Habitat - Indoor :: Filter Question

[jdub1107]

Ok, I've placed my order for everything that I think I'll need for my 80 gallon tank, except for the filtration system.
My tank looks like 2-40 gallon tanks connected by 2 horizontal tubes measuring 5.5" each in diameter. I was going to buy a used 80 gallon tank for $150 but my gf's dad is letting us use this one. I am wondering if I should have 2 small filters on each side or just one large filter? Cost is a concern (initial and replacement media). What do you think would be the most cost-effective method?
Thanks again

[marisa]

I'm sorry, I'm having difficulty visualizing what you have for a tank. If what you have is what I'm imagining, though, I think I'd have two filters, one for each 40-gallon tank, so that the water was being filtered more evenly. And I wouldn't have small ones either--I'd have each one rated for a 120-gallon tank (3X a 40-gallon tank, since turtles are messier than fish, for which filters are made).

[jdub1107]

Sorry, I'm at work and don't have a picture with me. I'll try to describe it.
Imagine each H is a 40 gallon tank. And then each dot from the colon is a tube that connects one tank to the other. I can probably post an actual picture later tonight.

H:H

[jdub1107]

Marisa- Do you have any suggestions as to what model I should get. I've read other posts that suggest either the Fluvall or Xp3. I'm not sure how each works, so I don't know the cost of maintenance/replacements. From the description for the Fluvall, it sounds like you can clean the filter? So I assume its resuable and you don't need to replace any pads or such, which would seem cheaper than the Xp3. I may be completely off on my assumption though.

[marisa]

Saw the previous post with the dots and that REALLY threw me for a loop.

I have an XP3, so you know my bent...the Fluval 404? Both are canister filters, both can be cleaned and both have reusable media (sponges, biomedia) and media that needs to be replaced (carbon, if you choose to use it, for example).

From your description/H diagram, though, I'm wondering if having only one filter would filter the water evenly. I mean, the water has to go through those tubes. Even if you put the intake tube in one and the outflow tube in the other, would the water flow through those two connecting tubes quickly enough? It seems one side (the one with the outflow) would be more agitated and the other would be more stagnant, leading to film on the water. My gut feeling is to have two filters, but maybe more imput from others would bring some fresh perspective to this...

[jdub1107]

Yeah, the dots didn't come out the way I thought it would. It looked fine before I submitted the post.
I see, so the filter has an intake and output tube. Didn't know any of this. I wonder if I place the intake at one end of the tank and then placed the output near the connecting tubes in the opposite tank, if that would work. Maybe I could drop food coloring in and see how the water moves? Sounds troublesome. Where's a physicist or oceanographer when you need one?

[marisa]

Those are canister filters and that's what they have. Here some info on different kind of filters that might let you see what possible options are:
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Community/review.htm#F (Scroll down the page). Also some good info on filtration principles: http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Articl ... ration.htm Hope it helps...

[jdub1107]

Thanks for the links.
Ok, so my choices seem to be the Xp3 or the 404.
What exactly is the process that is involved with priming a unit? And how often do people usually have to clean the filter itself?

Also, since I may get 2 smaller filters instead. Any experience with internal filters? Like this one - fluval internal

[steve]

check the Deals forum, there is a real good offer on the XP3. i clean my xp3 every 6 weeks and it's cleaning a 120 gallon tank. both are not very difficult to prime, but the xp3 is much easier.

[jdub1107]

How often do you have to replace the pads in the filters? Every time you clean it? It would seem to get pretty expensive since there are 3-4 things that need to be replaced.

Also, are there any drawbacks from using two internal filters as opposed to one big one (other than taking up space in the aquarium).

[steve]

i probably reuse my media more than most, but i clean it regularly. doing partial water changes and cleaning the media with tank water will help make the media last longer.

internal filters are not good at building colonies of beneficial bacteria that aid in the breakdown of waste that is in the water. they may do a decent job of cleaning up your tank but you will need more frequent water changes.

[jdub1107]

I think I'm going to get the XP3. Petsmart has it for $105, so I'll just pick it up there. This way I can move my turtles into the new tank and not have to wait for shipping.

[punkiemichelle]

I have a XP2 and love it. I only do full water changes like every month and a half or two months and one or two partial water changes between the full change. The filter is very easy to prime. When you first get the filter out of the box it looks very intimindating! But is actually quite simple to put together and maintain. I reuse the pads (but clean them )and change the carbon every time I do a full water change. You can buy a pack of three carbon refills for fairly cheap (?around 10 bucks, i think?) If you get a XP3, i'm sure you will love it, and you will find it is well worth the money you have to shell out for it!

[RES Tampa]

Jdub,

When you set up your filter i would put one of the filter lines in each tank. This way you will have a better flow through the tubes. On a constant basis, (weekly or so) switch the lines - very easy to do. This will keep the tanks cleaner as the intake will not draw a lot of material thru the tubes from one side to the other - not enough water flow. I have an xp3 and am pleased with it overall. Try bigalsonline for the most economical media replacements. Unfortunately, if the tubes are only 5.5" diam. you may be upgrading sooner than later. Keep the questions coming! Our moderators know their stuff.

[marisa]

Jdub--I used to use the filter you asked about (the Fluval 4+), and all I can say is don't waste your money, even if you bought one for each tank. I'd only recommend an internal filter in rare cases, and yours isn't one of them--they take up too much space in the tank, and usually have no room for bio-media (the 4+ really has next to none, although the mfgr. claims the sponges do both mechanical and biofiltration).

I switched from the 4+ to an AquaClear 110 for a 40-gallon stock tank, and it's working really well. You might consider getting 2 of them, one for each tank (you'd also probably need some extension tubes if your tanks are really deep). They're included in the link I gave you.

Canisters are the way to go for large tanks, though, and ResTampa's idea of switching the lines is a possibility (if they're long enough and could be positioned easily). If, after checking those links, you're interested in the AquaClear, you can get the 110 model for $34.99 at www.bigalsonline.com (and I'd get two, one for each tank). This is a good place to get filters in general, so you might want to check it out no matter what. Let us know what you finally decide.

BTW, I was thinking about your tank--will the turtles have to swim through those tubes to get from one to the other? If not, is it possible they could get stuck in one if they tried?