 fx5 are a small fortune lol but perfect.

And sand is a good solution to avoid vacing all the time, gravel isn't the best option for sub imo



Go S. Vettel #1 rb8

Hahah, I got em used off a friend for a good price
I've had sand in the past, and didn't like it at all. aha

A sump and a fx5 (or a couple fx5 depending on bio load and tank size) canister filter is always to go on big tanks. I will post pictures of my system on my 300.


Sent from my iPad using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

Beautiful system!!! Did you build that yourself? I was planning on using a 55 gallon tank.
Any helpful links or tips to help me build mine?


Thanks everyone for the help!