Filtration. HELP!!!

[mikei]

Hello,

I have a 180 gallon cichlid tank and need filtration advice.

I have been running for the last 6 months 2 Penguin 350s. These seem to be unreliable, as I have gone through 4 of them.

That said, another one just went out on me, and perhaps it is time to move to something different.

My tank is not drilled.

If anyone could give me advice I would appreciate it. This tank was set up for me from a local expert. Since the economy has hit me a bit with a pay cut, I am now doing all the maintenance.

I have learned quite a bit, and upon doing research, I am thinking that the twin 350s are not quite enough.

Again, any advice would be thoroughly appreciated. Also, if you can mention where to buy this, it would be GREAT!

Mike

 

[gt1009]

Hm, the 350s should be more reliable than that. Is your substrate sand? If it is it may be getting sucked into the intakes and breaking your filters. You can fix that with a small sponge over the intake. Also, I would upgrade to a canister filter. Something like the fluval fx5 would be able to handle your tank on its own.

 

[Bderick67]

What type of cichlids, how many and how big? Also do you have sand or gravel? There are lots of different filtration choices, so a little more info would help in suggesting the right one.

 

[Scorponok]

add a fx5 or two xp4

 

[mikei]

16 cichlids and a pleco. Some large cichlids, some small, and some in between.

Yes, sand is my substrate.

With that said, should I replace the 350 and put a sponge over the intake?

Thanks again!!!!

 

[famous323]

fx5 or custom make a sump that fit your needs!

 

[RDTigger]

fx5 or custom make a sump that fit your needs!

BooM!....this

maybe a 10g sump...or w/d. something to help carry the load.

Do you have any powerheads or something to add some currents? A little aeration?

 

[mikei]

no other pumps.

I am unfortunately more in the dark than I need to be.

I want to do what is BEST for the tank. I would love to have a GREAT set up.

Thanks again.

 

[RDTigger]

no other pumps.

I am unfortunately more in the dark than I need to be.

I want to do what is BEST for the tank. I would love to have a GREAT set up.

Thanks again.

add a small prefilter if you think the sand is silting into your plumbing. also an inexpensive powerhead blowing current past your intake could protect your filters..

*also pics of the tank will help others offer more solid ideas.. kinda vague w/o the setup to go by

 

[Scorponok]

keep the 350 for aeration and just add a canister or 2 to it. If you are going with a sump, then you don't need the 350.