View Full Version : Filtration for the 180
Many of you know that I am already planning a 180 gallon tank for christmas. Likely to be a pair of oscars in there and a common pleco. I know I will use the Fluval FX5 cannister filter, but the question: is one of them enough for such a tank? I understand that they are rated to filter around 600 gph, but I have a complete lack of experience with such a large tank.
Just looking for some opinions on this, thanks!
Didn't the Oscar guys answer that one? I'll go check...
I think they say you do better with two...but the 2nd can be a HOB...
cocoa_pleco
06-10-2007, 08:58 PM
i think that canister goes to 400g, but add a HOB too
Okay...they didn't say...so I asked...let's see what the consensus is...
nanaglen2001
06-10-2007, 09:06 PM
You only want to keep 2 Oscars and one Pleco in your 180 gal tank?
Then the Fluval is more than enough. Nice filter, I would have taken it for myself, but its way to large for my stand... grrrrrr
Fishguy2727
06-10-2007, 09:41 PM
I have the Fluval FX5 on my 150 as the only filter. It does a great job, but I think it is the minimal flow for such a tank, with smaller cichlids. If I had bigger stuff in there (bigger and more poop) then I would want either more filtration or a good high flow powerhead to make sure everything gets to the FX5. The only HOB I would consider for such a large tank would be the Emperor 400. It has two big Biowheels which will boost the capacity of the biological filtration. I personally do not use or recommend carbon, and since the cartridges come with carbon, I would either rig up my own DIY cartridge that lacks carbon and has just mechanical, or skip them altogether.
Maybe the FX5 and an Aquaclear 110?
cocoa_pleco
06-11-2007, 02:01 AM
Maybe the FX5 and an Aquaclear 110?
sounds good!
If I'm understanding this correctly...
...the one Fluval and an AC110 are ideal for now...
...but when the fish are fully grown, you may need to add another canister...
Fishguy2727
06-11-2007, 02:09 PM
The best thing would be two FX5s. If you can afford them, but them, you will be happy you did. I think it is better to have way too much filtration than to flirt with that line of 'just enough'. I posted a thread about it, but I will repeat it here. When I had the mbunas in the 55, I had two Whisper 60s and a Fluval 404. After a water change when I had turned off the filters, the Fluval never kicked back on. I didn't even notice it for about 5 days. In most tanks that would mean a complete crash of the tank and all the fish dying. But since I was over-filtered I had no issues. Filters fail, it happens. The last thing you want is to have your fish die because of it.
Agreed, most of my tanks have about 3-4 times the "recommended" filtration levels and I believe the fish are happier because of it. Might end up with an FX5 and AC110 then add a tank, move the AC110 and replace with another FX5 as the fish grow.
Great advice, thanks all!
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