[threeguns]

I rencently purchased a Penn-plex 700 ,its reted for up to 260 gallon tank or something like that it has to media trays in it....Currently he bottom tray has a coures sponge,charcal bag and a white fine sgonge on top.. the 2nd or top tray just dad 1 white fine sponge in it and that was it os I added a 2nd layer of fine white sponge to it...currently its on my 100 gal and its the only filter on it ...could someone please explain to me what each tray and layer of media 's function is step by step... thank u...

[Morledzep]

ok, i looked up the filter you are talking about, because i'm not familiar with it. it says it's rated for a 75 gallon tank, which means you most certainly will need to add more filtration. my suggestion would be at least 2 ATI Hydro V sponge filters run either on a single Fusion 700 air pump or a Fusion 300 on one and a good quality powerhead on the other (this also allows for a nice current in the tank).

and i wouldn't go overboard on the fine filter polishing pads. they clog quickly and will cause more trouble than they are worth.

here is an example of the filtration on my 100 gallon tank. i run one fluval 405 (also rated for approximately 75 gallon tank), and FOUR of the ATI hydro V foam filters all run on 2 fusion 600 air pumps. my 100 gallon tank is currently overstocked, i have 9 small cichla orinocensis and about 7 various species of bichers. i also do 2 - 25 gallon water changes each week.

something else occurred to me.. you don't mention anything about bio-media like ceramic bio-rings. you should be filling a basket with some kind of material that will allow beneficial bacteria to grow.

This post has been edited by Morledzep: 22 March 2011 - 06:31 PM