Is this enough biological filtration for 125 gallon?

Hi all.

I just got a new 125 gallon to replace my 50 gallon low tech moderately planted community.

I’m on a budget and plan to move my fluval 406 there. It’s currently got those “bio max” black sponges on the bottom two trays, middle tray ceramic media, top tray ceramic media and a sponge filter I keep in there for QT tanks.

Would the 406, moderate amount of plants, substrate etc be enough biological filtration? No cichlids or messy fish. Most likely expanding/doubling my school of Rasboras and (school?) of corydoras along with some TBD community friendlies. Also was planning to add a power head for some circulation

I feel like with all of the extra plants and substrate I might be in the clear for processing ammonia and nitrite. Right now in the 50 gallon nitrates are always around 10 after the plants eat some up before weekly water changes of 25%.

Thanks for input!

 

I find the 406 barely adequate for my 64 gal and I'm sure that it will struggle (mechanically if not biologically) on a 125. The powerhead will help if it's a decent size and you add a large sponge to it so that it also functions as an internal filter. I'd recommend the Aquael Circulator 2000. The sponges are sold separately and just slip over the intake. They are good quality coarse sponges that don't clog up quickly. Or you could just cut your own sponge to fit on any powerhead.

 

I find the 406 barely adequate for my 64 gal and I'm sure that it will struggle (mechanically if not biologically) on a 125. The powerhead will help if it's a decent size and you add a large sponge to it so that it also functions as an internal filter. I'd recommend the Aquael Circulator 2000. The sponges are sold separately and just slip over the intake. They are good quality coarse sponges that don't clog up quickly. Or you could just cut your own sponge to fit on any powerhead.

Struggling mechanically in the sense that it’s not removing solids or floating stuff in the water column?

Thanks for the sponge idea. I had actually thought about a coarse sponge over the intake for some more surface area.

 

Give it a try. You can always upgrade if necessary. But I think you could be OK.

 

Give it a try. You can always upgrade if necessary. But I think you could be OK.

Thanks. I was thinking of just trying it as well. I only have the stock from my 50 gallon so I figureD I would just see how it’s going as I gradually add more fish.