sirsboon

I just bought a (used) 75 gallon tank that we plan to use for freshwater fish. I know that if I get a power filter that I need to get one with a double cartridge, but are there any other suggestions? Is the power filter the best way to go, or should I get a canister?? Help!!!! I have done a lot of reading the last few weeks, but I am still very confused as to the best way to go as far as filtration!!!! Should I use a powerhead to move the water around since it is a larger tank? Any and all suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!!!!

Isabella

Well, filtration is very much to people's own preferences. I like both external power and canister filters. But for a tank as large as 75 gallons, I'd use either 1 good canister filter + a powerhead at the other end of the tank, or 2 external power filters (one on each side of the tank). A 75 gallon tank is large and therefore it needs good water circulation.

What you basically want is a filter (or filters) that will give you a filtration of the total of 10 x the volume of your tank. So for a 75 gallon tank, you should have a filtration of 750 gallons per hour or so. Well actually, for an external power filter it is 10 x the volume of your tank, and for a canister filter it is 5 x the volume of your tank.

It also depends on what you'll have in your tank. Will you have live plants? Will the tank be fully or moderately stocked? I, for example, have a 75 gallon tank that is very lightly stocked for now and it is planted for the post part. Plants help filter the water too. So I have a canister filter that pumps roughly half the volume of my tank per 1 hour - which is OK because it is a canister filter and my tank is very lightly stocked. Plus, I have a powerhead to help with water circulation. But if your tank will be fully stocked, I'd recommend the full 10 x the volume per 1 hour of filtration.

In my opinion, very good canister filters are: Rena Filstar's XP3 and Eheims. As for the external power filter I love Aqua Clear the best. Nothing beats it for me. I am actually considering using 2 Aqua Clears in my 75 gallon tank instead of the 1 canister filter I have.

sirsboon

I have not fully decided on what will go in the tank yet. I want to do some live plants, but as to how much, I am not really sure. I am pretty sure that if my live-in boyfriend has anything to do with it, the tank will be fully stocked by the time everything is said and done. That is why I want to be sure that I have the best filtration possible, because I think it will need it. Thank you very much for your help. I printed your reply to take with me when I go to the store in the next day or two. (We want to spray paint the tank stand before we set it up.) Thanks again. This site has been a really big help.

Isabella

LOL, I'm glad I could help And once again, you're welcome.

P.S. Please tell your boyfriend not to overstock! Tell him: "Honey, if you love me, you won't overstock." I'm sure that will work!

Cody

WOW what will fish keeping get involed with next...lol good luck