correct filtration for a 220gal tank
 

My current tank is 55g. I got it back in the early 90s. It's been a
great tank thats served me and my freshwater fish well over the years.

I recently purchased an upgrade for $550. it's a used 220gal tank (7'
long 2' thick). it came with a magnum 350 with the 2 bio wheels, 5
powerheads to keep the water moving, rocks, decorations, heaters, stand
and canopy. really, it has everything need to get it up and running.
But, I have a question or two concerning filtration.

I know the amount of filtration you need depends on the amount of fish
you plan on housing in the tank. but I would rather over filtrate than
under :) this is what I was thinking of doing, please let me know your
thoughts:


Primary filtration:

2 magnum 350's w/ bio wheels. (this will give the tank a total of 4 bio
wheels)

Secondary filtration:

1 72"x18" Undergravel filter w/ 4 tubes and 4 powerheads.

Planed fish:

1) 1 large oscar
2) 1 large clown knife
3) 2 large tinfoil barbs
4) 2 large bala sharks
5) 1 large sucker mouth cat
6) 4 med clown loach
7) 1 med firemouth

Thank you for your thoughts on my planned setup and fish. BTW, currently
I own the Oscar, clown knife, sucker and firemouth.

"xbit" " " wrote in message ...
My current tank is 55g. I got it back in the early 90s. It's been a
great tank thats served me and my freshwater fish well over the years.

I recently purchased an upgrade for $550. it's a used 220gal tank (7'
long 2' thick). it came with a magnum 350 with the 2 bio wheels, 5
powerheads to keep the water moving, rocks, decorations, heaters,
stand and canopy. really, it has everything need to get it up and
running. But, I have a question or two concerning filtration.

I know the amount of filtration you need depends on the amount of fish
you plan on housing in the tank. but I would rather over filtrate than
under :) this is what I was thinking of doing, please let me know your
thoughts:

Filtration type & quantity is influenced by many factors. In your case,
you'll have a high carniverous fish-load. A tank of plant eaters
requires less from filtration systems than carnivores (as all Oscar
owners come to discover ;~).

Primary filtration:

2 magnum 350's w/ bio wheels. (this will give the tank a total of 4 bio
wheels)

Secondary filtration:

1 72"x18" Undergravel filter w/ 4 tubes and 4 powerheads.

I recommend that you put down a plastic screen to protect the UGF plates
from being exposed by the Oscar and Firemouth's excavations. Something
similar to Home Depot sku # A110-881.

Planed fish:

1) 1 large oscar
2) 1 large clown knife
3) 2 large tinfoil barbs
4) 2 large bala sharks
5) 1 large sucker mouth cat
6) 4 med clown loach
7) 1 med firemouth

Thank you for your thoughts on my planned setup and fish. BTW,
currently I own the Oscar, clown knife, sucker and firemouth.

I think that two Magnum 350s and a UGF will not come close to meeting the
filtration requirements for these fish. These characters put out a lot
of solid waste. Where will it go? To quickly clog the Magnum's pleated
paper filter cartridge or to clog your gravel. This is a high
maintenance setup. I would put some AC500s in, with intakes low (crap
catchers), raise the intakes of the Magnums and install wide screens for
them (to maximize their water polishing capability), and consider
installing sponges on the powerheads and running RUGF. Then carefully
arrange your water flow to come down the back, loop and across the bottom
front of the tank to carry all detritus to the waiting powerfilter
intakes (which you can quickly empty/rinse as required).

jmo, hth
--
www.NetMax.tk

Outstanding! thank you for your expert opinion. that was the best I've
received to date. I will rethink my setup before it goes live.

NetMax wrote:
"xbit" " " wrote in message ...

My current tank is 55g. I got it back in the early 90s. It's been a
great tank thats served me and my freshwater fish well over the years.

I recently purchased an upgrade for $550. it's a used 220gal tank (7'
long 2' thick). it came with a magnum 350 with the 2 bio wheels, 5
powerheads to keep the water moving, rocks, decorations, heaters,
stand and canopy. really, it has everything need to get it up and
running. But, I have a question or two concerning filtration.

I know the amount of filtration you need depends on the amount of fish
you plan on housing in the tank. but I would rather over filtrate than
under :) this is what I was thinking of doing, please let me know your
thoughts:


Filtration type & quantity is influenced by many factors. In your case,
you'll have a high carniverous fish-load. A tank of plant eaters
requires less from filtration systems than carnivores (as all Oscar
owners come to discover ;~).


Primary filtration:

2 magnum 350's w/ bio wheels. (this will give the tank a total of 4 bio
wheels)

Secondary filtration:

1 72"x18" Undergravel filter w/ 4 tubes and 4 powerheads.


I recommend that you put down a plastic screen to protect the UGF plates
from being exposed by the Oscar and Firemouth's excavations. Something
similar to Home Depot sku # A110-881.


Planed fish:

1) 1 large oscar
2) 1 large clown knife
3) 2 large tinfoil barbs
4) 2 large bala sharks
5) 1 large sucker mouth cat
6) 4 med clown loach
7) 1 med firemouth

Thank you for your thoughts on my planned setup and fish. BTW,
currently I own the Oscar, clown knife, sucker and firemouth.


I think that two Magnum 350s and a UGF will not come close to meeting the
filtration requirements for these fish. These characters put out a lot
of solid waste. Where will it go? To quickly clog the Magnum's pleated
paper filter cartridge or to clog your gravel. This is a high
maintenance setup. I would put some AC500s in, with intakes low (crap
catchers), raise the intakes of the Magnums and install wide screens for
them (to maximize their water polishing capability), and consider
installing sponges on the powerheads and running RUGF. Then carefully
arrange your water flow to come down the back, loop and across the bottom
front of the tank to carry all detritus to the waiting powerfilter
intakes (which you can quickly empty/rinse as required).

jmo, hth

I'm having a hard time locating any AC500's on http://www.petsolutions.com/

Where would be the best place to find equipment of this type?

also, I don't feed my Oscar meat :) just big pellets and bloodworms.

NetMax wrote:

I think that two Magnum 350s and a UGF will not come close to meeting the
filtration requirements for these fish. These characters put out a lot
of solid waste. Where will it go? To quickly clog the Magnum's pleated
paper filter cartridge or to clog your gravel. This is a high
maintenance setup. I would put some AC500s in, with intakes low (crap
catchers), raise the intakes of the Magnums and install wide screens for
them (to maximize their water polishing capability), and consider
installing sponges on the powerheads and running RUGF. Then carefully
arrange your water flow to come down the back, loop and across the bottom
front of the tank to carry all detritus to the waiting powerfilter
intakes (which you can quickly empty/rinse as required).

jmo, hth

xbit wrote:
I'm having a hard time locating any AC500's on http://www.petsolutions.com/

Where would be the best place to find equipment of this type?

also, I don't feed my Oscar meat :) just big pellets and bloodworms.

NetMax wrote:


I think that two Magnum 350s and a UGF will not come close to meeting
the filtration requirements for these fish. These characters put out
a lot of solid waste. Where will it go? To quickly clog the Magnum's
pleated paper filter cartridge or to clog your gravel. This is a high
maintenance setup. I would put some AC500s in, with intakes low (crap
catchers), raise the intakes of the Magnums and install wide screens
for them (to maximize their water polishing capability), and consider
installing sponges on the powerheads and running RUGF. Then carefully
arrange your water flow to come down the back, loop and across the
bottom front of the tank to carry all detritus to the waiting
powerfilter intakes (which you can quickly empty/rinse as required).

jmo, hth

NexMax used the old name for an AquaClear 110. Great filters!
http://www.petsolutions.com/AquaClea...510620-I-.aspx

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html '__
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

Holy cow, that's a great price too. The cheapest locally here is $66 and the
most expensive is $119.
"Elaine T" wrote in message
m...
xbit wrote:
I'm having a hard time locating any AC500's on
http://www.petsolutions.com/

Where would be the best place to find equipment of this type?

also, I don't feed my Oscar meat :) just big pellets and bloodworms.

NetMax wrote:


I think that two Magnum 350s and a UGF will not come close to meeting
the filtration requirements for these fish. These characters put out a
lot of solid waste. Where will it go? To quickly clog the Magnum's
pleated paper filter cartridge or to clog your gravel. This is a high
maintenance setup. I would put some AC500s in, with intakes low (crap
catchers), raise the intakes of the Magnums and install wide screens for
them (to maximize their water polishing capability), and consider
installing sponges on the powerheads and running RUGF. Then carefully
arrange your water flow to come down the back, loop and across the
bottom front of the tank to carry all detritus to the waiting
powerfilter intakes (which you can quickly empty/rinse as required).

jmo, hth

NexMax used the old name for an AquaClear 110. Great filters!
http://www.petsolutions.com/AquaClea...510620-I-.aspx

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html '__
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

If you do buy this, buy a second sponge. see my post on AquaClear vs. Magnum
vs. Emperor?
"Elaine T" wrote in message
m...
xbit wrote:
I'm having a hard time locating any AC500's on
http://www.petsolutions.com/

Where would be the best place to find equipment of this type?

also, I don't feed my Oscar meat :) just big pellets and bloodworms.

NetMax wrote:


I think that two Magnum 350s and a UGF will not come close to meeting
the filtration requirements for these fish. These characters put out a
lot of solid waste. Where will it go? To quickly clog the Magnum's
pleated paper filter cartridge or to clog your gravel. This is a high
maintenance setup. I would put some AC500s in, with intakes low (crap
catchers), raise the intakes of the Magnums and install wide screens for
them (to maximize their water polishing capability), and consider
installing sponges on the powerheads and running RUGF. Then carefully
arrange your water flow to come down the back, loop and across the
bottom front of the tank to carry all detritus to the waiting
powerfilter intakes (which you can quickly empty/rinse as required).

jmo, hth

NexMax used the old name for an AquaClear 110. Great filters!
http://www.petsolutions.com/AquaClea...510620-I-.aspx

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html '__
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

OK, I bought one :) Best price I've seen on these. here is the next best I
saw
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...=6&pCatId=3610

The rest are way out there.


"Elaine T" wrote in message
m...
xbit wrote:
I'm having a hard time locating any AC500's on
http://www.petsolutions.com/

Where would be the best place to find equipment of this type?

also, I don't feed my Oscar meat :) just big pellets and bloodworms.

NetMax wrote:


I think that two Magnum 350s and a UGF will not come close to meeting
the filtration requirements for these fish. These characters put out a
lot of solid waste. Where will it go? To quickly clog the Magnum's
pleated paper filter cartridge or to clog your gravel. This is a high
maintenance setup. I would put some AC500s in, with intakes low (crap
catchers), raise the intakes of the Magnums and install wide screens for
them (to maximize their water polishing capability), and consider
installing sponges on the powerheads and running RUGF. Then carefully
arrange your water flow to come down the back, loop and across the
bottom front of the tank to carry all detritus to the waiting
powerfilter intakes (which you can quickly empty/rinse as required).

jmo, hth

NexMax used the old name for an AquaClear 110. Great filters!
http://www.petsolutions.com/AquaClea...510620-I-.aspx

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html '__
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

"Elaine T" wrote in message
m...
xbit wrote:
I'm having a hard time locating any AC500's on
http://www.petsolutions.com/

Where would be the best place to find equipment of this type?

also, I don't feed my Oscar meat :) just big pellets and bloodworms.

NetMax wrote:


I think that two Magnum 350s and a UGF will not come close to meeting
the filtration requirements for these fish. These characters put out a
lot of solid waste. Where will it go? To quickly clog the Magnum's
pleated paper filter cartridge or to clog your gravel. This is a high
maintenance setup. I would put some AC500s in, with intakes low (crap
catchers), raise the intakes of the Magnums and install wide screens for
them (to maximize their water polishing capability), and consider
installing sponges on the powerheads and running RUGF. Then carefully
arrange your water flow to come down the back, loop and across the
bottom front of the tank to carry all detritus to the waiting
powerfilter intakes (which you can quickly empty/rinse as required).

jmo, hth

NexMax used the old name for an AquaClear 110. Great filters!
http://www.petsolutions.com/AquaClea...510620-I-.aspx

--
Elaine T

Thanks Elaine. Did I ever curse blue smoke at my Hagen rep when they
started renumbering the filters, except my rep was cursing as loud as me
because she hated it too. Talk about moronic marketing.

For xbit, the AC110 (*&$!) is like a farm tractor. It's a very steady
plough horse which will run a long time, but it's not a finesse filter (ie:
water polishing) or a very refined filter (will rattle for a few days, and
then only the cover occasionally). It's a good match to other filters on
large tanks (widens your filtering spectrum). A sump filter as Elaine
mentioned is another good option for larger tanks. I'm toying with a giant
sponge filter for my next set-up.
--
www.NetMax.tk

I just got two :) I'll post my finial filtration solution shortly.

(now, I just need to re-wire my house ;)

Rick wrote:
OK, I bought one :) Best price I've seen on these. here is the next best I
saw
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...=6&pCatId=3610

The rest are way out there.


"Elaine T" wrote in message
m...

xbit wrote:

I'm having a hard time locating any AC500's on
http://www.petsolutions.com/

Where would be the best place to find equipment of this type?

also, I don't feed my Oscar meat :) just big pellets and bloodworms.

NetMax wrote:


I think that two Magnum 350s and a UGF will not come close to meeting
the filtration requirements for these fish. These characters put out a
lot of solid waste. Where will it go? To quickly clog the Magnum's
pleated paper filter cartridge or to clog your gravel. This is a high
maintenance setup. I would put some AC500s in, with intakes low (crap
catchers), raise the intakes of the Magnums and install wide screens for
them (to maximize their water polishing capability), and consider
installing sponges on the powerheads and running RUGF. Then carefully
arrange your water flow to come down the back, loop and across the
bottom front of the tank to carry all detritus to the waiting
powerfilter intakes (which you can quickly empty/rinse as required).

jmo, hth

NexMax used the old name for an AquaClear 110. Great filters!
http://www.petsolutions.com/AquaClea...510620-I-.aspx

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html '__
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com