Filtration for 75g and 125g

[larry]

I am looking to upgrade the filtration on my 75g and purchase filters for my new 125g.
My 75g has a single flowerhorn in it and is currently running an AC500 with Seachem matrix and purigen, floss and the sponge. I am also running two Hydro 5 sponge filters. The tank has more than enough bio filtration, especially since I have a few large pieces of old live rock in it (cleaned prior to adding). My main concern is mechanical filtration and keeping detritus suspended so it can be picked up by the filters. Do you think I am better off adding an AquaTop PFE9 Power Filter or an AquaTop CF-400?

My 125g is going to house a group of eight 3.5” midas cichlids. Sand will be used for substrate. I will be using two Hydro 5 sponge filters for bio filtration. My goals with this tank are the same as above. I do not want detritus sitting on top the sand. Should I get two canister filters, two HOB filters or do a canister / HOB combo? Which will provide the best mechanical filtration?

Thanks!

- Larry

[Carl]

Mechanical Filtration is best provided by water movement, low "flow by", capacity, and multiple stages of mechanical filtration, especially more fine mechanical filtration.

The AquaTop PFE9 Power Filter actually achieves these quite well but for horizontal water movement and capacity. The addition of a power head (possibly mounted to a sponge filter) can address the flow issue.

Combing the HOB, Canister Filter, and with one of the sponge filter powered by a power head (such as the AquaTop PH16)

The use of a "Sludge/Detritus Vacuum" can also be helpful for detritus on the sand bed.

BTW, Welcome to Everything Aquatic!

Carl