Do I need more filtration?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
i would keep the canister with all the bio media and ur other filter with carbon. if you have a big community tank, you want the carbon to remove all the odors and impurities. I have 3 filters on my 90g. fluval 404, eheim 2217, ac110
 
OK. So, I decided to stick with the Fluval 305 with prefilter, biomax, and polishing pads only and no HOB. I may swap out the polishing pads for carbon or biomax depending on my needs, but I think the HOB is not needed, and I don't want the additional noise. Does this sound OK?
 
Just check the filter today to see if everything was working OK. I noticed some green "slime" on the pre-filter pads, nothing on the pre-filter media, a darkening of the biomax color, and dirty polishing pads. I put everything back the way it was and will check in another week or two. It looks like all is well and the BB is materializing. It looks like I won't have to do much maintenance!
 
I'd get rid of those polishing pads unless your having a big problem with cloudy water. The polishing pads break down fast and end up clogging your filter. If I were you I would order the 400 or another 305 you can never have to much filtering besides that if you ever upgrade your tank you will have filters for a bigger tank. I made the same mistake when I had my 55 gal. I wish I would just gone big from the beginning. Instead I upgraded and ended up buying more filters. Now I have a fluval 405 and FX5 on my 180gal.
 
Well, that being said, I did consider purchasing the 405 to replace the 305 and use the 305 on another tank. If I went for the 405, would it make sense to just get the FX5?
 
Oh, and about water changes... should I be changing 20% of the water every other week? Or can I do like 50% water changes once a month after the tank is established?
 
I do 20% every other week. I would get the 405 unless you plan on going to alot bigger tank. If I remember right the 405 is rated up to 100 gallons. But its all in your set up. Big tank with not alot of fish you can get away with less water changes. Or on how messy your fish are. With my arowana I when he was young I was doing them every week because in they can be sensitive to bad water when they are really young.
 
OK. So... I reluctantly placed an order for the Fluval 405. I'm happy to upgrade, and believe it will be worth the investment. Now what do I do with the 305 I have running? I was thinking of getting a 20-30 gal., but the space available is only 36" x 18" x XX", and I'd like it to be smaller if possible. Is that the way to go?
 
i had an FX5 and a tetratec EX1200 on a 55G tank lol...
now I got two FX5's and a tetratecd EX1200 on a 150G...

Its not overfiltering atall... just expanding the water volume and making sure that its crystal clear ;)
 
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