Need Some Filtration Help

[erk628]

Ok guys I need some more help. Most of you probably already know my background story but for those who don't and for those who don't remember I'll tell it again.

About a month ago I got a 150 gallon on craigslist came with everything including a rena xp4. Well when I got it home and got everything set up I was messing with the filter and broke one of the little plastic pieces that holds one of the handles in place now the filter won't seal and it leaks. I also have a fluval 404 that I hadn't used for years because it stopped working on me. I read one of waterdrops posts awhile back about air bubbles getting trapped so I figured I'd give it a try. Well I got it to work but then it started leaking under the handles that holds the lid down and around the prime pump. I checked the main seal inside that seals the top and it looks brand new. I did a little research and found that people have had the same problem and they used Vaseline. I tried that tonight and it still leaks in both places.

I got online tonight looking at different canister filters. I found a rena xp4 brand new for 175. Got on ebay and watched a brand new fluval fx5 still in the box sell for 185.00. Now as most of you know I plan to set up a community tank in the 150. Now my question is should I go with the rena xp4 for 175 or spend ten more bucks and get the fx5. Only thing I'm worried about with the fx5 is the amount of water it turns over being to much for smaller fish current wise.

Right now all I have on the 150 is a penguin 350 and another filter can't remember what it is but its for a 55 gallon. So that being said I'm underfiltered right now and need to be doing something. I've been checking my water stats and there are still good even though I have stuff laying on the sand like poo and food from my oscar that he shifts through his gills.

So to sum things up do you think I should go with the xp4 or if I can get a fx5 for 185 go for with that. Now either one I get I would imagine I will still need a powerhead or two to help with dead spots. What do you guys suggest?

If you guys think I still would need a HOB I would probaly go with a emperor 400

 

[erk628]

I would really rather not use a hob because if I have to then that means I will have to drain the tank to pull it away from the wall a couple inchs to fit the emperor back there. If need be ill do it though. I guess it would be best to have a filter on each side unless I could put another smaller canister over there

 

[raptorrex]

personally, i would suggest one FX5 is not enough for that tank. it would give you less than 2x flow. (and thats claimed flow, not real. as the flow is stated as, 950gph). as for flow being too much for your fish. again i speak, personally. dont worry, even at 5x flow small fish are not perturbed. which makes sense, if you think about it. the flow in most rivers will be much more than that.

I would suggest 2x FX5 as a minimum. they can be picked up for around £150, if you look.

 

[VaegaVic]

personally, i would suggest one FX5 is not enough for that tank. it would give you less than 2x flow. (and thats claimed flow, not real. as the flow is stated as, 950gph). as for flow being too much for your fish. again i speak, personally. dont worry, even at 5x flow small fish are not perturbed. which makes sense, if you think about it. the flow in most rivers will be much more than that.

I would suggest 2x FX5 as a minimum. they can be picked up for around £150, if you look.

I second this well and truly.
You can always deflect the flow against rocks and what not if it does prove to be too strong.

 

[erk628]

Thanks for the replies. Would you guys suggest getting something other then the FX5's. Or for the money do you think thats the best bet.

Something else I thought of to is fx5 + emperor 400 + emperor 400
or renaxp4 + emperor 400 + emperor 400

or fx5 + aquaclear 110 + aquaclear 110

or renaxp4+ aquaclear 110+ aquaclear 110

 

[VaegaVic]

Thanks for the replies. Would you guys suggest getting something other then the FX5's. Or for the money do you think thats the best bet.

Something else I thought of to is fx5 + emperor 400 + emperor 400
or renaxp4 + emperor 400 + emperor 400

or fx5 + aquaclear 110 + aquaclear 110

or renaxp4+ aquaclear 110+ aquaclear 110

To be honest, 2 FX5's might cost you more initially, but if you place one at each end, you've got everything covered.
There's also alot less to go wrong, alot less cleaning and alot less power consumption

 

[erk628]

The cheapest I can find a fx5 for is a little of $200.00 on ebay brand new. In the store there like $340.00. I think what I'm going to do is get one off ebay and then get either a emperor 400 or a aquaclear 110 to put on the other side. Hopefully that will work if not I'll get another fx5. I'm also plaining on putting a few powerheads in to create a current for my loaches to play in and help with the dead spots.

 

[erk628]

I would really rather get two fx5's but there so darn expensive. I had to borrow a grand from my wifes grandma to get my truck fixed and I need to start paying her back but I got to get these filters first thats why I'm thinking about a fx5 and then a HOB just because there quit a bit cheaper.

 

[erk628]

I might just break down and get me two

 

[VaegaVic]

If you're on that much of a budget, you could go with your Rena and then 2 HOBs.
Rena in the middle with a spray bar and the HOB's at either end.

 

[bitteraspects]

I'd suggest building a large wet/dry sumo for a tank that size.

 

[raptorrex]

I'd suggest building a large wet/dry sumo for a tank that size.

you will have a problem getting a 400lb Japanese man under most tanks!

 

[bitteraspects]

lol @ sumo. hahaha

i meant "sump"

 

[Tolak]

I second the sump for filtration. If you have access to a sumo let him move the tank.

 

[drobbyb]

Yeah, a sump gives you loads of options. You can personalize your media, hide your heater, and get a much better performance out of it. Have you ever used a sump before?