Running Filters In Tandem

[Spank]

Hello again everyone

Was wandering what's the verdict on running external filters in tandem (i.e. one after the other) My current filter's not gonna have enough juice to cope with the size of tank I'm getting (125gl) and I was thinking of hooking 2 filters up together (1 to filter and other to filter & buffer with peat) is this a good idea?? or are there any other solutions to filtering a tank that size? my current filter does 1200l/hr

Thanks for the help

 

[fishwatcher]

I think that's a fine idea. Should work good for you.

 

[nmonks]

I'd run them in parallel. Usually, when a filter "isn't working" it means that either the filter isn't big enough (so you get high nitrites) or the mechanical medium is clogged (water is murky).

Adding a second filter obviously fixes the first problem.

With the second problem, you need to be able to change/clean the filter medium more regularly. In addition, having two filters, squirting the water in different directions, stops "dead spots" in the tank, and keeps the silt in suspension, instead of settling out on the sand. I like to have one filter at each end of the tank.

125 US gal. is about 500 litres; you need a filter that turns over the water at least 4 times per hour, i.e., around 2000 litres/hour capacity. Realistically, you should increase that to allow for the filter media getting clogged over time. Manufacturers usually quote the litres-per-hour with the filter clean rather than normal grubbiness. So, two filters the size of the one you have now is definitely not overfiltering, and possibly the second filter should be even bigger. Aiming for 3000 lph wouldn't be a bad idea at all.

Cheers,

Neale

 

[Spank]

I don't think it's US gallons, it's a 6ftX2ftX2ft.... just worked out that's 142gl or 648 litres
Will adding peat to one of the filters decrease it's filtering capacity??

 

[nmonks]

Adding anything to a filter decreases its capactity. Realistically, downgrade what the manufacturer puts on the box by 30-50%. So a 1000 litre/hour filter may well only turn the water over by 500 lph once the filter is filled with media and some fish/plant waste as well.

Cheers,

Neale

 

[Spank]

Thanks for the help Neale, looks like I'm gonna have to look for another big external then,

 

[vic]

Hi:
I have a 125 USG and i run 2 Rena xP3's. The piclups are in the rear corners and the outflows are un the middle back with the left pick up delivering to the right half of the tank. Makes for great water circulation.
Cheers;

 

[Bloo]

This thread has been most useful for me. I'm getting a new 115 gallon tank with a Rena Filstar XP3 and wasn't sure if I should also run my Eheim 224 - but with all above info and advice, I have decided it might well be a good idea.

 

[vic]

This thread has been most useful for me. I'm getting a new 115 gallon tank with a Rena Filstar XP3 and wasn't sure if I should also run my Eheim 224 - but with all above info and advice, I have decided it might well be a good idea.

I don't think I would mix filters. One of the advantages of having 2 filters is offsetting the filter maintenae so you don't risk crashing the biological portion of the filter system. Having different filters will likely makeit difficult to get the timing right on the filter cleaning chore

 

[PlecMama]

I have one Eheim at each end of my 6ft.

Oh and watch if you bore holes for it in the lid, make them in the middle of the lid and not in the edge, I did that only to find that the pipes wont fit in because the glass ledge is in their way!

 

[Bloo]

I don't think I would mix filters. One of the advantages of having 2 filters is offsetting the filter maintenae so you don't risk crashing the biological portion of the filter system. Having different filters will likely makeit difficult to get the timing right on the filter cleaning chore

Thanks - but I honestly do not believe it would make a difference in brand or filter size. Extra filtration is extra filtration. It doesn't matter what part of it gets cleaned.
I ran two filters on each of my other tanks (Eheim Juwel and Fluval filters mixed) - and never ever noticed even the slightest change in ammonia or nitrite - they always remained at zero. Irrespective of which filter I cleaned when.

 

[SamUK]

i agree with bloo.


doesnt really matter what make and model the filter is.

aslong as its doing its job.


i clean all my filters on the same day and i have fluvals, tetra tec (think thats what its called) and magi flo's and never notice any problems.

 

[Mr Miagi]

i clean all my filters on the same day and i have fluvals, tetra tec (think thats what its called) and magi flo's and never notice any problems.

You shouldnt really clean both of your filters on the same day. If you leave one "dirty" your garanteed a presemce of benficial bacteria. When you clean both, if you significantly damage or remove a large proportion of your beneficial bacteria, you run the risk of your tank having large readings of nitrite or ammonia. Id clean one at a time. I have two filters running on my SW. One is an Eheim 2028 and the other is an Eheim 2218. They run fine, with no noticable difference in water parameters.

I will be moving the 2028 to my new marine aquarium, and thought if I ran them both, the 2028 will already be matured when I come to move it over!

 

[The-Wolf]

ok I'll add my experiance to this.

I ran two eheims in tandem one ecco2234 & one eheim pro 2224.
the ecco was first inline doing the mechanical filtration and the pro was doing biological and polishing.
this worked a treat for a week, then it all went pants up.

I firmley belive that running two exact same filters in line will work, but not two different ones.

 

[scotsgringo]

hey BLOO have you been reading my thoughts i just bought a rena 120x50x70 8 weeks ago i have 4 angels 10 xray tetra's 3 cory's and all going well water tests show all as should be but going to add more fish, i have an 850 aqua one tank NOT SET UP but i had an eheim 2224 running that so i'm going away to add that to this set up. so let me know how you get on
cheers