i am thinking about getting a 180g aquarium, but don't want to really do wet/dry filtration system (bad experience in the past). could i get away w/using 2 emperor 400s in a 180g given an emperor 400 is appropriate for up to a 90g aquarium? assume reasonably stocked c/a community aquarium and diligent 20-25% weekly water changes.
cichlid filtration question
- Thread starter mcyun1
- Start date
just because the filter is rated for 90g, dosent mean it would sufficiently filter a 90g tank with anything but an insanely low sticking level in my opinion. rather than kill yourself with water changes ever 2 days and paying for water conditioner, get a better filter. in which case you can keep a normal schedule of water changes once every week. saves time and money in the long run.
that being said.....for what your going to pay for 2 emp 400's, you could get a decent canister filter for the tank. something extremely easy to maintain like 2-Rena xp3 , or a little more of a hastle to maintain, but is an amazing filter, the fx5. the fx5 can be found for under 200, and if you shop around and look online, you can find the xp3 for around $100 each.
if you insist on nothing but a hang-on-back, i would go with atleast 3 aquaclear 110's, 4 if possible. it may seem like overkill, but cichlids can put a strain on any filter with the bio-load medium-large fish produce.
that being said.....for what your going to pay for 2 emp 400's, you could get a decent canister filter for the tank. something extremely easy to maintain like 2-Rena xp3 , or a little more of a hastle to maintain, but is an amazing filter, the fx5. the fx5 can be found for under 200, and if you shop around and look online, you can find the xp3 for around $100 each.
if you insist on nothing but a hang-on-back, i would go with atleast 3 aquaclear 110's, 4 if possible. it may seem like overkill, but cichlids can put a strain on any filter with the bio-load medium-large fish produce.
Thats a big tank,Youd need at least 3.I have 2 emp and an aquaclear on my heavily stocked 125g,your tank is quite a bit bigger.
That isn't even close to enough in my opinion. You'll want to add a large canister or two at least, or a couple more HOB's. If you start the fish out very small the HOBs might hold you over for now but they won't be enough in the long run.
Two big canisters is my vote too.
They should get rid of those "this filter is rated for a ____ gallon tank" suggestions. You filter bioload, not gallons of water.
If the fish are small, you could start with one canister and add another later.
They should get rid of those "this filter is rated for a ____ gallon tank" suggestions. You filter bioload, not gallons of water.
If the fish are small, you could start with one canister and add another later.