Filtration, a repost of my original

[Northernguy]

Well written Fishguy and Thank You.
This will really help when trying to explain why we recommend that double the filtration is needed on most tanks.
Definately Sticky material!

[LORENZO]

Now I can't take it anymore. Filtration has always been a thing with me. So many different options out there. But i know that an xp3 has alot of flow but you have a point. A spray bar. Will that give six discus enough oxygen... I get really good agitation of the water. But yes i do keep it lined up against the glass. But really? Two xp4's on a 125 is not overdoing it? And only one xp3 on a 125 could be underdoing it? the fish guy here was tellin me oh just get an xp1 for the 75 well i did not want to go there so the 75 will have a xp 3. I don't like emperor filters. Did use them.... oh and them telling me great biowheels... ha. i did like aquaclear and still run a 300 on a 38 tank. But now you have me worried. one xp3 cannot be good enough for the 125 . I must go check on line to see what the xp4 would cost now. You do get that extra basket in the xp4 which is good for biological filtration. But i just can't imagine that kind of water flow even with a spray bar-if i was to use two xp4 on a 125. My that would be good enough easily for a 180. What is a good size tank up from a 180? What is the biggest tank you have?

[Fishguy2727]

My biggest is the 150.

Marineland has the new deep tanks. They are 36" wide, 27" high, and come in 3',4',5', and 6' lengths (150-300 gallons). They have a 265, and other comapnies have other massive standard tanks. (I think Oceanic makes a few huge tanks, 300, 600, and 900 if I remember correctly and if they are still making them.)

I would just use a Fluval FX5. That is all I have on my 150. They cost about the same as a Filstar XP4, but have a higher capacity and flow rate.

For HOBs I definitely prefer AquaClears. They have tons of flow, tons of media capacity, and tons of media options. By far best HOB. The only way to make them better is to add a DIY Biowheel on them.

[Delphine]

Thank you for this whole article. This is my first day on this site and I already managed to find out an answer to one of my aquarium question

Thank you again.

[J's Fish]

I bought my power heads so long ago, I have no clue what they even are. At any rate, I have a 75 gal. with two powerheads and undergravel filter of course. Would this not be good enough filtration for a central American Cichlid tank?

[robflanker]

J Fish - no not at all. Powerheads arent filters and UG filter arent held in high regard here.

You'll need like an XP3 or something

[MonkeyPox]

One thing to keep in mind when making a filtration choice is differing philosophies of effectiveness.
For example, one school of thought in favor of low flow rates denotes that the longer the water has contact with the media, the more effective it is. The opposite school is to cover the media with as much water as possible to get maximum exposure.

This is an important distinction when comparing filters and attempting to make a choice that best suites your needs. Even among top brands, they implement different methods to achieve the same overall goal.

[Fishguy2727]

I personally would throw out the UGF, in my experience they end up causing more harm than good in the long run 95% of the time. My 75 has two Fluval 405s. I personally do not think one Fluval 405 is enough without additional flow. You however can just use the powerheads you already have and try just one 405.

[Aeonflame]

Great sticky. Awesome job!

[texasbelle92]

Hey! im in need of some filter advise...

Im setting up a 20 gal freshwater for mollies in my room. i need to find a quiet filter so i can sleep at night!!!

I prefer the bio-wheel filtration because i love what it can offer. If anyone knows of some super quiet filters that stay quiet (i know some start off quiet then after a few months get loud- no bueno!) please let me know!
-thanks!