3 Externals filters: better than 2? hhmmm....

[Ade]

Been thinking a long time wether 3 externals is better than 2, in my situation:

100G tank, current filtration :FX5, 405 and reina xp3. No carbon, just all full of bio rings, and sponges for mech. filtration.
Fish: 10 Datnoides Indo Tiger. ALl between 5 and 10 inch, so bio load is high.also got small retic stingray.

Q: i can get another fx5 for really good price. SHall I replace the 2 smaller canisters and run 2 FX5's?

I am looking to achieve stronger flow rate and better, more efficient filtration, also, less canister maintenance. Utimately though, fish health comes first.

I know the FX 5 bio load capacity: is equivalent of 1 and half "405" canister, so I will loose a little bioload capacity....but enough to worry about??? not sure.

I reckon the flow rate will be marginally better, and I am hpoing the 2 FX5's are an overall better and more efficient system of filtration.And I should only have to clean them once, every 4 - 6 weeks.

Any advice is welcome and appreciated.

 

[Texs]

Better yet lose the 405 and run two FX5s and XP3.

 

[RDTigger]

Maybe it might be time to add another tank....

 

[Infernal]

two fx5s would be easier to maintain and still provide eough filtration it would also save you on lectricity cost as only two filters on the tank

 

[Ramesh]

Bigger tank would be money well spent, unless space is a problem but then with 10 Dats and ray the problem of tank size is always going to come up.

 

[puntoturbo]

Buy another Fx5! and run it along side the filters you already have,more filtration the better! On my 6x2x2 i run two Fx5s,two Eheim 2213s,fluval 405,huge power head,Tetra-tec air pump with bubble disk and two UV sterilisers! and i still want more filtration,i was thinking of adding an Eheim 2260 to this setup very soon aswell.

 

[Ade]

Maybe it might be time to add another tank....

Agreed. But no space. Plan to sell of some indos when they get 11 inch plus.

two fx5s would be easier to maintain and still provide eough filtration it would also save you on lectricity cost as only two filters on the tank

Will more than likely go with this set up. thanks

Bigger tank would be money well spent, unless space is a problem but then with 10 Dats and ray the problem of tank size is always going to come up.

Agreed. Wish I had space for bigger tank.

Buy another Fx5! and run it along side the filters you already have,more filtration the better! On my 6x2x2 i run two Fx5s,two Eheim 2213s,fluval 405,huge power head,Tetra-tec air pump with bubble disk and two UV sterilisers! and i still want more filtration,i was thinking of adding an Eheim 2260 to this setup very soon aswell.

Thats alot of filtration. Impressive.

 

[The1and only]

have you looked in to maybe 2 ac110 HOB filters? and run with your fx5. HOB filters have the most efficient flow rates because they have no head height for the motors to overcome. I just put a HOB filter on my tank and love it with my canister. I stuffed the 305 full of bio and now only have to clean the sponges. I use the ac70 for more bio and carbon cause it is so much easier for maintenance.

 

[crisper]

What are the parameters of your water. If everything tests fine why add more filtration.

 

[Ade]

Better yet lose the 405 and run two FX5s and XP3.

What are the parameters of your water. If everything tests fine why add more filtration.

ph 8, nitrite and amonia = 0, nitrates 40-50 (a bit high)
The tigers will only get bigger,and the ray has quite messy waste. I want to reduce filter maintenance as the smaller canisters block clog up after 2 weeks. Also trying to cut electric costs.