Multiple tank setup w/multiple filtering options

[crashinc25]

I have been trying to work through a filtering decision with Nic. He has been very helpful, but recommended I pose my questions to a larger audience for more input.
Here is a summary so far...
Tanks
1 180g
1 135g
1 100g

Filters
3 325 Ocean Clear Filters (new)
1 XP3 (350 gph max)
1 Jebo 828 (316 gph max)
1 Aquapro 6000 (158 gph max)

Misc
2 325 gph powerheads
1 225 gph powerhead
2 Skimmers (off brands)
1 Reeflo Dart external pump (3600 gph max)

I want to get the most out of all 3 tanks, but obviously need to focus from big to small. All 3 tanks needs to be independent for different water parameters. (wouldn't it be easier to hook it all in line? Too bad) All will be setup as fresh. Likely Cichlids of some sort in each. So I pose this complicated jumble to you for some kind of answer. Please answer with definitive contents for each container/canister because that is where I am having the most problems.
Thanks and have fun!

 

[Lonewolfblue]

180G - 1 XP3 and 1 325 Ocean Clear Filter
135G - 2 325 Ocean Clear Filters
100G - 1 Jebo 828 and 1 Aquapro 6000

Place powerheads in tank only if you feel you need more circulation.

For the XP3, I would do 2 coarse sponges, 2 medium sponges in the lower basket. Fill the middle basket with ceramic cylinders. Then the upper basket you can use carbon if you do carbon, as well as filter floss for fine filtration.

I don't know much about the other filters.

 

[crashinc25]

180G - 1 XP3 and 1 325 Ocean Clear Filter
135G - 2 325 Ocean Clear Filters
100G - 1 Jebo 828 and 1 Aquapro 6000

Place powerheads in tank only if you feel you need more circulation.

For the XP3, I would do 2 coarse sponges, 2 medium sponges in the lower basket. Fill the middle basket with ceramic cylinders. Then the upper basket you can use carbon if you do carbon, as well as filter floss for fine filtration.

I don't know much about the other filters.

Thank you tons. I was thinking the same as you. I think I will go this route.

 

[crashinc25]

Thank you tons. I was thinking the same as you. I think I will go this route.

Not a problem.......

The only filter I'm familiar with is the XP3. I have 2 of them. You can even do them with all sponges as well. I'm going to do that with my 55G, going to buy the sponges for the other 2 baskets. It may slow the flow down a little more than if using ceramic media in one of the baskets, but for a 55G, it's more than enough. Will be getting an XP4 for my 75G soon.

My only question would be how to push water through the 180g. I don't think the XP3 will have enough power to push through the OC 325. Hmmm

 

[Nic]

and here is the main problem a good prefilter on a siphon will let you use the dart pump but I still think using the xp3 on the smaller 125 with maybe buying another one would be ideal on the 125 and the 3 325s on the 180 1 mechanical 1 bio and 3 chemical or bio or fine micron pads for polishing....

 

[Lonewolfblue]

For the 180, I probably would have both intakes in the center of the tank, and the outputs, one on each end.

 

[JonF]

I agree... I would use all of the 325's in a series on the 180.

 

[crashinc25]

I agree... I would use all of the 325's in a series on the 180.

Ok, what about the other 2?

Just so you know, I have the 100g already setup with the XP3 and the Jebo 828 with 1 325gph powerhead. It's crystal clear w/what seems like permanent parameters. I'd question if they'd be enough to run the 125g, and then I have only crap left for the 100g. Grrr

 

[JonF]

Ok, what about the other 2?

Just so you know, I have the 100g already setup with the XP3 and the Jebo 828 with 1 325gph powerhead. It's crystal clear w/what seems like permanent parameters. I'd question if they'd be enough to run the 125g, and then I have only crap left for the 100g. Grrr

I would put the XP3 and the two powerhead with sponge pre-filters on one (either the 135 or the 100)... and the Jebo and Aquapro on the other.

Also... I would buy a few HOB power filters (Like the AC110) and put one or two on each of the tanks for some extra mechanical filtration to go with the canisters as well.