My 1000 gallon Petrochromis Tank

[geraldm]

May 4, 2017 15:31:43 GMT -5 swk said:

May 4, 2017 15:27:26 GMT -5 geraldm said:

I plan to do the sump and socks but Petros can be really messy.  Plus I will have 3 or 4 fx5s lying around after I clear out a lot of my tanks.  I don't really want to go the pool cartridge route even though I have a monster one I could use.  If you had extra fx5s lying around are you saying you wouldn't use them? I figured I might as well since I already will have them cycled and ready to go.   On a positive note I ended up getting the tank in my garage.  I just need to get it shimmed and in its final spot and some sand in it and I will start posting picture again.

I understand about the load they can place on the mechanical side of filtration - but how many GPH does a loaded fx5 really put out? On a 1000 gal tank? For me, I would rather push the turnover through the sump up high, and run socks, not filter pads. Keep the turnover high in the tank via wave makers to keep detritus suspended and you'll be good.

Would re fx5 hurt? Hell no, but consider -

1 - in the grand scheme they won't accomplish much on a tank that big

2 - more power usage

3 - more maintenance

4 - you have 3 or 4 Intake strainers in the tank, which I've always found to be an eyesore.

Just my 2 cents.

I do agree with most of what you have said.  The main reason I like big canister filters is for redundancy.  I have had quite a few times where I forgot to add water to my sump and it got a little low and the fx5s kept the big tanks chugging along.  I think if i use 3 maybe 4 of them it will make a substantial difference.  Petrochromis are one of if not the messiest fish next to plecos that I have ever kept.  I do have a plan on hiding the intakes though since the background is black I plan to use black pvc.  The electricity doesn't really worry me.  Around 4 years ago I spent close to 80k on a solar system for my house to offset my electric bill.  Fx5s turn 500 to 700 gph depending on the media load in them so they would turn the tank water over twice per hour.  The maintenance aspect is probably the worse for me. I do have to admit the thought of having to clean 3 or 4 fx5 filters at a time does not sound fun.

What type of wave makers were you thinking about? I was planning to buy two Hydor Koralia Magnum 3250 GPH for the tank.  If you know a better brand I am all for it as the hydors are a little pricey and tend to freeze up after 2 to 3 years.

[swk]

May 4, 2017 16:40:39 GMT -5 geraldm said:

May 4, 2017 15:31:43 GMT -5 swk said:

I understand about the load they can place on the mechanical side of filtration - but how many GPH does a loaded fx5 really put out? On a 1000 gal tank? For me, I would rather push the turnover through the sump up high, and run socks, not filter pads. Keep the turnover high in the tank via wave makers to keep detritus suspended and you'll be good.

Would re fx5 hurt? Hell no, but consider -

1 - in the grand scheme they won't accomplish much on a tank that big

2 - more power usage

3 - more maintenance

4 - you have 3 or 4 Intake strainers in the tank, which I've always found to be an eyesore.

Just my 2 cents.

I do agree with most of what you have said.  The main reason I like big canister filters is for redundancy.  I have had quite a few times where I forgot to add water to my sump and it got a little low and the fx5s kept the big tanks chugging along.  I think if i use 3 maybe 4 of them it will make a substantial difference.  Petrochromis are one of if not the messiest fish next to plecos that I have ever kept.  I do have a plan on hiding the intakes though since the background is black I plan to use black pvc.  The electricity doesn't really worry me.  Around 4 years ago I spent close to 80k on a solar system for my house to offset my electric bill.  Fx5s turn 500 to 700 gph depending on the media load in them so they would turn the tank water over twice per hour.  The maintenance aspect is probably the worse for me. I do have to admit the thought of having to clean 3 or 4 fx5 filters at a time does not sound fun.

What type of wave makers were you thinking about? I was planning to buy two Hydor Koralia Magnum 3250 GPH for the tank.  If you know a better brand I am all for it as the hydors are a little pricey and tend to freeze up after 2 to 3 years.

I would look at maxspect gyre, and associated Chinese knockoffs, or the jabeo pp and wp series wavemakers. I had better experience with variable flow with my petros than basic pumps that blast full force all the time.

[bobbybats2]

Wow !!! Nice score

[geraldm]

May 4, 2017 16:48:20 GMT -5 swk said:

May 4, 2017 16:40:39 GMT -5 geraldm said:

I do agree with most of what you have said.  The main reason I like big canister filters is for redundancy.  I have had quite a few times where I forgot to add water to my sump and it got a little low and the fx5s kept the big tanks chugging along.  I think if i use 3 maybe 4 of them it will make a substantial difference.  Petrochromis are one of if not the messiest fish next to plecos that I have ever kept.  I do have a plan on hiding the intakes though since the background is black I plan to use black pvc.  The electricity doesn't really worry me.  Around 4 years ago I spent close to 80k on a solar system for my house to offset my electric bill.  Fx5s turn 500 to 700 gph depending on the media load in them so they would turn the tank water over twice per hour.  The maintenance aspect is probably the worse for me. I do have to admit the thought of having to clean 3 or 4 fx5 filters at a time does not sound fun.

What type of wave makers were you thinking about? I was planning to buy two Hydor Koralia Magnum 3250 GPH for the tank.  If you know a better brand I am all for it as the hydors are a little pricey and tend to freeze up after 2 to 3 years.

I would look at maxspect gyre, and associated Chinese knockoffs, or the jabeo pp and wp series wavemakers. I had better experience with variable flow with my petros than basic pumps that blast full force all the time.

Thanks for the heads up I just ordered 2 www.amazon.com/dp/B0192HNEF4/ref=twister_B0192HNECC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1.  I like the auto shut off feature when its night time and the pp20 are powerful

[swk]

Nice choice. They are VERY strong. I've seen those produce a standing 4-5" wave in a 6' reef tank without issue

[geraldm]

Quick update. Tank is pretty much done and set up aside from the wood for the stand. I will get a video up this week with some of the fish already in it. I am slowly adding fish so I don't add to much to the bioload to quick.

[Mastiffman/ Duramax7Man7]

Sweeeeeeeeeeet! Looking forward to it! Thinking of making a MONSTER FISH KEEPING (Tanks and fish) Section...?

[shanereaume]

Great find, what happened to the vid/pics? Would love to see it running.