HELP...need to up filtration

[dr_sudz]

Cichlid Savage,

"I need to up the filtration on my 100 gal acrylic tank. It has a built in sump but with the baby Pbass getting bigger its just not keeping up."

Are you detecting ammonia? That's the only measurement I know that indicates that you don't have enough BB to keep up with the bio-load.

I think he is thinking that with more filtration that he would be able to get away with less water changes. But VFC I think you are on the right tract here. What really needs to be done is up the total water volume of the tank, ether through an upgrade of tank, or you can get a much larger sump. That will help dilute the ppm of nitrates. Water changes are the only way to get rid of your nitrates, but having a larger space/volume of water, can help reduce the amount of water changes with larger fish. Its the whole under/over stocking of the tank that regulates the number of water changes needed in a week to week month to month.

 

[Wolf3101]

Cool I'll start looking tomorrow. Would you reccomend intake on 1 side return on the other?

Thanks

Logicly speaking...a cross flow arrangement would be best but to be honest with you we have three tanks that it's not possible to do on for various reasons and I don't really notice any differance. With the way your tanks set up however I'd say go with the cross flow...(intake on one side...outlet on the other.)

I noticed another post suggesting an air driven sponge filter and agree with it...I use them all the time and they are great. Check out the size of a hydro 3 or 4 and see if you can add one of them to the existing filter chamber...that might help out a LOT without spending very much money.

 

[hbluehunter]

I have 100 gal also and just bought and hooked up a FX5..Works like a champ....And for $175 from Johnptc you can't beat the price.....

 

[cichlid savage]

I think he is thinking that with more filtration that he would be able to get away with less water changes. But VFC I think you are on the right tract here. What really needs to be done is up the total water volume of the tank, ether through an upgrade of tank, or you can get a much larger sump. That will help dilute the ppm of nitrates. Water changes are the only way to get rid of your nitrates, but having a larger space/volume of water, can help reduce the amount of water changes with larger fish. Its the whole under/over stocking of the tank that regulates the number of water changes needed in a week to week month to month.

Thats not what i am thinking at all. My water parameters are actually good. I already do waterchanges once a week on all my tanks doing more isnt a problem. The water isnt remaining as clear as it was before. This tank is simply a growout tank as the Tems are too small to go in with the monos right now. My thought process is that by adding another filter will add to the volume of water being filtered clearing up the water. Giving me the extra cpl of months that I need to get the tems beefed up enough not to be monochow.

 

[Wolf3101]

I run a couple of 100 gallon tanks on 405 fluvals...E400's and hydro5 sponge filters....An FX5 while nice is a tad excessive for a 100 gallon.

That said... I run an FX5 on our 110 long so don't pay any attention to me....LOL

 

[cichlid savage]

I run a couple of 100 gallon tanks on 405 fluvals...E400's and hydro5 sponge filters....An FX5 while nice is a tad excessive for a 100 gallon.

That said... I run an FX5 on our 110 long so don't pay any attention to me....LOL

What about all that advice you gave me!?!?!?!?!

 

[hbluehunter]

I know the FX5 is way over doing it for the 100 but i'm planning on upgrading to atleast a 180....But the water is super clear just after 2 days.....

 

[Wolf3101]

Well..it was like this....Picked up this 6 foot long 110 gallon tank with tons of accessories for $250.00.... sold the wet/dry sump...pump...skimmer...heater....a pile of ornaments and a small included RO/DI unit for 210.00.
Basicly a 6 foot tank...stand, hood, and lights for 40 bones...Didn't have a spare 405 at that time however I DID have a pair of FX5's and a bunch of hydro5's in boxes in the garage...SOOOOOO.....
Been too lazy to change it out now that we have extra 405's in stock...
The ADVICE is solid I just don't always follow it myself...LOL

 

[cichlid savage]

How about a deal on a 405

 

[Wolf3101]

What do you think the chances REALLY are of me passing along a deal on one of my favorite filters?....

Actully I picked up a couple of them on Ebay for 85 each...new...and a used 404 that needed minor work for 35....

The biggest headache with the 404's was the crappy rubber band hose holding design and I scrap that anyway and use better intake and return pipes. so if you find a deal on a 404 go for it just avoid any of the 03 series or older.