Help with my fluval 125l tank

[Darren Carter]

Hi guys I’m looking at starting up my fluval 125l tank again I’m upgrading a few things first tho mainly been looking at lighting when I brought the set up from water world it come standard with led lighting I’m looking at having a heavily planted tank so looking at upgrading the light as I feel it’s not strong enough can any one advise what’s better tho the Fluval fresh and planted 2.0 led light or the aqua sky as I’m confused and to be honest I have lost faith in asking my local store questions

 

[Kezzab]

Are you going to be using co2?

And what is it you are concerned your light isn't strong enough for?

k

 

[Darren Carter]

I will be buying a co2 art system my first time but I was told I will need a stronger light for a planted tank I’m also going to be running a fluval fx4 filter to

 

[Kezzab]

You don't necessarily "need" a more powerful light, in fact a very powerful light can bring its own problems (algae).

Without writing an essay, i would be inclined to set up your tank with your new co2 system and the original light.

You will probably get healthier, if slower, growth and significantly reduce your risk of suffering algae problems.

It depends a little on what plants you plan to use as well, but for most common things it should be fine.

Too much light/too low co2 is the most common cause of grief on this forum and in my experience. Give yourself some wiggle room and go easy on the light (and save £100).

k

 

[Darren Carter]

Ok thank you I don’t suppose I no much about the fluval fx4 im wanting to run a spray bar on it do you no if that’s possible

 

[Kezzab]

I've no direct experience of that filter. But quick search suggests you'll need to diy a spray bar.There are a few vids on YouTube.

The stated flow for the filter is 2650lph which is 20x your tank volume, that's quite high. You.may find things get blown around. Suck it and see!

 

[Darren Carter]

Ok thanks I may look in to other filters then I have got a ehiem classic 150 in my 50l new planted tank and it’s a great little filter but I just want a filter that is going to be easyier to maintain and good if that makes sense

 

[Kezzab]

A general rule of thumb is that more (well distributed) flow is better than less in a Co2 injected tank.. Given you have the FX4 i'd try it, you could reduce the flow if necessary by packing it with filter media. But i'm a skinflint and don't like spending money!

 

[kadoxu]

It all depends on the plants and fish you want to keep, really... so without that information, we would be just throwing opinions out without actually helping you.

 

[Andrew Butler]

I just want a filter that is going to be easyier to maintain and good

I assume you haven't got the FX4 yet? If you are willing to stump up a bit more money the Fluval G6 is by far the easiest filter to maintain in my opinion and I really do mean that.
Have a look at some videos over on youtube.

It does come with spraybar etc but unsure on your tank dimensions.

 

[Kezzab]

That's true, i was trying to keep suggestions fairly general given the lack of specifics about plans for the tank.

 

[Darren Carter]

Hi guys sorry for late reply works been a nightmare this week, it’s a fluval roma 125l it’s 50 x 80 x 35cm I’m looking at starting the tank up again in the summer but while it’s empty etc I want to get some good equipment that’s going to make the tank run more efficiently be better for upkeep etc etc it will be a heavily planted tank more than likely going to go for pretty fish in it like rainbows and barbs etc

 

[Andrew Butler]

I want to get some good equipment that’s going to make the tank run more efficiently be better for upkeep

I believe the Fluval G series is great - if you are prepared to stump up the cash.
It makes keeping your filter clean easy as anything the only downside in my opinion is there's no built in heater.