Looking to upgrade to 125g glass tank

[CrazieEddie]

I currently have a 55g tank for freshwater. I was looking at the Eheim 2224. I will convert this tank into a salt water reef tank after I buy a 125g aquarium. Will the 2224 still be sufficient or should I get the Eheim Wet/Dry type? Which model do you suggest? What is the cost?

Regarding the 125g aquarium for a freshwater tank and I'm looking into getting the Pro-Heat titanium heater. Would the 350watt model suffice or should I look at a bigger model? Would I need 2 heaters for a tank that big?

I'm also looking into the Eheim 2228, is this correct model for the 125g tank?

What model would you suggest if I go with an Eheim Wet/Dry Canister? Would a wet/dry canister be too much for a freshwater tank?

[AquariumPro]

Hi ecubilla:

If you are going to do a reef tank, it would be unwise to use a canister filter unless you are on an extremely tight budget, The preferred method of filtration for a reef tank is the Berlin method, which we discussed in another thread. IE: A reservoir or wet-dry (without bioballs) and a protein skimmer.

We do not sell Eheim wet-dry filters and for good reason. APG is one of the oldest Eheim dealeers in the country. My company has been selling the line for many years before we even went online. The eheim WD filters are problematic as they rely on moving parts which get dirty and stop working. The frequent cleaning they require combined with their hgigh cost (for what you get for your money) makes forgetting about them a no-brainer.

We do not post prices in our forums as these posts will be read many years from now. Our prices are clearly marked in our online store.

For a 6 foot glass tank, I would go with two 300 watt heaters.

A 2028 (2228 is an old model) would work fine for a 125 gallon freshwater tank.

[CrazieEddie]

Thanks. I was also planning to buy another 125g tank in the future and looked into the eheim canister filters. I was thinking if re-using it from fresh to salt, but after what you told me, it's best to go with the normal 2228 and get a wet/dry system for the reef system at a later point.

Also, when I do buy 125g tank for a reef system, it will be a reef ready tank. I plan to have wet/dry with a sump so I can hang the heaters, protein skimmers, and whatever in the sump. Would you recommend me putting the heaters in the sump in a tank that big? If yes, should I look into one 300 watt heater. Is the Pro-Heat titanium heater ok to use in a salt water aquarium?

Also the 125g tank has 2 built in overflows. Looking through the online store, I noticed that the bigger wet/dry systems have 2 intakes. I'm assuming only 1 outtake. Do you recommend a wet/dry system for a 125g tank or should I go with 2?

[AquariumPro]

You can always put heaters in a sump, and yes, the titanium heaters will work for that. With a wet-dry, I would use one 350 watt.

You should try to use only one larger wet-dry. A lot less problems that way. Keep it simple and it will be.

[CrazieEddie]

Thanks. You have been a great help.

One last question...

The above, you stated:
The preferred method of filtration for a reef tank is the Berlin method, which we discussed in another thread. IE: A reservoir or wet-dry (without bioballs) and a protein skimmer.

Why a wet/dry without bioballs? Are there a particular kind of bioballs what would be better suited?

[AquariumPro]

Many posts about this on the forums including my very long explanation to one of your earlier posts.

The use of ANY biological material in a true reef tank is detrimental, as it will create excess nitrate production. The entire biological filtration in a reef tank takes place on and inside the live rock.

You are welcome, and am now waiting for a new thread from you discussing lighting for a reef tank, as lighting is far more important for a reef than filtration. Please do a search in the forums first, as there have been hundreds of posts on the subject.

[CrazieEddie]

LOL

Lighting I already understand. It's just I'm trying to buy things ahead what I can use now and also use in the future. I know I will have large expenses, so I'm trying to keep those down by utilizing everything I have with nothing going to waste.