Pond filter for 265g???

[Frank Castle]

I was pricing some filters at Lowe's and Home Depot in the Outdoor section and found some pond filters rated up to 1,000g, for under $200 - I think they were mostly 4,000 - 6,000g/hr. This strikes me as a better deal than an FX6 so why isn't everyone doing it?

I plan on getting a 265g - 84"L X 24"W X 30.5"H (???) for at least my pair of Dovii and I would MUCH rather go this route than spending more $$$ on a filter that only does half as much.

Am I looking at this the wrong way or missing variables that factor in or what? I understand the pond filters don't have carbon, but BOO-FRIGGIN-HOO lol. I can put loose carbon in a nylon stocking and call it a day if I really care about carbon, which I really don't.

My other option is a 300g, 96"L X 18"W X 40"H which to ME, just sound like it's more work than it's worth, not wide enough for a male Dovii and will be a NIGHTMARE to do a Gravel Vac. BUT, I can get it for cheap.......but I really think I would rather go w/ the brand new 265g and have a warrantee and not have to worry about it.

Thoughts from MFK?

 

[Stanzzzz7]

I've used pond filters on large tanks in the past and my dad still uses them in his fish house.
Regards tanks. length and width over height every time for me. The 265 would be better 24 high and 30.5 wide.

 

[JK47]

if water flows though it, mechanical is trapped and there is sufficient bio media it's a win. We (the hobby in general) over complicate filtration. Flow + restrictions for mech and media for biological is filtration plain and simple. Manufacturers make products that fit the masses. Most people are not interested in learning filtration concepts. They want something plug and play. If it keeps you perams in check it works IMO. Ultima's are pond filters too

 

[Deadliestviper7]

I've been thinking of doing this for my next big tank setup.

 

[Jcb1125]

Double check that it's sealed for pressure if it's a canister type and you plan to keep it below the stand. A lot of pond filters are made to be placed above ground and will leak if exposed to the pressure an aquarium drain would exert.

 

[Frank Castle]

Double check that it's sealed for pressure if it's a canister type and you plan to keep it below the stand. A lot of pond filters are made to be placed above ground and will leak if exposed to the pressure an aquarium drain would exert.

It CAN be placed up higher than the tank if need be, but I don't think I PREFER it that way in case it leaks.......are many pond filters like this or just far and few in between?

if water flows though it, mechanical is trapped and there is sufficient bio media it's a win. We (the hobby in general) over complicate filtration. Flow + restrictions for mech and media for biological is filtration plain and simple. Manufacturers make products that fit the masses. Most people are not interested in learning filtration concepts. They want something plug and play. If it keeps you perams in check it works IMO. Ultima's are pond filters too

Why should I listen to you? Your avatar is a Sloth wearing sunglasses

 

[robham777]

I think most of those pond filters are filter only, the pump is separate. By the time you add that and tubing, you may not save much.

Width over height every time for me. I am supposed to be picking up a 5'x3'x27" 250 as soon as I can find some extra muscle. I am super excited about the width, and have passed on larger tanks that were longer and taller.

 

[Jcb1125]

It CAN be placed up higher than the tank if need be, but I don't think I PREFER it that way in case it leaks.......are many pond filters like this or just far and few in between?

I think it really depends on the filter, I've seen a good number that are and a good number that aren't. Could you possibly link to the filter your looking at? Are you open to going the used route? I see fx5's fairly frequently for under 200 used. The user above was on point too about the pump, all the pond filters I've run ive had to purchase a pump.

 

[Frank Castle]

I think it really depends on the filter, I've seen a good number that are and a good number that aren't. Could you possibly link to the filter your looking at? Are you open to going the used route? I see fx5's fairly frequently for under 200 used. The user above was on point too about the pump, all the pond filters I've run ive had to purchase a pump.

I don't see why I would get an FX for $200-$300+ when I can get the pump and filter for the same price or cheaper rated at least 2X the water volume....

As far as the model, I will have to check on it again, it was last year when I was browsing them - I doubt Lowe's/Home Depot carry multiple brands - i'm sure if you look online they probably only have 1 brand name w/ diferent sizes available, iirc, there wasn't a variety of manufacturers like at a LFS.

As far as used goes, I only do used if it's dirt cheap and I mean DIRT CHEAP. To me it's worth spending the extra money for a new one to get the warrantee and have a receipt in case you have to return it or call the manufacturer. WAY too many times I have had to send stuff back that was expired after store return policy and then some.

 

[JK47]

I don't see why I would get an FX for $200-$300+ when I can get the pump and filter for the same price or cheaper rated at least 2X the water volume....

As far as the model, I will have to check on it again, it was last year when I was browsing them - I doubt Lowe's/Home Depot carry multiple brands - i'm sure if you look online they probably only have 1 brand name w/ diferent sizes available, iirc, there wasn't a variety of manufacturers like at a LFS.

As far as used goes, I only do used if it's dirt cheap and I mean DIRT CHEAP. To me it's worth spending the extra money for a new one to get the warrantee and have a receipt in case you have to return it or call the manufacturer. WAY too many times I have had to send stuff back that was expired after store return policy and then some.

Piece if advice: order it on home Depot website. They have more selection online and shipping is free to the store local to you. Just pick up