Which is more efficient?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo

thecoolguy

Candiru
MFK Member
Apr 6, 2007
460
0
46
Irvine, CA
ok, so a mere couple weeks before my setup is finally up and running, and got hopefully my last question in regards to suitable filtration.....

tank: 275gal center overflow
fish: planned to be a mix of pbass, aros, dats, misc. (stocked at a higher level)

filtration options:

1) fx5 + 60gal wetdry

2) 40gal wetdry + 60gal wetdry (it has to be 2 separate just in case you are wondering) 40gal full of bio-balls, 60gal full of ceramic rings

now, i think that option 2 will definitely provide higher bio-filtering capability but basically take out mech filtration that the fx5 would provide

given it is an overflow system, i have already accepted the fact that without the fx5, i would be siphoning the barebottom 1-2 times a week....

what do you guys think?

(and in case johnptc you are reading this, i am still buying the fx5) :)
 
is the 40 gallon going to be on top of the 60 and be drilled for the water to fall back in???? I would just add a few FBF filters instead of running 2 separate sumps....
 
haven't decided exactly how it is gonna work just yet....as far as option 2 goes

i may link the 2 sumps so it goes from 1 to the other, or just have them completely separate......
 
I think one large sump(60gal) and 2 FBF 300 or 600 fluidized bed filters would be more efficient and give you more and better bio than the ceramic rings alone...
 
Stick with option #1

You'll miss the clear water and water motion that the mechanical filtration of the FX5 can provide.

Even though it excells at mechanical filtration the FX5 is still a 3 way filter and does in fact provide extra biological filtration if set up properly.
 
thanks for the input all.....

decided to go with option 3.....

40gal sump + 60gal sump + fx5

have no idea where i am gonna fit all this stuff, but what the heck.....
 
I've never had unclear water or floating debris (with the exception of after feeding) with any of my wet/dry filtered tanks. Usually my tanks with canisters are uglier than the others.
 
rallysman;1080012; said:
I've never had unclear water or floating debris (with the exception of after feeding) with any of my wet/dry filtered tanks. Usually my tanks with canisters are uglier than the others.

really? i am under the impression that with overflow fed wetdrys - there is always debris that collects on the bottom....

did you do anything special to make sure that wasn't the case?
 
In the world of Monsterfishkeepers...All of the above is always a viable option...LOL
 
MonsterFishKeepers.com