Filter Suggestions (Possibly a sump configuration)

[KTrain]

I am the owner of a 150G freshwater aquarium. I have a fine gravel substrate, driftwood, and live plants. The tank isn't very heavily stocked but does have two very messy eaters (Silver Arrowana, Tiger Shovelnose Catfish). The Arrow is about 5''-6'' long and the TSN is about 6" head to tail. I'm running the tank off a Rena X3.

Up to this point I haven't had any problems but all the sudden it seems like maybe my filter is being overwhelmed. The water in the tank has become extremely blurry and foggy. I plan to do a significant water change tonight, but am considered that maybe the filter can't keep up with the tank.

I'm asking for opinions on whether the filter I have should be enough or whether I should consider an upgrade.

Thanks,
K-Train

 

[Oughtsix]

Everything was fine for a long time and then all of the sudden the water is cloudy?

That sounds more like an event rather than an endemic filter problem.

Option A: Figure out what caused the problem.
Option B: Throw a bigger filter at the problem.

I would go for option A. BUT I will admit that I prefer to run multiple filters so I can switch back and forth between filter cleanings. i.e. Clean filter 1 this month, clean filter 2 next month.

An XP3 sounds a little small for 150 gallons. But I am a rookie so take that evaluation with a grain of salt.

 

[KaiserSousay]

Everything was fine for a long time and then all of the sudden the water is cloudy?

That sounds more like an event rather than an endemic filter problem.

Option A: Figure out what caused the problem.
Option B: Throw a bigger filter at the problem.

Great reply..

 

[Ajno]

One xp3 for a few messy feeders is not enough. I would add at least another one. I use two xp3's on a 55 gallon so can't imagine using 1 on a 150 gallon.