Putting the pieces together, or planning a new tank

[tropicalwannabe]

So here I am, an AAP newbie.  I'm only about 5 months into the AAP experience, and I have to say I continue to enjoy the hours I've spend reading.  Where or where does one have the time to keep "ALL" this stuff updated?  So, Thank-You for so much time and effort to keep those who choose facts and hands on experiences the most important resource a fish keeper can have.  To Carl and crew, my hat is truly off to you!

Alright, alright.. step back everyone, I'm coming down from this here preaching box.


I believe I commented in one of my earliest posts about wishing to start an African cichlid tank. (mbuna's and peacocks)  I have a 100 gallon tank that's been dry for some time. (not really worried as it's Plexiglas)

I'd like, if you will, some feedback on what I think would be an appropriate setup based on my financial means and the education I've learned here in the forums, and as well on AmericanAquariumProducts.com site. 

1. Sunsun 404B Filter
2. Via Aqua 200 watt heater (two of them)
3. Model #1000 FSB filter, running from suggested Rio1000 pump, prefiltered with a FilterMax III

Funny, looking at it here written down and all, looks like I simply copied and pasted bits and pieces of AAP's articles.

Guess I'm just looking for confirmation this is plenty of 'hardware' and not overkill.  Am I missing something?  Since I won't be growing live plants, lighting won't be much of an issue.  A simple 'shop' type light I think would work.

Anyway, apologies for not being present more often.  It's hard to read and type at the same time  

All the best!
Paul

[devonjohnsgard]

Apr 8, 2015 18:16:44 GMT -5 tropicalwannabe said:

So here I am, an AAP newbie.  I'm only about 5 months into the AAP experience, and I have to say I continue to enjoy the hours I've spend reading.  Where or where does one have the time to keep "ALL" this stuff updated?  So, Thank-You for so much time and effort to keep those who choose facts and hands on experiences the most important resource a fish keeper can have.  To Carl and crew, my hat is truly off to you!

Alright, alright.. step back everyone, I'm coming down from this here preaching box.


I believe I commented in one of my earliest posts about wishing to start an African cichlid tank. (mbuna's and peacocks)  I have a 100 gallon tank that's been dry for some time. (not really worried as it's Plexiglas)

I'd like, if you will, some feedback on what I think would be an appropriate setup based on my financial means and the education I've learned here in the forums, and as well on AmericanAquariumProducts.com site. 

1. Sunsun 404B Filter
2. Via Aqua 200 watt heater (two of them)
3. Model #1000 FSB filter, running from suggested Rio1000 pump, prefiltered with a FilterMax III

Funny, looking at it here written down and all, looks like I simply copied and pasted bits and pieces of AAP's articles.

Guess I'm just looking for confirmation this is plenty of 'hardware' and not overkill.  Am I missing something?  Since I won't be growing live plants, lighting won't be much of an issue.  A simple 'shop' type light I think would work.

Anyway, apologies for not being present more often.  It's hard to read and type at the same time  

All the best!
Paul

looks like a good filtration plan to me. Have that sand filter after the canister filter. You'll have your filtration in tip top shape.

[Carl]

Looks like a good set up to me!

I would suggest using the optional Oolitic sand media for your African Cichlid tank since it will help with minerals and somewhat with alkalinity

Source:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/FluidizedSandFilter.html#media

Another way to plumb this since you are planning on a Canister filter is to run the FSB off from the canister filter. This is a more simple to maintain application of a FSB filter and provides better pre-filtration.

Then for redundancy, consider a separate Sponge Filter powered by either an air pump or power head

Source:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/SpongeFilter.html

Carl

[tropicalwannabe]

Apr 9, 2015 9:32:21 GMT -5 Carl said:

Looks like a good set up to me!

I would suggest using the optional Oolitic sand media for your African Cichlid tank since it will help with minerals and somewhat with alkalinity

Source:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/FluidizedSandFilter.html#media

Another way to plumb this since you are planning on a Canister filter is to run the FSB off from the canister filter. This is a more simple to maintain application of a FSB filter and provides better pre-filtration.

Then for redundancy, consider a separate Sponge Filter powered by either an air pump or power head

Source:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/SpongeFilter.html

Carl

Alright, I think I see where your going/saying here. 
Pre-Filtering the FSB thru a Max III pre-filter over the canister intake, along with the filtering the canister is doing will keep my FSB cleaner longer than simply powering the FSB by a separate pump and pre-filter.

How much of a reduction in flow would I be seeing from the canister.  I'm guessing I'd have to reduce the flow entering the FSB as to not wash the sand out. Or tee off the canister return?
This was primarily the only reason behind using the FSB on it's own independent pump/pre-filter setup.

Paul

[Carl]

The reduction of flow will be about 10-20%, but more reduction is from the canister filter itself, since all canister filters are rated at the 0 head pressure right out of the filter motor without the canister, media, and tubing attached.

Reference:
www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2011/09/head-pressure-in-aquarium-and-pond.html

This said, as per the TMC FSB Filter web page, the SunSun 304/404 is perfectly fine without any diverting of water.
You will likely have to dial down the valve initially. However as the sand media matures, you will likely need to turn up the flow

Carl