big tank, low budget - need pumps, etc

[FishFreshman]

I am working on a 125 gal tank and I am still in the planning stage. I am accumulating the supplies to build a 3D background referenced in the DIY section. What is holding me up is I still need to plan for filtration, water circulation, heating, etc.

The fella I bought the tank from used a small pool pump and PVC piping when he had Oscars in the tank. I don't really feel comfortable using this pump as it looks pretty nasty and probably is an electricity hog and sounds a bit like a disgruntled refrigerator.

Keeping the backdrop design in mind, what sort of filtration pumps would be suitable for this size tank? I have read (perhaps too many opinions on line) and may regret asking. I plan to keep African Cichlids. By the way, once I get this tank done I would love to add some live plants. I understand these fish will tear up planted tanks, so I am looking for the best candidates to try.

[tsunderl]

First off, welcome!

Secondly, I'd consider a canister filter. Minimal space is taken up with those so it wouldn't be too obtrusive on the backdrop. Another option is a fluidized sand filter. There should be discussions on both in the "equipment" forum.

What brand of pump is it? Mine sounds like a fridge too. Thank goodness for a thick stand to dampen the noise.

Yep, Africans will tear up the plants. I learned the hard way not to have any live plants in my cichlid tanks because the filters get clogged in no time once the fish start having their way with them. There are fake plants that take on a realistic look. Best place to get them is at Michael's or Hobby Lobby. MUCH cheaper!

Do you know what kind of Africans you want to keep? A lot of us here have them and breed them, so let us know if we can help you.

One other thing you should consider is getting holey rock for them. They love the nooks and crannies, plus it helps to buffer the water. Look in the site sponsor section for "Rock-Sales" aka "Bacon's Rock". He has the best selection (1 plus ton!) and the best prices. Plus he's super nice.

Again, welcome and we look forward to seeing your tank come to life!

[bra8ndy8]

Welcome!!! T said it all!!
I got my fx5 off of Ebay for 200 bucks, and I love it!

[sap]

fluval fx5 on a 125 would be nice

[masroberts9]

welcome to the site. about the plants...my africans mess with just about all my plants. in my opinion the plants dont get torn up enough to discontinue them. i just replant everyonce in a while and prefilter my filter intake. out of 20 plants i have 1 get uprooted every week or so. im already there at least once a week checking water levels or doing water changes, or something. so no big deal.

[sap]

welcome to the site. about the plants...my africans mess with just about all my plants. in my opinion the plants dont get torn up enough to discontinue them. i just replant everyonce in a while and prefilter my filter intake. out of 20 plants i have 1 get uprooted every week or so. im already there at least once a week checking water levels or doing water changes, or something. so no big deal.


wait till those escondidos get bigger, they will uproot everything

[masroberts9]

lol i have the escondidos in a different tank. and i dont think that escondidos are african. i think they are central american.

[sap]

lol i have the escondidos in a different tank. and i dont think that escondidos are african. i think they are central american.


yeah i am pretty sure of that also i just saw your tank had kenyi in there also so i wasnt sure

[masroberts9]

yeah i am pretty sure of that also i just saw your tank had kenyi in there also so i wasnt sure

ahh right. i need to change that. no aficans in that tank anymore... they have all moved to a pure african tank.


dude, scott, i just noticed that it was your post..lol...of course you know that escondidos are central americans.

[kSpieler]

If you are just looking for "green" in your tank, Java Fern and Annubias will work with Africans ... and since you tie them onto rock or wood, they won't get dug up :)

[FishFreshman]

If you are just looking for "green" in your tank, Java Fern and Annubias will work with Africans ... and since you tie them onto rock or wood, they won't get dug up :)

I have heard about these plants. Maybe a good combo would be a prefilter and only a few of these plants. I will take a shot. The worst thing that can happen is I would have to start over (with the plants, I mean) and switch back to fake plastic greenery.

Any thoughts on combining a canister filter and a second sort of biofilter to help spread the load?

[FishFreshman]

I went with "gasp" fake plastic plants. I only wanted a few plants on the tank to break up the uniformity of color of the rocks. I will post pictures of the tank as it stands now and describe how I got where I am today. I may rip out the plastic eventually, but for now the visual effects are working. I bought a Fluval FX5 and have it installed. It is quieter than my computer! I love it so far.