Purchases for used Fluval Evo 13.5

[MrMeanyHead]

I've finally finished sorting through my thoughts on what equipment I need to get to get my tank up and running. The first purchase I'm making is a BRS preowned 7 stage, 75gpd RO/DI filter for $200. Its still in box so I decided to spend a little extra compared to a 4 stage new. The stock light still works so I will use for now. It doesn't have a return pump or the required tubing. So I will be looking at getting a sicce 0.5 silent and replacement tubing from fluval. I do need a filter but was going to try 3D printing a media holder. The last piece of equipment is a heater and I wanted to know if I need a controller right now or if I can get one further down the line. Any advice or feedback is much appreciated and if you want to, you can join this college kid on his journey to owning his first ever fish tank.

 

[Fish Fan]

I remember your thread from yesterday, and I'm sure that BRS is a solid choice for an RODI

Did you get the filter from someone local to you? Just taking a guess, but then that system may be very well suited to your source water, assuming the previous owner knew what they were doing

 

[MrMeanyHead]

I remember your thread from yesterday, and I'm sure that BRS is a solid choice for an RODI

Did you get the filter from someone local to you? Just taking a guess, but then that system may be very well suited to your source water, assuming the previous owner knew what they were doing

No it unfortunately didn’t have a filter, it just came with a protein skimmer, light and lid. But who am I to complain it was free.

 

[MrMeanyHead]

No it unfortunately didn’t have a filter, it just came with a protein skimmer, light and lid. But who am I to complain it was free.

Also I’m a bit slow this morning, yea the I’m getting the RO/DI this weekend from someone local off fb marketplace. He claims it’s still in the shipping box but I’m confirming at pickup just to make sure.

 

[NC AL]

I would recommend a AI axis 40 for the return pump. It has a DC motor and will be SILENT at <60% which perfect for that tank. When you ultimately decide to switch the light and AI Blade 12" will fir perfectly into the stock lid.

These were the best equipment purchases for my fluval 13.5.

 

[MrMeanyHead]

I would recommend a AI axis 40 for the return pump. It has a DC motor and will be SILENT at <60% which perfect for that tank. When you ultimately decide to switch the light and AI Blade 12" will fir perfectly into the stock lid.

These were the best equipment purchases for my fluval 13.5.

What do you run for a filter, and is it really worth the extra price for the AI compared to sicce. And then why not the axis 20 versus the 40 it’s better rated for our tank.

 

[NC AL]

What do you run for a filter, and is it really worth the extra price for the AI compared to sicce. And then why not the axis 20 versus the 40 it’s better rated for our tank.

I have rigged a Intank media basket in the second chamber to hold filter floss pad.

I have not found the Sicce to be quiet, event the onces that they are called silent. If you want quiet, you need a DC motor. I bought the Axis 40 for the tank because I is rated at 400 gph. So running it at 40-60% you are getting 160-240 gph while the pump motor is completely silent. The axis 20 would be running at close to 80-100% to get that flow rate. Silence and longevity of the motor was worth the extra $30.
The axis 20 and 40 are easily adjustable via a user friendly app. This allows me to have varied flow periods throughout out the day and programmed feeding periods.

If you want to save a few bucks look on Amazon for IOAOI return pump. They make basically the same pump but without the app controllable features. I had one of these (185gph) for my 5 gallon desk top tank.IOAOI pump

Here is the tank. It needs to be cleaned. It is my son’s tank and he has been busy this past week with sports.

 

[NC AL]

I should add the Axis 40 output nozzle is not the same size as fluval 13.5 return nozzle. I had to use a barb fitting/reducer.