How to choose the correct filtration

Hello all I am new to the aquarium world. I bought a 60 gallon aquarium and would like to start a tropical community tank. I have done some research on filtration, and the more I dig around the more confusing it all gets. I'm not sure if I should go with a power filter or a canister, what brand or size. From what I have seen here and looked at in stores what is for up to a 70 gallon take doesn't even filter through enough gallons per hour to do a 60 gallon tank which I believe means I need multiple filters. Please help me?

 

Yes you are correct most filters that are recommended for a 50 gallon really are only good enough for a 30 gallon. For a 60 gallon you l need somewhere in the neighborhood of 300GPH. I like HOP(hang on back) power filters.

 

I have a Fluval FX6, I think it will handle a 60 gallon tank. It's close to 600 gallons per hour. It somewhat depends on the type of fish and the bio-load. I love mine although I know there are some mixed reviews. You could always start with one and then watch your water quality and see if you need to add additional filtration. You need good bio-media, I like BioHome Ultra although it is a bit expensive, but it should last several years. I run most of my filtration in the top tray (which is the first tray to where the water filtration starts)....coarse, medium then fine. Next tray, another fine filter, then fill with media....3rd tray media and on the bottom a medium filter pad to catch any debris that comes loose from the media so nothing makes it to the pump. The key to keeping your biomedia working is that the water is spotlessly mechanically filtered before it hits the media. Good Luck!

 

I'd go with a filter that has a flow rate of at least 8-10x your tank size whether it's an HOB or canister.

 

I haven't decided on fish yet, just because I don't know about filter/filters yet. I figured I should start with the set up and go from there. Although I can't lie, I have spent some time looking at fish.

 

What kind of fish do you plan to have? Tetras don't need to be living in a whirlpool (what you tank will look like with too strong flow), while other types of fish require higher flow rates. Biological and chemical filtration is more effective at 1-4x turn over, but mechanical benefits from high turn over (5x+). Messy fish like Oscars and goldfish require high turn over rates for mechanical filtration reasons. You physically remove their poop via mechanical filtration (I.e. Clean the filter regularly) before it gets a chance to decompose. I would start with your water type (soft or hard water? ) then the fish you want, then the filtration "strategy" you need. And use your budget as a reality check.

 

id go fluval C4 or aqua clear 70 all the way! you get the benefits of a cartridge filter with the ease of an HOB filter