Filtering a 125gal

[Sheldon_Goldwing]

I have not had much luck posting as no one seems to answer my questions so I’ve postponed the Wet/Dry DYI Sump and have decided to go with a Canister. About the best I can afford is the ones listed. Can anyone tell me if any of these should come off the list and which one of these BEST fits my application? I have a new 125 gallon 72” long African Cichlid tank. I’m looking for easy, quiet, and cheap to operate. The specs sometimes say they will work but real world proves otherwise. Please help thanks much

Cascade​

1500​

350 GPH​

200 gal​

45.5 Watts​

Eheim​

Eheim 2217​

265 GPH​

to 135 gal.​

20 Watts​

Hagen​

Fluval 405​

225 GPH​

to 100 gal.​

25 Watts​

Rena​

Filstar xP4​

450 GPH​

265 gal​

31 Watts​

 

[plecoking2010]

I use filstar and I love it

 

[calioutlaw1a]

If you are only getting 1 filter, I'd probably go with the Rena XP4.

 

[CanadianCichlid]

On my 125 I'm running a Fx5 and a 205 just to polish my water. My water is crystal clear.

 

[bbortko]

I have 2 405s on my 125g and the water couldn't be clearer. If you are only buying one filter the xp4 would be a better choice and waiting a couple of weeks while saving for a fx5 would be your best option

 

[Sheldon_Goldwing]

I really got confused researching these filters. I can see why it is so hard to pick one as most of them have pretty good reviews. I picked ones on the chart that say they can handle a 125g and Except the Cascade, Most of those were all $179.99 give or take a few dollars.

FX5 is like $300 and I really liked the looks of it but price is really high. I'm not sure how accurate the measurements are but it says it is 16" in diameter and my front cabinet door is 15-3/8" wide x 19-1/2" high. It would need to be less than the 15"ish without the lid to work. I could add a larger door on the side....... I dont know.....

As long as I use a a couple power heads to move some water can't I get away with only one filter?

On the plus side, I never had so many responses, Thank you.

 

[Sniperofgods]

You can pick up a brand new fx5 on ebay for about 226 with shipping

 

[Sniperofgods]

And if you want to go the diy route look at some of the designs in the diy forum, much cheaper to make a Diy Wet/Dry than to buy a canister and you can customize but if your new to it, it will take some tweaking to make it quieter. Although a FX5 would be plug and play and probably your best option out of all those options that is if you don't want to mess with diy.

 

[3dees]

if money is a concern, I would run 2 rena xp3's. otherwise 2 ehiem's. I think a tank that long should have a filter on each side. not a must, but imo the safest way to go.

 

[plecoking2010]

Right. Now I have pleco only tankbwith 2 xp3 and fx5 water is clear.but of course that is plecos. I used to run just an xp3 and xp1 and it stayed clear with driftwood and normal tropical fish. U could go that route. Anyway you go with xp will be good the more filters the better.