Filtration, Dont want HOB

[Mo Betta]

My new tank is 125 gallons. Tank is here and on the stand. Now I need to purchase Filtration. On my previous post I went over having the Pacu and Peacock Monsters. I know I wont have them for very long, but I still need to set up this new tank. So here are my questions,
Will 2 Filstar XP3's be enough filtration? 1 XP at each end. I really dont want to have a HOB.

Why dont I want a HOB? Doesnt look as clean, a little noisy and it SMELLS. What else can I do?

If I do go with 2 XP3's will there be enough Aeration? I like the look of a bubble curtain on the back wall, {buried under the rocks}, does this help?

Heaters, do I need 2 , 300watt heaters? Im in San Diego Ca. Its January and Im in Shorts and a tank top.

Has anyone seen some resin made tree roots, I think I want a "root overhang" like in the Amazon.

Picking out the "look" of the tank is a lot harder then I thought...........

Thanks for the Help Fish People, Frank

[TheMadNucleus]

I have a few suggestions for you:

1.) You might want to consider something a little more extreme for this tank then the XP3. I have one of these on my 55 and it is excellent and it is likely that it will handle the 125. But here is another thought, Consider pro-style canisters like the Rainbow lifgard, Nu-clear or ocean clear and run them with a nice iwaki pump. You can put 2 or hree of these on your system, each in line and each fro a specific purpose, mechanical, biological and chemical.

2.) My next FW will use a process from Marine tanks. I will install an overflow and a sump. I suggest this because most of the stuff you want to filer is on the surface of the water. Also - overflow boxes do some skimming so your tank will never have that 'goo; on the surface. You could run an overflow box to a sump then pump out from the sump into the canisters then back up to the tank.

With systems like these - your water will be the best it can and your bio system will devour just about any wastes your inhabitants can produce.

I am also very found of fluidized bed filters - these are certainly worth considering.

Tom