External Filter For 131Usg

[ChilliPepper]

I am wondering whether a Fluval FX5 will be enough for my 5x2x2 131USG/496l tank? Occupants will include a messy oscar and a GT.

The FX5 apparently filters 2300 LPH and is suitable for aquariums up to 1500 litres.

I'm trying to keep costs down, and this filter seems capable of handling the waste produced. I don't really want the hassle of two filters, so if this one is not 'good enough', then can you recommend ONE that is...Thanks.

 

[raptorrex]

I am wondering whether a Fluval FX5 will be enough for my 5x2x2 131USG/496l tank? Occupants will include a messy oscar and a GT.

The FX5 apparently filters 2300 LPH and is suitable for aquariums up to 1500 litres.

I'm trying to keep costs down, and this filter seems capable of handling the waste produced. I don't really want the hassle of two filters, so if this one is not 'good enough', then can you recommend ONE that is...Thanks.

you may just get away with 2 FX5's. perhaps a sump would be the best way forwards? i can't, off hand, think of a single external for a tank that size.

 

[always4lora]

get 2 fx5's if you can , i have a fx5 and an eheim 2078e on mine and would have more if i had room. you could if you are shortish on cash get one fx5 for now. Then st9ock your tank lightly and slowly until you can get another filter.

 

[ChilliPepper]

I may get two FX5's then... Seapets seem to do them the cheapest at £150 each, I can pick up so save p&p. Blimey, this is turning out to be quite expensive!

So, if I get two FX5... My tank should be super duper filtered and plenty able to cope with any waste my fish chuck at it? I don't mind spending the money as long as it's 100% worth it and my fish will feel the effects

Tank - £471
Lights - £60
Heaters - £25
Filters - £300

= ARRRRGH

 

[always4lora]

Get the FX5's second hand as the new un's most likely wont come with media, i got mine for around £100 deliverd i think with all media plus some spare media.

 

[ChilliPepper]

Get the FX5's second hand as the new un's most likely wont come with media, i got mine for around £100 deliverd i think with all media plus some spare media.

I have looked on ebay, but the only person selling one sounds dodgy!

I will keep a lookout - got a 9 week wait for the tank so not desparate!

 

[raptorrex]

take a look in the "for sale" section. there is a eheim pro3 there. it would be a good companion to an FX5.

 

[OldMan47]

I would expect a single FX5 to be plenty for that tank. I am running a Rena XP3 on a tank that is 120 gallons and it has been doing a bang up job on that tank for over 6 years. The FX5 is a much bigger filter than my Rena so it should be plenty.

 

[spikeyboy]

I agree that one will do the job.I had one running a 450l tank with 6 Caribe piranha and did a great job.Obviously the more filtration the better.Just do regular water changes and should be fine.This also depends on your stocklist.


Cheers Spike

 

[ChilliPepper]

I agree that one will do the job.I had one running a 450l tank with 6 Caribe piranha and did a great job.Obviously the more filtration the better.Just do regular water changes and should be fine.This also depends on your stocklist.


Cheers Spike

Gonna have a messy Oscar, GT, Severum, Bichir and a school of Silver Dollars. The tank is actually 150USG/566 Litres. The Fluval FX5 will filter around 4x the water volume every hour - does seem enough filteration on the face of it...

 

[raptorrex]

I agree that one will do the job.I had one running a 450l tank with 6 Caribe piranha and did a great job.Obviously the more filtration the better.Just do regular water changes and should be fine.This also depends on your stocklist.


Cheers Spike

The Fluval FX5 will filter around 4x the water volume every hour - does seem enough filteration on the face of it...

that's its, claimed flow, 3500lph. the ony tests i am aware of, states its true flow, with media iat 1900lph. so no, not with your stocking. incidentally, this test is mentioned, if not reposted here.

 

[ChilliPepper]

I agree that one will do the job.I had one running a 450l tank with 6 Caribe piranha and did a great job.Obviously the more filtration the better.Just do regular water changes and should be fine.This also depends on your stocklist.


Cheers Spike

The Fluval FX5 will filter around 4x the water volume every hour - does seem enough filteration on the face of it...

that's its, claimed flow, 3500lph. the ony tests i am aware of, states its true flow, with media iat 1900lph. so no, not with your stocking. incidentally, this test is mentioned, if not reposted here.

How many times an hour does the water need filtering with my proposed stocking, then?

 

[bitteraspects]

When in doubt, go with a wet/dry sump. Even a Pre-fab store bought wet/dry will proba ly cost less than the FX5. Or if you're handy you can just build one yourself.

 

[raptorrex]

When in doubt, go with a wet/dry sump. Even a Pre-fab store bought wet/dry will proba ly cost less than the FX5. Or if you're handy you can just build one yourself.

on, this, we very much agree. but, there is a lot to get your head around. especially if your only experience is, internal/cannisters.

 

[always4lora]

When in doubt, go with a wet/dry sump. Even a Pre-fab store bought wet/dry will proba ly cost less than the FX5. Or if you're handy you can just build one yourself.

on, this, we very much agree. but, there is a lot to get your head around. especially if your only experience is, internal/cannisters.

I got confused when i last looked into making one, the pre made ones look alright but cant fit one in the stand for mine.

Go for two filters if you can, the more filteration the better! you get 3 good advantages:
Cleaner/better water
Failsafe if one breaks (i'd had to loose like 300-500£ upwards of stocking)
When cleaning the filter you dont have to wurry to much about loss of bacteria etc as the other one will cope.