Filter Advice For New Tank

[BrianMcC]

thanks so much everyone I had been thinking an fx5 or 6 but also thought about all pond solutions 1400/2000 ltrs, I already have a fluval 105 ext on it doing a fishless cycle and know this is far too little when adding fish later,
I cant see plants living too long as they are malawis and they go through plants/ cucumber pretty fast and they are only half size now and they are greedy little things, I do keep on top of cleaning filters and water changes but tank will be over stocked to cut aggression down a bit.
I've got to say what a fantastic forum this is and so many people willing to help each other give yourselves a pat on the back!!

 

[ShinySideUp]

Snazy, we agree and disagree. I think we are on the same page with slightly different interpretations. Good point about the oxygen, I hadn't considered the amount of oxygen that may be required in the filter but that does reinforce my point about regular filter maintenance and making sure that flow rate does not fall between cleanings.

 

[snazy]

that does reinforce my point about regular filter maintenance and making sure that flow rate does not fall between cleanings.
 

 
I totally agree with this. But if the flow falls within a week or two or 4, then it's time for upgrading the filtration.

 

[ShinySideUp]

 

that does reinforce my point about regular filter maintenance and making sure that flow rate does not fall between cleanings.
 

 
I totally agree with this. But if the flow falls within a week or two or 4, then it's time for upgrading the filtration.
 

 
So far so good on this as I bought my FX5 filter in June and have yet to seriously clean any of the contents, and this even though much of the present filter media is from my old filter from my smaller tank. I did lose flow for a while but then I stopped using Fluvals 'polishing pads' made of fine polyester as they were breaking up and clogging one of the preceeding baskets.

 

[snazy]

Yes, I have removed all floss from all filters I have. If you don't clean it/replace on time it makes things worse and to be honest I see no difference in terms of the water being less clear. I think it's even better actually.

 

[ShinySideUp]

I do have a small filter I put in the tank that has only filter floss in it to try to take out the tiniest particles. When flow drops on that I take the whole lot out and throw it away as it's only a polisher, afterall at 200 litres an hour it's not contributing much in bio-filtration in a 600 litre tank.

 

[snazy]

That's probably a better idea if you use floss. It gunks up so easily that at first it collects debris, then once full, it spreads the debris back into the tank or just blocks the filter flow if in a bigger filter. I am happier with my sponges for fine filtration.

 

[BrianMcC]

I am thinking of going with the fx6 as it seems to be pretty good in all reviews ive read