adding a 3rd filter for mechanical
- Thread starter rob1984
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yea ive seen that on smaller one as well, all though when it is packed with media is set for 500gph ? or the 500gph they rate em at is that empty ? that's my question lol.... im either debating between one of these ac110's or a rena xp4 (used)500 GPH, there is a overflow on the left side of the filter where the intake pipe comes up. if its not flowing that through the filter chamber then water will flow from there. i only see this when the filter needs cleaning.
IMO, I would look into getting a sump for bio and then use the two FX5s for mechanical. It is hard to beat a sump for ease of use once it is set up correctly. In reality, depending on the size sump, you could sell one of the FX5s to cover some or most of the cost difference, and just run one FX5 for mechanical.
they have a setting on them, its that stem you see sticking up. any filter packed to tight will not put out what its rated for. least with the HoB you can see its over packed by water flow in the over flow. no ideal of what there suggested packing rate is, can not say i have ever seen one. I would fill the chamber with pillow floss, cheap and works well.
IMO, I would look into getting a sump for bio and then use the two FX5s for mechanical. It is hard to beat a sump for ease of use once it is set up correctly. In reality, depending on the size sump, you could sell one of the FX5s to cover some or most of the cost difference, and just run one FX5 for mechanical.
ya I would love to have a sump on this tank and use the fx5's for mechanical only lol, but that isn't in the budget and my stand isn't built to hold a sump underneath .... only way id have a sump is if I upgraded the tank to something larger likely which isn't possible as I can fit a larger tank in my apartment iam right now.... hence the thought of either a HOB or xp4 packed with sponge, filter floss to catch all small particles
Got it, and makes sense. For mechanical I would do the ac 110, for better looks and likely less noise the rena XP4 (or some other canister.) The canister would still give good mechanical, but for the price it would be hard to beat HOB.
Got it, and makes sense. For mechanical I would do the ac 110, for better looks and likely less noise the rena XP4 (or some other canister.) The canister would still give good mechanical, but for the price it would be hard to beat HOB.
I can get a used xp4 for about 100$ a new ac110 is about 100 as well.... and my tank is loud enough as is and would also leave a nice area for the bass to splash water out like a SOB with a HOB unit I think lol..
Well, the noise I'm referring to is when the water level drops. I too like the sound of a little water fall.
Well the way the bass are when they eat in the tank they sure splash A LOT and to have an opening in the lid that large for water to pour in would likely be a mess/accident waiting to happen... Plus if I have the water level up high I get water/moisture between the top trim and glass and it leaks down the outside and get a terrible calcium build up
