need help with filtering decisions

[hoamskilet]

I've got a 125 gallon that I've built into a wall in my basement, and the only thing that's holdin me up is just tryin to decide how I'm going to filter it. I've got a few questions, so bear with me. The only thing for sure right now is that I'm going to have UGJ's and I've already got a AC 110 that will be used along with whatever else i get.

1) Has anybody been using the Eheim 2229 wet/dry, and if so, how well do you like it?

2) Does anybody have first hand experience dealing with the XP3 AND Fluvals? If so, how would you compare them. Another option I've looked at is using the AC110 with either (1 or maybe 2) an XP3 or Fluval 404. I've got a 304 hooked up to my 55 gallon and like it. I was just considering the xp3 because cheaper and if nothin else, it's different from what I already have.

3) I had thought about maybe getting two canisters and setting one up like normal, and then rigging the second one up so that it's output goes through the UGJ's. I figure this way I would be able to keep from putting ugly powerheads in my tank to power the UGJ's and also have that much more filtration.

Sorry for the long post, and thanks for anybody that has any input that can hopefully lead me to actually making a decision so I can get this thing going. BTW, not sure if it makes a difference or not, but it's going to be a peacock tank.

 

[Lonewolfblue]

I personally only use Filstars. Eheim is a good brand, but too expensive and over-rated, IMO. Filstars do just as well, are very dependable, and costs far less. I use an XP3 on my 75G and an XP2 on my 29G. For the 125G, I'd put a XP3 on each end, even though 1 XP3 would be enough. Not sure what you are planning for a stocking list, but if you are going a heavier bioload or larger fish, then I'd go with 2 XP3's. But if you are going to keep the bioload lighter, then just 1 will work just fine.

 

[Lonewolfblue]

Also, for the XP's, maintenance is a breeze, compared to some other canisters. Total time I take doing my monthly maintenance on my XP3, including priming time, etc, and plugging it in, is 5 minutes. It's quick and easy. My first time took nearly 10 min, but once you've done it a couple times, it's a snap to do.

 

[Lonewolfblue]

And if you don't want a lot of stuff in the tank, then for your heater, you can get one of these for each canister if you get 2 canisters. But if only 1 canister, then you might want a submersable on the opposite end of the tank. The fittings on the XP's are 5/8".
Hydor ETH 300 In-Line Heater-300 W at Big Al's Online

 

[Panther28]

I am using an filstar Xp3 and it is doing a very good job. has a lot of space for media. i would definetly recommend this filter. Easy to prime and clean. The best thing is the price. I have not used other canister filters and dont know how they work. As prices are very high!

 

[hoamskilet]

Any thoughts on routing the output of the second canister through the UGJ's?

 

[Lonewolfblue]

I don't think there would be too many problems there. I think it could work just fine. But the only to know for sure it to try it. I'm not sure if it would affect the priming at all, but sounds like it would possibly work ok. Never tried it myself.

 

[Orion]

I bought a XP3 and XP1 about two years ago second hand and love them both very much. Great filters all around, and for the price of even the new ones you can't go wrong. I also have a Fluval 404. It's a good filter, don't get me wrong, but like lonewolf pointed out, the maintance on the XP's are quick and easy. Plus they do have a higher flow rate than fluvals.

If you wanted to route the return though UGJ's I don't see a big problem with it. You won't get as large of a flow as if you used a big powerhead or pump but still should work ok. I guess the biggest worry I would have on the priming issue would be not to suck up any small fish that might happen to be near the UGJ returns.

 

[Pure]

With the filtration your looking at a UGJ is going to be a complete waste of time and will not be needed.

The Eheim wet drys are nice. I have the big one (forget the model number) and couldn't be happier with it. I will say that priming it can be a PITA. And if you ever want CO2, you can not run it into this filter. The way the wet dry function works on this thing, allows for the CO2 to build up in mass quantities inside the filter until it release it all at once. This causes sudden and IME massive PH drops.

The fluvals are good filters, but bypass can be a problem. To help mechanical filtration even if it gets some bypass, I added cut foam blocks made to fit snugly in the media trays.

 

[bala_aquarium]

what the heck is a ugj?

 

[GIS Guy]

So far you're the only 1 that caught that thru several posts.
Shouldn't it be U G 'F'?

 

[Lotus]

I believe he means UGJ (Under Gravel Jets).

Because I know some of you won't bother to Google, here's a link: http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/ug_jets.php

 

[seastaar88]

unless he was doing an undergravel jet system which is basically a system of powerheads alogn the bottom to keep the crud off the substrate......

 

[GIS Guy]

Ok, that makes sense. Thnx for straightening me out on this!!
Occassionally I'll need that.

 

[Orion]

Yup, most commonly seen like the link that Lotus posted. Just a series of PVC pipes with outlets that focus the water into jets with one or more pumps or powerheads pushing water though the pipes.

 

[seastaar88]

it's a really neat concept. i'd like to try it one day.

 

[Lonewolfblue]

Plus, depending on how you design it, you can eliminate any dead spots in the tank where there's no circulation, like in large decor like sunken ships, etc.