Filtration for my 125 gallon tank

[AquaDboy]

125 Gallon tank filtration for 4 Oscar’s

I currently have 2 Cascade 300 filters and a Tetra 60 and it doesn’t seem to be doing the job. I’ve been doing 33 % water changes every two weeks, which is 2X a month. The cichlid sticks I give them are messy and well, Oscar’s are too!

I’m thinking about getting new filtration, be it canister or different hanging filters.
- I don’t have a big budget or anything, so what are the better hanging filters and canister filters out there for a reasonable price?
- How many of these hanging filters would I need? W
- What’s better between a canister vs. a hanging filter?

Are there any chemicals that I can put in the water in between water changes that would help keep the water more clear?

- We aren’t supposed to use “Windex” type chemicals to clean the exterior of the glass right? If not, than what can I use to keep the glass sparkly clean! J

Any suggestions / advise will be greatly appreciated as I enjoy keeping up with my fish.

Thanks!

Danny “Aquadboy”

 

[joey02]

I had the same problem. What i did was buy an fx5 for my 135gal tank. i first bought it, then i sold my old filters to cover the cost of the fx5. so i upgraded with out spending anything. ( i did have to pay for the fx5 first befor i sold the old filters though) If you dont want to get the fx5, i had two fluval 404's on my tank befor i upgraded and they did a great job. If you like hanging filters, you could always go with a couple of AC110's along with what you already have, but then you would have 5 filters to maintain. i like just having the one to maintain. as for whats better between canister and HOB's. i prefer the canisters because they seem to do a great job and have alot more room for media. plus they can be hidden under the tank. to get the water more "clear" water changes and some activated carbon will do that. although i find that after the tank is completely cycled, carbon isn't really needed. for cleaning the glass, i still use windex most times. i just spray it on a cloth, then wipe down the glass. viniger and water might be safer, but as long as none gets in the tank itself, then it should be fine.

 

[ziggy2]

First off, you can always use more filtration. However, if you have Oscars or any other fish that are messy eaters, do more water changes. Once 2X a week isn't going to get it. You should be doing 25-33% twice a week. That is the cheapest solution to your problem.

 

[doug67]

Oscars overloading filtration