Best way to setup 2 filters on 1 tank?

[blacksnow]

125 gallon tank (6'x18"x21")

I have an FX5 currently, and will be adding a Eheim 2262 in a few weeks. Been thinking in my head about the best way to arrange both filters on the tank, and can't come to a logical conclusion =O

Is it safe to assume 1 intake for each filter should be at each end of the tank?

My other problem is the 2262 comes with a spray bar. I can't have a spray bar on 1 side of my tank because I keep water lettuce on 1/2 of the tank, and don't want it beating up the plants and making debris in the water.

Any placement ideas for the intakes/outputs would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!


If you wanted more info

Tenants:
3 cichla monoculus
1 silver arowana
1 yepesi ray
1 hystrix (soon as i move tank

Black sand is the substrate.

If possible I'd like the fx5 to pickup poop. All my fish are large enough where they won't get stuck in the intake, but I am worried about a ray getting damaged swimming around an open intake tube.

 

[Toby_H]

There are dozens and dozens of considerations to take into account in this decision...

I doubt if any of us could consider every one even if we were standing in front of the tank...

After considering the shape of the aquarium decor is the next biggest impact...

Set it up, see what you thin and be ready to rearrange and try new things...

 

[rnocera]

You can use a spray bar with water lettuce. You can point the spray bar to spray back on the glass so that there's still agitation but isn't splashing or current, or you can put the spray bar down underwater. At that point the spray bar just helps to diffuse the water so that more water moves instead of having one steady stream and other spots that don't move as much.

 

[blacksnow]

You can use a spray bar with water lettuce. You can point the spray bar to spray back on the glass so that there's still agitation but isn't splashing or current, or you can put the spray bar down underwater. At that point the spray bar just helps to diffuse the water so that more water moves instead of having one steady stream and other spots that don't move as much.

I have 2 large airstones...So surface agitation isn't the largest concern of mine (although would be nice =p).


As far as decor in my tank, there will only be the water lettuce, and 2 of those fake large bamboo plants. I have 2 large pieces of driftwood currently, but they are being removed before the new ray arrives. =]

 

[blacksnow]

What really is confusing me is the placement of the outputs. I mean let's say I have the spray bar at one end pointed at the glass to provide some surface agitation.

Then I have the fx5 output on the opposite end causing flow across the tank.

Well if there is also an intake at that end of the tank isn't that output keeping water from being sucked into that intake?

I'm prob over thinking this whole thing =O

 

[coeus]

if the intake is under water there is no way anything is preventing it from taking water in

 

[blacksnow]

if the intake is under water there is no way anything is preventing it from taking water in

Good call

So I'm thinking on the left side of tank having the fx5 intake. Then right next to it the output causing flow down the length of the tank.

Then on the right side having the Eheim 2262 intake. Then having the spray bar on the right side shooting at the glass causing surface agitation..

Only thing is I remember the FX5 instructions stating not to have the intake/output so close. I don't see how this could be an issue though..

 

[SuperDave]

I don't think you can go wrong, not with the size of your tank and the filters you have. Just see what works out best, you can change it as needed.

 

[tcarswell]

Not to go too far off track but this is an absolute TON of bio and turnover for a 125. Given your stocklist you are gonna have to upgrade tank size greatly in the near future are you just planning ahead?

Either way there are a million different ways you could do this. You could even skip the spray bar altogether.....

 

[blacksnow]

Not to go too far off track but this is an absolute TON of bio and turnover for a 125. Given your stocklist you are gonna have to upgrade tank size greatly in the near future are you just planning ahead?

Either way there are a million different ways you could do this. You could even skip the spray bar altogether.....

Hehehe..Ya I understand...the eheim 2262 will have most the bio media. I'll fill the fx5 with mostly mechanical after the new filter is good with the bio.

I do know I'll need a tank upgrade, and TBH even the 300 gallon I'm planning on won't be sufficient for everyone =[. Going to be buying a few kelberi in the near future, and ridding of the mono's =[. In the end I'll only be keeping some hystrix rays, my silver aro, and kelberi in my 300.

The 125 will turn into a heavily planted loach community tank.

When I jumped into this hobby I didn't do enough research on the fish I was buying, and I'm quite upset as it will be hard to let them go. I'll be sure they goto a MFK'er that will take good care of them though

But at this point I still have a good amount of time. My 3 cichla monoculus are just pushing 5". Still babies imo..The silver aro is possibly 7". I'll move the yepesi ray out soon as I find him a home. So with the hystrix, silver aro, and cichla monoculus I got some time before that upgrade is necessary. Although it will be setup and running long before the tank is 'over crowded'. Would never torture my babies...