Filtration for a 225g Discus tank

[billfromreading]

I'm preparing to roll out a 225g tank, 72x24x30. It's going to be a heavily planted Discus display tank with medium light CO2 injection, UV sterilizers. I'm planning on about 6 to 8 discus with some tetras (cardinal/green) as dither fish and some cories as cleanup crew. I'd like some opinions on how much filtration is appropriate. This is the first tank of anywhere near this size that I've deployed in many years.

When I initially planned this tank it was going to be a 185g (60x24x30) and I was pretty comfortable using two Eheim 2028s as my primary filter units. Now that I have upgraded to a 225 I am having reservations that my two Eheims may not be enough.

I am really happy with Eheims, having used them for years and I currently am using a 2026, but I have always doubled the recommended filtration on a tank since the throughput on Eheims are not spectatular.

I have a used, 2nd hand 2076 and 2050 that would need refurbishing but could also be used as well. Both have drawbacks, the 2076 needs a new power cable ($120) and the 2050 looks like a beast, but also looks like it would be difficult to service and I would need to buy new double taps for it (also expensive). Plus I also question the 2250's ability to do mechanical filtering since Eheim recommends not to use filter pads in it due to high flow rates/clogging issues. And the throughput of the 2076 is not much better than a 2028.

Any opinions or experiences with a similar sized setup using Eheims would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Bill

 

[Squirtle919]

id say the 2 eheims would do it, I have 2x 2217s on my 150g tall discus tank and no issues. also have a few tanks with a tad too many fish in there running off just 1 eheim pro 2 (small one) and the water quality is fine.

you could also place some ottos or something in the tank for extra mech etc just watch the flow rate.

If theres the option I would look into a sump even if its a small one a 3x2 sump will give you much more vol then 2-3 canisters. For the c02 you will be required to make a sealed sump with the BH on the cover glass I believe this is whats used to keep the oxygen levels low and c02 in the water column. I just find with canisters on larger tanks something will always be missed or after feeding times it can take a while to clear the water + so many more option with a sump.