What Would You Do Inn My Situation?

[Matty]

I am thinking of revampong my 90g aquarium and keeping mbuna cichlids instead of tetras. After looking at many articles, ive decided to install an undergravel jet system with 3 powerheads and foam filters covering the water intake. For filtration, i have an eheim 2217, which is rated for 160 US gallons. My question is, is this enough? and which of the above filtration options are the best for an overstocked 90g mbuna tank? I dont really have too much money to spend on my hobby, as i am a student, but if i need it, then ill try to save to cover a more expensive filter. thank you for your input!

 

[Miss Dib Dabs]

Personally I love the integrated heaters as it spreads the heat around the tank more efficently, but I highly doubt you really need a second filter with a filter that size going. Mine runs on an external for 40g and an internal with intergrated heater for 30-40g. The tank is 44g. I don't consider the cichlids especially high waste producers but my catfish can be.
Hugs,
P.

 

[freddyk]

The fact is you can try it out and add more if you need it, but the 2217 is a low flow filter that, while great for biological filtration, can really lack in mechanical filtration in heavily stocked tanks.

 

[Matty]

what is a good high flow canister filter?