Homw much filtration?

[Morledzep]

they just don't make HOB filters that are big enough to do much filtration on something as big as a 180.

i agree with the FX5 and i would also add 3 API hydro 5 foam filters, 2 run off of an MA600 air pump and one run off of a small power head.. this also provides lots of extra current and water circulation, which in turn disrupts the surface tension and allows for more oxygen exchange (which pbass so desperately need).

 

[Malawi-]

No problem, make sure to do water changes to of course.

 

[High City Rida]

they just don't make HOB filters that are big enough to do much filtration on something as big as a 180.

i agree with the FX5 and i would also add 3 API hydro 5 foam filters, 2 run off of an MA600 air pump and one run off of a small power head.. this also provides lots of extra current and water circulation, which in turn disrupts the surface tension and allows for more oxygen exchange (which pbass so desperately need).

I spoke with him for a minute about water circulation and water turnover. I advised him to face the outlet's of his powerhead toward top water and increasing the aggitation of the water column itself. Aireation with a bubble wand of some sort's. MOST OF ALL I TOLD HIM TO DITCH the undergravel filters all together. API hydro foam is that those big foam block's? ANd does the part in red mean run 2x lines directly from the MA600 air pump straight to the power head air inlet's? I did tell him that they needed an increased amount of O2 and to bump up his heat to 87+ I think he was well below that. I stressed the need for additonal air to compensate for the increased temp.

 

[High City Rida]

No problem, make sure to do water changes to of course.

Yea I told him to follow my schedule after three month's because I fear his tank is cycling again. After three months I advised him to do 75% three times a week. And before the three months to do 50% twice a week. He mentioned he was doing only 50% once a week with on 18'' Knife and a pleco which he did not mention the size of.

 

[bOOsteN aUdI]

FX5

an fx5 isnt enough... i have an fx5 on a 120 wide with 5 small cichla and it isnt nearly enough filteration, and i do tons of water changes..

high, a canister and a sump is ideal but if you can't have the sump... maybe 2 fx5s and hang on backs. honestly as much filteration as you possibly can get on that tank.

 

[Morledzep]

ok high, here are pics and the place i buy the foam filters and air pumps from.

http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/index.html

the MA600 has 2 air ports.. i run one air line to each foam filter.. notice the foam filter in the back corner in the picture.

and i put the power head intake into the top of the tube.. you could also put it directly into the top of the foam filter, but this is closer to the surface and breaks the surface tension better.

and to clean the foamies all you do is take them off and rinse them in the used tank water when you do a water change about once a month. they are SIMPLE to maintain and each one of those hydro 5's is supposed to be adequate filtration for a 75 gallon tank all by itself.

 

[BigJ]

F X 5 and and a AC110 would do the job in.. imo

 

[Morledzep]

here, i copied and pasted the set up instructions from their site.. it's GOOD info.

and here is a link to even more info about sponge filtration..

http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/sponge_filtration.html

SET UP:
Rinse and squeeze the sponge under water and slip the sponge on the strainer. Directions for use with a air stone (optional): Connect air stone to the bottom of the bull's eye, then connect bull's eye to the top of the strainer. A pump, & airline tubing.

Directions for use with a power head: Attach the power head to the lift tube.
See picture to the left (click to enlarge)


MAINTENANCE:
Rinse the sponge with cool, running water weekly. Do not use hot or cold water as this will destroy the bacteria which colonize the sponge. Do not use soap or detergent when rinsing the sponge.

BASICS;
When your Sponge Filter is attached to an air pump, the rising column of air in the tube pulls water with it.
You can measure the water flow (which can be useful to know) by slightly tilting the filter with the top of the outflow just above the aquarium water line and timing the fill rate into a pitcher or gallon jug. If it fills the jug in 30 seconds, you multiply 2 times per minute times 60 or 120 gallons per hour. (See diagram upper right, click to enlarge)
You can also add an air stone to the end of your tubing in the outflow tube to produce more bubbles and more lift.
When attached to a power head, the pump pulls the water thru the sponge media.

 

[High City Rida]

an fx5 isnt enough... i have an fx5 on a 120 wide with 5 small cichla and it isnt nearly enough filteration, and i do tons of water changes..

high, a canister and a sump is ideal but if you can't have the sump... maybe 2 fx5s and hang on backs. honestly as much filteration as you possibly can get on that tank.

Yea I tried to relay that seintement to him as well the more the better. I basicly wanted to get across to him that you have to overdue it pretty much. What you lited is what I would have gone for. 2 FX5 and 2 400 hob's and 2 170gph power heads in each corner.

ok high, here are pics and the place i buy the foam filters and air pumps from.

http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/index.html

the MA600 has 2 air ports.. i run one air line to each foam filter.. notice the foam filter in the back corner in the picture.

I use one of those currently have used them for years. I just never knew what they were actually called. i just called them sponges. I run my with the Power head method as well. I didn't think of this when I was talking to him but I would think he is a novice so this concept of filtration would probably not be so good. Aperently he has a large 12 in type power head filter that is bigger then average so felt that would be suffient for those basic need.

I love this foam filter though it save me time for needing a quick filter for my hospital tank. Even when it's not in use I just leave it in my tanks just in case I need it.

 

[High City Rida]

Haha I looked at the links any way just because I love these thing's there so convienent. I alway use them in my 55g though because I figure there good for my hospital/emergency tank needs. Ready to go at any given moment.

To let you in on a little secret I have been designing a DIY version of this for a sump intake. But don't tell anyone else! LOL