Going from 125 to 220

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
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dvs

Candiru
MFK Member
Mar 28, 2006
213
4
48
NC
Im thinking about upgrading my 125 gallon tank to either a 180 or a 220. I am currently filtering the 125 with 2 xp3s. I stopped using my AC 110s because i couldnt stand how loud they are. Anyway I was wondering what I should do as far as filtration if I go with the 180 or 220. I was thinking maybe an FX5 to go with the 2 xp3s. not sure I want to do a sump because I know nothing about them, the tank wont be drilled, and they are expensive.

my stock will be 5 datnoids, several bichirs, loaches, and a pleco.

Also what is the best way to set up your intakes and outakes if you are running canisters? Right now I have one outake jet all the way to the left of the tank and one at the center both flowing to the right to create a river effect. The intakes are set one in the center and one all the way to the right. Both jets are set at the surface.

thanks
 
An fx5 and two xp3's should be plenty of filtration. I currently have an fx5 and an xp4 on my 220. The placement of the intakes and outputs really just depends on your personal preference. I have one intake and one output on each side of my tank. And I don't really pay too much attention to the directions my outputs are pointing, but I don't point them all the same way, I don't like to have a strong current in my tank.
 
I run my 150g with two XP3's and an AC110. I think that combo would be fine for a 180 or a 220.

just curious, why did you find your AC so loud? did you keep the water level down? or were you hearing a buzzing from the impeller or the lid? reason I ask is that mine are very quiet. you might be able to remedy the problem and use your AC again.

I like having the AC on for great mechanical filtration. I clean it often, leaving my canisters untouched to handle the bulk of the bio filtration.
 
When I had my 180 heavily stocked, I filtered with two XP3s and a pair of AC110s. Not sure why your ACs were noisy as all of mine are very quiet.
 
IsdaFish;4009512; said:
How are your water parameters on the 125g with your current filtration?
Click to expand...


My water parameters have always been pretty good because I do a 40-50% water change weekly and clean out the filters almost every time. Neutral PH and less than 40 nitrate.
 
12 Volt Man;4009563; said:
I run my 150g with two XP3's and an AC110. I think that combo would be fine for a 180 or a 220.

just curious, why did you find your AC so loud? did you keep the water level down? or were you hearing a buzzing from the impeller or the lid? reason I ask is that mine are very quiet. you might be able to remedy the problem and use your AC again.

I like having the AC on for great mechanical filtration. I clean it often, leaving my canisters untouched to handle the bulk of the bio filtration.
Click to expand...

I dont use the lids anymore because of the vibrations. The noise is from sand getting in the motors, and I used to be able to clean the motors and have them be quiet again, but now they are noisy regardless of what I do. Plus they dont seem to anything for surface agitation and circulation in my tank. I guess they move the water up and down though. Maybe I need to get a new impeller?
 
Im starting to think that sand and AC filters dont mix from everything ive been reading lately. Everyone that has sand seems to have problems with them.
 
dvs;4009663; said:
My water parameters have always been pretty good because I do a 40-50% water change weekly and clean out the filters almost every time. Neutral PH and less than 40 nitrate.
Click to expand...

Then you should be fine. As others are saying.
 
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