new 125g questions

[vance1013]

Hey guys hows it goin tomorrow im picking up a 125 gallon tank and stand for a 100$ just the tank and stand i was curious as to what the best filters and heaters would be to use just shoot some names brands etc.. so i can research the right one to get also this is going to be freshwater and have plants so good lighting systems too

 

[MaiTank]

Buildmyled.com for lighting. Use a sump for filter.

 

[vance1013]

I'll check those out thanks will leds be string enough for plants

 

[MaiTank]

They are designed for planted tanks with high par values.

 

[vance1013]

Ah ok and for the sump if i dont do that what filters would you suggest

 

[Andrew McFadden]

I agree with a sump there are way more pros vs cons over any other filter. It will always leave you with more options with everything. If you had to pick something else I'd have to say rena xp4 or fx5.

 

[MaiTank]

Well, personally for a planted tank I would do 2 hob power filters. probably aquaclear with no carbon and rinse the sponge once a week with tank water and a small powerhead with floss attachment for polishing.

 

[vance1013]

I agree with a sump there are way more pros vs cons over any other filter. It will always leave you with more options with everything. If you had to pick something else I'd have to say rena xp4 or fx5.

Well, personally for a planted tank I would do 2 hob power filters. probably aquaclear with no carbon and rinse the sponge once a week with tank water and a small powerhead with floss attachment for polishing.

Thank you to both i will keep my options open and keep researching if i did go the sump route what size tank would be good to use

 

[vance1013]

Ok so im considering the sump route still undecided at the moment what is a recommended size tank for a sump on a 125 also what size heater like a 300 watt heater would that work thank you again just need the ideas so i can research more

 

[vance1013]

Or would a rubbermaid tote work as a sump if it fits in the stand

 

[Elmo1287]

I have a 30 gallon on mine works just fine

 

[Andrew McFadden]

The problem with using a tote is the sides will push out and break anything that you siliconed inside to make sections. There is one on YouTube that andrewspistol tryed to make a few months ago and I'm not sure how it turned out. Basically all it is is one of those s drawer towers that drain into each other then gets drainded into a tank or container just to be pumped back up. Personally I would look for 29 gallon myself and add sections into it.

For the heater you'll need 500 watts but that may change depending on where you live. On my 6' tank I run a 200 watt threw the summer but once winter hits I add 300 watts. But I live in Ohio and on the winter it will get below freezing

 

[vance1013]

Heres a pic he also threw in some extra stuff as well all for a hundred dollars i feel good lol

 

[vance1013]

Build thread coming soon lol

 

[vance1013]

At home now (moving a tank after a few drinks and belly full of food slows you down a bit lol) checked it over no cracks just needs resealing and cleaning plus finding a 30g to build the sump ok another question do i need to drill the tank gor the sump or can i run the intake and output up over and into the tank or will that not work

 

[Andrew McFadden]

You can use an overflow box

 

[vance1013]

Heres a few more pics now this tank has no center braces it looks to be 3/4" glass should i reinforce the stand with cross studs