Best Canister setup?

Hey guys...I really need some advice please,I need to upgrade my Canister filter to a bigger one...Running a Mbuna setup,250L tank with Resun Ef 800 one(800 Lph) as I understand the rate should about 4-5 times the volume,so I must for a 1200Lph + Canister for the tank...Budget is tight but willing to give,was is out there? What do I buy...Resun is Nice,do I buy the same make again? Really need some info,I am from Boksburg...

 

Can I run two Ef 800 canisters?

 

My Resun is rated for 800L/Hr...it's a bit low...Can I run two of these canisters?

 

2 filters is also better when it comes to maintenance on filters.
You can clean 1 at a time with about 3-month intervals, depending on how you stock your tank.
Malawies tend to mess a bit more than other tropicals.

 

Okay great...no when it comes to the Carbon & ceramic rings,how do I go about-do I know change the new pumps stuff only,or mix everything or change both canisters's stuff?

 

Leave the existing filter as is and set up the 2nd filter with all the media/new media. The new filter will be colonised with beneficial bacteria in no time.

 

hi. also check out the sunsun 304b filter. a bang for your buck.

 

My current canister is due for new media,been running for 5 months with it(pet shop guy said to change every six months) shouldn't I just sommer change both while I am busy with the plumbing?

 

Just my luck...Bought a 6 month old Resun Ef 800...now I got two of the same filters...Nice

 

Don't change the media in the existing filter as you need it to seed the newer filter. If you change both at the same time then your tank is going to cycle all over again. Don't always listen to LPS staff. What media are you running in the existing filter?

 

Thank you...I run BOYO ACTIVATED CARBO, CERAMIC RINGS...With a sponge & Filter Floss

 

No problem!

I repeat, leave the existing filter for now and give your newer filter around 3 months before doing the following to the existing filter:-

- Dispose of the activated carbon and replace with Seachem Purigen. If this is unaffordable then you could replace with new carbon but I am not a fan. Google to see the advantages of Purigen and disadvantages of activated carbon.
- Replace the filter floss.
- Rinse the sponge in TANK water and use again.
- Rinse the ceramic rings in TANK water and use again. If possible, supplement the ceramic rings with products such as Seachem Matrix, Siporax or Hydroton. There are other good diy biological mediums and once again I refer you to Google.

If possible, set your newer filter up as suggested above.
-

 

Thank you so much for the help...

 

I have been adding coral chip (not sand) to my filters to buffer the ph for my malawies and it does a great job. Its way cheaper than Seachem Purigen and has a dual purpose. you only have to run the carbon in 1 of the filters.

 

@spider you mentioned coral chip? dies that cum from a local supplier or is in manufactured by sechem or what not?

 

got 4 of these little guys as well