FLUVAL FX5 OR OCEAN CLEAR?

[richardhmc]

What kind of filter should I get for a 180 gallon tank? If other canister, please say so.

 

[Wolf3101]

Unless you have a serious alge problem the UV is basicly useless. personally I would combine the Fx5 with an emporer 400.

 

[richardhmc]

Well, looks like fx5 wins! Now i just gotta find a place to get it. Hehe Thanks!

 

[Nic]

on my 215 I run a wet/dry and a oceanclear on my return works perfect

 

[Nic]

o and uv is never pointless also kills parasites

 

[Wolf3101]

pointless on a dollar per value level unless you continually introduce parasites through live feeding especially when you factor in the peroidic bulb replacement.

 

[Nic]

that can be argued all day but there are multiple ocean clear canisters without uv mine is the 315model

 

[Wolf3101]

Agreed...and I do like them. I've used them on a lot of comercial sealed systems that I've set up over the years however the question (poll actully) clearly states w/ UV. The other disadvantage with the OC is the need for an external pump. Not an issue for those using a sump but an added expence over the fx5

 

[hillbilly]

This is much better: an Ocean Clear 354 poly-bead filter followed by a Ocean Clear 340 for water polishing and extra bio, with a good pressure rated pump. Not knocking fx5 owners, but I doubt any fx5 or even 2 of them could do as good a job. Especially with a good external pump pushing some serious flow rates. The 354 has great mech. and bio, and can be backwashed for super easy cleaning. Sure it would be more money, but you would also get more filtration. Keep in mind the Ocean Clear model you are referring to with UV, is designed to be a water polishing filter only. It has no bio media. It's made to run after another filter. I agree you don't really need UV. I have a couple of turbo twists that I ran until the bulbs needed replacement, then unhooked them, with no effects of any kind on the tanks. Not even on my discus tank.

 

[Troop]

Hillbilly, I'm considering this setup, Setup 1...as an Ocean Clear model 354 only with a Quiet One Water Pump 6000, the pump is the cheapest in my est. for a 1506GPH rating. The tank is not drilled. I am thinking this would save me money if I attached the Ocean Clear 340 and a larger pump at a later date as I upgrade from my 125 gallon in the future. I believe this would provide adequate OVER filtration for my three silver arrowana all 1ft+. I am planning to introduce two rays once the BB is setup/cycled. Currently a Rena XP 3 is not cutting it and water changes are weekly and massive.
Richardhmc I don't know if this question helps you but thanks in advance for letting me piggy back on your thread!!