Eheim compact 5000+ or Laguna max flo 6000 and FILTER MEDIA recommendation

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
M

mu_2176

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Mar 15, 2010
65
0
6
Bossley park, Sydney, Australia
hey folks,
just need your recommendations/opinions on each of these Products and if its possible which one i should get.
Little bit of info about the tank i am about to size it on.
Its a 4x2x2 with a 2.5ft sump, planning on filling it with 4-6liters of matrix, 5 liters of clay balls, 6 liters of mr aqua porous rings, Pot scrubbies and some mech. Also head height will be roughly around 1.3m.

And yes i know more flow doesn't necessarily equal better filtration.
How much bio media will i need to have in order to have a sustainable and better biological filtration? or perhaps i shall use a pump with a less powerful water flow?

Tank will be for south Americans, pump will eventually be used on a 6x2x2. That is why i am opting for pump with a stronger output

Cheers
Jono
P.s what other filter media can you recommend?
or what should i pack the sump with
and yes i know the flow might be abit harsh but will reduce the flow output.
 
I will advise you now that the 5000 is a beast of a pump and they are amazing at a head of approx 4.5ft but they are ridiculously noisy and I even made a foam cage for mine using silicone and 2" thick foam which made minimal impact.
Even at approx 4.5ft head my single one is running at just over 1/4 of capability, my drain is 1.5" pipe straight down into the sump (no bends or obstructions). Now the 2nd one is removed it is still noisy.
I would seriously try another pump for consideration against the laguna unless you either need lots of flow, you have large drains to cope with the excellent flow at X-ft of head and/or noise isn't really an issue.
 
I'm starting to think if i should just buy a separate pump later on for the 6ft lol,
what pump would be ideal for my tank size and sump?
i have 2x overflow holes at the back
IMG_8056.jpg


what bulkhead would i need?
the hole is 50mm in diameter.

noob question but do i buy a 25mm bulkhead or 50mm bulkhead?

can the water drain back fast enough?
also can the laguna flow be reduced or not?
and how loud is it .

So what other pump can you recommend cichlid?
 
The Eheim would definitely be my choice. It is more money.
 
mu_2176 said:
I'm starting to think if i should just buy a separate pump later on for the 6ft lol,
what pump would be ideal for my tank size and sump? I think anything that is adjustable from about 2000-5000 l/h (like the eheim compacts). Definitely try to get adjustable flow pump as it makes life so much easier. Succe, NewJet, Hydor and I think a few more make adjustable pumps.

i have 2x overflow holes at the back what bulkhead would i need? You need bulk heads that fit in the holes you have, usually the thread will be only slightly smaller than the hole so it can go through. I.e. a 50mm hole might take a 48mm thread, or whatever size is closest to your hole sizes (I don't know what is availible in the USA). You need to do a bit of hunting to find the right bulk heads for your tank.


the hole is 50mm in diameter. Is this the overflow drain or return?

noob question but do i buy a 25mm bulkhead or 50mm bulkhead? This depends on the hole it was to fit. My tank had a 53mm drain hole drilled which accommodated the 55mm bulkhead which holds 1.5" pipe. Buy the bulkhead that fits the hole, I suggest you ask for the thread size to ensure it can go through and seal the hole in the tank.

can the water drain back fast enough? http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?205645-Pipe-Sizing-Charts-and-Flow-Rates

also can the laguna flow be reduced or not? I don't know, you will have to ask the store.

and how loud is it . Again, don't know. I searched you tube for noise tests for specific pumps. Surprising what is on there.

So what other pump can you recommend cichlid?
Click to expand...

Answers in red.

Your post was a bit confusing.

How large are all 3 holes, I know one is 50mm, and are you having a single large drain or are you having 2 overflow drains?
 
Apologies for assuming your location.

Because you know the size of the holes it is a matter of just finding the correct bulkheads with the correct thread sizes to get through the holes with 1-2mm clearance. Just call/email the shops before you buy it to make sure.

Lots of people use ball valves to throttle their pumps. I prefer a pump that can do it because it is one less joint in the plumbing that can possibly leak but that is just personal preference.
 
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