Recommend filter for an ADA 45p

[Jimmyc]

Morning all. So, I’m after some advice/ recommendations on what filter would be suitable for a 45p? I have what i think could be an option already, but your recommendation would help immensely.
At the minute i have two biomaster filters running my 160ltr tank, a 350 and a 250, but i also have a spare 350 i purchased which is sitting in a cupboard. I was thinking maybe switching the 250 over and replacing that with another 350 on my bigger tank? Which would make the 250 available. So would a biomaster 250 be overkill for a 45p? Failing that, i was also looking into a filto smart 100 thermo as an option? Appreciate your help/ advice
James

 

[Bradders]

I assume the filters on your 160 liters are mature? If so you are in a good position in some ways.

• Add the new 350 the 160L to work alongside the old 350. If you can be bothered, take 1 sponge from the old 350, place at the bottom of the new 350 which will help it establish quicker.
• The 250 could work on a 34L, but you will need to adjust the flow down a lot. I am thinking of the 350's flow on my 100L and its quite a lot at full pelt! Might need to reduce flow and use some lilliy pipe/glassware to reduce at exit point as well.

 

[Jimmyc]

thanks @Bradders the 250 has only been on my larger tank for a couple weeks, so I’m doubtful it’ll have any biological goodness in there at the moment. I only added the 250 to that tank for some extra mechanical filtration i.e mainly sponges as i packed the 350 with more bio media.

If i were to use the 250 on the 45, i was actually thinking of reducing the pipe diameter to 12/16 anyways, as i think that’d be more suited in terms of Lilly pipes, thus reducing flow somewhat anyway?
Thanks for your input, much appreciated 👍🏻

 

[FrozenShivers]

Easiest option without buying anything new is to swap 350 into larger tank as stated and use the 250 on your 45P, might be worth trying it with a lily pipe or a spin pipe or something which can help reduced the turbulence. Failing that, if you want a less flow but with an integrated heater than a Oase Filtosmart Thermo 100 would work, it uses 12/16mm fittings. I'm actually selling one but I would defo try and see if you can make your 250 work before looking elsewhere.

Edit - I think the you can also lower the flow on the Biomasters with one of the blue tabs on the side, not 100% though as I run all mines full pelt.

 

[martinjcxn]

thanks @Bradders the 250 has only been on my larger tank for a couple weeks, so I’m doubtful it’ll have any biological goodness in there at the moment. I only added the 250 to that tank for some extra mechanical filtration i.e mainly sponges as i packed the 350 with more bio media.

If i were to use the 250 on the 45, i was actually thinking of reducing the pipe diameter to 12/16 anyways, as i think that’d be more suited in terms of Lilly pipes, thus reducing flow somewhat anyway?
Thanks for your input, much appreciated 🏻

I think the 250 will be quite strong but it’s not not doable with your logic above.

A spin lily pipe and a co2 reactor would also go far in reducing the in tank current without affecting flow too much.

I have a thermo 100 on a 36p and that itself is too strong so I connected my CO2 reactor to it. The current is still on the strong side but manageable. I will soon add the spin lily when I add more livestock (that won’t enjoy the current like my Otos).

 

[Jimmyc]

Easiest option without buying anything new is to swap 350 into larger tank as stated and use the 250 on your 45P, might be worth trying it with a lily pipe or a spin pipe or something which can help reduced the turbulence. Failing that, if you want a less flow but with an integrated heater than a Oase Filtosmart Thermo 100 would work, it uses 12/16mm fittings. I'm actually selling one but I would defo try and see if you can make your 250 work before looking elsewhere.

Edit - I think the you can also lower the flow on the Biomasters with one of the blue tabs on the side, not 100% though as I run all mines full pelt.

Yeah i was thinking in the right direction for sure. But I’ve just stumbled across a little hurdle? I have a few days off work, and I’m about to embark on building a 45p style cabinet . I’m bloody hopeless at DIY, but fancy giving it a try? Anyways, I don’t think a biomaster would actually fit in the cabinet? So it’s probably going to be a filtosmart.

 

[Jimmyc]

I think the 250 will be quite strong but it’s not not doable with your logic above.

A spin lily pipe and a co2 reactor would also go far in reducing the in tank current without affecting flow too much.

I have a thermo 100 on a 36p and that itself is too strong so I connected my CO2 reactor to it. The current is still on the strong side but manageable. I will soon add the spin lily when I add more livestock (that won’t enjoy the current like my Otos).

Yes i think i was on the right pathway, but just hit a dilemma? I don’t think a biomaster would fit inside the ADA style homemade cabinet I’m about to attempt to make 😁😅