desertrefugee

Hi folks,

I absolutely love this forum, its content, completeness and organization. Best on the net and I'm EXTREMELY glad to see it back online.

With full-blown MTS underway, I am currently prepping a used 65g for water and an Amazonian theme. The tank cleaned up very well, but has a few scratches near the back that I can hide with floating vegetation.

I have purchased a new Eheim 2215 for use in this tank. I expect to populate with SA cichlids and variants. A large piece of dark African wood is currently soaking in the backyard and still leeching some tannins. I believe it's ready to go. I have about 30 pounds of substrate and some large plastic vegetation. (For now, I'll leave the live plants for the 29g).

My question is this: Will the Eheim alone be sufficient filtration for a setup such as this? I've read some accounts that the canister-type filters, while good, can come up short with regard to biological filtration. It's very difficult to find definitive information on whether I'll be OK going this route.

Comments from the experts would be MOST welcomed. I'm an admitted newbie and have moved awfully fast. I should be cautious as I do not want to get in over my head. I suspect that an underfiltered environment would be a quick way to get into trouble. (And I'm not even sure how I'd identify such a condition).

Thanks,

Darrell

Attached Images

DSCF1714.jpg (45.8 KB, 43 views)

lew2000

I am not an expert, but a 2215, if i recall only has a spec of 135GPH or somewhere thereabouts. Once you dedeuct, vertical tubing on the output, media(mechanical and bio) the output is approximately 90-100gph. Thus, on a 65gal tank your only turning the water over 2x at best. Personally i always try to get a minimum 8x turnover per hour even with a low bio-load. It may cost more for a combination of filters, but, i have peace of mind that water flow is good, filtration is good, and i don't have to get into possible messy reconfigurations if i go minimal filtration and want to increase later. But again just my opinion. As to bio-filtration; with this type of filter being used for bio - dead spots develop in which water does not circulate diminishing performance, and oxygenation is not as much as desired for bacteria to flourish. So there is some nitrification, just not as siginificant with other types of filtration. I use a combination of bio-wheel (for water movement, oxygenation, mechanical removal of large debris at mid to upper level of the tank, and some bio) a wetdry eheim that moves a lot of water, provides good oxygenation for bio, and a canister for mechanical (lower level of tank) and bio.

aquarist48

Hello DesertRefugee. Good information from Lew. Your filtration should be 8 to 10 x the volume of your tank. (or close to it) I don't have personal experience with the type of filter you mentioned but if it does have a GPH of 135 as Lew said then I would seriously consider adding more. The only time I've used a canister filter is one in addition to other filtration I already have. I too always worried about them having enough bio media. I know other members here use them and love them.
I would like to recommend , should you want additional filtration, an Aqua Clear 110 Hang on Back (HOB)(500gph) they offer a huge bio media chamber and bio media itself. I am really impressed with the one's I have. Too, should you need seeded filter media for a new tank you could always switch the cannister filter to it for pretty much an instant cycle.

It looks like a great tank! Keep us posted and we love pictures!
Ken

desertrefugee

Thanks for the help, folks. I figured as much. The Eheim 2215 flow rate is actually 164gph, but it seems quite weak to me. I wanted the tank VERYCLOSE to the wall, so a HOB is now out of the question. But, I do have a Fluval 4 in-tank filter on the way.

For now, with a handful of Danios and a couple of Mollies "cycling" the tank in preparation for the New World cichlids, I'm using an AquaClear 50 powerhead to aerate and circulate the water.

My biggest concern is the tannin leeching from the driftwood. I know some consider it desirable - especially for an Amazonian habitat, but I'm hopeful it will begin to clear after a few water changes.

Here's another shot - now set up with the Mollies but just before the Danios. (Also what it doesn't show is the tea-stained water).

Comments and suggestions would be welcomed by this enthusiastic beginner. (Like caves. I need more, huh?)

Thanks!

Darrell

Attached Images

65g_cropped.JPG (953.6 KB, 28 views)

aquarist48

Looking good! Adding activated carbon to your filter will help to remove the tannis.
Ken