Filter For 150 Gallon Overflow Tank

[stang8689]

I have a 150 gallon freshwater tank that is drilled and has overflow. Currently i am running a tide pool 2 bottom sump. I hear that this is an old set-up so was gonna look into something more up to date. I am also running 2 top mount filters. It seems to filter alot of water but I can see how it only hits the center of the filters in the sump as being a flaw. so what would be a good filter for my tank? id rather spend more for better or bigger. Must fit in my cabinet which is about 2 foot high. any suggestions will be appreciated. Tank is 4ft long 2ft wide and 2 and a tall. stocking is

3 cat fish
4 tiger barbs
4 groumious
3 tetras
2 eels
3 bala sharks
black ghost knife
2 leperatous
tea cup ray
1 royal plec

sorry bout spelling

 

[stang8689]

2 1/2 ft tall

 

[england]

on my 5/2/2 foot, 150us gallon, i have a fluval fx5..amazing filter..also running two fluval u4's and a internal 1000..

 

[arobinson1984]

As nelly said, I would also recommend the fluval fx5, or the tetratec ex2400

Are you aware that the tank isnt big enough for the bala sharks and black ghost knife fish long term?


Andy

 

[stang8689]

how usnt my tank big enough for the bala sharks and black ghost knife fish long term?

 

[england]

Because there max size and esp the bala's the need alot of room, i have four in my five foot, and that looks a tad cramped..
Unsure about the BGK but also rays i beleive need a maximum of 6 foot..this is why i never got a ray

 

[stang8689]

been researching the fx5 and it says not to use for tank under 200 gallons, mine is 150 will I be ok? Dont see why not, seems to be a great unit for a good price. what else would I need to get in started, just media or anything else

 

[england]

I have one on my 150..had it around 3 years...amazing filter,alot have them on here...if i had a bigger tank id want two just media, they provide sponge, best media would be the cyramic rings throughout

 

[stang8689]

I really like that one what should I do to switch filters? would I have to re cycle my tank

 

[england]

i would run along side for a couple of months...first seed it with mature media

 

[stang8689]

I can run my top mounts with it but that would delete the tide pool 2

 

[arobinson1984]

how usnt my tank big enough for the bala sharks and black ghost knife fish long term?

You MAY be ok with the BGKF as they aren't the most active swimmers but definately the bala sharks will not be happy in that tank. Although the tank volume is large its still only 4ft in length and for a fish that is active and likely to reach 12-16" that doesnt give it alot of swimming space. The recommended minimum tank for bala's in 6ft long although many people who specialise in keeping bala's will tell you that it should be 8ft long.

Have a look at the tetratec ex2400 as well as the fx5, both are available for £150 each from www.warehouse-aquatics.co.uk


Andy

 

[stang8689]

What about switching the filters do i have to re cycle my tank because i can not hook up at the same time

 

[FishStrings]

Your tank sounds absolutely fine for bala sharks. The only problem is the barbs may get eaten in the long run. Just put some foliage down and some visual barriers and you should be fine.

 

[arobinson1984]

No fishstrings, a 4ft tank is NOT fine for Bala sharks!

Andy