filtration for a 125g

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cyclops23

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jun 13, 2007
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Wisconsin
alright, i want to have a 29g high planted sump for my 125g, along with 2 Marineland 400's on the tank. will this be enough filtration for characins? the 400's are rated for up to 80g each, and i figure the sump with some live plants will help, too. i would like to get away with a baffleless sump (like i have on my 55g SW right now) if i can. would the 2 400's be enough for bio filtration? would it help if i put in a deep sand/gravel bed in the sump? should i have some biomedia in the sump as well?

the other problem i have is the waters' pH. it's the exact opposite problem i had with Saltwater, except now it's too high. a guy at my LFS suggested peat moss along with driftwood(which i was going to put in anyway). anyone else use this? the water right out of my RO/DI is 7.7. my natural tap water has a higher pH and is pretty high in nitrates, it's well water on a farm.
 
cyclops23;929407; said:
alright, i want to have a 29g high planted sump for my 125g, along with 2 Marineland 400's on the tank. will this be enough filtration for characins? the 400's are rated for up to 80g each, and i figure the sump with some live plants will help, too. i would like to get away with a baffleless sump (like i have on my 55g SW right now) if i can. would the 2 400's be enough for bio filtration? would it help if i put in a deep sand/gravel bed in the sump? should i have some biomedia in the sump as well?

the other problem i have is the waters' pH. it's the exact opposite problem i had with Saltwater, except now it's too high. a guy at my LFS suggested peat moss along with driftwood(which i was going to put in anyway). anyone else use this? the water right out of my RO/DI is 7.7. my natural tap water has a higher pH and is pretty high in nitrates, it's well water on a farm.
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There are more than 1500 species of characins so you need to be a little more specific please. Neon tetras-yes...Pacu-no.:D

A baffleless sump with plants + a refugium.

Deep sand / gravel can anaerobic without frequent attention Stirring and cleaning), and won't do much good if any if the water isn't flowing thru it atleast somewhat.

Since your nitrAtes are high out of the tap, a W/D would be more advantageous.

Peat works well for lowering the pH, but, it works slowly. Use it in a fine mesh bag (nylon knee highs work good for this) and put it in the filter's return flow. It will turn the water a little brown or dark tho.

Dr Joe

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thanks, i should've known that.

alright, i think i will actually use my 55g tank for a sump instead of the 29g. i can actually make it similar the the tidepool 2, minus the biowheel. that way i can fit more plants in there, and also incorporate more bio media. i'm gonna put in an auto top-off, i have all the parts i was gonna use for the SW tank, so why not? i think i will add another filter, too. i don't know if i want a canister or a HOB.
 
I use planted sumps for my cichlid tanks, and think they work great(like this 40 gal sump)
05-05-07_1214.jpg
I've found they tend to reduce the pH a bit, compared to pre-planted sumps. I do use other forms of filtration though.
 
i'm going to be using 3 HOB filters in addition to this, i just thought that it would further help my cause. i need crystal clear water for what i'm putting in there.

what kind of substrate do you have the plants in? would an inch or 2 of sand be ok?
 
I use what would be considered "pool filter" sand, fairly large grain size compared to play sand, not as easily stirred up. Its between 1.5-2.5" deep. Because the majority of plants are crypts, they form a massive root matt and don't require heavy lighting.
 
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