180 setup

[Aravegum]

I am going to be setting up a 180 gal for my beani. He is in a 75 now. Wondering if I need any additional equipment than I am already using. I have a 300 W heater, FX6, and air pump running 2 stones. TIA for your suggestions as I begin my monster fish journey.

 

[FJB]

Although the largest tank I have has is only a 150g, I would say you don’t strictly need anything additional.
However, I would add at least one more filter such as an AC 110 (perhaps even 2), for additional water movement, and wise redundancy. I would also add another heater, particularly if tank in place that fluctuates in temperature or gets cold in winter. Good luck!

 

[Aravegum]

Although the largest tank I have has is only a 150g, I would say you don’t strictly need anything additional.
However, I would add at least one more filter such as an AC 110 (perhaps even 2), for additional water movement, and wise redundancy. I would also add another heater, particularly if tank in place that fluctuates in temperature or gets cold in winter. Good luck!

Thanks, was thinking I might need another heater over winter. Have a few extra hobs laying around I can add ?

 

[Jexnell]

I would get a pair of AC110S. For two reasons, more filtration and redundancy. If one filter stops functioning you have others that can keep the tank going while you repair the broken one.

 

[Castlk]

I would add another 300W heater, one at each end of the tank. As far as filtration goes I would never run a tank on one filter. Every one of my tanks have two filters on them, each filter being capable of running the tank if one should fail. My 170 runs on two FX6's and two Eheim 300W heaters. I know it sounds like overkill but if one of the filters or heaters were to die I know the tank can still run without any worries.

 

[Aravegum]

What is your opinion on Penn play canisters? I totally get what your saying about failures. I've had some and had to get another the next day. I'm thinking I'm good with 1 heater for most of the year but adding another over the cold months

 

[duanes]

Beanii are the cichlid found on the northern most coast of western Mexico, so are quite used to seasonal fluctuation in temp (it can get quite cool there).
I kept mine at room temp when I lived in Wisconsin, so in winter the tanks water temp dropped to around 68'F to 70'F , and in fact that is the temp mine first spawned.
So I didn't bother with a heater in their tank

 

[Denon]

Welcome, good luck with your new tank. Since you already have the air pump you could just go with a couple of sponge filters. They work great and are extremely cost efficient.