Need Filtration Advice: please help

[fishdance]

.... but I nightly net out any leftover food and crap out of my bare tank. I change 50% of the water every 2-3 weeks (gotta watch the water bill) and change the filter every 3 months.

Sounds like you are overfeeding at least 300% too much, both in amount and frequency.

 

[chesterthehero]

yep those ac110s are dirt cheap...
sumps are super easy to build.. $20 in material and $60 for a pump at homedepot.. you just need to add filtration.. not completely replace what you have..

 

[Dr Joe]

Build the W/D with a pre-filter, use an overflow http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101156 to fill it and use the Eheim Pro II 2028 to return the water.

Dr Joe

.

 

[swackattack]

how about you skip the armatus as it will require a huge tank, live feedings and more filtration than you want to pay. If you have it, sell it...I'm sure you could get enough for it to buy a fx5...your tank is already kind of overstocked...however if your looking for a quick fix ac110

 

[Merbeast]

Lustar Hydro V sponge filter ~ $12.50
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/pro...dELjd6VvmF~c8h63NQmlUokMlQSeC46Zf~yJRkxcS~WxI_
Millionair 600 air pump ~ $13.00
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_viewitem.aspx?idproduct=VA1323&productid=VA1323&channelid=FROOG
Total cost ~ $16.00 maybe more or less. I can get them cheaper at my LFS, and both are great brands. You'll need check valves and tubing, too, but those are cheap.

Otherwise, if you are determined to get a power filter, get an Emperor 400. Or, if you want to spend a few dollars more, an AquaClear 110.