FX5 or 2 XP3

[evbal]

I just setup my new 180 gallons tank and running a sump tank. I want to get better filtration because there is a lot of waste at the bottom. Any suggestion for either one FX5 or 2 XP3?

Thanks,

 

[Bderick67]

For mech filtration flow rate is of importance. The FX5 would have a higher actual flow rate then that of the two XP3s combined. About 425 gph vs. 390gph so the FX5 would be the better.

Have you considered an AC110? Better flow then the FX5 and about a 1/3rd of the cost.

 

[dodgefreak8]

I personally run a wet/dry sump filter rated for a 265g tank flowing around 1300gph and 2 xp3's on my 220. this insures plenty of filter capacity and redundancy if one of my filters fail I have enough to cover it. I have a fairly large bioload though as well.

 

[dragonfish18]

try a fx5 and a xp3.

 

[LD50]

a couple power heads to push the waste around so that your sump can collect it, or if its big waste to collect it in one spot where you can convinently vac it out.

 

[HarleyK]

Eheim 2260

 

[evbal]

Thanks for the advises, the water is only flowing at the top of the overflow box, none at the bottom. I am using a power head to blow the waste to one side and also have a AC110 with extent tube ( longer tube ) to collect the bottom waste but there is still a lot of waste

Does FX5 collect the waste?

Thanks,

 

[Bderick67]

Check out bitteraspects threads on custom plumbing on the AC110, that will help remove more waste.

 

[poly-nomial]

The AC110 exaggerates the flow rate by alot. When you have media (a sponge, fine floss and ceramic rings) it is slowed down dramatically from what they claim it to be. I checked with a bucket and a stopwatch and calculated 320gph. Did i get a bad unit? No, i have two.. I tried both and about the same results came out. Further more, aquaclears are very very loud filters. They are dead quiet at first and than a few months later you can barely hear yourself think! I am selling mine and getting a large canister and a emperor 280-400 for the upcoming 75-90g.

 

[poly-nomial]

Thanks for the advises, the water is only flowing at the top of the overflow box, none at the bottom. I am using a power head to blow the waste to one side and also have a AC110 with extent tube ( longer tube ) to collect the bottom waste but there is still a lot of waste

Does FX5 collect the waste?

Thanks,

A filter just detoxifies the waste (assuming fully cycled), the waste will still be present though. Only a water change can move that junk