XP3 with HOB or XP2

[Dego510]

I currently have a 55 gallon set up with an XP3 and a HOB Penguin 200. The HOB releases a bunch of microbubbles that make the water look dirty. I recently landed a cheap new XP2 off of craigslist. Here are my questions:

1) Should I remove the HOB in favor of the addition of the XP2 (alongside the XP3)?

2) Will #1 provide enough mechanical filtration?

3) As a last resort - Should I get rid of the HOB and XP2 . . . and get an aquaclear 50?

My goal is to have very clear water. My stocklist is 12 demasoni, 6 yellow labs, and 3 acei.

 

[Bderick67]

Properly set up thte XP3 should be more then enough for a 55g. Having secondary filtration is a good idea though. I would go with an Aqua clear but at least a 70 or 110, not a fan of the smaller ACs.

 

[FSM]

The XP3 should be fine by itself, but since you already have the XP2 there is no reason to buy anything new. If the XP3 doesn't seem adequate, hook up the XP2.

 

[BigCountry]

yeah Xp3 is plenty solo for a 55

 

[Dego510]

To those who have posted or have a 55 gallon with just an XP3, do you use a powerhead also? Or is the water movement from the spray bar enough?

 

[JakeH]

Fill the XP3 full of bio & the XP2 full of mechanical sponges, then use the HOB for odd jobs like water polishing, activated carbon, etc. Do you have any dead spots right now? A Koralia would move plenty of water for you...