Staring 75g Tank

Hello,

I am staring a 75 gallon freshwater tank. I was wondering which filter would be the best. I want to get a canister. But there are multiple choices within canister filter as well. So I am not sure which one to go for.

Any suggestions will be helpful.

 

I am partial to the fluval 06 series for tanks under 100 gallons for you I would recommend the 406. It comes with 4 levels of media racks sweated into two sides so you can really customize with your filter material.

 

I started my 75 gallon with a 406 and got a FX4. I'm running both now but the FX4 alone would be fine.

 

It's going to depend on hhow much money you set aside for a filter, if money isn't a concern the FX4 would be the way to go. I have one as well as Marineland Magniflow 360's. Both filters do a great job, but the FX4 is more efficient and has twice the GPH.

 

Petsmart has the FX4 on sale regularly for $199. I saw it on sale when I was there to pick up some other stuff and jumped on it. If you're lightly stocked, the 406 isn't a bad option but you might want to supplement the output flow with a wave maker for better circulation.

 

I have an Eheim 2217 on my 75.

It is a very good filter IMO.

Price wise, it I saw more expensive than some other filters, but it is really easy to disassemble and clean.
It also filters very well.

This filter will be much more than needed, but extra filtration does no harm.

 

Why is FX4 so expensive?

 

It’s a name brand but a good quality filter. It doesn’t need priming like other canisters and it’s so easy a Caveman can figure it out.

 

It’s a name brand but a good quality filter. It doesn’t need priming like other canisters and it’s so easy a Caveman can figure it out.

Even me?

I’m gonna remember this because I may be in the market for a canister soon.

 

I have a 75 gal with an fx4 and it’s perfect. I would highly recommend one if you can get it on sale that’s the best

 

Can I use my own biological media in fx4? I have lot of cycled media (Seachem matrix) from my other tank.

 

Yes, you should be able to use your old media if you want.

 

Thanks guys!

 

Can you use draining outlet for filling up the tank? Will it pull the after up from a bucket?

 

I haven't looked into using the utility valve on the FX4, I use a Python system and that is easier then messing with the filter. My tanks are well within 25' from the kitchen sink.

 

Can you use draining outlet for filling up the tank? Will it pull the after up from a bucket?

Yes, the FX4/6 will pull water from a bucket with the utility valve. You shut off the intake hose and open the output hose and utility valve. Put the hose in a bucket and it will suck water into the tank.

I did this for the first few months with my FX4. I have a 20' 1/2" hose and a 32g Brute trashcan. It's not the fastest but it will pump 30 gallon in about 30m or so. I also have a 550gph pump with 1/2" barbs so I've been using that since it's quicker. I've also been using the 550gph pump to empty my tank with a gravel vac attachment and 20' hose straight to a toilet.

 

Thanks

 

Also consider sunsun for your more economical canister. I have 4 canisters on 3 tanks currently abd 3 of the 4 are sunsun 304/404. The other is an fx6. The fx6 is the best canister I own but if I had bought it for full price I could have gotten at least 3 sunsuns for that money. They all do a great job. Many will criticize sunsun for having cheap easily breakable parts but I've owned at least half a dozen in my life time and I've never broken a part or had to replace one

 

I just set up my first 75G tank and am using a Forza FZ9 canister filter. It's rates for 90-120 gallons but I figure it's not running at peak efficiency since I haven't trimmed the hoses so it's not too powerful.

Seems like it's good. We'll see!