Filtration System for 300 gallon

[fshfanatic]

I am in the process of getting ready to setup a new 300 gallon aquarium. I currently have a 150 & 180 being filteresd with Eheim canisters, which I am happy with but have decided to go a different route.

I am going with a Ocean Clear Pressurized system consisting of first Mechanical in way of the Ocean Clear 340 unit then the Ocean Clear 380 Filter w/18W UV, This gives me two huge mechanical units followed by the Ocean Clear 354 Poly Bead Mech & Bio Filter.

For the 340 it states:
For freshwater and marine tanks up to 150 gallons. Includes 40 sq. ft. pleated micron cartridge and 50 sq. ft. polystrand bio-core for biological filtration in the center core. Provides the highest usable wetted surface area for nitrifying bacteria to eliminate toxic ammonia. The 340 uses a 40 sq ft 25 micron pleated cartridge. In the center core of the cartridge are 50 sq ft of polystrand bio-core. This bio-media is made of up a set of 9 small pads which will last for 1-2 years. A 300psi pressure gauge indicates when unit needs cleaning. Use an external pump with a flow rate of 500-1600gph.
For the 380 it states:
This system works with freshwater or saltwater aquariums or ponds and each unit is rated for aquariums up to 500 gallons or ponds up to 1280 gallons. Multiple units can be hooked together to accommadate any size aquarium or pond. The 380 uses 154 sq ft of Polystrand Dual Function pads for mechanical and biological filtration as well and an 18 watt UV bulb to kill free floating bacteria and algae. The pads have holes in the center and the UV bulb fits in the hole.
The the "body of the beast", the bio filter:
Ocean Clear 354 Poly Bead Mech & Bio Filter
This is a biological filter that can be used as a stand alone model or with a filtration system. It is recommended to be installed after a mechanical filter such as the Ocean Clear 340 or 325. Use pumps with 500 to 1200 gph flow rate.

I haven't completely made up my mind as to what I am going to stock this tank with yet, but I am leaning towards some large predatory fish.

The 340 runs around $159, the 380 around $259 and the 254 around $169. That is just about $580, then I have to get a pump rated at over 1200 gph maybe more. I am figuring that after the pump I will be at just about $1000

I have a friend that swears by these filters and his water is crystal clear and he only has to perform maint about twice a year.

Any thoughts or ideas on this or purhaps a different system all together for about the same cost?

 

[Mystix212]

Obviously you should be doing maintainence twice a month, not year. More if need be. Ever thought about using a sump? But if you havent drilled you tank, forget about it.

 

[amehel0]

what about an fbf?

 

[Bud8Fan]

I'm going to run Ocean Clears on my 300 also. I know it says to use a 500-1200 gph pump but don't forget that you are going to lose flow by going through the filter and through you plumbing.

I will be running through two OC's and then through a Pentair 36w UV sterilizer. I plan on using a 3600 gph Mag Drive pump. I also bought a high rate flow meter to put on the discharge to monitor the actual flow. I can then add a valve downstream to throttle back if by chance it is too high.

You will be going through 3 filters so you may need a good sized pump to achieve the desired flow.

In addition I will be building a large wet/dry filter.

 

[Jkoziatek]

i agree with mystix

 

[fshfanatic]

I am talking filter maint, not regular water changes, gravel vac, etc..

 

[Wolf3101]

What those people who have never used an Ocean clear sealed pressure system don't seem to understand is that the mechanical potion of these systems can be cleaned out in a couple of moments with a simple backflushing proceedure. I've run these filters for years and love them. My only caution is to bump up your pump to a pressure rated one in the 2400 gph range. This is to account for the additional canisters and the plumbing.

You can't apply hobiest standards to a true professional level filtration system. A backflush a month along with a tank top off and your done. I can Easilly see only opening the canisters up once a year.

As far as a sump goes....save the time and the effort....you wont need it. Once this system establishes you'll wonder why you ever even concidered anything else. I'm slowly converting everything we have over to sealed pressure systems as time and money allow.

 

[fshfanatic]

I know, they are great! That is what I am shooting for.