Advice for filtration on 125 tropheus tank

[David R]

I'd certainly agree with all that, the socks are by far the best mechanical filtration for using in a sump for the very reasons stated above. The only reason I didn't use them this time around is because I really wanted to experiment with the settling chamber (which would have been hard to do with the socks given the limited height I had to work with), and I wanted something I could potentially leave for a couple of weeks without touching if need be. Filter socks certainly require more frequent attention (though how frequent depends on the size and number of socks in relation to the amount of fish) but that is simply because they catch more crud.

 

[importracer]

125g

Mechanical Filtration
2 Aqua Clear 101's

Chemical/Biological Filtration
Wet/Dry Sump
OPTION:Saves a lot of money if one tries a DIY wet/dry sump............I saved Hundreds making my own...........
OPTION2:Fill the sump with bamboo, or some type of easy growing plant.........Hornwort although easy, will get all over the place................

 

[snakemanc5]

Thanks for all of the input everyone. So far I'm leaning towards dual filter socks and pond matrix. I'm just trying to figure out the most effective way to utilize the matrix (as in directing flow through it, amount needed, etc).

I do see a lot of people use matrix. Is it really that good? Coming from the reef world, I have very little experience with using a wet/dry and really like the idea of matrix being able to take the place of one.