Better option: 3 2217s or 2 FX5s

[kevin007]

Kevin, eventually, if you would like, you can modify the fx5 filter and get 12-13L of bio media. That would be 24 -26 liters with 1200 GPH for $440. Can you beat that?

Nope, definitely can't, its good to know that my 2nd option isn't a bad option at all

Great site too, it is bookmarked and will be used alot in the future.

I'll ask a quick question: Can i attach 2 hoses to the drain valve and use it to change water? Can i realistically be draining 1200 GPH? It'll take 9 minutes to 200 Gallons? So around 4.5 minutes to drain 100 Gallons? That'll make water changes hella quick!

 

[Jgray152]

I'll ask a quick question: Can i attach 2 hoses to the drain valve and use it to change water? Can i realistically be draining 1200 GPH? It'll take 9 minutes to 200 Gallons? So around 4.5 minutes to drain 100 Gallons? That'll make water changes hella quick!

You won't drain your tank from the drain valve at 1200 GPH. Its impossible. The drain valve is on the suction side of the pump so what you could do is hook two hoses up to the drain valve from a large resivour (not at 1200 GPH) and have the filter siphon in the water from the resivour quickly, you just have to close the intake valve about 50-75% and open the drain valve.

To drain at 1200 GPH, Hagen supplies a 3rd AquaStop valve with the filter. This is so you can disconnect the output valve which leads to the tank and connect the third valve with a hose which will lead to a drain our out the window and then, yes, it will drain the tank VERY VERY quickly.

I have been using a gravel vacuum hooked up to the drain valve for easy cleaning

 

[Jgray152]

I suppose it would be a bit more than $440 after mods. It would be another $100 depending on the type of media and material used.

 

[kevin007]

Oh okay, so I can still get get 1200GPH draining but not using drain valve. What is the drain valve for? To simply empty the FX5 for easier carrying?

I probably won't be making the mods just yet, I'll see how 2 FX5 holds up by default.

There is roughly 6 L of bio media capcity in each right? So 5 liters of substratpro + 8L of pond matrix should be enough

(The purpose of the BB is to keep ammonia and nitrites in check right? I'm pretty sure 12 L (from FX5) + 4 L of substrat pro (from 2217) = 16 L of BB, that should be enough BB. There really isn't a need for more since there is only so much ammonia/nitrite, correct?)

 

[Jgray152]

The drain valve is used for draining the filter and/or removing solids which have collected.

6 Liters is a lot. Compared to other filters it may be small but compared to what you need its a lot.

You will have more than enough bio filtration.

You are correct about the BB process. The more area you have for BB the less dense the BB will be across the filters. You will only have some much BB because there is only so much food being made for a given time.

 

[kevin007]

Ok, since the bio media should be more than enough, what do you think about switching the substrat pro in the 2 FX5s to matrix? I'd love to save some money..