single canister only for 200+ gal

[HarleyK]

I have just one issue with your post, please take this as constructive criticism not a bash.

Howdy,

No worries, MFK is for the exchange of information and discussions, that's why we're all here

Having said that, I somewhat disagree with you. Matter trapped in the filter is subject to biodegradation with the final stage being mineralization. Mineralized waste does not contribute to the bioload any longer. What's left is CO2 and other plant nutrients. Those are perfectly taken care of in a planted tank and by water changes.

More "persistent" material, such as cellulose (from plant-based foods), chitin (from crustracean-based food) and the like as well as other not readily biodegradable detritus accumulate in the filter and eventually have to be cleaned out.

That's when I want to clean my filter, not any time before that.

HarleyK

 

[snaggle]

For a 200+ gallon tank I would use two or more filters. I have 1 fx5 on my 150 and I want to add one more.

 

[cchhcc]

Please more fully explain mineralization.

 

[jizon82]

i say more the better. least i'll have is 2 fx5's on a 168g. least i currently have is a ac50 on a qt.

 

[HarleyK]

Please more fully explain mineralization.

Organic material is broken down by aerobic and anaerobic processes (in our case biodegradation). What's left is inorganic material ("minerals"), such as salts (nitrates, phosphates, ...) and carbon dioxide.

Sounds like magic, but it's the very basis of biofilters - from the one in your tank to municipal waste water treatment plants.

HarleyK

BTW: There are even test guidelines, like OECD 301

 

[Nighthawk]

Your question is too vague. You don't say how many or what type of fish are in the tank. THIS INFO MATTERS!!! You don't mention the exact amount of water either. Two hundred + gallons could be 201 or 2,001. Nor do you mention water change amounts or frequency.

I'm going to assume a 250 gallon tank with 2 or 3 monsters at 15". With 2 50% water changes a week. Then I would recomend the Eheim 2262. As the ONLY filter. You may need additional power heads to keep waste off the bottom.

 

[HarleyK]

Howdy,

Your question is too vague. You don't say how many or what type of fish are in the tank. THIS INFO MATTERS!!! You don't mention the exact amount of water either. Two hundred + gallons could be 201 or 2,001. Nor do you mention water change amounts or frequency.

Thanks for your input. You are absolutely right, this info does matter. I deliberately left the field open to different set-ups and asked for written input after voting:

Please vote and describe your set-up in a reply.

I also asked

This is not a question about what you believe, it is a question about experience.

What are the 2 or 3 monsters at 15" that you are keeping in your 250gal?

:j/k:

HarleyK

 

[Salguod]

Your expecting way to much from your usual eheim/fluval canisters, you need to look for large pond filters...

While I think that 6 month or longer maintenance intervals are possible, I just suck it up and do monthly canister cleanings. Set a day; l use "third Thursday". Not a big deal really, and the results are worth it. On a side note, one of the best things I have done is to have a pump on a timer in my sump that is plumbed to the outside garden. It runs for just a few minutes 4 times a day, so I get continual automatic water changes.

 

[Lyferxb9s]

Odysea cfs1200 i4