Adding an additional filter

[kizumi1]

I'm running a tetratech ex1200 filter in my tank at the moment. I'm thinking of adding another external filter, but I'm not sure what to go for. My tank's only 240l, so I don't want to overdo it. I did consider just adding another ex1200, but I'm not convinced that's the way to go.

[mikero]

You're telling me the ex1200 is already overkill for a 240l tank, so adding another one would indeed be excessive. I mean, what's the point of having that much filtration power in a relatively small tank? If you're experiencing some sort of water quality issue, throwing more filters at the problem isn't going to solve it - it's probably just a matter of maintenance.

[techy]

I concur with mikero, adding another filter isn't necessary. If increased water circulation is the goal, it's more about powerheads than filters.

[kizumi1]

The issue is the constant poo floating about, it's a real problem. I've already got a 2500lph wave maker in the tank, which I thought would help with circulation. The nitrate battle is another thing, it's a constant struggle. I was thinking of adding another filter, packing it with alphagrog and matrix, on top of the Purigen and alphagrog I've already got in the current one. With 70% of my fish almost fully grown, the bio load is pretty heavy, so I'm not sure if one filter is enough.

[daxelion]

I've had experience with running dual ex1200s on my mbuna tank, which was roughly the same size as yours at 260l. Given the heavy bioload from overstocking, I figured it wouldn't hurt to have that extra filtration. It meant we were turning over nearly 10 times the tank volume, which is actually the recommended turnover rate for malawis.

[kizumi1]

Appreciate the advice, I'm thinking of giving the JBL e901 a shot, seems like a good option with the low power consumption and all the positive reviews.

[flarix]

I'd definitely consider adding another filter, especially with Malawi's and those adult Acei and labs being pretty sizeable. Would love to see some tank pics, if you've got any to share.

[kizumi1]

Need to upgrade camera, will post pics once I get a decent one

[dakora]

completely disagree, having too much filtration is virtually impossible on a malawi setup. i've got an fx5 and the internal juwel filter running on my 450l tank and i think its spot on - two filters is the way to go, especially with the waste these fish produce.

[flarix]

looks nice, seems like you've got something holding on the left in that fourth pic too

Not entirely sure, but to me it looks like they've still got a bit of growing room left in 'em