FishKeepingBanter.com - View Single Post

erik w · March 14th 06, 08:01 AM posted to rec.aquaria.freshwater.cichlids

George Pontis wrote:
In article ,
says...

I have a 75 gallon African tank using a Fluval 404 and a dual biowheel
powered with a powerhead. There is more than enough filtration (0
nitirites). Nitrate build up is controled by partial water changes. If you
want more circulation then I agree with the powerhead. I ran one attached
to a sponge filter and the sponge gathered more debris than the Fluval.
Adding another 404 would be, in my opinion, overkill.

Your setup makes a lot of sense to me, and on several occasions I have suggested
the PH-Biowheel combo to others as a very cost effective way of adding mechanical
and biological filtration. I never really gave it enough consideration for this
tank. One reason may have been that I have been able to move almost all the
technology out of the tank and under the stand. The only thing really visible is a
dip tube ("Eheim installation set 1").

That said, I finally ordered a second 404 but have not yet received or installed
it. As far as being overkill, I don't think it would be. The specs on the 404 say
340GPH pump, but in further detail admit to only 225 GPH "circulation". So for an
actual 100G water capacity, two of these could turn over the tank 4.5 times per
hour. That is right in the middle of the 3-6 turns per hour that is often
recommended. One thing is for sure, a single 404 is not enough for this
application.

George (P)

Wish I had a canister filter. I just have a Emperor 400 for my 75 ga. By
the way it is going to be cool when you get the file not found for
tank. lol. Get it? 404 error: file not found. I am such a nerd!

Erik