What filtration system should I use?

[adamsfishes]

You think having two fx4s is better than one fx6?

Yes, but why not go with two FX-6? The price isn't much different. Unless you already own them. With a big tank, you want two, so that you can have an intake and return near either end. With only one FX-6, you would likely need something else like a power head to create more circulation.

How often do you have to clean the tank?

It's not set up yet, but I'm expecting that I'll do weekly 60-70% water changes and clean or replace the fine filter pad in the top of the canister every two weeks. Maybe vacuum the gravel once a week.

 

[krichardson]

Might as well vac the gravel while you are draining the tank during the water changes.

 

[adamsfishes]

Might as well vac the gravel while you are draining the tank during the water changes.

That's fine with a python system. I use a pump to drain, and I don't want the gunk going through the pump, so I vac separately. I'm probably going to rig up a contraption to use the pump to gravel vac into a filter sock.

 

[krichardson]

That's fine with a python system. I use a pump to drain, and I don't want the gunk going through the pump, so I vac separately. I'm probably going to rig up a contraption to use the pump to gravel vac into a filter sock.

Oh okay,post about the contraption when you get it going.Just in case you are not aware a simple hose with the vac connection would do so there's really no need for a pump or a Python.

 

[adamsfishes]

Will do. Don't want to further derail here.

 

[Thacarter54632]

Dual eheim 2262s would be nice. Personally just like them better than the fx5-6 and never touched an fx4. So much less maintenance.

 

[Oughtsix]

I prefer sumps... but the best filter is the filter you clean often to remove the poop before it breaks down into Nitrates. Hence I strive for easiest to maintain when choosing a filter.

There is no mechanical/bio filtration that will eliminate the need for water changes... but the more organic matter you can remove before it breaks down into nitrates the further you can stretch your water change intervals. A pair of FX6's that are cleaned monthly should be great filtration for a big tank. A pair of FX6's that are only cleaned once a year will require multiple water changes a week to maintain a healthy environment for your fish.

Hang on back filters are usually much easier to clean than canister filters so they usually get cleaned more often... which can make them more effective filtration than hard to clean canister filters.

Some fish-keepers like to employ Pothos plants, aquatic plants or algae filters to consume the nitrates produced by the bio filter and convert it into plant / algae growth which will also reduce the frequency in which water changes are needed.