Filter for 125 gallon Tank

I run 2 Aqueon 250w heaters in mine. Keeps the temp at 79 no problem.

 

I run 2 Aqueon 250w heaters in mine. Keeps the temp at 79 no problem.

500watts can handle the winter months?

 

Yeah we live in northern indiana stones throw away from Michigan. It has no problem maintaining that temp. That's with the room at about 65 degrees.

 

Yeah we live in northern indiana stones throw away from Michigan. It has no problem maintaining that temp. That's with the room at about 65 degrees.

Ok so 2 250 watts heater and 3 aquaclear 110 and I'm set.

 

I would say yeah.

 

I currently have a 55 gallon tank, and I'm using two Aqueon Quiet Flow Power Filters (55/75 AND 30) on it. I'm considering setting up a 29 gallon Angelfish tank. If I do, I'll take the Quiet Flow 30 from the 55 to use on the 29. Obviously, I'll then need to get another filter for the 55 (yes, I'm asking for suggestions, but please keep reading).

At the same time, I'm considering upgrading my 55 to (approximately, depending on what I can find on the classifides, etc) a 125. Taking all of this into consideration, I'm looking for suggestions on what I could get to work on my 55 with the Quiet Flow 55/75 for now, that will still be useful on the bigger tank if and when I get it (I hope all this makes sense). I've considered getting an Aquaclear 70. For now, I'd pair it with my 55/75, and after tank upgrade, I'm considering pairing it with the API Filstar X3. But I've never used a canister filter, and I know nothing about them. Another thought is to buy an Aquaclear 110, and have ridiculous filtration while pairing it with the 55/75, and getting a second Aquaclear 110 after tank upgrade.

Of course these are just two possibilities out of a ton. I definitely want opinions as to what my best course of action may be. I want to make good decisions so I have good filtration, but also so I can do this as affordable as possible. Obviously, one decision will impact the others, and I plan to set the 29 up within a week or two, so I'll need to plan out this entire filtration idea before I can do that. As always, thanks for the input and suggestions!

 

Here's something you can do since there's a bunch of canister filters on the market these days. If you can find one around the 500 gph rating you could throw that on the 55 to seed the filter until you get the 125 gallon system. I had a Marineland C-360 on my 55 for about 2 years with a 55/75 HOB filter. The C-360 is rated at 360 gph, it now resides on my 110 gallon system running in conjunction with and older Magnum 350 filter rated at 350 gph.

 

Check out the sun sun 304 or 404. I've got one running on my 75 with a 403. Pretty good value.

Always check craigslist. Just picked up an eheim pro 2 for 20 bucks the other day

 

So are these filters that are being suggested something that, all alone, can adequately filter the 125, or are you suggesting to use one of these in conjunction with the 55/75 on the 125? Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I don't know anything at all about canisters.

 

The sunsun 404 and 304 can be a stand alone on a 125, with larger systems I personally like having dual filters and heaters that can pretty much support the tank alone if something goes wrong at work or overnight.

 

I have two SunSun 404b's on my 125, and am happy with the filtration level. There is flow all through the tank but none of the fish are being blown around. They take tons of media as well, so should be able to handle a pretty heavy bioload.

 

Ok, thank you! Would they also work on a 150? I'm only asking because if I find a good Craigslist deal, I don't want to be limited by the filter I've already purchased. Also, would these be ok to use along with the 55/75 on my 55 for awhile, or will this be too much if it's for more than a very short time? Although I will be upgrading the 55 eventually, I honestly have no timeframe. I'll be setting the 29 up within the next week or two, though, so I'll need to take my Quiet Flow 30 from my 55, and get something new sooner.

 

The sunsun should fine as far as water flow, they come with a spray bar. The 404 would be fine on a 150, they have a 525 gph output.

 

I would do a minimum of two 404s if that's what you ate going with. I personally plan on doing 2 canisters and an hob or 3 canisters when I do my 125. But I always try and get stuff off Craigslist. If you are going with a cichlid heavy stock then I would maximize the filtration. Definitely not just one filter unless you ate going to be dropping 300 to 400 on a single filter

 

Ok, thanks again. As I said, I don't know anything about canisters. I do know that they require less gph to adequately filter a tank, but I don't remember what they do require.

Originally, my plan was going to be to move the 30 to the 29 gallon and buy an Aquaclear 70 to go along with the 55/75 on my 55 gallon. Then, buy a canister to go along with the Aquaclear on the big tank once I do upgrade. Then, possibly move the 55/75 to the 29, or not if the 30 is working for that tank, and either sell or just chuck whichever Quiet Flow I was no longer using. But, if it's better to buy a canister now and never buy an Aquaclear, I may consider that, too.

 

It's really up to you. Personally I think is best to shoot for 10x filtration regardless of canister or hob for the simple reason canister filters will decrease flow up to 40 to 50 percent once they are filled with media. Getting to 10x filtration may be difficult in a 125 or 150 so not quite getting there should be fine but I'd he get as close as possible

 

Thanks! Well, is it better to have one large filter that can handle the entire tank, or two smaller ones that alone cannot do the job? Or, does it not even matter?

Should I consider getting an Aquaclear now to go along with my 55/75, and then get a second Aquaclear when I get the big tank, and not do a canister at all?

 

Personally I always prefer two filters on ANY tank over 30 gallons. Each one of my tanks are running two filters. I like that for the added insurance of if one of them poops out on me I still have some filtration going. So in response I would always try to have at least 2 filters on the 125

What filtration is on you 55 now?

 

Thanks, tyguy7760! Somehow you always seem to have sound advice no matter the topic!

The 55 has two Quiet Flow Power Filters (55/75 AND 30). But I'll be moving the 30 to the 29 gallon when I set that up in the next week or two. So, I'll need to replace it, and I want to replace it with something that could be used when I upgrade the 55, so I can make the best use of the money I spend.

 

In that case my suggestion would be is to go ahead and get the ac110 (or similar filter) and put it on your 55. Your 55 will be over filtered for some time but that's absolutely fine (unless you have fish like betas or fancy guppies that have a hard time swimming in powerful currents). Once you get the 125 or 150 you can transfer it over and pick up the sunsun 304/404. That will give you ~ 900 gph which is sufficient for a 125 or 150

At a later date you can keep an eye out for a cheap smaller canister (or larger would be fine too) to bump that filtration up closer to 10x the filtration. But that one isn't vital and the two filters you have running will do the job. But with your maintenance schedule I would suggest getting as much filtration as possible.

For reference this is what I have on my tanks
75g - sunsun404 (525gph) sunsun 403 (375gph) Total - 900 gph
55g - Aqueon 55/75 (400 gph), Marineland Powerwheel 200 (200 gph) Total - 600 gph
35g Tall - Aqueon 30 (200gph), Aquaclear 50 (200 gph) Total - 400 gph

 

Thanks, again! So, ultimately, you'd shoot to run an Aquaclear 110 and the Sun Sun on the big tank? Or am I missing something?

You know my stock, so it sounds like having an over filtered 55 gallon would be fine until I do upgrade...

 

That's what I would ultimately shoot for yes. I would also keep in the back of your head to add further filtration at a later date knowing your maintenance schedule.

When you pull the aquaclear 110 (or if you want to save money you could try another aqueon 55/75 same gph I believe) off of your 55 that will just leave you with a single aqueon 55/75 correct? I'd consider adding another filter on it especially with a blood parrot. Something that has about 200 gph would be good.

You could also consider the new seachem hob filters. A few members on here have ordered them and they really like them. One benefit over the aquaclears is these will self prime

 

Ideally, I'll never be without two filters, so I'm not sure what you're referring to with the bit about being down to just one 55/75. I'm currently running a 55/75 and a 30 on my 55 gallon. I'll take off the 30 for the 29 gallon, but at the same time I'll purchase the Aquaclear, if that's what I go with, and I'll still have two filters on the 55 gallon. Anyway, the 55/75 Is 400 gph and the Aquaclear 110 is 500 gph. I guess my questions at this point would be, should I consider using either the 55/75 AND the 110 on the big tank, or even two 110s? Or, will one 110 and a Canister really be the only way to get the filtration I'll need?

 

Sorry. I thought you were intending on moving the 110 off of the 55 once you get the 125 and keeping the aqueon on the 55? Are you going to tear down the 55 once you get the 125 or keep it up? That's probably where the disconnect was. I thought you were keeping them both going. I was saying the aqueon alone probably isn't sufficient filtration for the 55 with a BP.

If you have an aqueon 55/75 and ac 110 on the 125 that would probably get you by for some time until you start adding those other cichlids in. That's right at 900 gph (sorry I thought the 110 was also 400 gph). But once you start upping the stock I'd consider getting a canister at that point but keeping the 2 HOB's on the tank. Maybe a sunsun 403 or 303 would be sufficient. Or getting another hob and having 3. Completely up to you but if it were me i'd have at least 1 canister going just for the added biomedia

 

Thanks, tyguy7760! Yes, the disconnect was in the number of tanks I'll have running. I thought you knew I was planning to replace the 55 with the 125-150. Sorry!

I'm upgrading for two reasons. Because I want to get a few more cichlids and increase my school of Rainbows (Cories are moving into the 29). Also because I have more room in the space where I have my tank than I originally thought I had.

So, you're recommending three filters, overall on the big tank, even with one being a canister?

 

I'm recommending using what you have. That's why i'm saying put 3 filters on. There is no use letting the aqueon (400 gph) go to waste and then going out and buying a 500 gph canister for 80-100 bucks. Use the aquaclear and the aqueon on the big tank then go out and buy a smaller canister and add to the filtration

Option 1:
Buy aquaclear 110 ($80)
Don't use aqueon
Buy Sunsun 404/304 (80-100$

Total spent $160-$180 Total GPH: 1025

Option 2:
Buy aquaclear 110 ($80)
Use Aqueon 55/75 from the 55 gallon
Buy Sunsun 403/303 (60-80$)

Total Spent $140-160 Total GPH 1275

 

Ok, that makes sense, thanks! A couple additional questions on this topic. Will the 55/75 AND 110 on the 55 be fine for an undetermined amount of time, or will this only be a good idea for a short, determined amount of time? Since the big tank will have three filters on it, should I eventually move the 55/75 to the 29 and put the 30 back on the big tank, or is the 30 going to be a good choice for the 29 gallon for it's life?

 

Either way you want to go is fine I think. But if you are going to put the 55/75 on the 29 gallon then I'd make sure and go with the top lines on the sunsuns. Then maybe throw the aqueon 30 on the 125 in addition to the 110 and sunsun 304/404

I think having both the 55/75 and the 110 on the 55 gallon is fine no matter the time frame.

Like I said, I'm a fan of using the filters you have instead of going out and spending money. This hobby is expensive already, may as well use the supplies you've got.

 

True! Ok, thanks. I just want to make sure I do it right the first time. I'm fine doing the Aqueon filters whichever way seems to make sense. I just figured I'd throw the question out there since we're talking about it. One last question I meant to ask you is, what about a wet/dry filter for the big tank? Might this be a good idea, or is this just for saltwater? I might be able to get my hands on an entire setup that includes one, so I wanted to ask.

Lastly, since I know you're knowledgeable about tanks, and you're a handy guy, too, can I get your opinion on how to go about deciding if my floor can even hold this size tank? I have a thread about this question in the Aquarium Builds section, or you can just lend your thoughts here.

 

If you twisted my arm and made me pick one I'd say it probably makes more sense to put the 55/75 on the 29 gallon as the aqueon 30 only has 200 gph which is slightly underfiltered (still reasonable though) and then use the aqueon 30 in conjunction with an aquaclear 110 (or whatever other filter you decide on that has similar gph) plus the sunsun 404/304 (again or other similar gph filter) on the 125. That still gives you 1275 gph which is good.

Edit:

Just to give you another option. You could go ahead and get the sunsun 404/304 with the 525 gph and put that on your 55 gallon instead of the ac 110. Then when you are ready, instead of putting the aqueon 30 on the 29g, put the aqueon 55/75 on there. Now your 55 gallon will have the aqueon 30 plus the canister. THEN when you get the 125, buy another sunsun 404/304. That gives you 1050 gph on the 125 and only two canisters which will give it a cleaner look without an HOB on the back. Or go ahead and throw the aqueon 30 on the 125 for an extra 200 gph.

 

Ok, Thanks! I was kind of thinking that, too. But, you have far more knowledge than I, so I wanted your thoughts. Is there any circumstance where it would make more sense to purchase a canister now to go on my 55 instead, and use only a canister and an Aqueon on the big tank, never buying an Aquaclear, or is the original way we were discussing the way to go for sure?

What about the wet/dry?

 

Look at my edited response I think that covers another option

Honestly I have no experience with wet/dry filtration systems. I know you can use them on freshwater tanks but they are a bit more difficult to get set up and going. Overall though they probably will provide a similar amount of biofiltration as a canister or two. So in the end it's your preference.

 

Thanks! I didn't see your edit before posting my last message.

Is it safe to say that if I can get a setup with tank, stand and wet/dry that I will have enough filtration in the wet/dry for that tank, or do you not know enough to say that?

 

Not necessarily. You still need turnover for the tank. So it all depends on the output of the wet dry. HOW MUCH turnover for a wet dry is something I don't know.

 

Gotcha, ok. I'll ask the seller if he knows more about that. Although, he seems to be of the opinion that wet/dry is only for saltwater.

Any thoughts on the question about figuring out how much my floor can hold?

 

Ahh I'm not as good on that subject. Though I can tell you that you definitely want it to run perpendicular to the floor joists. Also, the closer to an exterior wall or load bearing wall you can get it is better.

beau I know you just set one up. Did you do any research on the floor and supports?

 

Thanks again! I've heard those things before. I can say for sure that my joists are perpendicular to the tank, and that the wall it's against is absolutely not exterior. I have no idea at all if it's load bearing or not. I'm not sure how to determine that.

Hello, all. I've found a couple of items for sale on Craigslist, and I wanted to get some opinions on how much of this, if any, I should jump on.

First deal: 125 gallon tank, wooden stand, and canopy for $400. Seller will throw in, for no additional cost, wet/dry and overflow (eschopps 200), OR two Marineland HOBs (biowheel 350), NOT both. This is located an hour and a half away, so this would have to be considered a really great deal for it to be worth it.

Second deal: filter(s) only. Canisters. Eheim Classic Canister 2215 and Eheim Classic Canister 2217. Both of these are $50, and neither comes with any media.

 

Fairly decent deal on the tank. The eschopps 200 wet dry seems to be the better deal but you will still need a return pump and one that is probably rated at around 800 gph would be my guess. The marinelands are also good deals and lots of people use them but personally they are my least favorite type of HOB filter.

Those 2 eheim canisters are the bottom of the line canisters. Great for smaller tanks but wouldn't be very effective or useful on a 125. You can upgrade the 2215 flow by replacing the impeller with a 2217 impeller which will upgrade it some but there are much better gph canisters out there. If you were trying to filter a 75 or less I'd say that's a good deal. For 50 bucks you can buy another aqueon 55/75 and have money left over and probably still have more flow than those two canisters.

 

Thanks, tyguy7760! So, it sounds like you think maybe I should consider the tank, stand, and canopy, and maybe the wet/dry, but forget about the HOBs and canisters that I found?

 

400 for a 125 with stand and canopy (assuming it looks nice) plus a wet/dry is a fairly decent deal in my area. Maybe not in other areas.

If the wet dry comes with a sufficient pump then that's an even better deal. If not it's still fairly good. It just depends on if you want to deal with the set up of the wet dry as I think that is the most difficult part. You may find more expenses getting it set up and running than the HOB's. The biowheel filters are personally my least favorite as they don't provide as much room for biomedia...BUT that's just a personal opinion as many people use them successfully. I even have one running on my 55 because I had it (you know me...I'm a fan of using what you have instead of spending money on it). So they aren't BAD filters by any means. I just prefer others.

But I would skip the canisters if your long term intent is putting them on the 125. They just don't have enough gph to be efficient on that size. They are a good deal for 50 bucks but for a much smaller tank.