Filter Question

Grimnokk · 01-10-2013, 01:22 PM

I have been reading through tons of tank journals and other posts here on the board trying to get a good set of hardware put together for a tank I will be setting up in the next couple weeks. After much reading, I am starting to wonder if I will have enough flow in my tank for the plants.

I will be setting up a 75 gallon tank. I currently have a Rena XP3 filter. I was wondering if I shouldn't buy a second one and put both outlets (to canister) in the center of the tank on the back wall and then one return on each end of the tank pointed towards the center. I know that I don't need the "extra" canister for filtration as that is what the plants are for, but I want to make sure that I have enough flow. I also realize that I could accomplish this with a power head. However I don't really want this tank to have large pieces of equipment in the tank.

What is your opinion on this? Is this overkill? Would this be a good option? Thoguhts on the matter please and thank you.

etgregoire · 01-10-2013, 01:57 PM

I don't have this filter, but it looks like its rated for up to 175. I would think that would be enough flow.

As far as positioning, I think generally you want the in and out to be in different places so that its pulling flow across the entire tank. As far as positioning 2 intakes, or any powerhead I think the idea is that you want stuff moving in the same direction... or creating some kind of cyclical flow as appose to 2 things moving at each other.

I would just set it up and see how it looks. I think you want to have a gentle movement over the plants, and if it doesn't seem to be achieving that you can see what else you can add to improve.

**infamouz23** · 01-10-2013, 07:44 PM

If you're not concerned with the level of filtration in your tank, I'd look into a power head.

driftwoodhunter · 01-10-2013, 07:59 PM

Or a Koralia-type circulation pump.

wheatiesl337 · 01-10-2013, 08:28 PM

Cannister filters are great for filtration, but have generally not provided my tanks with adequate circulation, even when I have used ones far over-rated for their size. For a heavily planted tank, you will probably have adequate filtration, but not necessarily enough circulation.

I concur with the above koralia powerhead/circulation pump suggestion rather than adding a second cannister.

**bababooey** · 01-10-2013, 08:44 PM

or a Vortech if you don't want a powerhead taking up alot of space.

I have a mp10 in my 40g and it was worth every penny.

01-10-2013, 01:22 PM	#1
Grimnokk Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: OFallon, MO Posts: 42	Filter Question I have been reading through tons of tank journals and other posts here on the board trying to get a good set of hardware put together for a tank I will be setting up in the next couple weeks. After much reading, I am starting to wonder if I will have enough flow in my tank for the plants. I will be setting up a 75 gallon tank. I currently have a Rena XP3 filter. I was wondering if I shouldn't buy a second one and put both outlets (to canister) in the center of the tank on the back wall and then one return on each end of the tank pointed towards the center. I know that I don't need the "extra" canister for filtration as that is what the plants are for, but I want to make sure that I have enough flow. I also realize that I could accomplish this with a power head. However I don't really want this tank to have large pieces of equipment in the tank. What is your opinion on this? Is this overkill? Would this be a good option? Thoguhts on the matter please and thank you.

01-10-2013, 07:44 PM	#3
infamouz23 Planted Tank Explorer (View User Tanks) PTrader: (7/100%) Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: East Bay, CA Posts: 74	If you're not concerned with the level of filtration in your tank, I'd look into a power head. __________________ SFBAAPS

01-10-2013, 07:59 PM	#4
driftwoodhunter Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (23/100%) Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Christiansburg, Va Posts: 2,758	Or a Koralia-type circulation pump. __________________ *The Fraternity of Dirt # 7* **- Daughter of the Dirt - Canon Club #018 Twin 29g Dirt Tanks on an Iron Stand - DIY 3D Backgrounds http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/ta...stand-pic.html The Behemoth - 125 dirt tank** http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/sh...d.php?t=199772

01-10-2013, 08:28 PM	#5
wheatiesl337 Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (5/100%) Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Davis, CA Posts: 148	Cannister filters are great for filtration, but have generally not provided my tanks with adequate circulation, even when I have used ones far over-rated for their size. For a heavily planted tank, you will probably have adequate filtration, but not necessarily enough circulation. I concur with the above koralia powerhead/circulation pump suggestion rather than adding a second cannister. __________________ Low-tech Edge; 50g dirt, DIY riverbank paludarium

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01-10-2013, 01:57 PM	#2
etgregoire Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (3/100%) Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 272	I don't have this filter, but it looks like its rated for up to 175. I would think that would be enough flow. As far as positioning, I think generally you want the in and out to be in different places so that its pulling flow across the entire tank. As far as positioning 2 intakes, or any powerhead I think the idea is that you want stuff moving in the same direction... or creating some kind of cyclical flow as appose to 2 things moving at each other. I would just set it up and see how it looks. I think you want to have a gentle movement over the plants, and if it doesn't seem to be achieving that you can see what else you can add to improve.

01-10-2013, 08:44 PM	#6
bababooey ba - ba - BOOEY (View User Tanks) PTrader: (21/100%) Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 142	or a Vortech if you don't want a powerhead taking up alot of space. I have a mp10 in my 40g and it was worth every penny.