I have a 75 gallon tank which currently being filtered with an Eheim 2215. I have a 2213 on the way and should be here tomorrow. Should I set up this filter in a different way than my other one? Should I only use a carbon pad in only one of the filters and not the other and if so which one should I put the carbon in?
Adding a second filter to my 75 gallon
- Thread starter jryegolds
- Start date
For a while, a lot of folks have been not using any carbon at all but it seems a few articles/blogs lately are recommending it again. So it's option if you want to put it in either. Many today are using Seachem's Purigen for chemical filtration. I don't believe it matters which one you place it in but I'd say put it near the top of the can.
Howdy
You must have a really lightly stocked tank. I run a 2217 on my 40 gal ...
HarleyK
Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
You must have a really lightly stocked tank. I run a 2217 on my 40 gal ...
HarleyK
Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
No my tank isn't lightly stocked. The 2215 is rated for 92 gallons and the 2213 is rated for 66 gallons. Which is plenty of filtration for a 75 gallon IMO. Having a 2217 for a 40 gallon is nice but a bit overkill. Also I prefer having two smaller filters over one big one just in case one fails I still have some filtration.
Brings up an interesting point there jryegolds; I keep reading how much over filtration everyone is running. I've been wondering what would happen if someone just trusted the Eheim stated ratings. Do you think Eheim doesn't consider cichlids or other monsters when they design their pumps? Are we just expecting more 'crystal clear' than is expected? Saw both these questions mentioned in older threads as I've been seeking information to plan my upcoming C. gibberosa 'Moba' tank.
From my experience and from doing quite a bit of reading about it for the best results use twice the stating ratings call for. So if you have a 75 gallon than have filtration whose stated ratings say "good for up to 150 gallon." The key thing is that when they are saying "good for up to" this basically means at the filters very best and in the ideal conditions it is sufficient but this is the real world and people miss water changes and accidentally over feed, it happens, so its always good to have a little wiggle room. Having a little more than that won't hurt but too much water movement and filtration power can be negative in some scenarios. If you want crystal clear water just get a UV sterilizer.
Read the sticky on plant only filtration. I use pothos in addition to my sump and I'm impressed with the results. It's so easy to maintain and a lot cheaper than buying another filter.
I also use a 2217 on a 40B, and although it holds plenty of biomedia to do that part of the job, it's actual pushing power on water is WEAK. Low flow. It is not even near kill (much less "over"kill) on a 40B with juvenile fish from 1 1/2 to 3 inches, but fairly inadequate for pushing waste from one end to the other. and the intake tube does not sufficiently pull waste inside.
Now, for holding biomedia: the SeaChem matrix I have in there surely is excessively capable of doing enough conversion.
Now, for holding biomedia: the SeaChem matrix I have in there surely is excessively capable of doing enough conversion.
I'be been running Eheims for over 3 decades. In my experience they are rather optimistic with their ratings. German hobby standard and Eheim's heritage are planted, lightly stocked small community fish tanks... and then the rating might apply.
Having said that, I am a strong believer in long service intervals. If I need to clean a filter every couple of months I consider it underperforming. A true biofilter should effectively degrade biomatter, not just trap it and clog up...Just my $0.02
Actually, Eheim now publishes ranges - the 2215 is rated from 32-92 gals, the 2013 from 21-66 gals.
But honestly, what matters at the end is that it supports your specific tank, which hopefully is now the case with the addition of the 2013. jryegolds, what's in your tank? Care to share a full tank shot? We love pics here!
HarleyK
I currently have four 6-7 inch red belly piranhas in that tank as well as 4 1.5 inch convicts who were meant to be feeders but my rbps aren't interested in them. I got the 75 gallons since I'm moving come September and anything bigger would be tough to transport but after I move I plan on upgrading to a larger tank. I also have a spare 2213 since the 1st one amazon sent me had a broken intake pipe and they told me to just discard the old one in any way I see fit so I went to eheims website and bought the broken part for $8.40.
I will post some pics when I get home.
I will post some pics when I get home.