Filters questions

[Meave]

I currently have:

60 Gallon tank
2 Marineland 200B Penguin Filters
1 Top Fin 300w heater

It's cycling now, going on week 6 and I plan on adding Mbuna's, about 20 of them. My question is I wanted to get a canister filer, and was looking at either the Fluval 405 or the Fx5. Is the Fx5 too much for my size tank and my planned stock?

Thanks in advance!

 

[severum mama]

IMO there's no reason to get the FX5 for a 55 gallon even though you will be stocking heavily with Mbuna. The 405 should work out just fine.

 

[jcolon]

Agreed ... I'd say a 405 will work just fine.

 

[Meave]

Was just wondering, because there is only a $60 difference.

 

[jcolon]

Only $60 differene? Wow ... IDK ... an FX5 would be tempting ... but in your case, if your still keeping the penguins running then a 405 will do. Any chance your going to upgrade to a 75gal or larger in the next few months to year? If so then maybe the FX5 would be worth it. Even though a 405 is not to the same level as an Fx5 its still a very capable filter. Besides ... I'm sure $60 could really go to some nice Mbuna's!

 

[Meave]

I don't think I'm going to upgrade the tank anytime soon. I might get rid of the HOB filters though, they are so loud.

 

[jcolon]

I'll defer from now on to members experienced with mbuna's since you'd only go with one canister. I'd still think a 405 would provide enough filtration ... even for 20 mbuna's. In the end doesn't matter if it's a 405 or Fx5 ... nitrates will build up regardless.

If you go with the 405, any thoughts on the media you'd use? I highly recommend using 100% Poly-fill on the bottom tray ... really helps to "polish" the water by collecting the micro stuff the foam pads don't.

 

[Ausfish]

I would get as much filtration as I can afford! On my 55g I'm running and eheim pro2 and a cheap but good canister off eBay for 2100l/h. Cichlids are very messy, an FX5 can't hurt if you ask me