If you're looking for a good bang for buck canister I'd recommend an FX5. It'll provide nice flow and media capacity at a reasonable price. $200 shipped from multiple vendors on ebay and it's a massive improvement over any of the others you've listed IMO. This however doesn't include the bio-media, so you can spend a small fortune(or next to nothing) on that depending on what kind you're buying.
Unless you're talking about a very small tank the FX5 is my go to canister filter. I don't bother with any smaller canisters as I don't feel that they match up to the price performance offered in the FX5s. Not my favorite filter to work with, but if you take the step up you'll have to work with it a LOT less often.
Movin on Up...
Started by
Guest_jblaylock_*
, Dec 08 2008 12:45 PM
57 replies to this topic
#42
Guest_jblaylock_*
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Posted 21 December 2008 - 07:52 PM
Ok, so all the fish made it into the tank. The tank had cleared up but after adding the fish the bacteria spiked and it's a bit cloudy now. When it clears up I'll get some pics, hopefully tomorrow.
BTW, I went with the Eheim Pro II - 2026. So far, it was pretty simple to get going...after I figured it out. It came with the media, but not enough. It left a little room, I guess hoping people will buy more. I think I'm going to get some carbon bags to add to the bottom layer tomorrow, it only had ceramic rings, pads, and bio-substrate for biofiltration.
I currently have three filters running, two powerfilters and the Eheim.
Left to do:
1. Lunar lights on canopy (they'll be here tomorrow)
2. I'm going to order extensions for the filter spray bar to put it where I want it
3. plumbing for powerheads
BTW, I went with the Eheim Pro II - 2026. So far, it was pretty simple to get going...after I figured it out. It came with the media, but not enough. It left a little room, I guess hoping people will buy more. I think I'm going to get some carbon bags to add to the bottom layer tomorrow, it only had ceramic rings, pads, and bio-substrate for biofiltration.
I currently have three filters running, two powerfilters and the Eheim.
Left to do:
1. Lunar lights on canopy (they'll be here tomorrow)
2. I'm going to order extensions for the filter spray bar to put it where I want it
3. plumbing for powerheads
#43
Guest_natureman187_*
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Posted 22 December 2008 - 02:43 PM
Unless you're using an uncleaned canister to cycle you tank, enough media shouldn't be an issue. In a cycled tank your rich substrate is your media. Wait two weeks, let the tank cycle...no problems. The more micro balls and ceramic discs and carbon chips and whatever else consumers bite on these days, the less flow. All they're there for is to filter suspended debris and provide current.
#44
Guest_schambers_*
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Posted 22 December 2008 - 04:15 PM
I agree, you don't have to add more media. The extra room will allow you to add some carbon if you want. I also make my own filter pads out of bulk bonded filter material.
#45
Guest_jblaylock_*
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Posted 22 December 2008 - 08:44 PM
I agree, you don't have to add more media. The extra room will allow you to add some carbon if you want. I also make my own filter pads out of bulk bonded filter material.
Right, but it seems like most people would want to go buy more because of the room left in the tray. I am going to add a bit of carbon. Anybody make their own carbon bags?? What's a good material to use for the bag? Could I cut out the footings of pantyhose? They are made of nylon, but would it allow enough water to pass through?
#46
Guest_sunnyman97_*
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Posted 22 December 2008 - 09:09 PM
Do you have some pictures of the bluntnoses you put in?
Edited by sunnyman97, 22 December 2008 - 09:10 PM.
#47
Guest_CATfishTONY_*
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Posted 23 December 2008 - 06:09 AM
Right, but it seems like most people would want to go buy more because of the room left in the tray. I am going to add a bit of carbon. Anybody make their own carbon bags?? What's a good material to use for the bag? Could I cut out the footings of pantyhose? They are made of nylon, but would it allow enough water to pass through?
We use pantyhouse all the time in our bait fish tank. our bait is native fish and they live in 55gal. drums
so I don't see why this would not work inside a home tank.soak it for a few days in water first to get the dye out.
#48
Guest_jblaylock_*
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Posted 23 December 2008 - 07:51 AM
Do you have some pictures of the bluntnoses you put in?
I don't think I have any right off hand, but I can try to get some. I only have one bluntnose in that tank, and two more in another. I must say, that one is getting to be one big minnow.
It looks just like this one that Nate photo'd....but fat.
Edited by jblaylock, 23 December 2008 - 07:53 AM.
#49
Guest_BTDarters_*
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Posted 24 December 2008 - 02:36 AM
Josh,
Are you sure that Nate's picture is of a Bluntnose? I don't see the black spot on the anterior edge of the dorsal fin that is supposed to be there. Unfortunately, I don't know what the fish could be. It just doesn't have that characteristic of a Bluntnose that I would expect to see. Here's a picture of a Bluntnose that I took. The black spot on the dorsal looks like a spot on the rock behind the fish showing through the fin.
bnmw_rock02_640x480.jpg 52.73KB
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Brian
Are you sure that Nate's picture is of a Bluntnose? I don't see the black spot on the anterior edge of the dorsal fin that is supposed to be there. Unfortunately, I don't know what the fish could be. It just doesn't have that characteristic of a Bluntnose that I would expect to see. Here's a picture of a Bluntnose that I took. The black spot on the dorsal looks like a spot on the rock behind the fish showing through the fin.
bnmw_rock02_640x480.jpg 52.73KB
0 downloadsBrian
#50
Guest_jblaylock_*
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Posted 24 December 2008 - 08:57 AM
It may not be a bluntnose, I just went to the gallery and grabbed a pic real quick. However, it is similar to the fish in your pic, as they are both similar to the bluntnose I have. When I get my canopy on my tank I'll start taking pics.
#51
Guest_blakemarkwell_*
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Posted 24 December 2008 - 11:05 AM
The fish in Nate's picture is definitely a Pimephales notatus as well.
Blake
Blake
#52
Guest_jblaylock_*
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Posted 01 January 2009 - 05:42 PM
OK OK OK OK...the build is mostly complete. I'm lacking a few minor things, but I have my fish in, lights on, and filter in. Here are a few final pics. Thanks to everyone who helped, guided me during all of this.
Filter
Lunar Pics. I had a hard time getting them to show, however I LOVE the lunar lights, they look great at night.
Random Fish pics
These are before completion
My 30 gallon is going to go back into use, at my office so some of the shiners/minnows will be going there.
I still have a few little things left to do on this tank.
1. I'm getting extensions for the spray bar to put the spray where I want it.
2. 1 Lunar light that didn't come in the mail.
3. plumbing for the powerheads.
Filter
Lunar Pics. I had a hard time getting them to show, however I LOVE the lunar lights, they look great at night.
Random Fish pics
These are before completion
My 30 gallon is going to go back into use, at my office so some of the shiners/minnows will be going there.
I still have a few little things left to do on this tank.
1. I'm getting extensions for the spray bar to put the spray where I want it.
2. 1 Lunar light that didn't come in the mail.
3. plumbing for the powerheads.
Edited by jblaylock, 01 January 2009 - 05:52 PM.
#53
Guest_Clayton_*
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Posted 02 January 2009 - 11:14 AM
Looking very nice so far. I need to find some driftwood like that. How are you liking the Eheim?
#54
Guest_sunnyman97_*
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Posted 02 January 2009 - 11:41 AM
nice! are those the Bluntnoses in the tank?
#55
Guest_jblaylock_*
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Posted 02 January 2009 - 12:03 PM
I like the Eheim so far. It was easy to set up, easy to prime, and the disconnect it quick and simple. It seems to be working fine. I'm sure it will be better once the bio-filtration builds up in the filter.
The bluntnose is in the tank, he is one of the biggest in the tank...next to my saffron shiner.
The bluntnose is in the tank, he is one of the biggest in the tank...next to my saffron shiner.
#56
Guest_NZstella_*
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Posted 02 January 2009 - 08:02 PM
Lovely tank! I have just read over the whole thread and very much enjoyed it.
(nice finally not being the only one who has a tank without plants and with directional current! I think I will enjoy it here, even though I will never see an American native fish!)
I have some thoughts about your powerhead arrangement.
I have recently become a fan of putting sponge filters on the inlets of my canister filters. Provides a really handy pre-filter so the solid gunk doesn't go into the canister. This means MUCH less cleaning of the actual canister is required.
However I do give the sponges a good rinse out (in tank water) once a week when I do my waterchanges. You would be amazed how much brown muck comes out of them!
Why did you half-bury the sponges? To make them less visible? It will also make them much harder to clean and they will clog much faster. It will be annoying to re-bury them each time.
Personally I would Put the pumps upsidedown (as someone else suggested). That way the current is strongest low down as you want it, so you don't need the bulky elbow things (which will be dramatically cutting down the flow). Also with the sponges on top they are much easier to access for cleaning.
I have some massive pumps in my riffle tank which are completely hidden by some rather large stones, particularly one that has a flat base and is kinda like a right-angle triangle so it sits on the bottom and up against the side of the tank.
(nice finally not being the only one who has a tank without plants and with directional current! I think I will enjoy it here, even though I will never see an American native fish!)
I have some thoughts about your powerhead arrangement.
I have recently become a fan of putting sponge filters on the inlets of my canister filters. Provides a really handy pre-filter so the solid gunk doesn't go into the canister. This means MUCH less cleaning of the actual canister is required.
However I do give the sponges a good rinse out (in tank water) once a week when I do my waterchanges. You would be amazed how much brown muck comes out of them!
Why did you half-bury the sponges? To make them less visible? It will also make them much harder to clean and they will clog much faster. It will be annoying to re-bury them each time.
Personally I would Put the pumps upsidedown (as someone else suggested). That way the current is strongest low down as you want it, so you don't need the bulky elbow things (which will be dramatically cutting down the flow). Also with the sponges on top they are much easier to access for cleaning.
I have some massive pumps in my riffle tank which are completely hidden by some rather large stones, particularly one that has a flat base and is kinda like a right-angle triangle so it sits on the bottom and up against the side of the tank.
#57
Guest_jblaylock_*
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Posted 09 January 2009 - 07:51 PM
I recently went into petsmart and saw my filter on sale for 150. Petsmart was really good about refunding me the difference. They said it was a clearance item that they would not be carrying anymore. I guess out with the Pro II and in with the III. But, I'm safisfied with getting that filter for 150.00
Also, does anybody have experience with adding a surface skimmer? I would like to add one of the cheap skimmers but not sure if I should. How hard would it be to hook it into my Eheim?
Also, does anybody have experience with adding a surface skimmer? I would like to add one of the cheap skimmers but not sure if I should. How hard would it be to hook it into my Eheim?
#58
Guest_Clayton_*
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Posted 12 January 2009 - 01:15 PM
Anytime you're buying something locally at a big chain print out the online price from their website. They'll often be a lot cheaper and if you ask for a manager they will honor their online price. It can save you a lot and many times PetSmart with the online price is cheaper than buying it at some wholesaler and paying shipping. You also don't have to deal with the wait. Not important now, but if you're hunting for anything in the future it might be.
I've never used one of the tie-in style surface skimmers on my own personal tanks. The pet shop I used to work at used them and the only complaint I had with them was that they had a tendency to slide out of position which would cause them to stop surface skimming, but they still worked fine. The tanks they were on seemed to be fine, but I can't really say how they'd compare to a tank with no skimmer or a tank with a much better skimmer.
I have an AquaC Remora on a little marine tank at home that seems to do a nice job. Definitely pulls out some nasty stuff from the tank. It does require regular cleanings, but it is less difficult than cleaning a canister filter.
I've never used one of the tie-in style surface skimmers on my own personal tanks. The pet shop I used to work at used them and the only complaint I had with them was that they had a tendency to slide out of position which would cause them to stop surface skimming, but they still worked fine. The tanks they were on seemed to be fine, but I can't really say how they'd compare to a tank with no skimmer or a tank with a much better skimmer.
I have an AquaC Remora on a little marine tank at home that seems to do a nice job. Definitely pulls out some nasty stuff from the tank. It does require regular cleanings, but it is less difficult than cleaning a canister filter.
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