J2theD

I currently bought a 75 gal tank and am at the part of setting it up when I need to think of a filter. I believe, from what I hear, that a canister filter might be my best bet. I want one that is rated for maybe like a 100 gallon tank just to be safe incase I have a larger bioload or something. I have no idea about cost or maintenance for these filters, so if someone can help or reccommend any that would be great.

My only experience is with wheel-filters, and do not know much else about other systems. Maybe canister isn't my best option, I do not know.

Please Help


-J.D.

Moe Jacob

Hello J2theD!

I am a novice, but have studied equipment to the piont that it is an addiction ... LOL!

I think that you are on the right path ... a 100 gallon rated cannister ( http://www.hagen.com/canada/english/...01002160011001 ) along with another submersible filter of some sort. I have an Aqua Clear 70 powerhead with filter attachment ( http://www.hagen.com/canada/english/...01005700010101 and http://www.hagen.com/canada/english/...01005750010101 ).

I also have a Fluval U3 submersible that works great (http://www.hagen.com/canada/english/...01004750011101).

I know my advice seems to lean towards Hagen products, but my choices are pretty limited in a small city. I also hear good things about Marineland (http://www.marineland.com/sites/Mari...=1998&mid=3226).

I have 2 filters in all my aquariums, the trick is to make sure you do not create a current that is too strong ... the Fluval U3 is great for being able to direct the flow while the powerhead gives a strong current (it's intended purpose).

So, I suggest a 100 gallon rated canister with either a "powerhead & filter" or another submersible similar to the U3.

Hope this helps!

Take care,
Moe

harpua2002

We're running an Aquaclear 110 and Rena XP2 on our 75 gallon. I for one am not a fan of submersible filters. My experience is that they're pretty inefficient and take up too much room in the tank. We probably would have gone with just a large canister for that tank, but we already had both those filters laying around so there really isn't any point in buying a larger canister.

I'd go with either a Fluval 405 or Rena XP3. Either of those would be sufficient on their own for a 75 gallon.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...02&pcatid=3602
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...3&pcatid=14633

richardscorpion

hi first thing first you gotta have a canister filter because a internal filter is way to small for a 75 gal tank this would be the better option the one i would recommed is the fluval 405 very easy to use but price wise you would have to look on ebay in england they retail around 50pounds the fluval 405 fits aquaiums 400 litres 91 gallons its a multi stage system of filteration you can put your own media in it to allow fine tuning of your water quality and it builds strong and helpful bacteria quickly any questions about this i will answer as i have got the fluval 305 hope this helps you j.d

Moe Jacob

Good point about the "room in the tank" ... the U3 is well hidden in my tank, but does take up quality space.

My reasoning for double filtration is that it eases my mind when changing media to know that there is plenty of bacteria in another filter. And also there is a back up in case one filter breaks down or does not prime properly after a power outage while I'm not home. It is certainly not neccessary, but I like "toys" ...

harpua2002

Quite true, and trust me, we have a lot of peace of mind knowing that either one of our filters could break on that tank and we would have time to figure out something else. But, if you're on a budget, a large canister may just be the way to go. It's all about personal preference.

J2theD- if you're more comfortable with Biowheel filters, I think you could easily run your 75 gallon with 2 Emperor 400s (although I prefer the Aquaclears myself).

aquarist48

Hello J2. I know you must be excited being so close to having it all set up. As for filtration, I like the Auqa Clear hang on back (HOB). The 110 would be good as Harpua suggested Approximately 500gph. I also use a wet/dry system (also known as the trickle down) which is a bit more complicated but in my opinion has the most room of any other filters when it comes to bio media. (an a bit expensive but worth the $) As for a canister I had a Fluval years ago that I liked pretty well. Good luck and keep us updated! Hope you can share some pictures along the way.

Your filtration Gallons Per Hour (GPH) should be 8 to 10x the tank volume for best results.

J2theD

Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions.

I feel like a real rookie asking, but... How does a Canister filter work? Do i have a powerhead or something that is in the tank? I really have never seen one in action.



-I am at work now, so I have not been able to check out the links you guys gave me.

Thanks,

J.D.

harpua2002

No, you don't need a powerhead to run a canister filter. Any canister you buy will have setup instructions. It's really not difficult. I had never used them either when I set mine up.

dmm28

I have a solo aqua clear 110 on the back of my 75 gallon for almost a year and no problems so far. For the money I think this is the best option. If your not worried about money then go for the canister filter.

http://www.firsttankguide.net/canister.php

This should help you understand a canister filter

Nate McFin

My vote goes for canister. I dont care for the clutter in the tank and HOB's add to the clutter. Were it me I would get one with a built in heater and get two things off the back of my tank.
For what its worth if money is not an object, I would go Eheim.

harpua2002

Hydor makes an inline heater for canister filters that don't have one built in. I've heard excellent reviews of them, although they are a little pricey.

Angela_96

I have eheims on all my larger tanks along with biowheels. I use stealth heaters in the tanks.
I love the eheims, they really work great with minimal maintence needed.

J2theD

Thank you everyone for your help!

I think I am going to get a Fluval 405, I have heard good things about them from other people as well.

Again, i appreciate everyone's help. This is my first tank over 55 gallon and I am really excited

J2theD

Hi everyone, I have just a couple more questions.

I am trying to understand the "media" with canister filters. I know there are different types, but what should I use in my 75 gallon tank with plants? Do I buy them separately or do they come with the filter when I buy it (new)?

Also, are there any good websites for people buying/selling/trading tank equipment besides ebay? Ebay has a few good deals, but i am always looking for others


Thanks,
J.D.

Nate McFin

aquabid.com
plantedtank.net has some filters pop up now and then (usually canisters and mostly eheim) look in the swap and sho[p forum.
craigslist can be a good place to look if your in an area where it is used alot.