Adding FX5 to clear cloudy water? Advice please.
- Thread starter 888fish
- Start date
Thanks!
Check this thread out. I explain how to build my super-easy style of sump
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=363785
Check this thread out. I explain how to build my super-easy style of sump
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=363785
Unless your tank is drilled I would not consider a sump. Unless you already have experience with sumps, the time effort and expense of setting one up is not going to be anywhere near worth it. I don't know that building and installing a sump and overflows from scratch would even work out cheaper than an FX5 anyway.
The pair of Eheim 2028s each have pumps rated for 1050lph, their actual output is going to be about 700lph, so combined they're only turning your tank over about twice an hour. I'm not an advocate of overfiltering but that's an underfiltered tank.
An FX5 is the quickest, easiest, best and most efficient solution. By itself an FX5 will turn your tank over about 4 times an hour. You will probably be able to get one for $220-250USD. I wouldn't worry too much about any water polishing nonsense, just fill it with any generic sintered glass or ceramic media, maybe some polyester batting on top of each media tray if you want. Cloudy water should clear up pretty quickly.
The pair of Eheim 2028s each have pumps rated for 1050lph, their actual output is going to be about 700lph, so combined they're only turning your tank over about twice an hour. I'm not an advocate of overfiltering but that's an underfiltered tank.
An FX5 is the quickest, easiest, best and most efficient solution. By itself an FX5 will turn your tank over about 4 times an hour. You will probably be able to get one for $220-250USD. I wouldn't worry too much about any water polishing nonsense, just fill it with any generic sintered glass or ceramic media, maybe some polyester batting on top of each media tray if you want. Cloudy water should clear up pretty quickly.
With that size tank and stock I think 2 2028 are not enough-I'd have 2 FX5 or the larger Eheim at the minimum. If this was the case you wouldn't need such a large WC either.
I've a 100G with a 11" NTT, 6" & 4" IT, and 8" Channa panaw. I do 40-50% WC weekly and have an FX5 and Eheim 2078 running. There's no way I'd lessen the filter capacity at all. If I could start over again I'd go with a bigger tank and a sump
I've a 100G with a 11" NTT, 6" & 4" IT, and 8" Channa panaw. I do 40-50% WC weekly and have an FX5 and Eheim 2078 running. There's no way I'd lessen the filter capacity at all. If I could start over again I'd go with a bigger tank and a sump
When you say "CLOUDY", do you mean a milky white?
You sure it`s not particulate or micro bubbles?
Is this a new tank, less than 6 months running?
If it is milky and it`s an older-established tank, I would try to figure out what I am doing that causes this bacterial bloom.
Maybe too vigorous in cleaning and disrupting the established bacteria?
Maybe something changed in your tap water?
I had a tank go milky on me and never did figure out what I did or why it happened.
Tried all the different media, trying to filter the milk out.
Didn`t work for me.
I got a UV into the system and it cleared the tank almost overnight.
Still have no clue what I was doing that caused the bloom and it hasn`t returned even after removing the UV, which now sits in the garage, ready for use if I need it again.
You sure it`s not particulate or micro bubbles?
Is this a new tank, less than 6 months running?
If it is milky and it`s an older-established tank, I would try to figure out what I am doing that causes this bacterial bloom.
Maybe too vigorous in cleaning and disrupting the established bacteria?
Maybe something changed in your tap water?
I had a tank go milky on me and never did figure out what I did or why it happened.
Tried all the different media, trying to filter the milk out.
Didn`t work for me.
I got a UV into the system and it cleared the tank almost overnight.
Still have no clue what I was doing that caused the bloom and it hasn`t returned even after removing the UV, which now sits in the garage, ready for use if I need it again.
Tank has been running for almost 2 yrs. I already realize I have too much stock causing too much bioload and not enough turnaround. I'll try to build a Diy overflow from the stickies, and sump. I have an extra 40g sitting around, just need the pump, more media, and some plumbing help. Anyone in the BayArea wanna help?
Do you think with your heavy stock, could your oxygen levels be low, and your bb in your filters arent able to cope with that much waste. Id try two fx5's and ditch your other two canisters also check your oxygen levels in your tank. Remeber the BB needs lots of oxygen to convert the waste.
If you want to dump a couple hundred on a new FX5, go ahead.
It sure will not hurt anything except your bank account.
The question would be, will it help.
Maybe.
My questions to you are the 2028s keeping your tank relatively clean?
Do you test your water, if so, do you find any ammonia?
If your answers are yes to clean and no to ammonia, then the FX5 won’t change a thing.
I hadn’t thought of low oxygen being a cause.
My thinking is you would notice that from your fish. If oxygen levels are sufficient for the fish, then there is plenty for the bacteria.
Since the tank has been up for around two years and this cloudiness is a new problem(right?)that you might be doing something that brought this on.
A simple testing of your water will tell you if you have insufficient bio activity.
Just me, but that is what I would check first before buying a new filter system.
It sure will not hurt anything except your bank account.
The question would be, will it help.
Maybe.
My questions to you are the 2028s keeping your tank relatively clean?
Do you test your water, if so, do you find any ammonia?
If your answers are yes to clean and no to ammonia, then the FX5 won’t change a thing.
I hadn’t thought of low oxygen being a cause.
My thinking is you would notice that from your fish. If oxygen levels are sufficient for the fish, then there is plenty for the bacteria.
Since the tank has been up for around two years and this cloudiness is a new problem(right?)that you might be doing something that brought this on.
A simple testing of your water will tell you if you have insufficient bio activity.
Just me, but that is what I would check first before buying a new filter system.
