100 Gallon decisions.

[Toby_H]

Just keep in mind the finer the media you use, the more often you need to clean/replace it.

The downside to canisters, in my opinion, is they can be a pain to clean. So we often just don't do it. But keep in mind, waste that gets into the filter continues to break down adding to waste byproducts (nitrate/phosphate) in our water.

That said, I admit I'd rather water change than clean canisters...

 

[AquariumLver]

Just keep in mind the finer the media you use, the more often you need to clean/replace it.

The downside to canisters, in my opinion, is they can be a pain to clean. So we often just don't do it. But keep in mind, waste that gets into the filter continues to break down adding to waste byproducts (nitrate/phosphate) in our water.

That said, I admit I'd rather water change than clean canisters...

I would rather do water changes then clean my FX5 canister filter, too. As a woman, I always have to get help draining the damn thing because its too heavy for me to lift.

 

[BanditAquatic16]

G'day yall!

Im getting back into it! I used to have several 180's, 220's and 300's. Salt and fresh. You name it, my house was full of tanks. Over a decade later, lots of moving. Finally getting back into it.

I have a 4ft by 2 by 2 100 gallon.(got it for 100 bucks on Market place and resiliconed the tank) Right now it only has a Seachem 6502 Tidal 110 on it. I doubles the bio balls and added a fine filter floss pad to it also. (Side note: HOW Awesome are they?! The skimmer option?! So nice to see on a HOB now) I plan on adding a fx# Not sure on size yet.

My tank is 2 weeks into the cycle, ignore the tannins. The log has yet to sink lol.

I was considering a Jaguar cichlid (one of my all time favs) or a tiger oscar. Thoughts ? Might add a birchir with it. Being 100% honest though, I dont think the tank is big enough for either of those two fish, and I would have to upgrade to a 180 (oh no the horror LOL) Think the 100 is enough for a year till I bring in a 180? I just plumbed up my basement for making water changes easier and filling tanks ect. I will be adding a few large tanks down here. Should I just get a nice JD (never really see them anymore as adults) and some smaller SA fish till I get the big boy tanks in?

View attachment 1576090

A 4x2x2 tank is actually 120 Gallon! I think a single Oscar with a bichir like a Senegal or an Ornate would be awesome. If you went for a Senegal then that tank would suffice forever imo. But if you went for an Ornate or a Teugelsi then you might need to go bigger as they get bigger since they get 24+ inch. You are definitely way more experienced than me but I hope this helps

 

[Canadianguppy]

Just keep in mind the finer the media you use, the more often you need to clean/replace it.

The downside to canisters, in my opinion, is they can be a pain to clean. So we often just don't do it. But keep in mind, waste that gets into the filter continues to break down adding to waste byproducts (nitrate/phosphate) in our water.

That said, I admit I'd rather water change than clean canisters...

Oh yah, I was sing it to help clean the tank up from the movement of sand ect. I will be taking out the fine filter pads and center filter pads on the FX6 in a month. Adding all bio balls to center parts of it. The tidal 110 will be doing the fine filtering. Easy access HOB. Ive found that having two filters with two different "jobs" is easiest. The one that needs to change more should be the more accessible (ie the hang on back w fine filter pads)

 

[Canadianguppy]

I would rather do water changes then clean my FX5 canister filter, too. As a woman, I always have to get help draining the damn thing because its too heavy for me to lift.

That is a pain, the fx6 have a drain at the bottom for those situations. Im also just not a small human so it has not ever been an issue lol