Filter Advice For Aqueon 65 Gallon Tank

HI all! I just bought an Aqueon 65G tank/stand combo from PetSmart and I'm looking for the best filter. The tank seems tall and deep compared to my sister's 75G so I am unsure if I should go with a HOB or canister. The measurements are 36x25x18". I'm considering the Tidal (can't remember the size, but it was $99 here in Canada), a Marineland emperor, or a Fluval 306 or 406 canister. What I like about the canister is that it is low maintenance, has a long intake so it can go lower in my deep tank, and I don't have to have my tank further out from the wall to fit a HOB. I have an old 25G that I used to run over 7 years ago, might start it again as a quarantine tank, in which I used an Aqua Clear 50. What would you suggest? Thank you!!

 

I go with the canister, the fluval 406 since it's rated for 100 gallons and has a higher GPH. It will have better circulation. The benefits with canisters are that they are quiet and like you mentioned low maintenance.

 

Tidals are about the best HOB's you can get I believe but that's a lot of money for an HOB filter when you can get one just as effective for around 30 or 40.

Out of those choices I'd probably do a fluval 406 canister. That is about the minimum filtration I'd do on a 65. Typically you want 10x the filtration. Some say that if you are doing a canister you can do 5x but I still like to stick with 10x the volume since canisters will reduce flow once you put your media in. I believe the 406 has something like 380 gph. I expect that will be closer to 300-350 gph once it is stocked with media. Personally I'd try something like a sunsun 304/404. It has 525 gph and probably cheaper than a 406. But in the end...I'd be shooting for something around 350 gph at a minimum.

 

Hello. I use Marineland Penguin 350 filter's on my 125 & 55. They do a great job.

 

Thanks for the replies! I am leaning towards the Fluval canister, but the price is $275 in the stores up here so I’ll have to do a bit more saving if I go with that one. I’m willing to pay more for a superior product, it just may take a little longer to get my tank up and running.

 

For higher bio loads I'd go with a canister. It will have more mechanical filtration than a standard HOB, and more room for bio media. Petco will price match Amazon if you have one near you. When it comes to canisters- Fluval, Hydor, Eheim and Marineland all make good filters. I just got my first Hydor today (150) and apart from the lack of chemical filtration I like it.

More specifically, for that tank, I would recommend a Fluval 406, Marineland 360, or a Hydor 350.

All of them can be had for around 150-170 online. Petsmart and petco will price match if you want to buy it from a store.

 

I love my aquaclear 110. But that wasn't on the list.

 

Thanks for all the replies! I went in to my LFS and had the guy there explain and demo a few of the options for me. I ended up going with a Tidal 110, which has a lot of the ease of use of a canister in a HOB. Also bought a Marineland heater and a water test kit. Wow $$$! But worth it IMO. Now on to choosing substrate (gravel vs sand for a planted tank)! I may start another thread on that topic. Thanks again!

 

Glad it worked out for you.

 

Thanks for all the replies! I went in to my LFS and had the guy there explain and demo a few of the options for me. I ended up going with a Tidal 110, which has a lot of the ease of use of a canister in a HOB. Also bought a Marineland heater and a water test kit. Wow $$$! But worth it IMO. Now on to choosing substrate (gravel vs sand for a planted tank)! I may start another thread on that topic. Thanks again!

The Tidal HOB is pretty amazing. I've only seen videos of them and demos. My LFS also has a display tank with a Tidal HOB. All of my HOBs are AquaClear but maybe I'll give one of those a shot one of these days.