Cichlid tank filtration question

[dawnmarie]

Hi all, Found your site and enjoy the DIY approach.
I haven't had time to see it all yet and being a relative newcomers
to the sport my wife (Dawnmarie) and I are looking to avoid making dumb mistakes. Our tank has been cycled and stocked now for about three months. We have a 240 gallon tank with 60 malawi Cichlids and currently
no live plants. I'm looking for advice on improving the filtration on a tight budget.The tank has a 2' x 8 ' UGF with 3 equally spaced 3/4" suction ports out the bottom to the pump inlet.The pump is a Little Giant 5MD rated at 1050 GPH (actually tests closer to 950 GPH).This feeds thru two 2 1/2" x 10" 5 micron sediment filters plumbed in parallel. After passing thru an inline heater it returns to the top of the tank thru a homemade wand sprayer (in first photo/top center). The cartridges last about 7-9 days before backpressure climbs and flow reduces substantially. I'm going to step up to 20 micron cartridges to see how long they last but wonder if this setup is viable long term. Anyone with Ideas on the subject would be welcome.

Thanks, Chris

 

[1974Pantera]

That UGF is going to cause you problems in the long run. If you are on a budget, I would look to Craigs List or on ebay for a used FX-5, maybe even two?

The tank looks great...what are you going to do when all those little guys grow up?

 

[Noddy]

No new ideas for your filter, but man ,what a set-up.
Your background is unlike anything i've seen!
Is that just a poster?

 

[syndicate]

No new ideas for your filter, but man ,what a set-up.
Your background is unlike anything i've seen!
Is that just a poster?

that background would look sweet as on a marine tank

 

[KaiserSousay]

Sweet is not adequate....
Did you do the filter? Nice work, well planned and executed.
I know you will see a big boost in service intervals going from the 5 to 20 micron cartridges.
What I see as the beauty of this system, is the ease of service. Those "spin on" cartridge filters are a snap to change/clean.
Would think you could expand your system a bit. Adding a suction line, for a "powered gravel vac" would make your general cleaning chores a bit easier.
All your bacteria in tank, gravel/decor, would make me a little nervous, but I worry too much.
Would love to see some more pics.

 

[siebertn]

Very impressive and very clean. Post some more pics.

When all your baby fish gets big you might wanne invest in a big filter like a FX5 or something similar and youl be surprised how many there is around for decent prices.