I’m running a 125 with the fx6 and a powerhead with 2 sponges. It moves 350gph. I clean the fx6 every 2 months. Overkill! I don’t think so. It’s actually an easy filter to work on. Put a sponge on the intake and it will probably be enough. My tank has 13 discus and about 20 dither fish + rcs and mts. Plenty of plants .