So I just got a preformed 6'x4'x24"tall pond (about 300gal capacity full) which I'll be using to grow out rays and some larger catfish. My question is as to what would be the best option for filtration. I can get a Fluval FX5 for a really good price (being an LFS employee sometimes has its perks 
), but I don't think that alone would be sufficient enough for biological filtration. Realistically I can expect about 500gph output from that (once it's loaded with media), which isn't nearly enough turnover for what I'm looking for. What I was considering was using the FX5 for primarily mechanical filtration and having it drain into a DIY bio tower which would then drain into the pond. I like the idea of a powerful mechanical filter and the convenience of a canister, but I'm just not sure if it's worth it. Any suggestions?
Thoughts? Should I get the FX5 for now and consider either adding another in the future or some other canister? Or should I just bite the bullet and plan on another DIY system that I don't really have time to build? Any advice is appreciated!
), but I don't think that alone would be sufficient enough for biological filtration. Realistically I can expect about 500gph output from that (once it's loaded with media), which isn't nearly enough turnover for what I'm looking for. What I was considering was using the FX5 for primarily mechanical filtration and having it drain into a DIY bio tower which would then drain into the pond. I like the idea of a powerful mechanical filter and the convenience of a canister, but I'm just not sure if it's worth it. Any suggestions? Thoughts? Should I get the FX5 for now and consider either adding another in the future or some other canister? Or should I just bite the bullet and plan on another DIY system that I don't really have time to build? Any advice is appreciated!
